Would you speak up? Tweets from #ididnotreport

Yesterday afternoon I noticed in my Twitter feed that a few people were talking about the tweets under the hashtag #ididnotreport and some anonymous tweets that were retweeted by @ididnotreport1.

As I read through the tweets it was obvious to me that they were coming from various places around the world.  It appears that the crimes of molestation, sexual abuse and rape are still under reported. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) sexual assault is one of the most under reported crimes.  Statistics show that 60% of assaults are not reported.  Males are least likely to report and they make up 10% of all victims.

I found this chart featured on their website:

It is 2012...and although I probably shouldn't be... I am shocked.

And my heart breaks for these victims.  Sexual violence in all of its forms has to stop.  Now!

Here is a sampling of  anonymous tweets posted by @ididnotreport1:

I didn't make corrections or censor any post.  

Tweets 
#ididnotreport because I was a child and had no idea what to say

@Ididnotreport1 to the anonymous who blames themselves for any future attacks for not reporting - only the attacker is to blame. Not you.

So many adults failed me as a child. Looking back there were so many clues that I was being molested. #ididnotreport

#ididnotreport our PE teacher comin gin to the changing rooms and expecting us to continue changing while he watched. Aged 15.

#ididnotreport the boy who hit me in the face at a school disco because I didn't want to kiss him.

@Ididnotreport1 ...not saying anything did not mean I was responsible for anything that happened after, it was ALL his fault, HIS hands xxx

 #ididnotreport when a worker in my childrens home offered me £25 to watch me in the bath, because I was already in trouble for other stuff

#ididnotreport when I woke up with him on top of me, I'd drank a lot that night & was afraid it was my fault & no one would help.

#ididnotreport that my friends boyfriend held me down and pushed my legs open and when she came in he said I tried it on. She believed him.

@Ididnotreport1 please know that was not your fault, same happened to me with childhood abuse, took a long time for me to realise that by...

 #ididnotreport that I had sex with a boy I fancied in the back of a car while his friends sat in front and I didnt really want to. age14

#ididnotreport that my mum's friend gave me £1 for sweets as he stroked my thigh,told me not tell mum. I never spent the money or told. Age7

...regret that #ididnotreport. I'm filled with guilt cuz my fear kept me from stopping him from raping someone else. Their blood, my hands

#ididnotreport because he was my boyfriend, my "best friends" didn't believe me, & I got preg from it. My son's a blessing but still regret

#ididnotreport my babysitter because I didn't understand, I thought I would get into trouble

I woke up in a strange place with him on top of me, I said stop, stop #ididnotreport b/c how do you report a crime you barely remember

#ididnotreport my kindergarden friend's older brother who made me perform oral sex & had intercourse w/ me.

#ididnotreport because I was a child, I didn't understand and by the time I did it was too late

#ididnotreport parents & relatives taking photos of us 5 - 7 year olds flashing our knickers - we thought it was funny at the time (80's)

Christ I wish I were surprised by anything from @Ididnotreport1 #ididnotreport

#ididnotreport it was happening in a public bus, I was in HS, n didn't realize it was a molestation. A nice man helped, offered me a seat...

#ididnotreport because it was technically not a rape. No penetration whatsoever, n I didn't understand that it was molestation at that time

#ididnotreport my friend's father & uncle who were also my bosses in a shop, when they regularly passed comment on my breast size. I was 16.

@Ididnotreport1 because I blamed myself.

#ididnotreport my best friend's brother who pulled me to the ground putting his hand down my pants in their house- he was 14 and I was 15

#ididnotreport. I DID report but felt guilty because it was never penetration, he never hurt me, and others had it much worse. I was 12-14.

#ididnotreport the stranger who chatted me up for a few minutes before leaning in and biting my face

#ididnotreport [italian villa cont.] He's a teacher. I was 20.

#ididnotreport the gang of men who asked me for directions on quiet Belfast street at night then made lewd comments

a scientist from NY(2009) - would not accept a no, sexual coercion, attempted rape, verbal/emotional abuse

because the people I told first didn't seem to understand that I didn't really agree to what he wanted me to do.

#ididnotreport. Didn't know it was wrong if I consented. Embarassd 2 say no & just wanted 2 be liked. I was 14. Angers & Grosses me out now.

#ididnotreport Family friend on Italian villa holiday who looked at me funny & stood outside my bedroom door heavy-breathing & masturbating.

#ididnotreport the uncle of my friend who slapped my ass before commenting on my "good birthing hips". 10+ people just laughed. I was 16.

because it was in a huge crowd. I didn't really believe that could happen or that anyone would believe he groped me

#ididnotreport the guy on a crowded train rubbing his member against me, cos I kinda liked it- does that mean I was asking4it (2go further?)

#ididnotreport because I couldn't remember enough of what had happened as I was passed out, other than I could not have given consent!

#ididnotreport because i'd slept with him before & i knew people would blame me as I had been out drinking

#ididnotreport because I was cold and stuck in the wrong part of London -he said I could stay at his til morning, but all he wanted.. *sigh*

I did not report because I did not speak the local language. And 'nice' girls aren't drunk on a Tuesday night...

because I wasn't allowed a boyfriend. Telling that he assaulted me would mean getting in trouble for him existing in the first place.

