This week has been all about me looking back to where it all started. Getting real with myself and my vision/passion. So here it is....
I found an old notebook with a few fun things in it. First thing was notes on helping with the creation of the music video, "Constance". Constance was where it all began for me. Its when I first heard about human trafficking for the first time and how it affected the porn industry, brothels, strip clubs, and all areas of the sex industry. Its when my heart and mind opened up to a world I knew nothing about. And now has become the name of my signature red color in my makeup line be Lovely.
The entry talked about the locations we were shooting at, the actors, the props and jobs that I had to help with to bring the final project of this heart wrenching music video done by Mr. J. Part of a moment that changed my life forever.
The second entry I found was my first "gig" with makeup for a porn star. I feel like I need to quote myself so you get the full emotions that I was feeling in that moment.
January 9, 2009 (Las Vegas, NV)
"Today is my first makeup gig. I am terrified. I am thankful. I am hopeful.
I am terrified cause I feel incapable. I am thankful because my dream is coming true. And I'm hopeful because of touching a life.
Krissee and I are going to Room 2794 in Planet Hollywood to meet Alyssa. She is a porn star that we met at the convention.
God, I need you to work miracles today. I know I cant do this alone. I am way out of my comfort zone (which I am thankful for). I need your help with my words with Alyssa and the other girls. I want her to feel loved. I want her to know that there is better for her life because you have created her. I need you to guide my hands and creativity with the makeup. This is my first "client". I have only practiced a few times.
I want Alyssa and the other girls to see you in me. I want them to not only know your love but feel it. God I need you more than I ever have before. This is a huge step and I am excited! Do big things even through this one time. May more opportunities come because of it. K....here I go. Thank you for everything. I do this in your name, to love others."
A lot has happened since then. My life has turned upside down. I've had some of the hardest moments in my life since then. I've failed, I've thrived, I've learn, I've grown, but the one thing that hasnt changed is my heart to love people. No matter where someone is in life, no matter what they have done, no matter how many times they screw up, no matter what they think of themselves...one things stands firm, that I will share a love that I have experienced myself. One that will never fail, and one that anyone can feel because nothing done is too big to forgive.
I'm not one of those people that shouts from the rooftops that I am a Christian, its not the first thing that I bring up when I talk to people. I am a Christian but I fully believe with my whole heart that it is an action. Its not a religion or an excuse, or a right to tell people they are wrong. Everyone has their own way to do life and I claim this one. Everyone is made for different things, but we are all made to do great things. That is what I know and believe.
My heart has the same passion as it did back in 2005 when "Constance" was created and in 2009 when I had my first "gig". Those were two pivotal moments in my life that have helped shape who I am today. I want everyone to know that they are loved. I want to use makeup to allow people to see for themselves that they are beautiful because of the story that makes them who they are, not just the colors that enhance the outer beauty that they have been given. That everyone, has something to offer. EVERYONE.
be Lovely is my tool for others to use to spread a love for people and an awareness on human trafficking. It is a way of life. Its a way to bring all kinds of people together. I am proud of be Lovely and the people that have been apart of this vision with me. I am forever grateful. To all of you that have supported be Lovely by buying makeup and in turn sharing what be Lovely is all about, to those that have heard the message and been touched, and now spread that same message....you get it, you get that be Lovely is an action and I thank you. Lots of love....Rachel
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Alleged drug deal gone bad....
Alleged drug deal gone bad....that was how numerous deaths were described as we remembered the lives of women who have passed from human trafficking. So many of these young women and girls deaths dont get investigated but instead slapped by a label because they are perceived as "throw aways".
Prostitution is the most dangerous job in the world, despite what you may have heard.
I had the honor to march with many people from Breaking Free and around the twin cities down the streets of St. Paul last night. We marched for the women and girls who no longer have a voice because of the violence that happens all the time in the trafficking world.
We had a candlelight vigil to honor these women. Their names and "how they died" was read allowed as we stood outside. I held on tight to my candle and protected it from the wind. I wanted so badly for the flame to burn as long as it could. I wanted it to burn bright to honor the women who died in such horrific ways. I wanted it to burn long because I knew that those women died scared and crying out for someone to help them.
As I held my candle tight and protected it from the wind I looked across the crowd of people who were also holding their candles, just as tight, and saw a young woman...standing there with tears rolling down her face. A girl that knew that life. A life of beatings, drugs, rape and sexual exploitation. She knew what was being talked about in a personal way. I saw her and held even tighter as a tear rolled down my face. Knowing that I didnt know exactly how she felt but knew that my heart felt hers.
My heart aches for her and other women trying to find a love that that industry tears apart. I want so badly to be able to really connect with women like her. Women who are loved and they dont quite know how much yet. Women who feel broken but can be redeemed. Women who dont feel worth anything but have more value then any dollar amount. Who dont feel beautiful but who are beautiful because they were created for amazing things.
These stories make them who they are but these stories do not own or define them.
I will never be silent in sharing their stories and giving a voice to those its been taken from.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Thats Slavery...
"When a little girl is sold by her impoverished family, or girls my daughters' ages run away from home and are lured- thats slavery" -President Obama
That was a quote from President Obama who spoke about Human Trafficking at the Clinton Global Initiative. It was actually a very good speech. He really spoke a reality into the situation. That brings me to this story.
I got to meet with Dick Wexler today. He is one of the co directors of Not For Sale Minnesota. We are two very different people but after meeting I know that that does not matter. We both have a strong passion to do what we can to fight human trafficking and this morning, that is all that mattered. Telling each other our stories and how we got to the point we are at...its truly a beautiful thing. No matter who we were or where we can from, how old we were, different life experiences...we shared our passion for fighting human trafficking for a good 2 hours.
side note: As most of you know, I give 10% of all my sales from be Lovely to Not For Sale. When I chose them, it was really important for me to choose an organization that was involved both locally and internationally.
While standing in line at Caribou before we sat down to talk, USA Today sat at the counter with the front page headline reading "Thats Slavery, Children's advocates are battling the nations plague in plain site"
This is something that the government sees too. Dearest readers, this is modern day slavery. Something that the past fought so hard to abolish.....it's still here...it may be a different kind but its more alive than it ever has been. So onward we fight. but before this ends here is a little reality check I will leave you with.
Readings from USA Today Thursday September 27, 2012
"Across the nation, the stories arrive with varying imprints of the callousness and depravity of the sex traffickers. One girl was sold during a sleepover, handed over by her classmate's father. Another slept with clients during her school lunch breaks. A third was chocked by her "boyfriend", then forced to have sex with 14 men in one night."
That was a quote from President Obama who spoke about Human Trafficking at the Clinton Global Initiative. It was actually a very good speech. He really spoke a reality into the situation. That brings me to this story.
I got to meet with Dick Wexler today. He is one of the co directors of Not For Sale Minnesota. We are two very different people but after meeting I know that that does not matter. We both have a strong passion to do what we can to fight human trafficking and this morning, that is all that mattered. Telling each other our stories and how we got to the point we are at...its truly a beautiful thing. No matter who we were or where we can from, how old we were, different life experiences...we shared our passion for fighting human trafficking for a good 2 hours.
side note: As most of you know, I give 10% of all my sales from be Lovely to Not For Sale. When I chose them, it was really important for me to choose an organization that was involved both locally and internationally.
While standing in line at Caribou before we sat down to talk, USA Today sat at the counter with the front page headline reading "Thats Slavery, Children's advocates are battling the nations plague in plain site"
Readings from USA Today Thursday September 27, 2012
"Across the nation, the stories arrive with varying imprints of the callousness and depravity of the sex traffickers. One girl was sold during a sleepover, handed over by her classmate's father. Another slept with clients during her school lunch breaks. A third was chocked by her "boyfriend", then forced to have sex with 14 men in one night."
Thursday, August 23, 2012
As you dream your big dreams....
"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make, which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot for see." -Marian Wright Edelman
So, recently I have been challenged by something. Over the past few months I have been extremely busy. Going to Africa, getting married, honeymoon, and visiting family. During this time I have to admit that I was anxious to get back and continue building be Lovely. Not that I didnt enjoy all those moments....cause I did...tons. I just want be Lovely to grow. I want people to know the vision and be the action of what be Lovely is all about. I want to share the passion in my heart and make it infectious.
But, one thing I struggled with in the last two months was understanding that I could make a difference in the everyday life I was living no matter how busy I was. My actions needed to be my voice.
I dont know if anyone has ever read the book "How to be Lovely" by Melissa Hellstern. But my business be Lovely is partially based off that book and how to live genuinely with grace. It has been one of my goals since I read the book myself.
Learning that its not about making it big by things you accomplish in life (although great) but the actions and words you share with others while accomplishing those things. When you make life about caring for others and putting them before yourself it makes life easier on you. Not that you shouldnt take care of yourself....thats not the point. The more often you care for others the less you think about the small details in life that dont matter and your world becomes revolved around giving life to situations instead of pulling from them negatively.
Thoughts as you dream your big dreams. Dont forget about the "small" details, because those end up being the big ones that change lives.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
love because of their stories
I came back so encouraged. Encouraged by the amazing friends that I met. Encouraged by the tragic turned beautiful stories I heard. Encouraged by the motivated individuals of Uganda who have given their every day life to make a difference in a torn place.
A torn place, just like here in the States. It may not look like the same kind of torn but, indeed, they are both torn and in need of passionate people to change the ugly reality of human trafficking.
Everywhere you go, human trafficking exists. Small villages, big cities, suburbs, and everywhere in between. From the most unlikely places, that look like perfection, to the ones where you can point and almost be for sure that it is happening there. I saw differences in how human trafficking is perceived and the ways of going about the effort to end it.
