tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post7478773535412560864..comments2023-10-25T11:22:31.922-04:00Comments on J's Everyday Fashion: Mission Trip to AfricaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-44991677802055387312012-09-11T13:53:22.364-04:002012-09-11T13:53:22.364-04:00Thank you Ally! :-)Thank you Ally! :-)J's Everyday Fashionhttp://www.jseverydayfashion.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-10779948384550298662012-09-11T13:53:05.525-04:002012-09-11T13:53:05.525-04:00Thank you Ari! If you have online giving for your ...Thank you Ari! If you have online giving for your trip, please email me, I'd like to contribute! :-)J's Everyday Fashionhttp://www.jseverydayfashion.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-8584746126278073522012-09-11T13:24:03.532-04:002012-09-11T13:24:03.532-04:00It completely blows my mind how many negative comm...It completely blows my mind how many negative comments there are. You are doing an incredible thing, I too am blessed with an opportunity to serve on a mission trip through my church in Feb (a medical trip serving in clinics in Lesotho Africa). Good luck on your trip, prayers are with you!AriJoynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-58583326219783561562012-08-12T20:08:19.255-04:002012-08-12T20:08:19.255-04:00This is an old thread but I think this poster is a...This is an old thread but I think this poster is a bit misguided. Nicholas Kristoff is a journalist. He spends most of his time traveling around the world speaking to and listening to and learning from others. He champions many wonderful causes, but his own way of helping people who are suffering is to share their stories. And he's wonderful at it. He often brings his own children with him-at significant personal costs-so they too can learn and listen. It sounds like the money asked for here is a combination of travel expenses-put towards the cause of learning and sharing and donations of items that can benefit others lives in very "efficient" ways. It sounds like you are a Nick Kristoff fan...so before you use his name to berate J's cause, think about how similar their missions actually are. I hope now that she has returned she will speak just as loud as Mr. Kristoff about the situations others are suffering through. He would be extremely proud of that.Elizabethnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-88644148205102029022012-07-28T23:13:49.919-04:002012-07-28T23:13:49.919-04:00Can't wait to get an update on your trip. I ca...Can't wait to get an update on your trip. I can't believe the negative comments. Thanks for sharing your journey and passion. Praying for you and your team. Jess Smith - getSNAZZY.comhttp://www.getSNAZZY.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-70081221153663126902012-07-21T17:38:13.620-04:002012-07-21T17:38:13.620-04:00Hi J, I am a relatively new reader of yours and I ...Hi J, I am a relatively new reader of yours and I think it is so refreshing to see you share your personal beliefs and mission on your blog.<br /><br />I felt called to Haiti for a short term mission trip after the earthquake a few years ago and I count it as one of the most important experiences of my life.<br /><br />Your heart to serve and love those little ones is a testament to your faith and trust in God and I will be praying for you and your team while you are there. Best of luck to you :)Allynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-72255649695660602782012-07-21T00:16:49.352-04:002012-07-21T00:16:49.352-04:00Thank you for contributing this! Fair trade cotton...Thank you for contributing this! Fair trade cotton is definitely something I would like to learn more about.jseverydayfashionnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-35163085692086567952012-07-20T23:31:20.061-04:002012-07-20T23:31:20.061-04:00I never post on blogs but reading this discussion ...I never post on blogs but reading this discussion has made me want to contribute. First of all, I'm glad to see that there is a healthy discussion around mission trips, fundraising and aid to developing communities. It is important to gain different perspectives on these issues because they clearly are not black and white. <br /><br />I would encourage anyone interested in this topic to read Dead Aid by Dambisa Moyo, although I may not completely agree with all of her arguments I believe she makes some valid points- while we often think giving aid as clearly helping others it often perpetuates poverty by not allowing communities to develop and rely on aid instead. <br /><br />J, I hope your trip to Africa allows you to learn and widen your perspective of the deep-seeded inequality in the global economy. I lived in Burkina Faso for 4 months volunteering, I do not think my contribution changed anyone's life but my own. I made meaningful connections with people and it helped re-evaluate how I live my life.<br /><br />As a fashion blogger I hope you are able to see the deep impact North American clothing has on the lives of people in western Africa. One of the main sources of income is cotton and unfortunately cotton farmers are living in complete poverty because of unfair trade. A way you could truly make a difference while blogging is including fair trade cotton products in your posts. It's amazing how much of a difference we could all make if we became conscientious consumers, and you are in a position to encourage others to do just that!