Toto, we are definitely not in Kansas anymore

Mexican cops make me nervous. They make Jordan nervous. They make everyone nervous.


Yesterday, our power went out. Apparently, we never paid the bill that we didn't receive. #Mexico.

So, Jordan went over to a buddies house to use the internet, borrow some pesos, and pay the bill. As a thank you, he brought a bottle of rum with him. Unfortunately, he forgot to put it in a bag and while walking the 4 blocks to his buddies house, was spotted by the Mexican police. Being the quick thinker that he is, he ran into a nearby bathroom of a pub and stored the bottle under the sink. Then ran home to me. I was told to carry a bag, walk down the street, nonchalantly walk into the men's room of the sidewalk bar and retrieve the stashed booze - all without attracting the police's attention.
Thankfully, they were not standing guard outside the bar, and I was able to slip in and grab the booze, only to be called out by a few dumb gringos sitting at the bar, telling me I went into the wrong bathroom. Thank you for your help kind citizen.
Mission accomplished. It only took about an hour for my heart rate to return to normal.

Global Forum and Kru Nam

Last year my brother invited me to hear David Batstone speak at OSU. Dave told the story of Kru Nam, a modern day artist turned abolitionist who is changing the world, one child at a time. Kru Nam's story was the inspiration - not only for the book, Not for Sale, which became an internation grassroots campaign, but for me. I joined Not for Sale after hearing the story of how one woman was choosing to fight injustice in the world. In that one evening, my life was changed. (Thanks Jesse!!!)

6 months later I had the privilege of traveling to Thailand to visit Kru Nam, JK, and the kids at the compound Not for Sale funded. Fortunately, and unfortunately, Kru Nam is rescuing so many kids that they need more houses, an education center, a bigger kitchen, etc.  NFS promised to do everything we could to raise the money as quickly as possible- which, according to the project proposal was $180,000.
Recently, Kru Nam and JK came to California to talk about their project in Thailand, VCDF, and try and raise money for the additional housing project.

Less than 5 days ago I watched with tears streaming down my face as NFS presented JK and Kru Nam a check for $155,000, with an addition $25,000 on the way. $180,000 -the exact amount of money needed to build a home for children rescued from sex trafficking in Northern Thailand.

(I am crying now as I write this!)


There were so many other incredible moments at the Global Forum.
I got to spend a good bit of time with Kru Nam and JK (JK is not only a translater, but the head of project develepment and funding for VCDF - Volunteers for Childrens Development Fund, the ngo that Kru Nam leads in Thailand that NFS helps support).
JK looks alot like Jesse, is from Ohio, has a dry sense of humor, but the biggest heart in the world. Kru Nam is the most compassionate and couragous woman I have ever met. Sidenote,
I don't know why, but Kru Nam and JK call me Shakira :)
It was unbelievable to get to hang out with a woman that I have admired and heard about, a woman whose legacy inspired me to join the abolitionist movement. I was face to face with my personal hero.  She told me that I have so much inner strength - that I must use my inner strength to fight modern day slavery and keep the movement going. We hugged, she cried, I cried.
Yep, pretty much one of the best days on my life!