In my mind there are three stages of fighting human trafficking. Of course there are details in between, but this is how I simplify a complicated issue.
#1 Awareness- This comes in many forms. Media (posters, radio, tv, or billboards), word of mouth, story telling, being a real life example of change. The list goes on......
#2 Meeting someone where they are at- Stepping into the middle of the circumstances to be a friend and show love in the middle of whatever situation someone is in no matter what.
#3 Aftercare- Providing a physical, emotional and/or spiritual safe place for victims of human trafficking to go to tell their story and continue living as they have been created to live.
That being said, it will be easier to understand what I learned.
In Uganda awareness is lacking. There are so many dedicated people that want to spread the word of the desperate state that human trafficking has caused but to bring awareness to the people that can legally and physically help is the hard part. The need is to create awareness for police, politicians, NGO's, and other people in leadership so that the amazing law that Uganda does have on human trafficking can be used properly and effectively. In hopes that it will bring the people of Uganda to trust the protection that they are most deserving of and understand the difference of culture and human rights.
Uganda has many NGO's that are doing very good work for victims of child trafficking and child soldiers. I did see so many good programs for kids that were truly changing lives. I was blessed to see and be apart of it.
Now, to compare it to the States. Again, I want to emphasize that the issue is in both places. It is in both places in a very big way. It comes across very different because of culture. In Uganda, in some ways its a part of culture and something that has just been there for so long. In the states, its hidden and made to seem like we got rid of slavery years ago, when in all reality its bigger than its ever been....EVER!
You may have noticed how human trafficking has become something that is talked about a lot in the States, so awareness is becoming more prevalent. Although we are not filled with aftercare programs, I do believe more and more are opening up. The 2 step is what I think we lack in the U.S. Someone to meet them where they are at, no matter where it is. The streets, a brothel, a strip club, a bar, whatever it is, no matter who it is....all people need to feel loved. They need to feel loved no matter what part of life they are in. So I come back with an urgency to do exactly that.
In every day life my goal is to meet people where they are at, hear their stories and love them because of their stories. I want to find myself in a place I normally wouldnt find myself, so that I can find people I might not have normally met, and hear stories I might not normally hear and love people I might not normally find to love.
I come back not feeling like I want to save people but feeling like I want to love like I have never loved before. I want to hear stories of heart break, and redemption. Stories that will change the way I think and act, the way I love and dream.
More thoughts to come....
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Last days...
Last days..
I can hardly believe this trip is coming to an end. I am deeply saddened because I have family here now and I hate thinking that it could be years before I see them again. But, I have had the most amazing time. Things I will never forget. Stories, faces and hearts that will be with me forever.
We traveled to Busia on monday which is the boarder town of Kenya. We spoke with the probation officer. This guys works alone. He deals with every problem imaginable when if comes to protecting the people. He was the one person that spoke a lot about the corruption in the government, police and other officials involved with trafficking. Seems that this problem of people that should be taking care of citizens, are using them, destroying them and taking their trust just as it happens in the states. It makes it feel hopeless when you know you need those people to protect. We continue to see the same things.
Just as the states are missing certain steps in this fight, Uganda is just missing different ones than we are. When I get back I will be writing a blog about all I observe and how that applies to us in the states. I've learned so much. I have many opinions and facts to come home with!
Our last venture was going back to UDELL. Which was the rehabilitation home with over 200 kids. Two of our team got their hair done, but with my boy hair I couldn't :) I got to sit with a girl about 17. She wanted me to pray with her and tell me her story. What an honor. The shorter version of her story is that her father died, she hasn't seen her mother in 6 years and she had to get a job to take care of her grandfather. Keep in mind that she is now 17, not when this happened. She ended up working as a domestic. He worked for a long time and never got paid. She was a slave...
A lady found her, saw what was going on and brought her to this place. She is a strong girl. We found out at the end that we had the same birthday :)
Thank you so much for the support! Know that it was worth every moment. I'm headed to the airport today. First stop, Amsterdam and then home. Well...one of my homes :)
I can hardly believe this trip is coming to an end. I am deeply saddened because I have family here now and I hate thinking that it could be years before I see them again. But, I have had the most amazing time. Things I will never forget. Stories, faces and hearts that will be with me forever.
We traveled to Busia on monday which is the boarder town of Kenya. We spoke with the probation officer. This guys works alone. He deals with every problem imaginable when if comes to protecting the people. He was the one person that spoke a lot about the corruption in the government, police and other officials involved with trafficking. Seems that this problem of people that should be taking care of citizens, are using them, destroying them and taking their trust just as it happens in the states. It makes it feel hopeless when you know you need those people to protect. We continue to see the same things.
Just as the states are missing certain steps in this fight, Uganda is just missing different ones than we are. When I get back I will be writing a blog about all I observe and how that applies to us in the states. I've learned so much. I have many opinions and facts to come home with!
Our last venture was going back to UDELL. Which was the rehabilitation home with over 200 kids. Two of our team got their hair done, but with my boy hair I couldn't :) I got to sit with a girl about 17. She wanted me to pray with her and tell me her story. What an honor. The shorter version of her story is that her father died, she hasn't seen her mother in 6 years and she had to get a job to take care of her grandfather. Keep in mind that she is now 17, not when this happened. She ended up working as a domestic. He worked for a long time and never got paid. She was a slave...
A lady found her, saw what was going on and brought her to this place. She is a strong girl. We found out at the end that we had the same birthday :)
Thank you so much for the support! Know that it was worth every moment. I'm headed to the airport today. First stop, Amsterdam and then home. Well...one of my homes :)
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Aber (ah- bay)
Rhinos!! We got to stop at the rhino conservation park yesterday! We have been begging Brian and Doug to take us to see some sort of animal but you have to have a big jeep and a lot of time, which we don't have. :) so on our way back from Gulu yesterday we saw a sign for the rhinos! We went and it was incredible.
To see animals like that in their own environment was amazing. Imagining that these grazing animals are stuck in cages in zoos is very depressing. We had a tracker to find them in acres and acres if the land. We saw a mom, dad and little one. I will show pics when I get back. It was kind of our afternoon with no heavy stuff.
We spent most of the day traveling yesterday.
This morning we woke up an headed to the slums. The women we met have incredible stories! They make beads by cutting strips of paper, rolling the paper on a small stick, putting a gloss over them and then creating the designs. We sat there as around 10 women made necklaces. It is how they make a living instead of prostituting themselves or any other things that are so prevalent in that situation. The problem is, they are not allowed to sell right on the street because they cannot afford to rent a small spot along everyone else who sells. They had so many! So they only sell them to people that stop by which is hardly ever. We left with lots :)
We were able to go into 3 of their homes. Words can't describe the slums...it's what they know. They are happy women who have become a family.
When we left, they wanted to give us Ugandan names. We became family :) mamma Lucy, one of the lady that runs the women's fellowship wanted to name me and gave the name Aber (ah-bay) which means "good". I was honored :) it was a beautiful time with beautiful people.
A part of my heart will be left in this beautiful country...
To see animals like that in their own environment was amazing. Imagining that these grazing animals are stuck in cages in zoos is very depressing. We had a tracker to find them in acres and acres if the land. We saw a mom, dad and little one. I will show pics when I get back. It was kind of our afternoon with no heavy stuff.
We spent most of the day traveling yesterday.
This morning we woke up an headed to the slums. The women we met have incredible stories! They make beads by cutting strips of paper, rolling the paper on a small stick, putting a gloss over them and then creating the designs. We sat there as around 10 women made necklaces. It is how they make a living instead of prostituting themselves or any other things that are so prevalent in that situation. The problem is, they are not allowed to sell right on the street because they cannot afford to rent a small spot along everyone else who sells. They had so many! So they only sell them to people that stop by which is hardly ever. We left with lots :)
We were able to go into 3 of their homes. Words can't describe the slums...it's what they know. They are happy women who have become a family.
When we left, they wanted to give us Ugandan names. We became family :) mamma Lucy, one of the lady that runs the women's fellowship wanted to name me and gave the name Aber (ah-bay) which means "good". I was honored :) it was a beautiful time with beautiful people.
A part of my heart will be left in this beautiful country...
Saturday, July 7, 2012
It must be true!
It's so easy to believe something and conform to others ideas or beliefs when it is posted all over the Internet or even posted on YouTube a few times. It must be true right? I've been guilty of this.
Yesterday we started at Invisible Children. As I stepped into the gate we were immediately greeted and taken into an office where a passionate young woman from Uganda told us all of the programs that had been created and developed for children right there in Gulu and around the rest of Uganda as well. Things from mentoring programs, to schools being built to a Mend program that teaches women to sew and make a living.
The documentaries, drama in the states about Invisible Children and media that we heard so often in the states and were very quick to judge by only what we saw on tv, youtube or facebook quickly became reality once again when we met the Ugandan people that were so involved in making their people and environment a better place by serving each other.
I am only hear to say that I saw, experienced, and heard good stories coming from invisible children. We were able to go see the women at Mend who make the bags that are sold online. I bought one and took a picture with the lady that made it. Each bag has their story inside and their fingerprint on the strap. We were able to take a picture of the whole group. So beautiful. All the women there had been captured by LRA at one point and thankfully found themselves at Mend. What a complete blessing to meet all of them.
