A Better World      
Some groups and people who I know are making a real difference.
My cousin, Armida LaMarr, a Salvation Army Officer (pastor and more) is serving as a missionary in Nairobi, Kenya, Africa.  She sent me an e-mail to tell me that she decided to travel to a distant country to share "the Good News."  I didn't even bother with the cliche' attempts to dissuade her...which I wanted to do.  I was certain they had already been tried, and I was equally certain her mind was made up.  But, more importantly, I knew that she was following God's will.

Off to the side, you can read Armida's bi-weekly e-mail update of her work in Kenya.  While I'm certain God had a bigger plan in mind than my own heart, I can say that her involvement and the passion she has shared in her missionary work has changed the way I look at this position of the mission of The Salvation Army.

 Armida's Photo Gallery

Updates:
 2:  Feb. 13, 2007
 3:  Mar. 1, 2007
 4:  Mar. 12, 2007
 5:  Mar. 26, 2007
 6:  Apr. 13, 2007
 7:  Apr. 27, 2007
 8:  May 21, 2007
 9:   Elusive
10:  Jul. 4, 2007
11:  Jul. 18, 2007
 38:  Feb. 18, 2009
39:  Mar. 4, 2009
40:  Mar. 30, 2009
41:  Apr. 29, 2009
42:  May 20, 2009
43:  Jul. 2, 2009
44:  Aug. 13, 2009
45:  Aug. 29, 2009
46:  Sep. 27, 2009
47:  Oct. 19, 2009
48:  Nov. 23, 2009


Jen with Cam & Cade		 My sister-in-law (Angela's sister) Jen is working with/for the English Language Institute/China (ELIC).  She is serving in Lanzhou University, located in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China;  where she teaches various levels of English to the growing and hungry college minds.  As I understand it, her primary responsibility is to help the youth with whom she comes in contact to better understand, speak, and write the (extremely challenging) American English language.  Of course, she is also an ambassador of sorts of America.  In many cases, her life is the only thing her students know about the US beyond the unrealistic portrayals on television.
In her unofficial role as ambasador, her life is the greatest example we could hope for on foreign soil.  The power of her love, dedication, and commitment draw lives to her.  Within her sphere of influence, every aspect of her life comes to be known and modeled.

Jennifer is making a huge difference in countless lives and without a doubt making "A Better World".
You can read more about her and her work in her own words on her Xanga blog:

I learned about Kiva while working with my local Community Foundation.  I was surfing through their site trying to avoid calling to talk to my counterpart at the Community Foundation of Louisville.  The description interested me enough, to side-track me (not too challenging).  I wasn't on the Kiva site for five minutes before I became completely enthralled.  After finishing my research--I ended up having to call anyway--I went back to their site and poked around even more.  Later that same evening, I started looking for other companies or organizations who were also doing this sort of non-profit micro-financing.  I didn't strike out, but the pickings were few.  That night I signed up and made my first loan.  I have since made a few others; you can see my profile, including the loans, by clicking HERE.  I have GREATLY enjoyed watching the money raised, and reading the journals of those who receive the money.  Give it a shot..you won't be dissappointed, I guarantee it.  

Push America, an organization near-and-dear to my heart, is an ever-evolving group.    It is said that Push America (wiki. link) is the exclusive non-profit of Pi Kappa Phi; this is a fallacy.   Push America is much more, and much greater than that.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to serve on their Board of Directors; several years ago, I had the opportunity to serve them (and others) as an active member of my fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi.

The 'man power' behind Push America draws almost exclusively from the fraternity college students.   The premise is based on servant leadership.   The results are powerfully effective, long-lasting, and life changing.
 
While the 'man power' is drawn primarily from young fraternity men, the financial support comes every segment of our society.   The lives touched, the awareness provided, and education presented could not happen without the all-encompassing support from across the country.
 
Visit their site and check them out...all they do is the help make "A Better World"



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