Join the Love Doesn't Leave Bruises Foundation!

Join the Love Doesn't Leave Bruises Foundation! I am proud to be a National Ambassador for this wonderful program.

The Love Doesn't Leave Bruises Foundation is an organization working to address and end dating violence by:

*Acting as an educational and informational resource for victims, abusers, advocates, etc.

*Advocating for dating violence on a local, national, and political level

*Providing a strong, unified voice for victims of dating violence and their children, domestic violence programs, and victim service providers

*Trainings, Support Groups, and National Campaigns targeting the eradication of dating violence.

Philosophy

We believe that dating violence should not be a way of life, and that being in a relationship does not permit abuse of any kind whether it be Emotional and Verbal abuse; Sexual Abuse, or Physical Abuse.

Don't Delay, sign up today! :D

An Award from the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault

I received this certificate today after speaking for the Women of Color Network's (Maryland) Conference in October. I also received wonderful feedback from those who attended via the evaluations. A few of the comments I received were:

"It was interesting to hear about healing that did not involve counseling. Such a strong and brave woman!"

"I support your cause and commend you for coming out and advocating. Best of luck, you were wonderful!" (This person also recommended to the event organizers that I be returned for future workshops!)

"Great speaker! Loved the balloon activity."

"Inspiring!"

"Excellent--heartfelt presentation."

"Ms. Hall is extremely courageous and brutally honest in relaying her story. Your purpose and mission must be God's way of reaching so many women and girls who remain silent. Thank you, D. Sangster"

What a nice gift in the mail! :D

My Daily Blessings Journal

I have been off track with my daily blessings! But, I can tell you that the blessings from the past few days has been NO SCHOOL!! This is the first year in my 7 years as a teacher that I have had a two-week vacation for Christmas... Let me also that I have been very lazy! LOL!

After adopting 6 kids and 3 adults this Christmas, I received a thank you email today. This part of the email really made my day today: "Thank you so much for your gift, time and attention to our family. From them to you, I want to give you a big hug. You have an awesome one woman ministry going on girl...I hope to be like you when I grow up!!" ♥

I posted these lines on Facebook to share with my friends. Then, Erin Feltes replied, "Well it is very true! I want to be you when I grow up also!! Merry Christmas beautiful!"

Finally, Roni Bibb responded, "That is the sweetest thing, I love people who arent afraid to share their happiness."

I am blessed to have such a wonderful support group in my life!

I got another letter from the Congo! :D

One of my sponsored women, Sifa Munganga, who lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, recently sent me another letter! I was so excited to hear from her as it can be a long process of exchanging letters because they have to be translated first. She is only three years older than me, but she has experienced so much more...Sifa was born in the Bukaire, Kabare zone and believes in the Lord. She is an only child, but she had 6 children (2 passed away).Sifa says at the end of her latest letter to me, "I do thank the Lord for the supporting help you have sent me... Thanks a lot my dearest!" Sifa always refers to me as "My Dear LaQuisha", which makes me feel so good. She truly appreciates my help and support. I cannot fully express how cool it is to have a friend in the Congo, or even another country! Sifa, a woman who may have said my name or smiled when they received one of my many colorful notes thousands of miles away. I am thankful that I am in a position to be able to help her...

My letter from Sifa, written in her language. I think this is so cool! :D It was translated by a nonprofit, Women for Women International, in D.C.

Big Sis Selects Us!

Stop the Silence: Stop Child Sexual Abuse will be one of the recipients of the proceeds from all vendor and sponsor purchases! Here is how it will work. When you decide that you would like to purchase a vendor booth/sponsorship package, you will have the option to select Stop the Silence as the recipient to receive 100% of the proceeds from your purchase OR select Evenly Distribute, meaning that it will be divided between all 4 recipients. So in exchange for your purchase you are able to use your payment as a tax write off, as well as receive the various benefits of your sponsoring/vending based on which package you choose, AND most importantly you get to help an organization that is doing huge things in the community. I thank you advance for your support! :D

Joining ActionAid During the Holidays!

Tonight I happily volunteered for ActionAid, an organization that works with poor and marginalized people to eradicate poverty by overcoming the injustice and inequality that cause it. I sponsored a little girl in Cambodia and in Burundi, in addition to I now have the opportunity to travel to meet each of these girls next year. Since this took place at Arundel Mills Mall, I probably talked to more children fascinated with my crown that adults who were willing to become sponsors. All in all, I am excited to see where this experience takes me--I can't wait to begin traveling internationally!

Pictures will be posted later!

My Daily Blessings Journal

I am blessed to have some special and royal friends in Colorado! :D They are currently trying to organize a trip for me to visit them, which I think is so sweet! They had an email exchange, all about me and how much I have inspired them... So, CO, here I come! ;)

Here is the conversation that touched my heart:

Michelle: This is a great plan. You know I love to encourage people, so I get a full year to help someone! This sounds wonderful!

Laura: I totally agree with Michelle! I am in! I liked how you provided a wish list for the queen. Since I didn't know her, that was helpful. I also asked my queen if she wanted to write back and forth so maybe I get two pen pals :) This time around, I will throw in some surprises :) I love your heart, LaQuisha! I wish we lived closer so we could meet in person. If you ever come to CO, look me up :)

Brenda: I agree Michelle! I would make the drive through a blizzard if we can get her to Denver. So Laura, what part of CO are you in???

Laura: OK, Michelle and Brenda...let's get her here! You heard us, LaQuisha :) Brenda, I am in Aurora/Centennial area. Where are you?!!!

Michelle: We'll figgure out a way to get you here, one way or another!

Laura: OK, Michelle, Brenda and LaQuisha, let's do this thing! I love the idea of volunteering together- would be so special! Let's pray on this. If it is His will, he will make it happen :) I have seen this year in particular how people who didn't know each other can connect and make huge differences! Yours in friendship, Laura

Brenda: Hi Laura, I am in Montrose, about 60 miles from the Utah boarder, near Telluride.

Janet: Keep me posted on making appearances together. I spend a lot of time in Arizona, so I might be able to join you.

Lots of smiles, LaQuisha