I'd like to take this opportunity to cry

That's a line from a song by Priscilla Ahn and whenever I think about the things I'm going to share with you, it always comes to mind.

I generally subscribe to the philosophy of the photographer Rodney Smith who said "I want people to see the beauty and whimsy of life, not its ugliness." Times like this however, I feel that life has ugliness that must be addressed to be overcome.

A few weeks ago, Jeremy and I saw this movie:

I first heard about the issue of human trafficking years ago and felt scared and overwhelmed. My sudden awareness to the depth and breadth of sadness in the world brought me to tears. That's all I knew to do. It seemed too big and too powerful for little me to stop it. My tears, my mourning other people's hardship was the first step in my desire to free them from it. It is too big for just me, but this movie gave me hope that in numbers we can change the world. It was changed dramatically during the abolitionist movement. It's been done before, why not now? This is a 21st Century abolitionist movement. Good is more powerful than evil, light dispels darkness, we have the power, we just have to respond. It is unacceptable to allow these crimes to continue. "Justice is what love looks like in public." These children and young women deserve justice, they deserve love. I intend to fight for them.

"It's come into my life for a reason, I have to respond."

The wheels in my brain haven't stopped turning since I saw the movie. I have a few ideas to pursue and I'll need your help. Until my plans start to materialize, visit the Call + Response website for ways to get involved. Still not feeling your power? Watch this video and listen to the Five For Fighting song beneath it.....everyday......until you believe it.

"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can

change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

-Margaret Mead

A Little Give and Take

Yes, I know this blog is called "A Girl and a Camera" and I haven't posted any of my photos recently. I will consider remedying that situation shortly. For now, a little story from my little life about a little thing called Karma. I live in the city. It's Portland, OR so it's not a large city, but a city nonetheless. This means I am daily approached for "spare change". I have to admit that more often than not, I "have none". Today, a young girl approached me, looked me in the eye and apologetically asked for help. As I have mentioned, I am the leader over the 12-18 year old girls at church and thus have a soft spot for teenagers. I generously shelled out the 63 cents I had in my purse and said I was sorry I didn't have more to give. Fast forward to this evening. My taste buds were all ready to enjoy a mozzarella and tomato panini from Panera Bread. Much to my dismay my debit card was nowhere to be found amongst my purse junk. I had already ordered and could only produce $6.03 in cash when my total was $6.69. Feeling a little sheepish I told the cash register girl to never mind when another Panera employee said "it's on me!" Really? Could it have been the very coins I gave the teenage wanderer just hours ago? I realize this is a very little story with very small repercussions but an interesting study anyhow. Crazy enough, just as I was about to post this blog entry, Jeremy came home telling me to take a look at the below music video. Truly amazing the impact we can have in each other's lives... to the tune of sixty-something cents, or a whole life.