Putting Things in Order (Part Two)
Life is moving so fast over here, I can hardly breathe. I feel like I’ve been put on a wild adventure and am doing my best to hold on for the ride. In matters of housekeeping, here are a few matters worth noting!
The Little House That Love Built. Many of you have followed the story of Esteria–Odette’s mom–and contributed this winter to the building of a brand new house for her, after the rains destroyed hers last year. I am so relieved and happy to tell you that workers are doing the finishing work on the house right now and that Esteria WILL BE MOVING IN NEXT WEEK! The war in the Congo seriously impacted this project as the price and availablity of lumber skyrocketed, but with your help we did it, and I am making plans to go to Rwanda to see this dream come true at the end of the month.
Odette’s girls. I keep thinking I’ll be able to write any day now and say, “They’re coming! They’re coming!” but that isn’t the case quite yet. What is happening is we are finally making concrete progress in bringing them here and are in the stage of the game now where the finish line is in serious sight. Part of the reason for my trip this month is to carry important documents that will hopefully enable the girls to travel in the near future. I won’t be able to bring many things on this trip, but I will carry cash for Odette’s extended family. This cash will help them solve problems related to health, nutrition, farming, education and transportation. If you would like to make a contribution, 100% of the money I collect will go directly to the family, including the girls. Donate here.
Odette’s HopeFULL dinners and more. Odette has work documents now, is working as a cook in a sandwich/coffee shop and just moved in to her very first home after a life time of either being a refugee, homeless or living with people who were strangers first and then friends. To say she is ecstatic about this would be an understatement! Odette’s also been offering African cooking classes and together we’ve been hosting dinners in people’s homes where Odette cooks an African feast and then we tell the whole story of how we met. The dinners have been very inspiring for people, and Odette & I are learning lots about how to tell our story and connect with a wide range of people. If you live in the DC area and would like to host, I can send you info.
Picture Hope. In case you were wondering what the scoop is with Picture Hope, I’m in the process of finalizing paperwork with Lenovo/Microsoft so we can start booking tickets. The whole Name Your Dream Assignment Team has been fantastic and so, so supportive, and we’ve been delighted at how much freedom Lenovo/Microsoft are giving us to really do this trip in a way that makes sense for us and the project. Our first big trip is in August where we’ll go to Rwanda and Tanzania, followed by a trip to Bolivia and Peru in the fall. We’re looking at stories in Turkey, Israel and Palestine for late winter and will finish up with an Asia trip (Nepal, Tibet, Indonesia and Philippines are on the list right now). The entire $50,000 will go towards financing these trips, so we are partnering with Epic Change (a truly wonderful non-profit) to offer ways for readers to give directly to the people whose stories we tell, so that our impact is immediate and effective. My art & storytelling will play a big part in this new kind of activism, I hope.
New Site and Three-Day-Only Art Sale. This blog is going through a major makeover. On the flip side, I’m hoping to make more space to tell stories I haven’t been able to share in this space as it is right now. With all the changes on the horizon, I’m excited, scared, anxious, hopeful, happy and freaking out all at the same time. I’ve missed this space and the kindness of friends who will comment during the last few months, but I think the hibernating has been good. To celebrate this transition and this new beginning, I’m having a three day only art sale next week with originals and some prints for sale for a limited time. I have a trusty assistant in the amazing Rachael Maddox which is the only way something like this could be possible for me. Follow me on twitter for the latest details.
Phew! That’s a lot. I’d love to hear totally random comments below–like what movie you saw last week, what you ate for breakfast or what you’re dreaming of these days. I’ve missed you.
June 17th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Boy do you inspire me!!!
That photo trip sounds amazing. And I may contact you soon about hosting a dinner.
June 17th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
so glad your back..the quiet was a bit long and I a had moments of concern for you even though i trusted nothing serious was going on: )
this week…
got approval to rent a dream cottage
got into my TAFE course
and sold the first ever print of my art
im finally where the universe wants me and wide eyed at the same time : )
June 17th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
You are so inspiring, Jen. I’m so proud of you and the journey you’ve been on. Can’t wait to see what’s next—no doubts it’ll be incredible.
June 17th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Jen,
I’ve missed your blogging and was slow to catch on and start following the shutter sisters blog!
I’ve spent a lot of time in Nepal (my husband is Tibetan/we met in Nepal) and we’ve been fundraising over the years for Maiti Nepal - and organization that works to stop the trafficking of Nepali girls into Indian brothels among other amazing things. I would really love to connect you with them as well as the school I worked for there for that leg of your journey. If I can help in any way, please call on me (I can, at the very least, organize tea and a friendly face to help you there in the way - my sister in law in Kathmandu!)
I am thrilled to watch the unfolding of this adventure.