Next we showed up again to a crowd of kids waiting for us. Gulu youth development association. These kids were former child soldiers or traumatized in some way. We talked about human trafficking with them. They were asked what was the definition of human trafficking to them and now that we know what it is, what are ways that it can be prevented. I got video of their answers. It was eye opening to hear if from some kids that have actually been trafficked or know someone who has. One by one about 10 kids got up and shared their story of experiences they have had. Wow...goosebumps an aching heart and tears.
Headed back to Kampala today. A day of driving and rest. Lots to process...friends have become family. It will be hard to leave this beautiful place in hopes to visit dear friends again.
Yesterday we started at Invisible Children. As I stepped into the gate we were immediately greeted and taken into an office where a passionate young woman from Uganda told us all of the programs that had been created and developed for children right there in Gulu and around the rest of Uganda as well. Things from mentoring programs, to schools being built to a Mend program that teaches women to sew and make a living.
The documentaries, drama in the states about Invisible Children and media that we heard so often in the states and were very quick to judge by only what we saw on tv, youtube or facebook quickly became reality once again when we met the Ugandan people that were so involved in making their people and environment a better place by serving each other.
I am only hear to say that I saw, experienced, and heard good stories coming from invisible children. We were able to go see the women at Mend who make the bags that are sold online. I bought one and took a picture with the lady that made it. Each bag has their story inside and their fingerprint on the strap. We were able to take a picture of the whole group. So beautiful. All the women there had been captured by LRA at one point and thankfully found themselves at Mend. What a complete blessing to meet all of them.
Next we showed up again to a crowd of kids waiting for us. Gulu youth development association. These kids were former child soldiers or traumatized in some way. We talked about human trafficking with them. They were asked what was the definition of human trafficking to them and now that we know what it is, what are ways that it can be prevented. I got video of their answers. It was eye opening to hear if from some kids that have actually been trafficked or know someone who has. One by one about 10 kids got up and shared their story of experiences they have had. Wow...goosebumps an aching heart and tears.
Headed back to Kampala today. A day of driving and rest. Lots to process...friends have become family. It will be hard to leave this beautiful place in hopes to visit dear friends again.
Friday, July 6, 2012
I don't dance....but....
Today we left for Gulu. A city in northern Uganda. 5 hour drive out of the city. It was really nice to get out and see more of the country.
I was thankful to have Doug and Brian with us on our journey (they are the two that have been taking us around representing Not For Sale and Global Exchange). On our way they explained the history as we drove north. They talked about where the war started and what the rebels did. It's one thing to see it in a movie or even a documentary, but to be driving through where it actually took place was a feeling of its own. Even though the villages were put back together they explained that a lot of the huts that were burned down, they rebuilt with brick instead for more safety. We drove by where the IDP camps were/are, the road where Joseph Kony grew up and saw all the people that had once fled their own village only to come back and continue living. I learned that Doug's village was affected by the rebels in a big way. It was definitely something I will remember forever.
When we finally got to Gulu we went to a rehabilitation place for women. This is their story, they mostly lived in the Congo only to find themselves in Uganda because the military from Uganda who had gone to fight in the war used these women for sex, told them they would take them back to Uganda and marry them. These women followed these men back to find the military men married with families. Because they had no money they prostituted themselves to make money.
Let me tell you...when we met these women, they were full of joy, real joy. They learned how to make bread and sell it to people in the village to earn a living.
Their smiles are sunshine. They said over and over "praise God". The fact that these women can go through something like that and still say praise God....that will make you check yourself the next time you want to blame God for something awful in your life or it will make you consider how your circumstances can turn to joy with work and a choice. They hugged us, blew us kisses and said they loved us as we bought some of their delicious bread. I want be Lovely to be apart of what is going on there. They need a new stove and more things for cooking. We were able to take pictures with them. I can't wait to share their beautiful faces!
Next stop, Undugu Family. This place started of as a place for child soldiers to rehabilitate. It started with an incredible man with a passion. We had no idea this was going to happen but as we drove up they all turned around and started to clap. They immediately called us family. And instantly we felt like family. It was the most humbling experience. There were so many people and kids. Now, there are more kids there that arent only child soldiers. But to see kids that had to go through the war as they did after driving through where the war was, made it even more real. They did tribal dances for us and sang. They did it all for us. It drew a huge crowd. Now, if you know me, you know I don't dance much. This time I had no choice, the asked us up there and there was a crowd of us just dancing together. Im not gonna lie, i danced my ass off! :) I had so much fun...who woulda thought. They fed us a meal and continues to dance the night away. I also have pictures and videos of this that I'm excited to share!
We will be staying here the next two nights and then head back to kampala.
As the representative of be Lovely, I am honored to be apart and my voice will not be silent for the people I have met. be Lovely WILL make a difference...across the world. In the states and in Uganda, no boundaries! I hope this inspires people that could use be Lovely product or ones that hear about this movement because be Lovely is going to change the world, one heart at a time! All of us...together.
Love from Uganda!
I was thankful to have Doug and Brian with us on our journey (they are the two that have been taking us around representing Not For Sale and Global Exchange). On our way they explained the history as we drove north. They talked about where the war started and what the rebels did. It's one thing to see it in a movie or even a documentary, but to be driving through where it actually took place was a feeling of its own. Even though the villages were put back together they explained that a lot of the huts that were burned down, they rebuilt with brick instead for more safety. We drove by where the IDP camps were/are, the road where Joseph Kony grew up and saw all the people that had once fled their own village only to come back and continue living. I learned that Doug's village was affected by the rebels in a big way. It was definitely something I will remember forever.
When we finally got to Gulu we went to a rehabilitation place for women. This is their story, they mostly lived in the Congo only to find themselves in Uganda because the military from Uganda who had gone to fight in the war used these women for sex, told them they would take them back to Uganda and marry them. These women followed these men back to find the military men married with families. Because they had no money they prostituted themselves to make money.
Let me tell you...when we met these women, they were full of joy, real joy. They learned how to make bread and sell it to people in the village to earn a living.
Their smiles are sunshine. They said over and over "praise God". The fact that these women can go through something like that and still say praise God....that will make you check yourself the next time you want to blame God for something awful in your life or it will make you consider how your circumstances can turn to joy with work and a choice. They hugged us, blew us kisses and said they loved us as we bought some of their delicious bread. I want be Lovely to be apart of what is going on there. They need a new stove and more things for cooking. We were able to take pictures with them. I can't wait to share their beautiful faces!
Next stop, Undugu Family. This place started of as a place for child soldiers to rehabilitate. It started with an incredible man with a passion. We had no idea this was going to happen but as we drove up they all turned around and started to clap. They immediately called us family. And instantly we felt like family. It was the most humbling experience. There were so many people and kids. Now, there are more kids there that arent only child soldiers. But to see kids that had to go through the war as they did after driving through where the war was, made it even more real. They did tribal dances for us and sang. They did it all for us. It drew a huge crowd. Now, if you know me, you know I don't dance much. This time I had no choice, the asked us up there and there was a crowd of us just dancing together. Im not gonna lie, i danced my ass off! :) I had so much fun...who woulda thought. They fed us a meal and continues to dance the night away. I also have pictures and videos of this that I'm excited to share!
We will be staying here the next two nights and then head back to kampala.
As the representative of be Lovely, I am honored to be apart and my voice will not be silent for the people I have met. be Lovely WILL make a difference...across the world. In the states and in Uganda, no boundaries! I hope this inspires people that could use be Lovely product or ones that hear about this movement because be Lovely is going to change the world, one heart at a time! All of us...together.
Love from Uganda!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
broken hearts and hope
It has been a full two days here in Uganda....so I am going to have to pick and choose what I share or I will be writing a book.
The first day was meetings. Not the boring kind where you cant wait to get out, but the kind where you could sit for hours and listen to a passionate, hard working heart speak about saving the world they live in. :) Those are the two meetings our team got to interact with on our first day. First was the ABA (American Bar Association). The are the big advocators. There goal is to teach people here in Uganda what human trafficking is and teach the police how to enforce the human trafficking law that was given here a few years ago. It shocked me to find out how a lot of the problem here with human trafficking is unawareness of the issue or simply not knowing what it is. There are people with good hearts in the law enforcement and regular citizens that simply dont know what human trafficking looks like. I also found out that the penalties of human trafficking are very severe. Which you think would be a positive thing but it makes the police not enforce the law because the consequences seem harsh to them. All and all I learned that Uganda needs a lot of advocacy here. Coming from the states that seems to be a big thing for us. Interesting to see what is needed in different parts of the world.
ANPPCAN was our second organization. They advocate on the protection of children from child abuse in the home and also human trafficking. They are fighting that same fight. Advocacy is a big thing for them as well. This is where the hope is. There are organizations doing exactly what they should be doing.
Now the second day....wow. I will add that to the list of overwhelming experiences due to the stories I've heard and the faces that go with them. First stop was Sanyu(Joy) Orphanage here in Kampala. It is an orphanage for newborns to 3 years. Heart wrenching. They take up to 50 kids and they had 49 the day we went. Its something you cant explain. These children were either brought to them by police, left in a taxi or found in a hospital after birth. The hearts of these workers are incredible. There are not that many staff taking care of infants and toddlers running around. But man, did they make me smile. We were able to play with them for nearly an hour, help take baths and get them to lunch. Now these faces...leave your heart aching and bring you job all at the same time. We werent allowed to take pictures do to security but the faces are implanted in my mind. On our way out we were able to meet a couple that was adopting a little girl. I'm not gonna lie...I wanted to be them. Part of my heart was left at Sanyu Orphanage.
