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The Best of Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris on SNL
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@kamalaharris2024
Help Roba's Family to Evacuate Gaza and Rebuild Their Future
Donation protected
* ! باللغة العربية بالأسفل *
*Auf deutsch siehe unten ! *
Hello everyone,
My name is Walaa, and I currently reside in Germany. I am reaching out on behalf of my family, who are facing dire circumstances in Gaza. It was with much hesitation and after considerable thought that I decided to ask for your help. The gravity of their situation compels me to seek urgent assistance in evacuating my family from Gaza to a safer place.
I am Roba, and I want to share with you the story of me and my family.
We lived a stable and dignified life, owning a beautiful house. Their modest jobs provided for our basic needs and fulfilled our aspirations for a better future. Despite the challenges in Gaza, such as the siege, electricity crisis, and limited job opportunities, we managed to lead a stable life where basic necessities were accessible. However, the onset of war has shattered our world, leaving us displaced from our home and struggling to survive amidst unimaginable hardships.
Since October 7th, due to the continuous bombing of Gaza, we were forced to leave our home and move to the southern regions, where we are facing extremely difficult humanitarian conditions. Our situation in Rafah is tragic, as we suffer from a severe shortage of food, water, and basic necessities for a decent human life. We are experiencing great difficulty in obtaining drinking water and water for daily use. Additionally, there is a significant lack of health services, which exacerbates our daily suffering. The harsh weather conditions make daily life even more complicated and difficult
Amidst this brutal war, we endure not only the continuation of the war but also the relentless onslaught of diseases spreading due to unhealthy conditions, the biting cold seeping into our bones and high temperature in summer , hunger due to food shortages, and the suffering of drinking unpurified water.
Furthermore, my heart aches for my father, who battles both diabetes and arthritis. Finding medication for him amidst the chaos has become an agonizing challenge during these long, harrowing months.
The devastation has left us without shelter, food, or clean water. We have lost everything – our home, our humble jobs, and our dreams for a better future. We now find ourselves among the countless displaced individuals, struggling to survive amidst the chaos with an uncertain future looming ahead.
My home before:Our beautiful sanctuary, filled with love and beauty in every corner.
After:
Remnants of our destroyed home and dreams:
Compounding our plight is the financial burden of escaping Gaza. Coordinators in Egypt, authorized to add our names to the list at the border, are now demanding between $7,000 and $8,000 per person – a sum we simply cannot afford on our own. They will not add the names until we can prove that we have the money ready. As our situation worsens by the day, the need for assistance becomes increasingly urgent.
Now, I find myself at a point of helplessness and desperation. I urgently and humbly ask for your help to save the lives of my family by getting us out of Gaza. The situation in Gaza has become untenable due to slow deaths from hunger, dehydration, displacement, the spread of diseases, and the ongoing bombings.
In addition to the dire circumstances we face, we've lost everything: our home, our humble jobs, and our dreams. Everything was destroyed in Gaza. There is no longer life, no suitable places for living, and no work. The basic necessities of a decent human life are no longer available. So we want to start our life from scratch again, in another place, knowing that not everything will be destroyed in an instant. Trying to rebuild our present and restore our dreams of building a better future which were destroyed during this war. Your donation is not just a lifeline for us; it's our only chance at survival.
As the conflict in Gaza persists, the situation at the Rafah crossing has taken a dire turn. Unfortunately, the crossing, which was our only hope for safe passage out of Rafah to Egypt, has been closed indefinitely due to ongoing challenges. This unexpected development has left us stranded, unable to proceed with our evacuation plans.
The situation has only worsened with the ongoing events in Rafah, which have forced us into displacement yet again. Our suffering has deepened.Now, we find ourselves living in tent, enduring inhumane conditions. The searing high temperatures make daily life unbearable. Insects are a constant menace, creating a suitable environment for the spread of diseases. This, coupled with the lack of health services, further exacerbates our plight. We lack the most basic necessities of human life.We are forced to use salty, impure seawater, laden with dirt and unsuitable for daily human use. Even our drinking water, which should be pure and fresh, is salty. Additionally, we must walk long distances to access any water, whether it is drinking water or seawater.These are inhumane and undignified living conditions that are beyond imagination. Such a life only adds to our suffering.
