If you'd had a peek inside my day yesterday, you would have seen:
- a happy mama wandering around the big city while her husband worked all day
- a lady reading a new novel on my kindle in Bryant Park (Jody's latest book actually centers around the theme of trafficking)
- this library lover experiencing the NYC public library for the first time, and enjoying some quiet work time (& free wifi) there
- a mama catching up with friends from the Love146 team and getting ready to celebrate the work we've all been a part of for so long
- a lady wearing the most uncomfortable shoes ever purchased on the planet (seriously, ya'll) for three hours of the event, then gratefully sneaking upstairs to put on my others!!
- my visionary husband rocking it out with a speech about the next 10 years of Love146 and all that can be done to abolish child slavery
- surprise guest former President Bill Clinton showing up, shaking my husband's hand on stage, and giving a moving endorsement of the work we do and its importance in the world
I'll leave you with this poem from the evening by spoken word artist Tarishi - it's well worth three minutes of your time: (If you're reading this in an email, you'll need to click through to watch.)
You can still donate in honor of the evening if you feel led to do so: www.bit.ly/loveprotects
"I wanted to die. I thought that my life
had no more meaning. But God was still good because he used
people to bring hope again. Despite my hardships and
bitterness, there was a greater lesson: When Love146 came into my life, I experienced
hope, love and worth.
Now I stand before you like a flower that is
fragrant and brilliant, because of your support. Now little by little
I'm achieving my dreams. Thank you very much for all your
kindness."
~ A survivor from one of our safehomes in the Philippines bravely shared her story on stage last night