Second day, second stop...Masooli Treatment Center. Looking at the itinerary for the trip, this was the one I was looking so forward to. It is a rehabilitation center for teenagers who have been involved in drug abuse, alcohol abuse and sex trafficking. I believe they said they had 140 girls and 70 boys. Some of which stay at the center and some of which come daily. This place is legit. This place is one I will talk more about in person because it is so close to my heart and typing it in a blog will not do justice. They have few staff as well but hearts of gold. They teach them trades to make it on their own. Give them counseling and a safe place to stay. They are allowed to stay 6-9 months and then leave. They keep their existence low profile due to the fact that they would have a line out the door of children who need help and they just dont have the facilities or staff to take that many. They teach them sewing, hair, carpentry, cooking, electronics and lots more. I met a girl who was sex trafficked named Christy. I got to take a picture with her but again, I am not able to share it on here due to security, but I will treasure that picture and remember the soft spirited girl who was broken due to a crime that I will fight against for the rest of my life.
All of these places make me see how these issues cause so much brokenness and heart ache but it is good to know that there are amazing people here fighting for the same things I am fighting for.
I wish I could continue to write about all of this but, breakfast is being served and we are headed to Gulu today. Lots of changes always being made to our next adventure but it has been a blast. My team is great, our leaders are great and this place is incredible. This was a bit of an info blog. I hope it was still fun to read :) More soon!
The first day was meetings. Not the boring kind where you cant wait to get out, but the kind where you could sit for hours and listen to a passionate, hard working heart speak about saving the world they live in. :) Those are the two meetings our team got to interact with on our first day. First was the ABA (American Bar Association). The are the big advocators. There goal is to teach people here in Uganda what human trafficking is and teach the police how to enforce the human trafficking law that was given here a few years ago. It shocked me to find out how a lot of the problem here with human trafficking is unawareness of the issue or simply not knowing what it is. There are people with good hearts in the law enforcement and regular citizens that simply dont know what human trafficking looks like. I also found out that the penalties of human trafficking are very severe. Which you think would be a positive thing but it makes the police not enforce the law because the consequences seem harsh to them. All and all I learned that Uganda needs a lot of advocacy here. Coming from the states that seems to be a big thing for us. Interesting to see what is needed in different parts of the world.
ANPPCAN was our second organization. They advocate on the protection of children from child abuse in the home and also human trafficking. They are fighting that same fight. Advocacy is a big thing for them as well. This is where the hope is. There are organizations doing exactly what they should be doing.
Now the second day....wow. I will add that to the list of overwhelming experiences due to the stories I've heard and the faces that go with them. First stop was Sanyu(Joy) Orphanage here in Kampala. It is an orphanage for newborns to 3 years. Heart wrenching. They take up to 50 kids and they had 49 the day we went. Its something you cant explain. These children were either brought to them by police, left in a taxi or found in a hospital after birth. The hearts of these workers are incredible. There are not that many staff taking care of infants and toddlers running around. But man, did they make me smile. We were able to play with them for nearly an hour, help take baths and get them to lunch. Now these faces...leave your heart aching and bring you job all at the same time. We werent allowed to take pictures do to security but the faces are implanted in my mind. On our way out we were able to meet a couple that was adopting a little girl. I'm not gonna lie...I wanted to be them. Part of my heart was left at Sanyu Orphanage.
Second day, second stop...Masooli Treatment Center. Looking at the itinerary for the trip, this was the one I was looking so forward to. It is a rehabilitation center for teenagers who have been involved in drug abuse, alcohol abuse and sex trafficking. I believe they said they had 140 girls and 70 boys. Some of which stay at the center and some of which come daily. This place is legit. This place is one I will talk more about in person because it is so close to my heart and typing it in a blog will not do justice. They have few staff as well but hearts of gold. They teach them trades to make it on their own. Give them counseling and a safe place to stay. They are allowed to stay 6-9 months and then leave. They keep their existence low profile due to the fact that they would have a line out the door of children who need help and they just dont have the facilities or staff to take that many. They teach them sewing, hair, carpentry, cooking, electronics and lots more. I met a girl who was sex trafficked named Christy. I got to take a picture with her but again, I am not able to share it on here due to security, but I will treasure that picture and remember the soft spirited girl who was broken due to a crime that I will fight against for the rest of my life.
All of these places make me see how these issues cause so much brokenness and heart ache but it is good to know that there are amazing people here fighting for the same things I am fighting for.
I wish I could continue to write about all of this but, breakfast is being served and we are headed to Gulu today. Lots of changes always being made to our next adventure but it has been a blast. My team is great, our leaders are great and this place is incredible. This was a bit of an info blog. I hope it was still fun to read :) More soon!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
This is what I was going for...
Well, I'm in Amsterdam! It finally feels real. I was sitting in the Minneapolis/St.Paul airport and it didn't feel real. But here I sit in the Amsterdam airport for the next 4 hours. Next, Entebbe, Uganda!
As I sit here alone I'm reminded that this is what I've been waiting for. This is the position I asked to be in. On my own headed somewhere I've never been, meeting people I've never met and experiencing things that will change me forever...yep, sounds about right.
I know this won't be easy. It's going to stretch me and teach me. I will be vulnerable because I don't have my usual people I can talk to about stuff or when I'm stressed out...just me. I have committed with only blogging as a means of communication. God will be hearing lots of my thoughts on this trip. Not that he already doesn't but I tend to tell more than just him :) not this time!
So onward....well in 4 hours! Oh, by the way. I apparently missed nighttime...I left Minneapolis at 3pm an it's 7am here. I missed that part of the day where you sleep :)
Hoping I can continue to do blog!
As I sit here alone I'm reminded that this is what I've been waiting for. This is the position I asked to be in. On my own headed somewhere I've never been, meeting people I've never met and experiencing things that will change me forever...yep, sounds about right.
I know this won't be easy. It's going to stretch me and teach me. I will be vulnerable because I don't have my usual people I can talk to about stuff or when I'm stressed out...just me. I have committed with only blogging as a means of communication. God will be hearing lots of my thoughts on this trip. Not that he already doesn't but I tend to tell more than just him :) not this time!
So onward....well in 4 hours! Oh, by the way. I apparently missed nighttime...I left Minneapolis at 3pm an it's 7am here. I missed that part of the day where you sleep :)
Hoping I can continue to do blog!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
It's Time!!
Its that time....
Only a few days left until I leave for Uganda! (3 days to be exact) :) I am genuinely overcome with so much emotion. Excitement, anxious (in a good way), eager and a longing for the long plane ride to be over so I can just get there!
Before I leave I just wanted to address a comment that was posted on the be Lovely facebook page. If you have kept up with be Lovely and my journey to this point you will know that there is much more there than just "saving the world with makeup". That'll make you laugh! I know that makeup doesnt change people, nor will it "save" humans in such horrific situations. But what be Lovely DOES do is inspire, educate, and empower people to do something about a social injustice called human trafficking. This doesnt come from some outward transformation, this comes from a heart that breaks because of inhumane things that are being done to people on your block, in your city, country, or across the world. be Lovely will always fight for these injustices because the people that choose to be involved with be Lovely through, makeup, events, financial support or anything else, have that heart that breaks and wants to do something about it. Its not made up of one person that likes a lipstick shade. Its made up of many that hear stories of agony, slavery and and oppression that are unwilling to stay silent.
So to those of you that have supported be Lovely in those ways, here's to you, because when you are wearing that lipstick, eyeshadow or lipgloss, you get to bring others along with you, tell a story and change lives. be Lovely exists because of hearts that break for the broken and enslaved and do something about it.
So as I go to Uganda on Sunday I promise to learn as much as I can. I promise to be completely changed when I come back. And I promise to hear these stories so you too will be changed and moved to make a difference. Together we will fight the fight in our own cities and know that there are amazing people out there doing that in countries we may never go to.
I am truly grateful for all the ways people have supported the be Lovely journey. Its one we can all be on together.
"You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know."
-William Wilberforce
Only a few days left until I leave for Uganda! (3 days to be exact) :) I am genuinely overcome with so much emotion. Excitement, anxious (in a good way), eager and a longing for the long plane ride to be over so I can just get there!
Before I leave I just wanted to address a comment that was posted on the be Lovely facebook page. If you have kept up with be Lovely and my journey to this point you will know that there is much more there than just "saving the world with makeup". That'll make you laugh! I know that makeup doesnt change people, nor will it "save" humans in such horrific situations. But what be Lovely DOES do is inspire, educate, and empower people to do something about a social injustice called human trafficking. This doesnt come from some outward transformation, this comes from a heart that breaks because of inhumane things that are being done to people on your block, in your city, country, or across the world. be Lovely will always fight for these injustices because the people that choose to be involved with be Lovely through, makeup, events, financial support or anything else, have that heart that breaks and wants to do something about it. Its not made up of one person that likes a lipstick shade. Its made up of many that hear stories of agony, slavery and and oppression that are unwilling to stay silent.
So to those of you that have supported be Lovely in those ways, here's to you, because when you are wearing that lipstick, eyeshadow or lipgloss, you get to bring others along with you, tell a story and change lives. be Lovely exists because of hearts that break for the broken and enslaved and do something about it.
So as I go to Uganda on Sunday I promise to learn as much as I can. I promise to be completely changed when I come back. And I promise to hear these stories so you too will be changed and moved to make a difference. Together we will fight the fight in our own cities and know that there are amazing people out there doing that in countries we may never go to.
I am truly grateful for all the ways people have supported the be Lovely journey. Its one we can all be on together.
"You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know."
-William Wilberforce
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Under Construction?...
Human trafficking and makeup....who woulda thought that I would be here today with both of those passions and actually doing something with both of them for the same purpose. Both the ups and downs in my life have brought me here.