However, despite this setback, our determination to secure a safer future for our loved ones remains unwavering. We are committed to continuing our efforts to collect donations, knowing that even after the war ends, the challenges of rebuilding our lives in Gaza will be immense. We hold onto the hope that if the situation at the crossing changes or alternative routes become available, we will be ready to seize the opportunity to move forward.
Therefore, I humbly appeal to your generosity once again. Your contributions are not only crucial for our immediate evacuation but also for our long-term goal of building a better life outside the war-torn Gaza Strip. Together, we can overcome the obstacles before us and pave the way for a brighter future for my family.
To facilitate our evacuation from Gaza to Egypt, we've initiated this GoFundMe campaign with the goal of raising $60,000 USD. Here's how the funds will be allocated:
- The expenses related to obtaining permits to cross the Gaza-Egypt border at "Rafah" are significant. Each individual in our family: my parents and siblings (Roba, Sahar, Ibrahim, Ahmad, and Mahmoud), requires coordination for leaving Gaza to Egypt, at a cost of $8,000 per person. Therefore, the $40,000 goal represents the collective amount needed to cover the coordination expenses for all five family members.
- The remaining funds will be used to cover the costs of basic necessities of life, including renting a modest house to live in, purchasing food, and medications for diabetes and arthritis.
- We will coordinate with Ya Hala Company in Egypt, which is responsible for facilitating the exit from Gaza to Egypt, once we've collected the required amount for permits.
I am reaching out to you in desperation, seeking your assistance to alleviate our suffering. Your donation is not just a lifeline for us; it's our only chance at survival. With your support, we hope to escape this nightmare and rebuild our lives beyond the confines of war and destruction.
Every contribution, regardless of its size, holds immense significance for us. Please open your hearts and join us on our journey towards safety and a renewed sense of hope. Thank you for your compassion and generosity.
Sincerely,
Roba
I’m realizing more and more through the adventures of life that “happiness” truly isn’t a destination, but rather a way of traveling; a by-product of living a meaningful life and appreciating everything we encounter along our path. When we live with purpose and gratitude, we become an example to those around us. #travelfreely #livefully #itisachoice #bethechange #deployyourbest #setanexample #paths #thesimplepleasures #enjoyit #traveloften (at Alum Cave Trail)
America's Prolonged Slumber
Our nation has not become diverse unexpectedly, we have always been diverse. That’s our nation’s problem. Over countless years disagreeing over varying affairs that has extended over time, ( e.g., be it race, class, political status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc.), we will never see eye to eye fully and this will never be resolved. One thing, however, is clearly certain. Until we are able to overlook the “differences” and actually behave rationally (for some - behave maturely) by seeing each individual as a person, then we will continue to stray away from what’s important. What’s the point in disrespecting those around us by the color of their skin, by the party they support, or by having people express their true sexuality? Every one of us has to wake up and truthfully say that each of us are the problem. Whether we are the ones who verbally express our opinions or not, we think about it. We choose to tolerate such behaviors by believing that it’s someone else’s problem when in all actuality it is our own regardless of how far away it’s happening from us. Resolving the issue in how we all see each other in such varying degrees is the biggest form of change that our country needs more improvement on. Why add more to the list of problems that we all have to face? Posting about these problems for the shear publicity regardless of the issue at hand, is not going to make one bit of difference - I’m fully aware that this post may be considered, but I have reached my boiling point. I’m done wasting my breath and voicing my concerns to those who need more than just a good talking to realizing that what I’m addressing is probably going in one ear and out of the other anyway. Granted our diversity may not be our biggest issue, but I am completely baffled by the fact that this issue is tolerable to some and still an issue. When can we look passed the “differences?” Yes! The bloody word has been in quotations because each human being on the face of the earth is different and let’s face it, we are all not going to agree on every possible issue because none of us are alike - big surprise - so why the hell do we insist on conforming others to a particular need or belief as if we have the right to do so to begin with? If you’re the one who looks at others as if you had just sucked a lemon out of the shear disgust or disapproval that you have toward them, then you are the problem! Here is to one day where each life truly matters. A day where we each can stand resolutely with as much love and respect for one another as our own family members, secure in the knowledge that we are all Americans and all want what is best for our country. A day when each citizen can contribute in making life better, not for ourselves, but for future generations to come. Only then will we achieve great things and actually resolve issues that, like our “diversity,” should not have been an issue to begin with. America is great in that we can voice our concerns freely but it’s 2016 and we are still behaving like we are decades in the past with the exception that we now abuse the privilege of modern day advances and use the technology as a weapon to voice our opinions about those who happen to disagree with a value or belief from the ones we have chosen to believe for ourselves. God willing - I hope I can bare witness to a country filled with respect, honor, thoughtful conversation, and mature debates to ultimately reach compromise in order to surpass the immature discord that we as a society have allowed to persist for too long.
