Hawaii

Aloha from beautiful Kona Hawaii...  I know it's about time that I write a new post since I have been here a month now.  Maybe the fastest months of my life.  First of all I have to say I love the weather here in paradise, some people are saying it's hot here but honestly after 4 months of winter at 6,500 feet in Montana I think it's great not to wake up freezing cold every night.  I got to catch up with my sister and nephew who live in Hilo, and was treated to a snorkeling trip there.  I had no idea all those amazing coral and fish are right by the shore!  I really felt like I was spying on a secret world that no one else gets the privilege to experience.  Last night I was treated to an amazing Hawaiian luau by my friend Matt who was visit from Montana for the purpose of climbing the volcano!  I'm not sure I've ever seen better dancing in the world, and the Hawaiian method of cooking pork definitely rivals southern pit-cooked pulled pork.  Along with all these amazing experiences, I am working hard in classes also.  We have had some amazing teachers here and are starting to get more technical in our photography skills.

My first week or so here I was introduced to more of what we will be doing in the world and what the organization I will be working with has been doing all over the world.  I have to say my heart was breaking everyday for what is going on in our world and how much God cares for these people and wants to use us to bring hope to them.  In Brazil the leaders of our organization have started a movement in the government to recognize basic human rights of the tribes in the amazon who are on the verge of extinction due partly to infanticide.  Voice for the Voiceless began the Hakani project (www.hakani.org) telling the story of a little girl who survived being buried alive and then left to die outside her village.  There is now a movement in the Brazilian government to protect these children.  I would encourage everyone who reads this to please get involved by visiting the website.  

I also found out where I will be traveling for my outreach!  I originally thought I would be going to central america, but last week we were giving the option to travel to South Africa where "Voice for the Voiceless"  began.  The major movement there is to fight child prostitution, which 40,000 kids a year are forced into.  We are using photography to raise awareness of this, hoping to change those statistics.  There are also other counseling, aid and support programs there in Cape Town that we will be be helping.  We will also be traveling out to different villages, reaching out to orphans and those dying of AIDS and looking for anything else that we can do.  I would encourage everyone to find out about this organization by going to www.avoiceforthevoiceless.co.za

Fundraising is turning out to be a challenge for me, I am still needing about $3,500.  I am also hoping to stay in South Africa past the three months originally planned, so I am looking for monthly support to do that.  Well enough talk, I will put some photos up now as promised!