Recently I lost my "every day job" (the one that makes consistent income) . I'm not gonna lie, I was STRESSED at first. I tried so hard to hold myself together. It was hard for the first few days if i'm honest but I knew I had to snap out of it quick. This happens to so many people everyday that have no support system, have kids to feed, or lose everything because of it. That did not happen to me, so I knew I could not sulk in my own pity. I have those things, and there was no way I was going to waste a moment without moving forward with a good attitude.
After being a bit frantic and getting wisdom from others around me. I decided to work really hard to make be Lovely my job. I decided that this was my opportunity. At first it didnt feel like a "good opportunity" but when I chose to look at the positives I realized thats exactly what it was. So, onward I go with just that. Putting everything I can into this is the goal I now have. When I stepped out and made that choice, to create a supposed negative experience and choose to make it positive and worth while, things just started to happen. Things just started coming together and continue to. I dont deserve this nor do I take it for granted. When it comes down to it, its the hearts of others and the support that have gotten be Lovely to this point.
Thats what I want. This is not about me. Its about the people that are touched and broken by sex trafficking and how horrific this problem is against the human soul. I am reminded of that every day with the people I have met even just within these past few weeks. The stories from the past and the new ones I have the privilege of hearing.
be Lovely , my makeup company is a passion and an income but what be Lovely is as a whole is my life. Thanks to all who have supported, from buying makeup, donating to my Uganda trip, words of encouragement and wisdom, financial helps, giving talents to making be Lovely "look" better :) and the individual stories that inspire me to continue.
Onward!
PS. be Lovely website is under construction because of one of those great people! :)
Recently I lost my "every day job" (the one that makes consistent income) . I'm not gonna lie, I was STRESSED at first. I tried so hard to hold myself together. It was hard for the first few days if i'm honest but I knew I had to snap out of it quick. This happens to so many people everyday that have no support system, have kids to feed, or lose everything because of it. That did not happen to me, so I knew I could not sulk in my own pity. I have those things, and there was no way I was going to waste a moment without moving forward with a good attitude.
After being a bit frantic and getting wisdom from others around me. I decided to work really hard to make be Lovely my job. I decided that this was my opportunity. At first it didnt feel like a "good opportunity" but when I chose to look at the positives I realized thats exactly what it was. So, onward I go with just that. Putting everything I can into this is the goal I now have. When I stepped out and made that choice, to create a supposed negative experience and choose to make it positive and worth while, things just started to happen. Things just started coming together and continue to. I dont deserve this nor do I take it for granted. When it comes down to it, its the hearts of others and the support that have gotten be Lovely to this point.
Thats what I want. This is not about me. Its about the people that are touched and broken by sex trafficking and how horrific this problem is against the human soul. I am reminded of that every day with the people I have met even just within these past few weeks. The stories from the past and the new ones I have the privilege of hearing.
be Lovely , my makeup company is a passion and an income but what be Lovely is as a whole is my life. Thanks to all who have supported, from buying makeup, donating to my Uganda trip, words of encouragement and wisdom, financial helps, giving talents to making be Lovely "look" better :) and the individual stories that inspire me to continue.
Onward!
PS. be Lovely website is under construction because of one of those great people! :)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Yes, I just went there....
Started off my day as usual. Work out, breakfast, coffee, emails etc. Life is so tragically easy sometimes. I say tragic because I get caught in the unimportant details of life. We all do it. Its normal. Getting back to what really matters doesnt happen often enough for anyone in my opinion. Our worlds are small. I'm not saying life isnt hard or other peoples problems are harder than the next. I've learned that hearing others stories and putting myself in a position that is selfless makes my "problems" incredibly easier to work through.
This morning as I planned for some home parties that I have coming up for be Lovely, I was looking at some human trafficking videos on youtube. I stumbled across one that gave a statistic that said, girls as young as 5 years old are bought for sex. I immediately thought of my niece and broke down in an aching, cant catch my breath kind of sob. It got personal real quick. So many questions in my head. What if that was her? That could be her. What if I viewed all of these children being used for sexual slavery like my niece? I would change. What would others do if they thought of one kid in their life around that age too, would that change what they are doing to stop this sick injustice? I hope so.
I literally sat there with my face in my hands sobbing, knowing that kids like my niece and nephews are being sold as sex slaves and for child labor. Kids that live by you and I....thats the reality. Not just kids in places that are far away so we dont have to look them in the face. Kids in almost every country in the world. Yes, in our cities. Look that reality in the face. Try it. Does it change you? Does it change how you look at the kids in your life? Does it change your choices on taking action? It did for me.
I have been researching and fighting sexual slavery and human trafficking for about 6 or 7 years now. Today when I made it that personal...it was different. I had thought about it before, but for a second I imagined in my mind the brutal, animalistic behavior being done to someone close to me. I am changed again, even more because of it. The children that this actually happens to is just like my beautiful, innocent niece. That makes my heart ache. I looked that reality square in the face...stepped out of myself and my tragically easy life and chose to feel the suffering of those victims.
Ignorance is a choice. not wanting to know the truth is selfishness. The way this issue is being fought by others may not be for you...there is no one way to fight this. BUT is it "for you" to protect children that are being raped and beaten? (yes, i just went there) I dont have all the answers on how each of us should fight this sick injustice but I do know that we should. I am not perfect at it. I do lose focus. But my fight to choose to make my world bigger is something I will continue to work towards.
This morning as I planned for some home parties that I have coming up for be Lovely, I was looking at some human trafficking videos on youtube. I stumbled across one that gave a statistic that said, girls as young as 5 years old are bought for sex. I immediately thought of my niece and broke down in an aching, cant catch my breath kind of sob. It got personal real quick. So many questions in my head. What if that was her? That could be her. What if I viewed all of these children being used for sexual slavery like my niece? I would change. What would others do if they thought of one kid in their life around that age too, would that change what they are doing to stop this sick injustice? I hope so.
I literally sat there with my face in my hands sobbing, knowing that kids like my niece and nephews are being sold as sex slaves and for child labor. Kids that live by you and I....thats the reality. Not just kids in places that are far away so we dont have to look them in the face. Kids in almost every country in the world. Yes, in our cities. Look that reality in the face. Try it. Does it change you? Does it change how you look at the kids in your life? Does it change your choices on taking action? It did for me.
I have been researching and fighting sexual slavery and human trafficking for about 6 or 7 years now. Today when I made it that personal...it was different. I had thought about it before, but for a second I imagined in my mind the brutal, animalistic behavior being done to someone close to me. I am changed again, even more because of it. The children that this actually happens to is just like my beautiful, innocent niece. That makes my heart ache. I looked that reality square in the face...stepped out of myself and my tragically easy life and chose to feel the suffering of those victims.
Ignorance is a choice. not wanting to know the truth is selfishness. The way this issue is being fought by others may not be for you...there is no one way to fight this. BUT is it "for you" to protect children that are being raped and beaten? (yes, i just went there) I dont have all the answers on how each of us should fight this sick injustice but I do know that we should. I am not perfect at it. I do lose focus. But my fight to choose to make my world bigger is something I will continue to work towards.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Where do you fit?
"To enjoy the journey is to leap into people's lives. To enjoy the journey is to give until the stretch is a sacrifice. The question always is: what is it in life that will pull you out of your seat to be brave, risk and serve?"
my friend phylicia and I at a porn convention in Miami
This week I had the opportunity to go back a few years in my life and listen to Craig Gross speak again. Craig is the founder of xxxchurch.com. I had the opportunity a few years ago to work with him along with some others in LasVegas. The stories of being in brothels, strip clubs and porn conventions came flooding back. Thats where my passion took root and where my heart lies. Later that day I had the opportunity to meet some people that worked in aftercare of women that have gotten out of sexual slavery. A day full of so many different ways people are involved. A question that was brought to my attention was "where do you fit in all this". Its a question that I have asked myself for a while.
This is what I have learned about myself....
First, be Lovely has been one part of my passion for a while. Being able to use the talents I have been given and offer a product that is used by most women (makeup) to bring awareness to something that I have personally seen the awful affects of. So with be Lovely, comes awareness and empowerment. Both of which are much needed.
Another thing that is needed is aftercare. When someone gets out of a life that has physically and emotionally enslaved them, they need that love, care and support of others to get back on their feet. This is where organizations like Breaking Free come in. They are an amazing non profit that does just that. Helps victims get the support and resources they need to live out what they have been created for.
I want to stress that awareness and aftercare are two VERY important and needed steps in being apart of this fight against sexual slavery, and the need for individuals and organizations to work together to make that happen is a huge need. There is one step that I havent talked about yet and I've realized that step is where I have the deepest connection.
For some reason, the need for justice is so deeply engrained in me that awareness isnt enough for me. I personally need to get my hands dirty in a way that touches the lives of the victims that are enslaved at the moment. Dont get me wrong, this isnt for everyone and I am fully aware of that. Someone else raising awareness is how I found out about human trafficking and I will forever be grateful for the video "Constance" for that reason. There is a huge need to be apart of the womens lives that are in the strip clubs, brothels, on the streets. When they are actually living this awful life...who is there to love them in those moments? How will they know there is a way out unless there is trusting people that can show them how important, loved and worth it they are? One who is in the environment that they have to be in every day. When I was in Vegas that is what we did....and since then I cant shake the intense urgency I have to do that again. Putting myself in places like these are my next goal. I'm not sure how yet but it aches my heart knowing that there are women and girls that dont think they are worth more, loved and supported as human beings.