Warmly,
Alyssa
June 17th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Hi Jen
I couldn’t resist when I saw you asking for random comments
Okay, I had muesli and yoghurt for breakfast, can’t remember the last movie I saw BUT have reserved “He’s just not that into you” on DVD for this coming weekend
and am dreaming of holding my babies in my arms in exactly 7 weeks’ time!
June 17th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
buying a house, the first since we gave ours away to go into ministry. this is redemption for us. and i hear/feel odette’s joy. tears of joy for her!
so excited that things are coming together for Picture Hope, if you need a short fill-in trip I have a story here in New Brunswick that I think you might like. She’s a swearing angle of an old lady that has fed 5 generations of families in poverty in Saint John - I’ve only met her once, but she is the epitome of hope in a very dark place.
June 17th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Please post the link to your sale here, too - I don’t have Twitter but would love to have a chance to purchase some art!
June 17th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
teehee…first time mom and my little boy has a nappy rash..and guess what i learned…the best thing working currently is castor oil mixed with zinc ointment…teehee!
big hug..embracing the truth you live in! xx
June 17th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
You are the best! I’d love to contribute to Odette’s family but there’s something wrong with the donate button… it says I don’t have Flash. Can I paypal you?
June 17th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
So lovely to read your update and see that the house is nearly finished ! Look forward to hearing the stories you’ll be telling over then next year. Good luck and best wishes,
Rhiannon x
Random thing - I’m dreaming of washing my cares away in the baths of Budapest next week
June 17th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
I had eggs for breakfast. nk
June 17th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Thanks for all the updates! Random comment: I received my first Spoonflower fabric sample in the mail today, and it’s great. It’s based on a sketch I did of my cat a couple years ago. We had to put him down last month, so it’s a little sad and tender to see my sketch again. But I will order a whole yard of this fabric, and make it into a throw pillow and other things, and I will smile with my fond memories of this friend.
June 17th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
So glad to see you back! Randomly, I am on summer vacation from my teaching job, and so happy to have TIME.
June 17th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Hello Jen!
Random comment: we are almost out of clean spoons.
Life is as it should be. Always glad to see how far you’ve come and what’s been happening where you are.
June 17th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
What a journey you’ve been on this past year! What a journey you’ll be on this coming year! Oh my, I can completely understand the level of overwhelm and excitement and yes, fear too.
I love how you’ve trusted your heart to lead you step by step and your leaps of trust have been such an inspiration. I think of you whenever I feel the need to step out of my own comfort zone. Sending my love to you, to Odette and to her family.
(I’m off to make a donation.) Blessings, Kate I.
June 17th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Hi Jen,
I had biscuits for breakfast and randomly, I am fixing to go hang up laundry. There’s a nice Southern turn-of-phrase for you. I am dreaming of your new site and getting to read all of your wonderful stories. And, I am dreaming of going to Africa one day, too.
June 17th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Thanks for the permission to comment without having anything outrageously wise or delightfully pithy to say. I follow your blog, I’m so excited by the whole Picture Hope thing and still think that your piece of writing on the Queen of Hearts (which I originally read years ago on Maggi Dawn’s blog… and is how I even know you exist) is probably the most beautiful piece of prose I’ve ever read…
Oh, and I’m drinking a cappucino and listening to The Weepies…
June 17th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
This week’s random happenings:
*Saw the first firefly of the season
*Rode out the first big thunderstorm of the season
*Preparing to attend my first on-campus residency for my MFA in writing program
*Ate pistachio gelato late at night
*Redesigning my website
And so happy to hear what you’re up to! All I can say on you behalf is “Phew, indeed!”
June 17th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
missed you too! gosh if you mean the first thing I put in my mouth this morning - sports beans after my run and ea sports and then off for a walk. then I ate blackberries and an orange (yum!) with a yummy muffin. thank goodness for a good start because the next food I ate was not until about 2 pm. I am so excited to hear all about your adventures and the people that you will meet along the way. be safe. ciao!
June 18th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Aww jeez! I love your blog.
hm… well, for breakfast I had a pb&j sandwich that was pretty darn great.lol
June 18th, 2009 at 1:46 am
I ate countless powdered sugar doughnuts Wed. night and finished them off for breakfast (I know, I know …). Zero sleep last night. Red eyes at the office all day. In the trenches of ‘otherhood. Broke down in tears in the hallway after work, said a desperate prayer, and got back up. Packaging a bunch of necklaces I made, to be mailed tomorrow. Really random: I’m wearing outrageous purple reading glasses right now. Wal-greens. Looking spectacular & so smart.
So thrilled about your updates. Awesome!
June 18th, 2009 at 2:45 am
I’ve had a few bad days here with a beach accident and death (just this morning) in my new family so my breakfast and all other meals have involved massive amounts of sugar and coffee.
It’s lovely to see you back and to have your updates….looking forward to more.
