WHAT A YEAR

Happy New Year To You

Enjoying the simplicity and endless beauty in Iceland- 1 year ago.

Enjoying the simplicity and endless beauty in Iceland- 1 year ago.

Happy New Year To You
This time last year we visited our friend in Iceland and it was magical. There was something so beautiful and simple and you felt it everywhere you went. I came across this photo when I was reflecting back on the year and this moment by the sea but felt like being on the moon, made me smile and made me think.
There are people, places, and moments that touch your heart and stay with you forever. This year was one of those years was it not? In the beginning, we were in awe of what was happening as if it wasn't really happening and then we watched acts of kindness from all over the world. We saw dolphins swimming in the canals of Venice and deer and peacocks roaming around. We saw for the first time in years, clear clean skies and heard sounds we forgot existed.
We watched people lose their lives and some of us lost our loved ones and we learned so much about ourselves and with the people under our roof. Our family had so many silver linings I thank my lucky stars every day. I know this year did not "look like" what is usually on the calendar year, but maybe we needed a year like this to be exposed, to learn the truth about a few things, to watch how we show up daily and how deep-rooted some of our beliefs are. What I know is this, we were all put on this earth with a gift and it's up to us to discover this and to use it. When you find it you share it and you lend a hand to others along the way. I have made the choice to see the world with love, strength, and compassion, and the most important thing I've learned, "remain teachable" if not you will swim upstream and harden as time goes on. For the unknown years, I have left on this planet... I will remain teachable. after all earth is a school and we are the students.
Have a blessed New Year and New Growth
Thank you for reading and for your grateful support. it never goes unnoticed.
Rock On!
#gratefulforyou

"You are beautiful for you are fearfully and wonderfully made."

Psalm 139:14

xo, Janet

GIVING TUESDAY - GIVING BACK - WITH NAM HARRISON

Since it’s Giving Tuesday I’d like you to meet someone super cool, super giving and I’m proud to know him; Nam Harrison. We've known his parents for about 18 years now and when Nam came into their life it sparked a wonderful journey and we all watched a lot of goodness unfold. Nam was adopted at age 1 from a village located outside Hanoi. The Harrison’s endeavor is one of joy and gratitude and Nam's overall gratitude doesn't go unnoticed! Nam is the first to say how “We take a lot of stuff for granted like houses, water, toilet, even a school,” So Nam had an idea. Instead of asking for presents for his 10th birthday, he would ask for donations to help build a playground in Vietnam.

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Nam has awesome memories of playing on a jungle gym and he wants to help build those fun memories and more for other kids. See how Nam’s favorite sandwich shop stepped up.

The founders of Mendocino Farms caught wind about what Nam and his family were planning and decided to jump in. Their chef came up with the idea of a sandwich that gives back and a portion of the proceeds went to Nam’s charity and almost 30,000 sandwiches were sold and $10,000 was donated. With the help of his parents and family friends, Nam and Clara Wilson built a kindergarten in Danang that serves 122 kids every day. Nam visited the school for the first time in August 2017 and was inspired to do more.

Nam harrison

Nam wants to build the young children of the ethnic minority C’Tu tribe a primary school. After visiting the tribe in the Truong Son Mountains, and seeing the shack the kids use for a school, the connection was made, and Nam is unstoppable. “They should have a school too, Mom. Let’s do this!”

Nam had a goal: Build this school as soon as possible so no child has to wait to learn! $43,000 more is needed and with Nam in charge, you can count on his dreams coming true.

So for giving Tuesday, you can help Nam and these global citizens reach their goal and any amount helps! Nam, you’re amazing and for everyone who knows you, we are very proud of you and thank you for sharing your journey with us and of course… thank you to your parents.

Thank you. “Cảm ơn bạn”


 More about the Project

Nam’s summer visit to Truong Son Mountains in Quang Nam Province to visit with the C’tu children, their families, local officials and see their temporary school - Watch Here

nam harrison

Why The C’Tu?

According to UNICEF, a pressing need in Vietnam is to have more children start their education at an early age, however, limited access to quality early childhood education in very remote areas has led to “significant bottlenecks to education outcomes for ethnic minority children.” (UNICEF annual report, 2013) Being behind other children academically adds to the many factors that could lead to dropping out of school and leaving behind the opportunities a good education can provide. Ethnic minority children are particularly at risk and have much to gain from early education:

  • Ethnic minority children make up more than 60% of all poor children.

  • Facing language barriers and long, difficult treks to school, ethnic minority children are 20 – 25% less likely to complete the first five years of primary education than Kinh children.

  • There are high drop-out rates among children from ethnic minorities in remote villages due to:
    (1) high rates of poverty;
    (2) poorly equipped schools in remote areas; and
    (3) lack of information.

We can replace this shack with a real school!
With your help?

nam harrison
nam harrison

#givingtuesday

So for giving Tuesday, you can help Nam and these global citizens reach their goal and any amount helps! Nam, you’re amazing and for everyone who knows you, we are very proud of you and thankful for your parents.

Thank you. “Cảm ơn bạn”

Thank you for reading & happy holidays!

xo,

Janet