Without ALL of those steps (awareness, loving during, and loving aftercare) it would create an even bigger battle for us all. We all fit somewhere, we just have to find it and live it.
This week I had the opportunity to go back a few years in my life and listen to Craig Gross speak again. Craig is the founder of xxxchurch.com. I had the opportunity a few years ago to work with him along with some others in LasVegas. The stories of being in brothels, strip clubs and porn conventions came flooding back. Thats where my passion took root and where my heart lies. Later that day I had the opportunity to meet some people that worked in aftercare of women that have gotten out of sexual slavery. A day full of so many different ways people are involved. A question that was brought to my attention was "where do you fit in all this". Its a question that I have asked myself for a while.
This is what I have learned about myself....
First, be Lovely has been one part of my passion for a while. Being able to use the talents I have been given and offer a product that is used by most women (makeup) to bring awareness to something that I have personally seen the awful affects of. So with be Lovely, comes awareness and empowerment. Both of which are much needed.
Another thing that is needed is aftercare. When someone gets out of a life that has physically and emotionally enslaved them, they need that love, care and support of others to get back on their feet. This is where organizations like Breaking Free come in. They are an amazing non profit that does just that. Helps victims get the support and resources they need to live out what they have been created for.
I want to stress that awareness and aftercare are two VERY important and needed steps in being apart of this fight against sexual slavery, and the need for individuals and organizations to work together to make that happen is a huge need. There is one step that I havent talked about yet and I've realized that step is where I have the deepest connection.
For some reason, the need for justice is so deeply engrained in me that awareness isnt enough for me. I personally need to get my hands dirty in a way that touches the lives of the victims that are enslaved at the moment. Dont get me wrong, this isnt for everyone and I am fully aware of that. Someone else raising awareness is how I found out about human trafficking and I will forever be grateful for the video "Constance" for that reason. There is a huge need to be apart of the womens lives that are in the strip clubs, brothels, on the streets. When they are actually living this awful life...who is there to love them in those moments? How will they know there is a way out unless there is trusting people that can show them how important, loved and worth it they are? One who is in the environment that they have to be in every day. When I was in Vegas that is what we did....and since then I cant shake the intense urgency I have to do that again. Putting myself in places like these are my next goal. I'm not sure how yet but it aches my heart knowing that there are women and girls that dont think they are worth more, loved and supported as human beings.
Without ALL of those steps (awareness, loving during, and loving aftercare) it would create an even bigger battle for us all. We all fit somewhere, we just have to find it and live it.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Are you uncomfortable?...
I've realized that the things in life that seemed so big in my small world have now become small in my big world.
I've always wanted to be one of those people that could be passionate about something and talk about it because they have truly experienced whatever it was they were passionate about. Over the last few years of my life I am becoming that person. I have been truly honored to be apart of all the things that have been set before me and the things that I have really worked hard for.
I have a new experience ahead of me that I am so excited about. I have seen the sex industry happen before my eyes here in the states but I have not yet been able to experience it over seas. That has always been so important to me because I want a large world view about the issues of sexual slavery because ignorance is not bliss in this case for me. If I am going to talk about it, raise money for it, donate to it, and ultimately be extremely passionate about it, I need to be uncomfortable because of it.
Being uncomfortable is never fun. There have been many moments in porn conventions, strip clubs and brothels that I have been uncomfortable. In those moments, I put myself in a place that those women were every day. Thats when it hits you. My small world of being uncomfortable for that moment doesn't even compare to the day after day life that they live. Those are the moments that change who you are...
It is also the moments that I knew that I wanted to fight for them for the rest of my life. A commitment that took being extremely uncomfortable and stepping out in a world that felt so much bigger than me. Knowing that there was a hope that could be attained by continuing to be apart is worth every moment.
Now, it is no longer uncomfortable EVERY time because I have stepped into a world that I now have friends in, and that I would do anything for.
My venture lies in Uganda. I am so excited to be going over seas to experience these moments where I will be completely out of my comfort zone with people I dont know. I will be going to learn about human trafficking and the rehabilitation of sex trafficked children and coerced child-soldiers. Wow, even typing that amps me up! Another great thing about this trip is that I will be going with Not For Sale. Which is who be Lovely donates 10% of sales to. I am excited to be able to come back and really know what I am giving to, not only here in the states but soon on the front lines of Uganda. I know this will totally change my life and I am hoping that others that know about, and use be Lovely makeup will feel even more confident about being apart of this movement.
TRIP DETAILS!
trip dates: July 2-July12 this summer!
purpose: to learn about human trafficking and the rehabilitation of sex trafficked children and coerced child-soldiers.
funding: i need to raise $5,000 to go on this trip!
If you would like to be apart of this with me by donating...go to this link! http://www.belovely.com/uganda/
This link talks about my trip, what I will be doing, and how to donate!
I am humbled to be apart of all that be Lovely is bringing!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
What is the most dangerous job in the world?...
At Sex Trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world...
One thing about myself...I have a huge sense of urgency for justice in the world. Sometimes I have to admit that it can also be a weakness of mine when I begin to care more about the justice instead of the person. So, on to the strength of me being all about justice :)
One thing that I have always struggled with when it came to finding out about prostitution, sex trafficking and porn is how many times the victims in these situations get arrested or hurt instead of the real problem, the johns and the pimps. One would hope that there would be consequences for people that feel the need to make people slaves of this abuse. Thankfully there are hard working, justice filled people that do fight for the same things I hope and fight for. In America 80,000 people are arrested a year for soliciting sex. Sadly this is not always the case and many prostitutes will be the one accused of a crime.
My ignorance showed today when I read this statistic...1 in 10 men in the world have purchased a prostitute. That is a disgustingly high number. That means its the average joe. To me that is a huge problem. The average joe is keeping this sex industry alive and growing. Our men could stop this. That may sound very dreamy or hopeful of me but if enough people cared and took action, it could happen.
The answer: The murder rate for an American prostitute is 204 for every 100,000. It is the most dangerous job in the world. Now, this is not including the disease, physical abuse or starvation that happens. This is MURDER alone! Most people know commercial fishing to be the most dangerous job in the world. It IS dangerous with 129 per 100,000, but not the most dangerous. Ignorance is bliss isnt it?.....not so much.
At this moment there are over 40 million prostitutes. Thats more than the population of Canada or Australia. That puts it into perspective. Many people think that most prostitutes have chosen this life. Studies show that most women in prostitution have been previously abused in some form. Getting into this mess is normally due to pimps convincing women that they will be taken care of as a girlfriend, soon to find out that they will be robbed and used as a pimps slave to be sold. Threatening their lives or those of their family. Another common way into this mess is from sex trafficking wether taken from their own country here in the US or trafficked over seas to satisfy the disturbing wants of people here. It is often viewed as women choosing this so called "profession". Can you imagine what it would take to get out of a situation like that. To them, it is nearly impossible. How they have been damaged is a reality that only they know and I can only imagine....
Sunday, March 11, 2012
makeup=relationships
So, why makeup…
When I decided to become a makeup artist I lived in Vegas. I didn't wear much of it mostly because I didn't know how to. When I worked with xxxchurch I would go to strip clubs, brothels and porn conventions just to get to know the girls that worked there. My goal was to just get to know who they were as individuals and hear their story and do whatever I could do to encourage them. Going in, I knew that would be hard. Walls go up as soon as you say who you work with or what you are doing because of other experiences they have had with people that call themselves Christians and do the exact opposite of what Jesus would have done. Going in and telling them that they need Jesus and that they are doing the wrong thing is not the way to go about doing this in my opinion, nor do I think its appropriate in any situation. No one will listen to you no matter what they do for a living if there is no relationship built or trust behind what you are doing. I knew that offering something to them such as getting their makeup done was a service to them that they did every day anyways. So makeup it was...
I ended up going to LA and taking a makeup course to become a certified makeup artist to be "legit" :) I practiced a lot! And soon became confident to do makeup on others. Makeup became my passion not because I started off loving what it was but because of where it would take me and who I would meet because of it. The stories that I would hear when i was "in someones face" were....wow, i dont think there are words. Peoples stories became so important to me and its all I wanted to do. Hear their stories and serve and encourage them in any way I could...THIS was my passion and I was finding that out very quickly. Soon, I had friends in that industry, not because I thought they needed me but because we grew a relationship that was mutual, that we both enjoyed and grew from. Those were some of the best times of my life. And they will forever be apart of my story and passion. Because of those women I met....I will forever be fighting for them and their humanity.
One thing that I would like to make very clear that has seemed to be a road block for people to understand what I do. I dont need everyone to understand but I do need to be clear on the passion in my heart. I would get a lot of people saying "so you make girls look pretty so that they can go use their body for men?" or "so you encourage them to strip, prostitute themselves or make videos by putting makeup on them?". If that is what you are getting out of this....it is the complete opposite. Hear is a quick list of reasons why I do what I do.
-My passion is to be apart of peoples lives and grow with them, not change them.
-My passion is also to love everyone but hurting women and children because of sexual slavery is my heart. To love, encourage and protect them as much as I can. To be apart of their story in a life changing way.
-I have grown to LOVe makeup :) Its a fun hobby and it has helped me meet some incredible people. From the brothels to Macys. Sitting down with someone and having meaningful conversation while I put makeup on them. Cant get much closer to someone than that :) Thats the relationship....that had nothing to do with how they look. To have them get up from my chair and say, "wow, you made me FEEL beautiful". Looks mean nothing unless you can feel it in your heart that you are beautiful. And to know that you were created as you are and makeup can only enhance what you already have.
