July 31, 2012
Last July, we had an incredibly successful trip to Kenya and Ethiopia. We forged new relationships in Ethiopia, started a borehole project in Sheda and took a small team to Kenya that experienced a wealth of people, culture, regions of the country and reality of what our work actually looks like overseas. We had a great trip and everyone learned a lot. We were looking forward to a return trip in a few weeks, but ‘tis not the case for 2012.
It’s the first time we’ve ever postponed a trip, and although it will be a very long stretch between trips to Africa we are confident that we’ve made a good choice. The main objectives of our 2012 trip were to visit our borehole site in Sheda, Ethiopia, spend some time with our partners there and visit Pokot, Kenya, and the 16 new girls we added to our Sponsorship Program in January. We were travelling with a small team of committed COME UNITY volunteers that each has a vast compassionate heart for the plight of Africa.
As with every trip we make, safety is first and foremost. But, what is safety after all? How do we judge what is safe and what is unsafe? When we are safe at home and when are we safe abroad? Living in a post 9/11 era, safety looks different than it did 15 years ago. Al Shabaab is a radial sect threatening the consistency and stability of East Africa. The US government has upped travel restrictions since their recent uproars, and although I’m sure we would have travelled to Africa and back with thousands of worthy stories, they will have to wait -- for now.
Kenya, especially has been a gateway into East Africa, and/or other African countries that have been less stable in the past. We should keep Kenya and the stability of East Africa in our prayers. Lives are at stake and COME UNITY is all about bettering lives.
Posted by kristin.
June 12, 2012
A lot of people have asked in the past few months about why I'm retiring from my 12 year career of being a professional ballerina. In 2000, I started my professional career in NJ, and its been a wonderful 12 years! My commute to the studio during most of those years has averaged 50 miles one way. I arrived at the studio to the routine of plies, tendues, degages, rehearsal, lunch, rehearsal mixed with laughter, sweat and sometimes tears-- that has been my life. I don't really know life any ... Continue reading...
Posted by kristin.
May 29, 2012
Its true! I've had a little hiatus from COME UNITY to be married to the love of my life in the beginning of April. And in a few weeks I am officially retiring from my 12 year career of being a professional ballerina. Big big changes! What's next!?! Glad you asked. I will be the Director of this great organization and to keep my feet in the dance world, teach more dance.
I am grateful for the opportunity to lead COME UNITY with all its challenges and joys. My first trip to Africa was in 2007... Continue reading...
Posted by kristin.
February 19, 2012
Mick Hughes lost his battle to cancer earlier this month.
Mick was a generous supporter of COME UNITY’s Sponsorship Program and has sponsored one of our girls in Ilbissil since we launched our program. His daughter, Ashley, is the head of our Sponsorship Program and knows how many extra fees, charges and legitimate needs transpire through a program like ours. We would like to set up this fund to have resources for costs relative to our Sponsorship Program. These could be: providing for ... Continue reading...
Posted by kristin.
January 9, 2012
2012. The year of going big.
Two main things on my mind this morning, as I prepare to head off to McCarter Theatre. They’ve been selling our goods at their lobby boutique since October, and I’m hoping they want more!
6K!!! Last year we were pretty excited that our race expanded from the bounds of Philadelphia to the rolling hills of the Midwest. One race in 2010. Two in 2011. And in 2012, we’re going for four or maybe FIVE races!!!! Our races usually boast about 200 walkers,... Continue reading...
Posted by kristin.
December 17, 2011
Happy Holidays from COME UNITY!
At a recent Board of Directors retreat we learned a good lesson that to avoid growing weary it is a good practice to document your successes. As 2011 comes to an end, here’s the short list on what we’ve been up to!
In 2011 we…
-took a team to Kenya
-held two 6k races in Indiana and Pennsylvania
-started a new well in Ethiopia and took on new sponsor girls in Kenya
-raised nearly $15,000 for our future water and sustainability projects
-completed... Continue reading...
Posted by kristin.
December 11, 2011
Dear Friends,
It has been an awesome year for COME UNITY . Two 6k races, one dance event, volleyball and sailing fundraisers, one team trip to Africa and to date 5 clean water projects around the world, 15 sponsor girls, 9 cows, sustainability projects and much more. In the works are a clean water project in Sheda, Ethiopia--- and the reason I write you today: Pokot, Kenya.
The Principal at Alale Primary School in Pokot told us, “the 7th and 8th grade girls are most vulnerable.... Continue reading...
Posted by kristin.
November 3, 2011
Last week I sat on my bedroom floor and cried as I opened my email to find 16 beautiful faces, and 16 heart wrenching stories of the girls we have committed to finding sponsors for. We heard many similar stories when we visited their homeland of Pokot, Kenya this past July. Perhaps it shouldn’t take my breath away quite as much as it did--- but, then again, injustice this weighty shoud never cease to take our breath away.
One of our girls writes, “I am sixteen years old. My Father di... Continue reading...
Posted by kristin.
September 23, 2011
Last weekend was Fringe Fest. This was the BIGGEST collaboration of dancers we’ve ever attempted, and it was a sheer success. It was incredible to look at the blank stages as dancers from all regions--- NJ, NY and Philly blanketed the stage with their tendues and plies. Ballet dancers. Jazz dancers. Modern dancers. They all shared the same generous spirit. Some friends from Lustigdancetheatre have been doing events like this since 2007. They are the tried and true COME UNITY veteran... Continue reading...
Posted by kristin.
August 3, 2011
Just in July I had the privilege of taking our first team to Africa. What a joy for me to watch my teammates experience Africa through their own eyes. I was so excited to share a world with them that has been part of my life for so long, and part of their lives as well--- yet, from across the ocean. As incredibly smart, observant generous individuals it was awesome to see them take in Africa--- and to learn from the things that impacted each of them in profound ways. They respond differen... Continue reading...
Posted by kristin.
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