<br /><br />Safe travels.fairtradenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-65566743657038633132012-07-20T12:44:43.510-04:002012-07-20T12:44:43.510-04:00Thank you Ashley! I appreciate your note. Welcome ...Thank you Ashley! I appreciate your note. Welcome to the blog! :-)jseverydayfashionnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-10234744935211880142012-07-20T12:41:00.072-04:002012-07-20T12:41:00.072-04:00Hi J - I am brand new to your blog and I have fall...Hi J - I am brand new to your blog and I have fallen in love. I am working professional trapped in a college students wardrobe and you have provided me with so much inspiration and motivation to start dressing differently so I feel more confident. I wish you the best of luck on your trip! Your passion and dedication to this cause is inspiring. Ashleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-87203572521593266842012-07-13T20:02:07.039-04:002012-07-13T20:02:07.039-04:00I think you are out of your league. I've lived...I think you are out of your league. I've lived with these kids in India and parts of Africa for a lot more then two weeks. I've followed your blog for 18 months + and you are a changed person. I doubt you can do much to help as I think you are an incredibly selfish, self indulged individual. You should stay away from the kids in Africa and stick to what your good at being an ex Florida housewife!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-49855562916240473352012-07-13T04:18:14.865-04:002012-07-13T04:18:14.865-04:00J, I've been caught sleeping, I'm sorry ;-...J, I've been caught sleeping, I'm sorry ;- Had no clue this was going on! Am praying for your mission trip and have also put it on my blog. Read back through this (because honestly I couldn't see why you were getting negative comments) - who IS this Chelle person?! Does she have a profile?! Does anyone know who she is?! Those are just questions for my own curiousness. As for J, she knows all the Scriptures already about how, when we start to really do God's work ... Jeannee Waseckhttp://www.facebook.com/people/Jeannee-Waseck/566016088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-68482783759397335632012-07-13T00:56:42.206-04:002012-07-13T00:56:42.206-04:00I will sooo be praying for you!! May God bless you...I will sooo be praying for you!! May God bless you and your team a lot, J!! :)Ansel Sierranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-8496083695966063622012-07-06T11:47:59.899-04:002012-07-06T11:47:59.899-04:00This "Chelle" person must've been bo...This "Chelle" person must've been bored and had nothing better to do with their time. Maybe with the time they wasted arguing every comment on here, this person could've done something in their community instead... <br /><br /><br />My church does bi-annual trips to Sierra Leone for 3 weeks, and my pastor goes to every one. They stay in their facilities, eat their food, and do everything the Sierra Leone way, NOT the "American" way. The erected a church single-handedly and baptized 200 people in 2 days for those that wanted it. They revived malnourished children on the brink of death. Yes, they brought doctors and dentists, too (that were part of our church congregation, too). They didn't force anything on any of the Sierra Leone people, they were there to help. And they accept with open arms and hearts.<br /><br />You don't need "training". Just a servant heart and willing to do whatever is needed. Is it because it's Africa that people are all up in arms about us forcing them to "assimilate into the Western Way"? "White Guilt"? "White Savior Syndrome"? No, it's not. People in many other countries do mission trips too. To single out America is unfair. Yes, we MAY do them more often than other countries as we have the tools and support to do so.<br /><br />You read this blog voluntarily. It's the opinions expressed by the blogger, she has the right to write them... and you have the right to choose to read her blog or not. She also didn't force anyone to donate $5.<br /><br />Arguing for the sake of arguing is childish and exhausting, and y'all have better things to do with your lives than trolling comments and stalking blog posts.<br /><br />I hope your trip goes well, J.Magie Brennanhttp://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=59505493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-7874727384202080072012-07-06T11:36:39.251-04:002012-07-06T11:36:39.251-04:00Chelle: You really have nothing better to do with ...Chelle: You really have nothing better to do with your time, don't you...Magie Brennanhttp://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=59505493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-13556681808670848562012-07-03T20:46:37.780-04:002012-07-03T20:46:37.780-04:00Adea, best of luck on your trip! We have a strict ...Adea, best of luck on your trip! We have a strict dress code - long skirts, close-toe shoes, shirts with lots of coverage and no jewelry. So I will be rocking maxis, Crocs and loose t-shirts the whole time. I'm definitely thinking of this as a time of no fashion. It's refreshing! :-) jseverydayfashionnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-48726985556364349732012-07-03T18:32:50.132-04:002012-07-03T18:32:50.132-04:00I am going on a mission trip to Africa too!! I am ...I am going on a mission trip to Africa too!! I am going to an orphanage in Bondo, Kenya, and am leaving July 31 and coming back August 16. I need some outfit inspiration however, so if you posted some pictures of what you are going to wear that would be greatly appreciated!!Adeanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-26301668116746556412012-05-25T23:20:03.675-04:002012-05-25T23:20:03.675-04:00J, I too am a reader that never comments on blogs,...J, I too am a reader that never comments on blogs, but the comments of this particular post have inspired me to do so. It saddens me that people can't simply state an opinion but must use insults and offensive language to try and make their point. <br /><br />I previously worked very closely with two gentlemen that personally supported a Sierra Leone orphanage both with their time (4+ trips per year) and finances. (I also supported financially) From the descriptions of their trips, photos, etc. I know that this trip you are about to take will be life-altering....but in no way a vacation or even a physically enjoyable trip. The living, sleeping, eating conditions, etc. are anything but comfortable. So anyone thinking you are going to have some type of vacation should tune back in for your posts after your trip. :)<br /><br />The horrors that the people of Sierra Leone have experienced are literally unbelievable, and I hope that your post does cause people to get interested and look into where you are going, what has happened there, and the realities that the people face there every day.