-To share my story and to hear the stories of women that sit in my chair is life changing. So putting makeup on women had nothing to do with me making them look good for men. Wether I am doing their makeup or not, that is their job. I got to put makeup on them to talk to them, build a relationship and serve them.
-And now with be Lovely, my makeup line, my passion is to be able to sell this makeup and fight for a cause that is already doing something about human trafficking. Spreading the word that slavery still exists and to encourage people to fight with me.
I hope that gives a little clarity on my goals, passion and my heart. I am an open book so if anyone has any questions about be Lovely, my story or would like to share theirs, I would love to hear!
email: rachel@belovely.com
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belovelymakeup
Sunday, March 4, 2012
A fire that doesnt burn out...
"Anyone can dabble, but once you've made that commitment, your blood has that particular thing in it, and it's very hard for people to stop you."
On Friday be Lovely makeup was delivered! I cant believe it is already here. The work, dedication, passion and follow through have paid off. My passion for hurting people is a fire that has lived in me for a long time. Once I became apart of the stories is when my passion went to the next level....of no escape. Nothing at that point could stop me from surrounding myself with men, women and children that were hurting...especially because of some sort of sexual slavery.
There was a point in my journey that I knew for me, it was not enough to just know and be sad about it. You know its a passion when you talk about it and tears well up in your eyes because of how much it fires you up. Everyone has a passion....it doesnt matter what it is, if it is YOUR passion. Its something no one can take from you. Something that you would live and die for. If you dont think you have one....you do. Finding it can be a journey. But once you know.....you know.
There have been moments in my journey that have been hard. Times when I thought the emotions were too much or the effort that I gave forth was too hard. Not giving up became a fight. Knowing that if this was truly my passion that I would be changed because of it. I had moments when I wasnt physically doing something about this fight against sex trafficking, hurting people, and broken hearts...and that bothered me. Learning what I was capable of doing, was a battle of really knowing and believing that I could make my dreams (that didnt seem real) come true. That it was going to take courage, heart, people telling me I couldnt, and determination.
be Lovely is born. :) This idea was a dream of mine for 3 years. And I am finally now doing something about it. It was a lot of growth in my life. I know now that I wouldnt have been able to do it 3 years ago. The timing has been for a reason, preparing me for the good and the hard that come with creating and having your own business. If you know me, you know I HATE numbers. I'm all heart and no business, and that can be hard when you are trying to run your own business. As some of my business minded friends know. :) So a key thing for me has been listening and learning from people that have the strengths that I do not have. And so, be Lovely will survive because of the heart and the business.
Now, be Lovely is not only a way of life but a makeup line. And its coming soon! A few more details before the purchasing begins but....website is up, product has been ordered and arrived, people are aware, and now let the fun begin!
https://www.facebook.com/belovelymakeup
belovely.com
https://twitter.com/#!/belovelymakeup
On Friday be Lovely makeup was delivered! I cant believe it is already here. The work, dedication, passion and follow through have paid off. My passion for hurting people is a fire that has lived in me for a long time. Once I became apart of the stories is when my passion went to the next level....of no escape. Nothing at that point could stop me from surrounding myself with men, women and children that were hurting...especially because of some sort of sexual slavery.
There was a point in my journey that I knew for me, it was not enough to just know and be sad about it. You know its a passion when you talk about it and tears well up in your eyes because of how much it fires you up. Everyone has a passion....it doesnt matter what it is, if it is YOUR passion. Its something no one can take from you. Something that you would live and die for. If you dont think you have one....you do. Finding it can be a journey. But once you know.....you know.
There have been moments in my journey that have been hard. Times when I thought the emotions were too much or the effort that I gave forth was too hard. Not giving up became a fight. Knowing that if this was truly my passion that I would be changed because of it. I had moments when I wasnt physically doing something about this fight against sex trafficking, hurting people, and broken hearts...and that bothered me. Learning what I was capable of doing, was a battle of really knowing and believing that I could make my dreams (that didnt seem real) come true. That it was going to take courage, heart, people telling me I couldnt, and determination.
be Lovely is born. :) This idea was a dream of mine for 3 years. And I am finally now doing something about it. It was a lot of growth in my life. I know now that I wouldnt have been able to do it 3 years ago. The timing has been for a reason, preparing me for the good and the hard that come with creating and having your own business. If you know me, you know I HATE numbers. I'm all heart and no business, and that can be hard when you are trying to run your own business. As some of my business minded friends know. :) So a key thing for me has been listening and learning from people that have the strengths that I do not have. And so, be Lovely will survive because of the heart and the business.
Now, be Lovely is not only a way of life but a makeup line. And its coming soon! A few more details before the purchasing begins but....website is up, product has been ordered and arrived, people are aware, and now let the fun begin!
https://www.facebook.com/belovelymakeup
belovely.com
https://twitter.com/#!/belovelymakeup
Thursday, February 23, 2012
#13...
The Twin Cities is the 13th most heavily trafficked metropolitan area in the US...
When I have had the opportunity to talk about human trafficking to people here in Minnesota, they have been shocked. So if you didnt know that human trafficking was such a big issue here in the twin cities, its ok, you are not alone. BUT, now you know, which means....now you have no excuses! :) Its common to think that slavery/human trafficking only happens over seas or with women and girls that have been brought here from somewhere far away. While that is true, there is more to that story. Women and girls are being kidnapped and coerced into sex trade right here in Minnesota. The reality of it all is heartbreaking. This is affecting your community here in the city, suburbs and surrounding towns. It is not just the poverty stricken neighborhoods...it is infesting our state from the poor to the rich, from the city to the suburbs. I hope that knowing that reality, not only makes you sad, but fires you up to do something about it yourself.
Watch this story on Duluth, Minnesota.
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/05/05/sex-trafficking-on-the-north-shore/
Yes, what i have written about, is about Minnesota. But for all of you reading this that dont live here....it happens all over the US. I encourage you to research your own state. Make yourself aware of the effects that it has in your own city. Because its there, and it is very real.
Not For Sale is an organization that has taken action all over the country to stop human trafficking and bring awareness to the issue. This is their facebook page for people here in Minnesota. Check it out!
https://www.facebook.com/NotForSaleMinnesota
When I have had the opportunity to talk about human trafficking to people here in Minnesota, they have been shocked. So if you didnt know that human trafficking was such a big issue here in the twin cities, its ok, you are not alone. BUT, now you know, which means....now you have no excuses! :) Its common to think that slavery/human trafficking only happens over seas or with women and girls that have been brought here from somewhere far away. While that is true, there is more to that story. Women and girls are being kidnapped and coerced into sex trade right here in Minnesota. The reality of it all is heartbreaking. This is affecting your community here in the city, suburbs and surrounding towns. It is not just the poverty stricken neighborhoods...it is infesting our state from the poor to the rich, from the city to the suburbs. I hope that knowing that reality, not only makes you sad, but fires you up to do something about it yourself.
Watch this story on Duluth, Minnesota.
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2011/05/05/sex-trafficking-on-the-north-shore/
Yes, what i have written about, is about Minnesota. But for all of you reading this that dont live here....it happens all over the US. I encourage you to research your own state. Make yourself aware of the effects that it has in your own city. Because its there, and it is very real.
Not For Sale is an organization that has taken action all over the country to stop human trafficking and bring awareness to the issue. This is their facebook page for people here in Minnesota. Check it out!
https://www.facebook.com/NotForSaleMinnesota
Friday, February 17, 2012
Chocolate, Coffee, Cotton....
I was just in New York this last week and was able to stay right by time square where everything is happenin. When I was there, it really made me think even more about how much we all consume. Whether it be food, clothing, or coffee. If you want something, its pretty accessible. That being said, it is nearly impossible to make sure all the products you are buying are slave free...sad, but true. BUT there are ways to be more conscious of what you are buying and how it was produced. There are brands out there that are dedicated to supplying quality products that are supporting the people that make them.
The three biggest contributors to human trafficking as a working slave are the three C's...
Cotton
Coffee
Chocolate
I dont know about you but these are the three things that i consume the most. Again, I am not saying that everything that I have ever bought is slave free. There is no way of really making sure because of the world we live in and that human trafficking is so hidden. But I am dedicated in making myself aware of the things that I buy.
What to look for...
Fair trade. Again, it is not a guarantee that things that have this symbol are fully legit. But it is a higher possibility that they do not use slaves in the making of this product. This symbol appears in non specialty stores like target, on coffee and chocolate.
Now, a big thing that is coming out is "Slave-Free". This isnt as common to find but when you are in a store or purchasing a coffee it is always a good thing to ask if their product is slave free. It gets a little deeper into the production even more than fair trade.
Not For Sale has made an app for iphones and androids that you can use to scan products and learn about what you are buying. It also gives a grade on if the product is legit. download it!
http://www.free2work.org/
We cant be perfect, but we can sure try...
The three biggest contributors to human trafficking as a working slave are the three C's...
Cotton
Coffee
Chocolate
I dont know about you but these are the three things that i consume the most. Again, I am not saying that everything that I have ever bought is slave free. There is no way of really making sure because of the world we live in and that human trafficking is so hidden. But I am dedicated in making myself aware of the things that I buy.
What to look for...
Fair trade. Again, it is not a guarantee that things that have this symbol are fully legit. But it is a higher possibility that they do not use slaves in the making of this product. This symbol appears in non specialty stores like target, on coffee and chocolate.
Now, a big thing that is coming out is "Slave-Free". This isnt as common to find but when you are in a store or purchasing a coffee it is always a good thing to ask if their product is slave free. It gets a little deeper into the production even more than fair trade.