June 18th, 2009 at 3:09 am
I’m currently cooking for a team of drillers in the middle of Central Otago. My kitchen is a converted railway carriage, and I cooked a batch of scones, two bacon and egg pies and a huge thing of pumpkin soup before the snow melted off the ground this morning.
My breakfast was toast, marmalade and a cup of tea, eaten whlist kneading those scones.
June 18th, 2009 at 11:22 am
i just ate a delicious sprinkled doughnut… wonder where i got it from? hehe
you’re doing a great job keeping up w/everything! <3
June 18th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Welcome back, I’ve really missed your blogging. You’re such an inspiration.
Lucky Odette, I can imagine how happy she is. I’ve never had my own place.
Random things - bought myself a professional printer this week
Started my own blog (squirm).
Had cappucino & blueberry muffin at a bookstore today.
E
June 18th, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Oh, it’s so WONDERFUL to hear from you! What a breath of fresh air and inspiration for my day.
Tears came to my eyes as I read your post. I’m shaking my head with my hand over my mouth in astonishment at the amazing things life is bringing your way. I’m soooo happy for you (and is it okay to say ‘proud’, too?)!
You (and your glorious tribe) are a beacon of light for those of us still struggling to emerge from the fog of darkness that is preventing us from knowing (let alone following) our heart’s desire.
{{Hugs to you and Odette!}}
June 18th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
if i lived across the street, i would pop over and simply give you a hug. right now. (well, if i lived across the street i am making the assumption that you would know me and not think this is odd, that i suddenly appeared to give you a hug.) i would give you this hug because i am proud of you…proud of you for all of it. even the stuff i do not know that you are doing each and every day on your path.
and a random comment is that i cried my way through the first ten minutes of the movie up and then cried on and off throughout the rest of it. i was deeply moved that someone who made this movie deeply understands grief. i am so thankful for people who get it.
sending hope and blessings…
June 19th, 2009 at 7:53 am
i want to hug this family and, of course, you. i want to help.
together,
wendy
June 19th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Random comment …
I returned home on Tuesday from the most magical 6 day out-of-country trip with the most amazing man I know.
I think I have perma grin.
June 19th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Love your post! Such great news!! Thanks for filling us in. I’m dreaming, dreaming, dreaming…..and loving the new Dave Matthews Band album, Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King.
xoxo, ~ M.
June 19th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Hi Jen! I think I’ve only commented a grand total of two times but I’ve been silently following your amazing journey. I just wanted to say thank you for being such an inspiration. Learning that you just might be in our country (PI) in a few months, I wanted to let you know that if there’s any way I might be of help I would be happy to extend it to you.Best of luck to you, Odette, and her lovely girls!
June 20th, 2009 at 12:09 am
[…] telling stories before their time, I can only say that for very special people in my little tribe marvelous and magical things seem to be coming to fruition after a long dark winter when the dream of them seemed simply […]
June 21st, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I’m totally excited about my new nephew who will be born (by scheduled C) on July 8th. I’ll be taking care of my other nephew, Isaac, while his brother is being brought into the world.
And I’m getting really, really excited about joining Rachelle et al at the west coast soul sisters retreat in later July.
xoxoxo
June 22nd, 2009 at 9:12 am
wow my head is spinning just reading all those wonderful big bold brave things going on in your life. inspiring and scary to say the least. i had coffee for breakfast.
maybe i should have something else…. happy monday to you. best wishes on your travels and hope.
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:12 am
I am so happy for you and all that you have going on!!!! The Picture Hope project is INCREDIBLE!!!! You are going to change so many lives. You are one beautiful human being!!!! And what random things are happening here? We’re weathering the 5,000th rainy day and I’m entertaining getting in a car and driving anywhere I can find a full day of sunshine. Otherwise, I have a peaceful, quiet house right now and I’m loving that. xoxo
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Hmmmmmnnnn…just this morning I needed some extra motivation and love so I pulled out a paper copy of a wonderful response I got from Jen Lemen a while ago. You are inspiring.
xoxo
P.S. You were right…”yes, I can”…
June 24th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Jen, with life moving so quickly, what are the chances we could coordinate on another collaboration to raise money for something related to our friends in Rwanda? Perhaps before your trip in August so you could bring the money with you? Let me know. Susan
June 25th, 2009 at 6:53 am
Wow! Wowza! So many awesome things!
I love what you and Odette are doing with the dinners. I wish I could be part of one! And I’m so excited about Picture Hope.
We don’t really know each other, but I’ll still share some random bits:
1. I am growing herbs (basil!, mint, sage, oregano, and lavender) and I just love them. I love looking at them, smelling them, and eating them.
2. I am learning to play the banjo!
June 26th, 2009 at 9:55 am
yeay ! great to see you on the blog ! have a great trip and thanks for all you do. And I love the poster !