If you or someone you know is currently being violated  SPEAK UP... Make a report. 

Or if you suffer with emotional and spiritual wounds
of past sexual violence please talk with someone you trust.

Don't let another day go by without getting the help and support that you deserve.

thought for today

The clouds contrasting with the fiery shades of orange caused us to stop and take note of God's majesty as we drove home the other day.  This is March.  The rainy season ended weeks ago and yet we have had many rain-filled days this year.  Sometimes the downpours go on for hours.  The charm and beauty of the sun can sometimes get lost when days are hot and the earth is scorched by fires.  But, when it is overcast and dreary for days on end... the appearance of the sun calls us to rejoice.

And yet, I know that my praise should not be affected by my circumstances.

Why do I allow my mood to affect my worship?  

His glory doesn't change like our attitudes.  His majesty still exists when clouds are dark.

May we rejoice in the splendor of our Lord no matter what comes our way. 

 Rain or shine He is worthy.

Let us ascribe to Him the glory due His name!

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Tasty Tuesday...Spiced Chai Mix

A few weeks back my mother in law sent me this recipe along with a gift to help me out with the ingredients.  Last fall I was blessed with a care package from my friend Sharon that had cardamom in it.  I remember us joking about needing to find a recipe with cardamom in it so that I would be able to use it.  You can imagine what a pleasant surprise it was to see it listed among the spices needed in my mother in law's recipe!

After gathering up the rest of the ingredients I put this mix together on Sunday.  I love the taste of this tea.  It is so comforting to sit with a cup while I slowly wake up in the morning.  Or it is also great as a relaxing treat at the end of the day.

Spiced Chai Mix

3 cups non-fat dry milk powder

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup unsweetened instant tea

3/4 cup vanilla powdered dairy creamer

1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp. cardamom

1/2 tsp. ground cloves

Directions:

Combine in a food processor and process until powdery.

Store mix in an airtight container.

Makes about 5 cups of mix.

To serve:

Stir 2 Tbsp of mixture into a mug of hot water.

Enjoy!

counting the gifts and an incredible day!

Every day above ground is a gift from Him.  

And yet, I think some days are bound to be treasured and pondered more than others.  Saturday was one of those blessed days for us.

Our friends Dion and Andrea invited us to spend the day with them.  That in itself is a treat.  But, we were also blessed to travel with them and their three children out to an area that we had never been to before.

First we drove to Bermudian Landing... the village where Andrea grew up.  From there we went to see our first cricket match over in Lemonal, a neighboring village, and then we drove over to the village of Double Head Cabbage to see the canoes coming ashore in the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge.  After watching some of the teams come in and chowing down on a traditional Belizean meal of rice & beans with chicken we went back to Bermudian Landing for a tour of the Community Baboon Sanctuary. 

So many firsts all packed into one day.  Our first cricket match, watching part of the La Ruta Maya Belize River challenge and seeing howler monkeys up close and personal.  It was just incredible!

557.  adding to my list of Things to do in Belize

558.  visiting the villages of Bermudian Landing, Lemonal, and Double Head Cabbage
559.  meeting new people

560.  having cricket explained to us by Conway Young

561.  watching our first cricket match

562. intense concentration on the face of a child

563.  seeing canoes coming to shore after reaching this day's checkpoint in the race.

564.  tasty food cooked over an open flame.

565.  cashew trees

566.  creation's beauty

567.  time with howler monkeys

568.  large iguanas that try to hide high up in the trees

569.  Belizean holidays that give us three day weekends...today is National Heroes and Benefactors Day.
570.  being invited to spend the day with Dion, Andrea and their children
571.  being present and awake to the gifts of life
572.  emails from old friends
573.  spending the day appreciating village life and the people who live in them
574.  a camera that is still working after seven years
575.  ice cream on a warm day
566.  singing birds

567.  the perfect ending to an incredible day!

 joining in with the gratitude community:

I made something from Pinterest!

So, I saw this on Pinterest...

A recycled tshirt scarf.

and I noticed that one of my blogging friends made one

so I decided to give it a try in yellow

If you would like to make one the tutorial is here.

All you need is an old t-shirt and a pair of scissors...no sewing required!

Impressions from election day in Belize

In the battle of red vs blue it looks as if the red has won again.  

Yesterday was election day here in Belize.  We stayed up late listening to election results coming in.  And we heard that the United Democratic Party had retained leadership of the country.  We have not been here long enough to know if that is good or bad.  We have heard positive and negative things about both the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People's United Party (PUP).  There were also people running as Independents and there is a third party called Vision Inspired by the People (VIP).

When we drove out to Roaring Creek we saw people lining the streets to vote... 

And the same was true in Belmopan...

 

 

 

While we were out we sensed the excitement in the air from all of the people we saw out in the streets.  Tom chose a white t-shirt to wear while we were out but I made the mistake of wearing a red one and a young lady in blue teased me about the red being no good.  She claimed the blue had better chicken dinners to offer to voters!

