Day 306: Cape Town Area Highlights
In the midst of working alongside Lorna and Marty (When People Make a Difference), we were also able to spend our free time exploring the beauty of Cape Town, the beaches, and a few gorgeous wineries. Here are a few photos from the beauty we experienced: Boulder’s Beach: This area is gorgeous, with green/blue waters and tall mountainous backdrops. Boulder’s Beach inherited its name because of the enormous granite boulders you’ll find on the sheltered beach areas. It is also one of only two areas off the coast of Cape Town where you can stop… Read More
Day 302: When People Make a Difference
A few weeks ago, you may have read my post about ZOE International and making a difference in the lives of others, one hurting soul at a time. If not, see ZOE and Sex Trafficking. More recently, we were in Cape Town, South Africa and had the honor of meeting Lorna and Reinaldo, as well as Marty, three wonderful people who are working hard to make a real difference in and around the slum areas of Cape Town. They graciously met with us and from day one, were investing their time and energy… Read More
Day 300: South African Penguins
South Africa is stunningly beautiful for many different reasons. We were very excited about finally visiting the destination we have sold to our clients for the past few years. For some reason, though, the thought of seeing penguins in the wild really excited me and I could hardly wait to visit both Betty’s Bay and Boulders Beach, two of the only places that penguins breed. Here are a few shots from our time with them. Make sure to visit our “Quick Tips” below. Quick Tips: 1. Boulders Beach, located just 45 minutes… Read More
Day 299: Ancient Egypt and the Pyramids
Egypt! It’s been a dream of mine for years. I can’t explain exactly why, but ever since I began homeschooling Mikayla and Ryan in first grade, and teaching them about ancient civilizations and the Egyptians, my desire to visit the Pyramids of Giza was ignited and has grown ever since. I’m not the only one. All of the kids seemed to have this destination at the top of their list of places to go and things to do when we discussed potential itineraries. Ancient civilizations fascinate them as well. At the very start,… Read More
Day 292: Bangkok Photoblog
Bangkok is a city of contrasts, the old mixed in with the new, and the cheap and inexpensive found just outside the pricier venues. Temples and shrines are interspersed with tall, modern skyscrapers, and there are colors and people everywhere. I didn’t expect to love Bangkok as much as I did. We spent about a week exploring the streets, shops, temples, and markets of this beautiful city and I still feel like I barely scratched the surface! Some of the highlights? Below is just a small snapshot of the things we saw and… Read More
Day 290: House of Blessing and House of Love
The House of Love is a home for women and children who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. This includes women who have been sold into prostitution, AIDS orphans, and children taken out of their homes because of abuse. Many of the residents at House of Love do not have Thai citizenship, which also means they have few rights in Thailand. House of Love began 16 years ago as a refuge to approximately one hundred displaced women and children, most of whom have been affected by HIV/AIDS, and many of whom had been… Read More
Day 288: Zoe and Sex Trafficking
This is my second post on victims of trafficking. By now you may have guessed that these men, women, and children have a special place in our hearts. The brutality they’ve had to endure, and the deep wounds their abuse has caused remains heavy on our hearts. Our journey to Thailand was much anticipated. Yes, there are gorgeous beaches, so beautiful that Leonardo Dicaprio starred in a movie set on one of them (The Beach). And the food is outstanding, with fragrant spices, savory meats, rich soups, and a variety of noodles to accompany them. But… Read More
Day 286: Destiny: Hope for Victims of Trafficking
I got brave and had my first haircut on the road since leaving Chicago almost exactly nine months ago. It happened in Chiang Rai, a beautiful city in Northern Thailand, close to the borders of Laos and Myanmar (the Golden Triangle). Was I nervous that my hair dresser could not speak one word of English? Well…maybe a little. Did I feel any anxiety that one of the two ladies working on my hair was in training and a bit unsure of what to do. Yes! But it all turned out well in the… Read More
Day 278: Elephant Nature Park
Our experience at Elephant Nature Park was also really nice, but a lot less hands on. Most of the elephants here have a history of abuse, exploitations, and neglect. It was sad to see the many injuries and even blindness caused by man, but it was also encouraging to know that there are people who care enough to help make it right. At Elephant Nature Park, you will not ride the elephants, but you will learn about them, feed them, and watch a video that teaches you about the abuse they experience… Read More
Day 275: Playing with Elephants – Patara
I never knew how much I would love elephants until Ryan and I went on safari in East Africa about two years ago. It was there that I discovered how special they were. They are powerful yet gentle, large, loving, and protective. Just watch them when they think their babies are being threatened and you’ll see what I mean! Babies: We met two newborns, just a few months old. The male was quite aggressive while the female was docile and sweet. It was amazing to see the difference in their personalities at… Read More
Deena Gainor
Six Hearts One Journey 
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