<br /><br />While beliefs are one thing - and actually something I don't even care to discuss - the need in this world is immense. There are obviously numerous ways to spend your time and money, and yes, there are more efficient ways to use $3,000. But you have been called to this specific way, and we all have the freedom to choose whether or not to offer support. <br /><br />I know you will be blessed by this trip and I pray that all those you meet will be as well the love you share.Jessicanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-37317088600973461582012-05-25T02:01:10.861-04:002012-05-25T02:01:10.861-04:00Eek, longer comment than originally expected. Apo...Eek, longer comment than originally expected. Apologies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-65798684740562639732012-05-25T01:55:32.377-04:002012-05-25T01:55:32.377-04:00This is quite a small thing to add but who said it...This is quite a small thing to add but who said it was a "white folk" mission trip just because J is white. It seems like that is where so much confusion and negativity is coming from, assumptions. I'm guessing the majority of you, myself included, have no idea who is going on the trip and whether they're white, black, tan, or purple. Black people go on mission trips to Africa just like white people and white people go on mission trips to poor parts of the world that are predominantly black and black people go on mission trips to poor parts of the world that are predominantly white.<br /><br />As for the people who have the opinion that going isn't helpful or the money spent could be used better sent. You're obviously entitled to your opinion and I am fully aware that what I say will probably have zero impact on that I figures I'd share anyway since it's late and I'm unable to sleep. It is good for people to go to these areas as well rather than solely send money because...it would be a lot of money and the people may not know how to properly manage it. Usually when churches go to these locations there is a full-time presence in the area by missionaries from the church or a partnering organization and people go on missions to help provide some labor. One person mentioned to just use more people and provide more work or the people there. These children are orphans for a reason. There aren't always more people to provide the work for because the life expectancy in a region like this is significantly shorter secondary to disease, murder, and other life-ending events. Also the men aren't always present in the childrens lives and te women providing constant support to A LOT of children may be exhausted and probably welcome a break with open arms. These women more than likely don't get to leave work at the end of the day and all there problems at the office. Their home is the office. They don't get weekends off. Weekends probably don't even exist. Their week could as easily "start" on Thursday as ours does on Monday. For them, the week never ends. Shame on the person who said J can't show these children love for two weeks. I have been on a mission trip working with children who weren't even orphans and just playing with these children, combing their hair, painting their nails, and hugging them made a huge impact (we also provided free medical, dental, and eye care for the naysayers). And yes, it was for a short amount of time and I came back to my home; however, I have followed the organization who I went through and there is a constant presence by the full-time missionaries and many more short-term missionaries have followed. Without the people actually going to these areas there would be no ground laid, no presence, no awareness, and too much work for the people involved. Mission trips, while not ALWAYS, provide a lot of assistance to the full-time work staff who otherwise would not get any rest or reprieve. Also, missionaries can provide a lot of education to the locals about better ways to run their organizations to receive full benefits of their resources. <br /><br />This comment is not meant to chastise or criticize anyone, in anyway. Everyone has differing opinions on everything (and thank goodness because what a boring world if we all shared the same opinion). I was just hoping to provide my beliefs on the importance of missions, including my personal belief to spread the Gospel of Christ and our need for Him in our lives, as someone who has been on a mission trip and seen the direct benefits for the people served. <br /><br />FYI, I have choosen Anonymous not to conceal my identity (not that it matters or you care, there are millions of people of the Internet) but because it's easiest when "selecting profile" and it's late so easiest sounds the most appealing. But my name is Brittany. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-47099955373324218562012-05-24T12:49:28.272-04:002012-05-24T12:49:28.272-04:00Kara,