Not saying there isn’t hard stuff happening in the world, I’m just saying: Feel. The. Love.... It’s out there in the world, too. ❤️.
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In fact, there’s so much love, the more you look for it, that it can be as overwhelming a feeling as when you feel hopeless against all the hard stuff - EXCEPT! Except you are overwhelmed by the glimmer of hope you feel, and maybe of how you are afraid to believe in the goodness and hope....
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But it’s there! So take it in... let it fill you with a moment of wonder... and then notice the very next thing you feel like doing... Maybe you feel like reaching out to an old friend, or helping out a favorite charity, or going out in nature, or doing some self-love like a workout...
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Whatever it is, let that moment of feeling how big love is carry you into the next thing you do... with love. ❤️
Sharing Your Gift with Others: Embracing Your Purpose Shaina Tranquilino June 17, 2024
Each of us is born with unique gifts and talents. These gifts are more than mere abilities; they are the essence of our true selves, the markers of our purpose. Sharing these gifts with others is not just a noble endeavour; it is a vital aspect of our earthly journey. Discovering Your Gift
The first step in sharing your gift with others is discovering what it is. This discovery is often a journey in itself, filled with introspection, exploration, and sometimes a bit of trial and error. Here are some steps to help you uncover your gift:
Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on what activities bring you joy and fulfillment. What tasks do you find yourself naturally excelling at?
Seek Feedback: Ask friends, family, and colleagues what they perceive to be your strengths. Sometimes, others can see our gifts more clearly than we can.
Experiment: Try new things. Sometimes, we uncover hidden talents by stepping out of our comfort zones and exploring new areas.
Embracing Your Purpose
Once you have discovered your gift, the next step is to embrace it fully. This involves cultivating your talent, honing your skills, and, most importantly, believing in your ability to make a difference. Embracing your purpose is about recognizing that your unique combination of talents, experiences, and passions is valuable and needed in the world.
Continuous Learning: Never stop learning and growing. Seek out opportunities to improve and refine your gift.
Confidence: Trust in your abilities and the value of your contributions. Remember, every great achievement starts with the belief that it is possible.
Purposeful Action: Align your actions with your purpose. Make conscious choices that allow you to use your gift in meaningful ways.
Sharing Your Gift with Others
The ultimate fulfillment of discovering and embracing your gift lies in sharing it with others. Here are some ways to share your gift and make a positive impact:
Teach and Mentor: Share your knowledge and skills with others. Teaching and mentoring can be incredibly rewarding and can inspire others to discover and embrace their gifts.
Volunteer: Use your talents to help those in need. Whether it’s through volunteering at a local nonprofit, offering your services pro bono, or participating in community projects, your gift can make a significant difference.
Create and Innovate: Whether it's art, music, writing, or any other form of creative expression, your creations can inspire, heal, and bring joy to others.