Around midnight we heard some fireworks but the rain helped keep the partying down to a dull roar.  We had been warned of possible alcohol related rowdiness but so far we have not heard about any violence or disturbances of any kind.  It will be interesting to hear reactions from people today and read the news stories about all of the events of yesterday.  There was not much mystery as to what the election results would be when we lived in Russia.  But, this election here in Belize kept us guessing until the end about who would come out on top.

Thought for Today

I took this photo in Dangriga last week. This gentleman was diligently working to repair his net as his children played in the yard.  Fishing for him is not a hobby.  It is how he feeds his family.  Casting his net out into the sea is a daily activity for him.  

We have had times in the counseling office when we have an unexpected client stop in and we choose to put aside what we are doing to give our attention to the person in front of us.  We have to put down our 'nets', so to speak, and follow what He would have us do.  

I don't think that leaving your net has to always mean literally walking away from your livelihood.  To me it means being open to those divine appointments within our days which come in the form of interruptions.  These interruptions may simply be an opportunity from God to guide you deeper in your walk with Him. 

May we be open to leaving our nets when He calls.

And may we see the blessings in the divine appointments He brings our way.

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Winsome Wednesday

Tasty Tuesday and the pursuit of the perfect cookie

I found this chart on Pinterest and it explains the various problems of each of the cookies pictured below.
The credit for this chart goes to The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie website.  I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me!  Be sure to check out their website for more helpful hints and recipes.

source

There are many variables in baking. Pictured are cookies with various problems using the same dough (with flour adjustments in numbers 3 &4).
1. This cookie is done just right. It is pictured to compare with the rest.
2. This dough was not refrigerated. It is still good but a little flatter than it should be.
3. This dough contained too much flour and did not spread much at all. It is interesting to note that the dough looked identical to the correct dough, but was much stiffer and drier.
4. This dough had too little flour. It spread too much and didn’t bake evenly.
5. This dough was over-mixed. It had a poor color, baked flat and had a strange consistency.
6. This dough was formed too small. It was overcooked at eight minutes. It is fine to make smaller cookies, just bake them for less time.
7. This dough was formed too large. The outsides were done while the middle was too high and underdone.
8. This dough was baked in an oven 25 degrees too hot. The outside was overdone and the inside was slightly underdone.
9. This dough was baked in an oven 25 degrees too cool. It fell flat and became too crisp without much of an inside.
10. This dough was frozen when baked. It took longer to bake and didn’t cook as evenly. To use frozen dough, set on cookie sheet at room temperature while oven is preheating, 15-20 minutes. It takes the frost off and bakes perfectly.

Prince Harry's visit and counting the gifts...

Prince Harry has come and gone.  

I had to take these shots over the heads of a few people as I stood on my tip toes a few feet away.  I even manged to get a quick video of him as well.   The initial spot where we chose to stand was soon found by several international journalists who crowded around the prince making it difficult for anyone to get a clear photo but them.  The crowd near us screamed angrily at the photographers to get out of the way so they could just get a glimpse of the prince.  It is a miracle there was not a stampede or an altercation with the press. 

Early in the afternoon I had walked over to see how the workers were doing with the set up for the prince's visit and this is what I found:

the street was closed off

the trees and the median were touched up earlier in the week

but the fences for the crowd to stand behind were still being set up

vendors were getting set up and some people were out there cooking already

the media area was ready to go

the press stand was set up

lights were being put in place

chairs were avilable for a chosen few

the new street sign was in place

We have a lot of great memories of the event.  And we are truly grateful we got to participate in this history making event for Belize.  This was not only Prince Harry's first visit to Belize but his first time on an official tour of the Caribbean for the Queen.

536.  the beauty of these little Garifuna girls.

537. children posing for their parents

537.  beautiful costumes on beautiful ladies

538.  cute little couple dancing for the crowd

 

539.   Tom being willing to stand and wait with me for two hours before the prince showed up

540.  Our neighborhood street being chosen for this honor

 

541.   Tom being interviewed by a reporter from ABC New York.

542.   Seeing our neighbors and sharing this exciting night together.

543.   Getting a few good close up shots of Prince Harry.

544.   Having the YWAM crowd with us and sharing my photos with them.

545.   Enjoying the food and the street party afterwards.

546.   Spencer speaking at church about DTS (Discipleship Training School)

547.   The Chinese people in our church beaming as Spencer greeted the crowd in Mandarin.

548.   Hearing testimonies from several students visiting from the University of Florida.

549.   The creativity of their dramas and dances.

550.   Their college pastor giving today's sermon.

551.   Spending Sunday afternoon with a good book while Tom watched a few NBA games.

552.   Cool refreshing rain and wind.

553.   The sun coming out and fresh smelling laundry on the line.

554.   Finding Tootsie Rolls at the supermarket.

555.   Having enough food available when an unexpected guest shows up for lunch.

556.   Spencer's friends feeling so comfortable in our home. 

 joining in with the gratitude community: