Ta-Da!!!

Dan and I were JUST talking last week about how we would really love to know if the products we are buying are made "on the backs slaves" or not.  Buying in America, or at least in my middle class-on a budget world, revolves around finding the best deal. Well, now that we are finding out how many products are made by slaves, we would love to make informed decisions when buying. It may cost us more money, but at least it won't be costing others their lives. That's our little decision and then, TA-DA, there is a book that does exactly what we wanted. It is called The Better World Shopping Guide. You can read more about it HERE. Basically, it (in their words) tells you which companies and products are the "good guys" and which ones are the "bad guys". I am really hoping that some of my favorite places to get "cheap things" aren't on the list! We shall see!

Partied with a Purpose!

What an awesome night! Last night was the film screening/fair trade/anti-slavery party. AKA: Party with a Purpose. Leading up to last night, I had so many emotions. The initial planning phase was of course optiministic and dreamy. :) However, as the days passed I started to feel discouraged. I was afraid no one would be able to come and that those who could come would wonder why I threw such an event. It was not until about 30 minutes before guests arrived (when I was in the shower) that I officially gave the party over to God to do with it what he wanted. During my "discouragement days" I was praying for the party and wondering if I should just cancel. I thought maybe I just needed more help or time or some other excuse. Looking back, I realize that when you are doing something that God calls you to, attacks like that will happen because Satan obviously wants this business of slavery to continue. Anyway, I had such peace taking that shower ( and if any of you know me, you know that the shower is my favorite place and the place where I usually come up with ideas). So I knew the party was going to be a success at that moment with my Dove Shampoo.

        I posted some pictures below of the party. Overall, we ate lots of goodies, laughed a ton, watched "At the End of Slavery" from IJM, and came up with some fresh and creative ideas to move forward NOW that WE KNOW! See, our knowledge is causing action!!! :)   I REALLY want to take these ideas and keep going! I don't want them just to be plans that stay on a piece of paper. I also cannot accomplish these by myself. So if you can help, LET ME KNOW!

        The ideas ranged from fundraisers (like a heel-a thon) to film screenings at Burlap and Bean (a local coffee shop). We also talked about having the Trade As One merchandise at local cafe's and bookstores. I laid in bed after the party and couldn't stop talking about the possibilites with Dan, who eventually told me I had to stop talking so that we could sleep for a few hours. :) I want to start planning ASAP.

    The other thing I want to do is host more Parties with a Purpose. Obviously, I cannot keep having them at my house with the same friends and family (I would actually love to do that because I love everyone that came, but that might get a little redundant) :) I say all that to then say that if you want to have one of these parties at YOUR house just let me know. And I will bring all the goods and info!

  Ok, lastly, if you couldn't come to the party and there is something that you want from TradeAsOne, let me know by Wednesday. I will be putting together the order (and then you won't have to pay shipping). I will just get the item to you as soon as I see you! Otherwise, if you live far far away you can just order on your own and spread the word to friends and family so that more people can make a difference.

     THANK YOU to all that came last night. I can't wait to get started on the next event!! (oh and take notice of the red bowl holding the chocolate..how cute! You can get that at TradeAsOne too!!  See if you can find the youngest guest at the party! She was a trooper!)

Unfortunately...

So with my Party with a Purpose only 2 days away, I figured I should work on getting ready for that and just post a little video. This is a video about a young girl and her experience in a brothel. As a read more and more, I am still not sure that I understand how real this all is. I believe what I am reading, but cannot truly grasp the reality of the situation. Unfortunately, it is all TOO REAL.


(I couldn't embed the video so go HERE and then scroll down. You will see the video on left). No one should go through what this girl, and many others, have gone through. Especially children.

Sportin the Goods ;)

This post will mainly just be a picture of "someone" wearing a piece from Nightlight. :)  I love this piece in general, but I also love that if I get a compliment about it I can SPREAD THE WORD. I recently was able to share with a friend of mine who had never heard of child sex trafficking EVER.  It was more concrete being able to tell her the facts and literally show her a necklace made by girls that have been rescued from that nightmare. Praise God!!!! So anyway, this is one of the necklaces from my last post "Mom Jeans".