Support and Encourage: Sometimes, sharing your gift is as simple as encouraging others to recognize and pursue their own gifts. Be a source of support and inspiration.
The Ripple Effect
When you share your gift with others, you create a ripple effect that extends far beyond what you can see. Your actions can inspire others to discover and share their own gifts, creating a chain reaction of positivity and growth. The impact of sharing your gift is not limited to the present moment; it can echo through time, influencing future generations.
Your earthly existence provides you with ample opportunity to explore your purpose and use your gifts. By discovering, embracing, and sharing your unique talents, you not only fulfill your potential but also contribute to the greater good. Remember, your gift is a light meant to shine, not just for yourself but for the world. So, go forth and share your gift with others. The world is waiting for the unique contribution that only you can provide.
A New Year's Resolution in Action: Donating to the Canadian Red Cross for Alberta Wildfires Shaina Tranquilino August 2, 2024
As we step into the month of August, I find myself reflecting on one of my New Year’s resolutions that has become a deeply fulfilling part of my year: dedicating each month to supporting a different organization that resonates with me. This personal commitment not only allows me to contribute to causes I care about but also helps me stay connected to the pressing issues our world faces.
For the month of August, I have chosen to direct my support to the Canadian Red Cross, particularly to aid their efforts in combating the devastating Alberta Wildfires. The choice to support the Red Cross was influenced by the recent news reports and stories of those affected by the wildfires. The sheer scale of the disaster and the human impact it has created a strong urge within me to lend a helping hand.
Why the Canadian Red Cross?
The Canadian Red Cross is renowned for its swift and effective response in times of crisis. With its extensive network and resources, the organization has been on the front lines, providing essential services to those displaced and affected by the Alberta Wildfires. Their work includes emergency relief, evacuation support, and long-term recovery assistance. By donating, I am not only contributing to immediate relief efforts but also supporting the broader recovery and rebuilding initiatives that will help communities get back on their feet.
The Impact of Your Donation
Even a small contribution can make a significant difference in disaster relief efforts. The Canadian Red Cross utilizes donations to supply basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter, as well as to fund critical services like mental health support and community rebuilding. Knowing that my donation will help provide these vital resources is incredibly motivating and reinforces the value of my resolution.
How You Can Get Involved
If this cause speaks to you as it did to me, there are several ways you can contribute:
Make a Donation: Visit the Canadian Red Cross website to make a financial contribution. Every dollar helps in the fight against the wildfires and supports those in need.
Volunteer: Consider offering your time and skills to support local relief efforts. Volunteers play a crucial role in disaster response and recovery.
Spread the Word: Share information about the Alberta Wildfires and the Canadian Red Cross on social media to raise awareness and encourage others to contribute.
Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest updates on the situation and the Red Cross’s efforts to better understand the ongoing needs and how you can help.
My journey of donating to a different organization each month has been a rewarding experience, offering a sense of purpose and connection to various causes. August’s focus on supporting the Canadian Red Cross and their critical work in response to the Alberta Wildfires is a reminder of the power of collective action and compassion. By coming together to support those in need, we can make a tangible impact and help build a stronger, more resilient community.
As the wildfires continue to affect countless lives, I encourage you to join me in supporting this vital cause. Together, we can contribute to the relief and recovery efforts that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.
Here's to making a positive impact, one month at a time. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/crisis-relief-center/jasper-alberta-wildfire-relief-crc/?utm_source=landingpage&utm_medium=CHcrc&utm_campaign=homepagerotator
Part 2: What to Do When You're in the Midst of a Forest Fire: Essential Safety Tips Shaina Tranquilino August 2, 2024
Forest fires can be sudden and terrifying, posing severe risks to anyone in their path. Whether you're a hiker, camper, or resident in a fire-prone area, understanding how to respond in the midst of a forest fire is crucial for your safety. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do if you find yourself caught in the midst of a forest fire.
1. Stay Informed
Monitor Alerts and Updates: If you’re in an area prone to wildfires, always stay informed about local fire conditions. Use a battery-powered radio, smartphone, or other reliable sources to receive updates from emergency services. Understanding the fire’s location and direction will help you make informed decisions.
