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Yes, I love the Disney Channel. Everyone at the office thinks I'm a nerd, but the kids know I'm cool because of it! Anyways, talent scouts responsible for discovering kids from shows like Hannah Montana and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody are in town and holding auditions this weekend. Check out a few of the headshots in a hurry that I took of Cole and Olivia... hopefully the next big Disney Channel Stars!
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Headshots in a Hurry
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President Obama recently took a trip to one of my favorite places in the world... Ghana. While there, he visited one of my least favorite... Elmina Castle, an old trading post known for being the last part of Africa a slave would ever see. To say this place is eerie doesn't begin to describe it. Gut wrenching and horrifying are better, but still don't do it justice... as in currently, years after the imprisonment has ended, the coloration and stench cannot be removed from the slave dungeon walls, serving as a constant reminder to all who visit of the torment that occurred there. Unfortunately, as Obama said in his CNN interview with Anderson Cooper at Elmina Castle, "the capacity for cruelty still exists". Even in Ghana with an epic reminder of this cruelty erected for the world to see, slavery still exists.
At this point you're probably thinking, "ok, thanks for the update and history lesson Debbie Downer, but I thought this was the HOPE section... and by the way what's with the random picture of kids? and what do they have to do with anything?" Well, since you are so antsy... The 7 kids pictured, (left to right) John, Richard, Kofi, Kojo, Mark, Hagar, and Sarah, have emblazoned an all too realistic picture of slavery in my head and ignited a burning passion in my heart. All of these children were rescued from slavery by God through a woman named Pam Cope (Director of the Touch a Life Foundation), who is currently teaching me how to daily pursue the hope that slavery will end. Check back often for more on these kids and the daily pursuit.
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President Obama in Ghana
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On my drive to Austin I came across a brilliant song... By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North. Chill out for a few minutes and listen to the lyrics.
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Song of the Day
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Meet Tommy Drinnen. I did on my first trip to Ghana, and my life has been forever changed.
If this man doesn't inspire you, I honestly don't know who will. Since 2005, he has been a missionary on staff at the Village of Hope. However, as plans for a university there in Ghana were made, a problem arose...In order to accredit a university, there must be at least 2 teachers with Ph.D.s. Sacrificing, hard worker that he is, Tommy rose to the challenge and has been studying diligently at Pepperdine University, in order to get his doctorate this past year. He is currently on holiday from school, and back in Ghana serving and teaching. In his most recent newsletter that he writes, I was completely humbled as I apparently continuously have to be reminded just how blessed I am...
He wrote:
"I think we in America lose out because we never get to weep for joy when a basic need is met. We never have to experience the humility of begging for the things that will keep us alive or give us a chance. Those things just come in abundance. I'm sorry if I offend anyone but when mothers fall at your feet in gratitude for medicine to keep their children alive or to give the most basic of education to their children, one finds it hard to be overly impressed with the concept of "recession" as it is defined by an American economy."
Sylvia:
Go Rach! Great beginning!!
(07.10.09)
Leesa:
I found your site on Extraordinary Events and just started browsing around. All the way in Beverly Hills, because of modern technology I found this blog I enjoyed reading. Thank you Rachael & Tom.
(07.21.09)
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To anyone who knows me, it wont be a shock to find that the Village of Hope is included in my first "hope" entry, as it is one of the places I find myself dreaming of and praying for daily. Located in Ghana, West Africa the VoH currently consists of an orphanage, primary and secondary schools (that is K-9), a clinic, and both a street children and vocational training program. The Village now educates over 600 students and is home to over 200 orphans. Needless to say, every time I visit I come home inspired. I absolutely love the kids there and know that they are destined to do incredible things. Check back regularly for new stories of the children of the Village of Hope.
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Village of Hope
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