goats for gold

http://www.goatforgold.com/

Check it out ...  and hey there USA - how about trying to out give  Canadians in goats !!

Gifts of Life

This year, more than ever, I am enjoying preparing gifts of life for giving - gifts of goats, mosquito nets, relief food, and even latrines. Call me a slow learner - but it has taken me this long (62 years!) to truly appreciate the opportunity to give in this way.

Merry Christmas world!

TIS THE SEASON

What's it all about? Shopping? Getting? Eating? 


Compassion? Relationships? 


Here is a thought provoking video ..... 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkTyPzRzuwc



What if we all took it to heart?  What if ? 


Christmas blessings to you and may your Christmas be made fresh and new... 


May I be changed. 

Everyone can do something #1

As I continue to try to grasp - at least in part - the circumstances and tragedy of global poverty I think a lot about old question "what we can do about it?"

As I pray and meditate further I sense that I might share some of what I am finding / learning ... not that we personally do all these things but simply for consideration .... because everyone can do something.

Speaking of simply, we are attempting to live more simply in order to have more to give and for the sake of this beautifully created world. There is a saying - Live simply that others may simply live. Rings true to my ears!

Here is the first little find for sharing - it is a micro finance site at www.kiva.org which facilitates funding from the general public which can be assigned to a designated individual for business start up.

One must use their own judgement of course but it seems that enabling an individual to have a livelihood is worth some consideration. We heard about this at the Leadership Summit we attended last week.

We are grateful to have had 2 past opportunities to serve some of the neediest of the needy in Africa in 07 and in 08/9. One cannot help but see not only neediness, sickness, hunger, and poverty but also the incredible strength, persistence and determination among these very capable, community oriented individuals and families. We have given some of ourselves but received and learned so much more. Such opportunities are to be deeply appreciated.

I hope the kiva site is of interest to you.

Blog Fever

Sometimes I forget things - such as "I don't have to leave the country to blog"! Summer on the island is noteworthy in itself !

The simple things are often the best - a walk on the waterfront listening to an amazing youth choir, bumping into friends and breathing in the salty sea air.

I love this place ....... Nanaimo is home.

From here there is easy access to so much out doors - trails, beaches, kayaking spots, picnic places and so on...

The city's downtown core just keeps getting better and better and the waterfront holds fascination for us with its boat basin and sea planes and walkways, enough coffee shops to fill your boots!

Most of our needs are easily met within walking distance of home and there are many opportunities to serve others in both organized and serendipitous ways. And you meet lots of interesting people along the way ... I am so thankful.

To be honest however, I do tend to have "itchy feet" to head off again with CRWRC or Mission Builders .... to serve where needed .... I surely do miss Africa ! It gets into you somehow and it does not care to leave! But for now we are here We are blessed,

Nanaimo

Pipers Lagoon



Ron, Annabel and Brigitte



The music conservatory just up the street from home

Casey, Cassidy, Jo and Rudy!

Cambridge photos

The river runs alongside Marty's Dorm building!


Marty's dorm room window is the largest one.




Annika and Martin