Know Your Escape Routes: Before heading into a forested area, familiarize yourself with potential evacuation routes and safe zones. This preparation can save precious time during an emergency.
2. Find a Safe Location
Seek Shelter: If you are near a fire, your primary goal is to find a safe location away from the flames and smoke. Ideally, move towards a cleared area or an open field where the fire is less likely to spread. Avoid dense forests or areas with heavy vegetation, as these will fuel the fire.
Avoid Areas with Flammable Materials: Stay away from areas with a lot of dry brush, logs, or dead trees. Fires can spread rapidly in such environments.
3. Protect Yourself from Smoke and Heat
Cover Your Mouth and Nose: Use a cloth, mask, or piece of clothing to cover your mouth and nose to reduce inhalation of smoke and harmful particles. If you have a specialized smoke mask, use it.
Stay Low: Smoke rises, so staying close to the ground can help you breathe cleaner air. Crouch or lie down if necessary, and keep your head low.
Protect Your Skin: Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from heat and embers. If you have access to a fire-resistant blanket or clothing, use it to shield yourself from intense heat.
4. Manage Your Escape
Move Perpendicularly to the Fire: If you need to move, travel perpendicular to the direction of the fire’s spread. Moving directly away from the fire might not always be the safest option, as fires can change direction rapidly.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation: Avoid panicking. Take a moment to assess your surroundings, plan your route, and proceed with caution. Ensure you are not walking into areas that may lead to further danger.
Avoid Using Vehicles: If you’re driving and become trapped, stay in your vehicle. It can offer some protection from heat and flying embers. Keep windows rolled up and use the air conditioning on recirculate mode if possible.
5. Signal for Help
Use Visual and Audible Signals: If you are in distress and need rescue, use a whistle, flare, or mirror to signal for help. If you have a smartphone with a signal, call emergency services and provide them with your exact location.
Stay Visible: Make yourself as visible as possible to rescuers by staying in open areas where you can be easily spotted. Avoid hiding in dense vegetation.
6. After the Fire
Check for Updates: Once you are safe, continue to monitor updates from authorities regarding the fire’s status and any potential hazards in your area.
Be Cautious of Hazardous Conditions: After the fire has passed, be wary of hazards such as smoldering embers, falling trees, and weakened structures. Avoid returning to your home or campsite until it has been declared safe by authorities.
Seek Medical Attention: If you experience symptoms of smoke inhalation or burns, seek medical attention immediately. Even minor injuries can become serious if left untreated.
Being prepared and knowing how to act in the event of a forest fire can significantly increase your chances of staying safe. By staying informed, protecting yourself from smoke and heat, and managing your escape effectively, you can navigate this dangerous situation with greater confidence. Always prioritize your safety and follow the guidance of emergency services to ensure a safe outcome in the face of such a challenging crisis.
Remember, preparation is key. By understanding these steps and being ready to act, you can better protect yourself and others in the event of a forest fire.
Best project I participated in this week:
Steps:
1) Buy mini bottle of your favorite liquor.
2) Drink said liquor.
3) put empty mini bottles and caps in dishwasher.
4) Start dishwasher.
5) Wait until bottles are completely dry.
6) Remove white styrofoam bedding from inside lid of bottles.
7) Drill two holes for salt shaker in one lid.
8) Drill three holes for Pepper shaker in other lid.
8) put a pinch of rice grain in the bottle that you are choosing for salt (absorbs moisture).
9) Fill bottles with respected ingredients.
10) Screw respective caps on bottles and enjoy your fun salt and pepper shakers.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I enjoy reading clever signs when visiting the restroom. I love the fact that gender neutral bathrooms have the best signs. I love that as a society we are moving towards a more diverse and inclusive space.
Quick stop after work at my casa, before running some errands. Walked out the door and was hit with this. What a sunset! If you have to live somewhere, it might as well be Crystal Beach.