I think it was George Carlin who said that inside every cynic there's a disappointed idealist. And don't I know it. At times, my wholehearted belief in something has been the beginning of that same belief's undoing; lean in too close to examine something and the entire weight of it might come … [Read more...]
The Difference Education Makes.
In a great many places in the world, education means being able to do more than simply survive. It is security, opportunity, and a way to lift whole families out of the poverty cycle. It means literacy, and the ability to advocate for oneself and one's community. Education is enabling. Poverty is a … [Read more...]
Buy Good Chocolate.
[youtube id="YlVICw_kydM"] The last week of October to roughly the second week of February is peak chocolate-buying season, but do you know where your cocoa (and other candy ingredients) comes from? I mean, like, do you really know? I will never look at cheap coffee, chocolate or sugar the … [Read more...]
What’s Your Dream?
Have you ever taken one of those computer-generated career aptitude tests? I took one in the ninth grade and it said I was best suited to a career as a street performer. I tried to picture my parents proudly telling their friends about my fabulous life as a mime and couldn't muster an image I … [Read more...]
International Day of the Girl Child: October 11, 2013
Due to a lot of confusion and bad information, I feel like I spend 50% of my time online ranting about inequities and trying to explain that feminism is simply the belief that women are people and that all people are equal and deserving of autonomy and opportunity. That's it. It's not about cutting … [Read more...]
#DreamShare
When I was a kid, my dream was to be a BC Lions cheerleader and a dentist. Something about sparkly Spandex booty shorts and power tools just spoke to me, I guess. The great thing about Canada is that no matter how ridiculous or misguided your dream is, the odds of you achieving it are a lot higher … [Read more...]
Mucho Gusto.
When I was offered the opportunity to travel to El Salvador with World Vision, I didn't entirely know what to expect. I knew it wouldn't be sun and sand and margaritas, but despite the itinerary I received and my discussions with Britt Hamilton, the Advocacy Communications Officer, I still didn't … [Read more...]
Toddlerhood International: El Salvador, Day 4
I've now been away for five days, and haven't seen Toddler since I put him to bed six days ago. Spouse and I have been talking via Skype, so we have been in regular contact, but Toddler is a rocket and he only whizzes past the screen occasionally. He has been a blur, chirping "mama, out" and trying … [Read more...]
Conchas, Mangroves and Coconuts: El Salvador, Day 2
I know I said yesterday I'd tell you about some of what World Vision is doing in El Salvador, but right now I'm in a hotel in Sonsonate and the Internet connection is spotty at best. So rather than invest heavily in a lot of text I could lose if the connection drops out, I'll just show you some of … [Read more...]
No Child For Sale
[youtube id="4J1sYC3zM2c"] In the wee hours of Monday morning, I'll be hopping on a plane bound for El Salvador. I'll be tagging along with a photographer and a team from World Vision Canada to learn and write about child labour and World Vision's No Child For Sale campaign. This is an incredible … [Read more...]