One of my close friends and her husband jus...Kara,<br /><br />One of my close friends and her husband just adopted a baby from Ethiopia and it has been the most incredible experience. I will pray for you and your hubby as you embark on this journey!!! Abbyhttp://abbyisalldolledup.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-88369443618396169732012-05-24T12:44:53.878-04:002012-05-24T12:44:53.878-04:00Chelle, you don't particularly strike me as so...Chelle, you don't particularly strike me as someone who has spent their career hoping to make a difference if this is how you are acting in response to J's post. If that were the case I can't imagine you would have this much time to spend filling a blog so many of us enjoy with such negativity. But I don't know you, and it is not my place to judge, so I won't because I believe in respecting other people's opinions and beliefs. The bottom line is, you don't have to donate to J, or believe in or support what she is doing. BUT HER INTENTION IS GOOD AND PURE and how could you not be accepting of that? You don't have to agree with "white folk" missions trips and you can judge them all you want, but have you ever been on a mission like this? Do you know anyone who has? Do you know someone who has been on the receiving end of one of these missions? Because unless you do, I don't think you really have a true scope of what you are judging. So instead of wasting your time and energy on disagreeing with what J is doing, maybe you should better spend your time supporting whatever cause it is you choose. That is the great thing about our country, the freedom to choose and the freedom to have our own opinions. And like I said, I respect that you have your opinion, but when it gets to this point, your multitude of comments are just inappropriate, aggressive, and hurtful and there is no need in the world for behavior like that. <br /><br />And in saying I was presumptive in my comment about love above, maybe you are right. I do not know the situation of these particular women that J will be working with, nor do I pretend to. And I hope and pray they have families and friends that love them. But regardless, they spend their days loving on all of the little children in the orphanage and working so hard (they don't get the weekends off like we do), so the gift of having a break from their grueling schedules, and feeling love from total strangers, isn't that an act of kindness that we would all welcome and appreciate? A lot of people don't know the extent of what is going on in Sierra Leone, and even if you don't agree with what J is going, she is at the very least spreading awareness. My husband and I are a big couple with Big Brothers Big Sisters to a pair of refugee brothers and are very involved with the our large refuge community in Salt Lake and work hard to spread awareness about what is happening in Africa and in other countries like Thailand. My brother also works for a non-profit called Not for Sale which spreads awareness and fights human trafficking across the globe. So if any of you out there reading would like to know more about what is happening in Sierra Leone, try reading A Long Way Gone: Memiors of a Boy Soldier by Ishmal Beah and Not for Sale by David Batstone. While one mission trip isn't going to change the world, continued awareness and education and more and more people following suit just might someday allow us to have an impact!! Abbyhttp://abbyisalldolledup.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-79285913287200582492012-05-23T21:54:53.027-04:002012-05-23T21:54:53.027-04:00Wow.
It seemed so simply to me when I read your...Wow. <br /><br />It seemed so simply to me when I read your post regarding the mission trip to Sierra Leone. People that wanted to lend support would send money, others who did not want to or could not would not send money.<br /><br />For those people who feel so strongly that this is the wrong way to help in Sierra Leone, I respectfully encourage you to take the passion that you applied to your multiple posts here and run with it. Find your path to making a difference. Repeating in many posts and varied ways the same ideas, here on a fashion blog, does not seem to be the most constructive way to do so.<br /><br />To J, God bless you and may He give you safe travels.Julienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-62920807776229860012012-05-23T21:24:33.928-04:002012-05-23T21:24:33.928-04:00http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/sections/Bills/bills...http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=9976 Useful information. Missynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6052955337499363741.post-68384979750053779242012-05-23T20:17:22.308-04:002012-05-23T20:17:22.308-04:00Chelle,
The giving reports you mentioned and the ...Chelle, <br />The giving reports you mentioned and the UN reports on efficacy that I was referencing are not necessarily the same (there is possibly some overlap, which is why I say "not necessarily" instead of just plain not the same). <br />I appreciate where you're coming from about giving directly to the non profit/orphanage, however I think J's (& her fellow mission-goers) utility on this trip is two-fold (J please correct me if I'm wrong on this): first, yes to provide goods (like the shoes she mentioned) and second to provide a two-week respite for those who normally work. While we in the US have PTO associated with full time jobs (albeit not as uniformly available as other nations), I'd guess that the people in Sierra Leone are deeply looking forward to their vacation time with their families. <br /><br />Finally - and I will preface this by saying that I am not religious/I do not attend church - but, I did some clicking around on J's church's website. If you (or anyone else that reads this) feel that donating "a cup of coffee" to the mission trip is inappropriate, her church has a DIRECT donation option to sponsor a child (again, J if I've mistaken anything just correct me) http://summitconnect.org/pages/get-involved<br /><br /><br />And J, thanks for answering my other question frankly- I appreciate it. Catherinenoreply@blogger.com