Not For Sale has made an app for iphones and androids that you can use to scan products and learn about what you are buying. It also gives a grade on if the product is legit. download it!
http://www.free2work.org/
We cant be perfect, but we can sure try...
Friday, February 10, 2012
Why be Lovely?
be Lovely Mission Statement: To provide each client with high quality makeup while affirming the beauty of the human soul and helping support individuals and organizations working to fight social injustices.
For 3 years I have had the dream to create a makeup line of my own and give some of the profits to support an organization involved with the prevention of human trafficking. For some reason, about a month ago I was finally ready to make this happen. A friend came to me and wanted to help so I jumped on the opportunity and here I am.
As I have shared in previous posts, makeup was not my thing. I didnt really wear it much or care too much about finding the next best color or product. But when I started to work with women in the sex industry I realized that makeup was a thing that all of them had in common. From porn stars, to strippers, to prostitutes, to moms, to your every day girl...most women will wear some type of makeup. When I saw this opportunity I knew it was something that would bring me to relationships that I otherwise my not have. So, while I lived in Vegas I decided to take a few weeks to go to LA and learn this trade. By the end of those few weeks I left as a certified makeup artist. Now what??
Then came the most rewarding time of my life. Myself, along with my friend who did hair, found ourselves using our gifts and now passion to connect with women in brothels, strip clubs and porn conventions. I met some amazing people. Being a makeup artist is an in-your-face kind of job. The client and the artist cant really escape from each other :) Conversation came naturally. To be able to build a relationship in this way was incredible. Whenever we would go to the brothel we did it just for fun. They would always ask us why we were doing it. Our response was always "why not?" We were able to share why we cared about them and told them how much they were worth. Leaving those situations taught us all things. They were always asking when we were coming back. I will never forget the faces and hearts of those women.
As I continued to do makeup, my passion for hurting people because of this destructive business would not leave me. I combined both my passion for makeup and hurting people and created be Lovely. So...it begins.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Be-Lovely/342229445802346?sk=wall
Website: belovely.com
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Its personal...
According to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, sex
trafficking is "the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision,
or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act."
It all began here for me..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqyLRpGgxRs
Constance became apart of me and what I wanted to fight for. Constance started off as a video and soon became actual faces to me. i was struck at the connection between sex trafficking and pornography. i had been affected by pornography earlier in life with people that were close to me. it was pain that i new i wanted healed, and my way was to help others that had also been hurt.
so for a year of my life i met these faces. from brothels to porn conventions to strip clubs. Constance was all over. I am not saying that all of these women have been forced into the industry but a lot of them have. the girls in videos are real people, with real families and real hearts. seeing the brokenness in flesh makes that very real.
i know that this is controversial subject....pornography. but in my mind its simple. when someone looks at porn on the internet, they dont know where or who these people are. are they from the states? Thailand? the Philippines? are they 12? 17? 25? How did they get there? where they forced? beaten? coerced? are these questions people ask when they are wanting to satisfy a so called "need"? sadly, they dont. i believe that if people knew the connection between the two, some people may change their mind the next time they "need to satisfy that need". some may not care at all, but for those of you who do...i encourage you to think about that the next time you sit down at your computer.
porn is also a real addiction and i know that. ive seen it. that side of the story is also sad. there are ways to get help just like every other addiction. if you desire that help here is a resource for you...
xxxchurch.com you're not alone in that.
all that to say, it is my passion in life to help people face these issues, and face them myself. these are ugly things with real people involved. i have a tattoo of a bar code on my wrist with the numbers spelling "constance" to continually remind me that there are people like Constance all over my city and the rest of the world. the people that i have been able to share this with has been amazing. i continue the fight and to know that if even one person is changed, i am reaching that goal. so to that, i hope that thoughts of concern and urgency have been planted.
It all began here for me..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqyLRpGgxRs
Constance became apart of me and what I wanted to fight for. Constance started off as a video and soon became actual faces to me. i was struck at the connection between sex trafficking and pornography. i had been affected by pornography earlier in life with people that were close to me. it was pain that i new i wanted healed, and my way was to help others that had also been hurt.
so for a year of my life i met these faces. from brothels to porn conventions to strip clubs. Constance was all over. I am not saying that all of these women have been forced into the industry but a lot of them have. the girls in videos are real people, with real families and real hearts. seeing the brokenness in flesh makes that very real.
i know that this is controversial subject....pornography. but in my mind its simple. when someone looks at porn on the internet, they dont know where or who these people are. are they from the states? Thailand? the Philippines? are they 12? 17? 25? How did they get there? where they forced? beaten? coerced? are these questions people ask when they are wanting to satisfy a so called "need"? sadly, they dont. i believe that if people knew the connection between the two, some people may change their mind the next time they "need to satisfy that need". some may not care at all, but for those of you who do...i encourage you to think about that the next time you sit down at your computer.
porn is also a real addiction and i know that. ive seen it. that side of the story is also sad. there are ways to get help just like every other addiction. if you desire that help here is a resource for you...
xxxchurch.com you're not alone in that.
all that to say, it is my passion in life to help people face these issues, and face them myself. these are ugly things with real people involved. i have a tattoo of a bar code on my wrist with the numbers spelling "constance" to continually remind me that there are people like Constance all over my city and the rest of the world. the people that i have been able to share this with has been amazing. i continue the fight and to know that if even one person is changed, i am reaching that goal. so to that, i hope that thoughts of concern and urgency have been planted.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Responsible...
i've been asked, "what can i do about this?". first of all...that makes me happy. if one more person is aware and chooses to take action...thats what its all about!
for me, its a constant roller coaster of emotions. one day i'm super pissed that it happens and i feel hopeless. another day i'm so amped that i want to go in and get people out myself. but, every day i have to remind myself that there are people doing things and i have to stay focused and continue to do my part. whether anti human trafficking is a passion of yours or not....it is the human race, and we are responsible.
"Because slavery is a hidden crime, the greatest challenge is to raise consciousness, to expose it in all its forms. When Americans feel it in their gut, they will understand that ending this crime so monstrous is not a political issue; it is an American imperative, and a human responsibility. This is why there are still modern-day abolitionists. And this is why the rest of us should join them."
-Richard Holbrooke (excerpt from the forward in A Crime So Monstrous)
Taking Action
1. Dont be ignorant. Research Human Trafficking...where it is, what it means, why it happens. (chances are you'll learn something).
2. After you learn about it, its time to do something about it. Organizations such as Not For Sale, Polaris Project, and International Justice Mission are a few. (Breaking Free- Minnesota Local). They need our help. You can host events, give financially, buy products, and more.
3. Tell others about it. A lot of people dont know what human trafficking is or that it happens HERE, where you live!
ok, so this is a start. i get that not everyone is going to be as passionate as i am about this. everyone has their thing. but there are choices to be made with this information....and that is up to you.
Staying ignorant, shouldnt be one of them....
you may be saying "wow, she is laying the guilt heavy!" well, you'd be right. we (including myself) should feel a responsibility. we are talking about modern day slavery, something we thought we got rid of a long time ago. it is all ages, all races. that is a problem.
there is hope, and i'm determined to fight for that.
websites:
polarisproject.org
notforsalecampaign.org
ijm.org
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Sometimes we need facts....
at times we need stories. today i give facts.
there are so many times that we take sad, horrifying or mind blowing facts and push them aside because it "doesnt affect us". i refuse to be one of those people in the matter of prostitution and human trafficking. our worlds are small unless we allow ourselves to be taught and take action.
living in Minnesota, its easy to be caught in a bubble. (i'm sure its not just in minnesota). Minnesota nice. yes, people here are nice but it also means "lets be nice and ignore the reality of the world we live in, cause..."i'm comfortable" or "i dont want to deal with it"". bad things happen. but we have a choice. we can just be sad about it...or, we can do something about it. every day you have choices. choices to get up in the morning, choices to be angry or not be angry at someone that has hurt you, to love when it seems impossible, to make the most of our day because it has been given to us. i've realized that the things in life that seem so big in my small world have now become small in my big world. i'm not saying that we cant be angry or hurt when someone has wronged us, but what are we choosing to do with that anger. feel sorry for ourselves and hold onto anger? forgive and move forward? its a choice. its always a choice.
that being said, on a daily basis i strive to be the latter. its hard. i fail sometimes, but i am constantly reminded of a bigger picture. its a waste of my life to hold onto anger. i strive to put my energy to things that matter and are of love.
Slavery is bigger now than it has EVER been.
Human Trafficking and Prostitution Internationally- Only the Beginning
-it is estimated that 700,000 to 4 million women and children are trafficked around the world
for purposes of forced prostitution, labor and other forms of
exploitation every year.
-Trafficking is estimated to be a $7 billion dollar annual business.
-Nearly every country is involved in the web of trafficking activities, either as a country of origin, destination or transit.
-Over 5,000 women and children have been trafficked from the Philippines,
Russia and Eastern Europe and are forced into prostitution in bars
servicing the U.S. Military in South Korea
-The average age of a girl’s entry into prostitution/sex trafficking is 12 to 14 years old.
-Human trafficking includes both sex trafficking and labor trafficking and is the second largest – and fastest growing – criminal industry in the world.
Human Trafficking and Prostitution in Minnesota
-According to one service provider, 8,000 to 12,000 people are estimated to be involved in prostitution/sex trafficking in Minnesota every day.
-In a North Minneapolis research project on prostitution/sex trafficking, 56% of people involved had their first experience in prostitution/sex trafficking as a juvenile (under age 18)
-Minnesota is known to some as "the factory" for the number of prostitutes it produces
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)