The pain a woman feels is temporary, the strength she has is eternal.

Being a part of the Miss Garden Route and Klein Karoo 2013 has exposed me in a raw, up front manner to something we are all too well acquainted with in South Africa; high levels of abuse of woman and children. This being the major theme of the week we have spent in Mossel bay with the finalists and sponsors I decided to do some research: I wanted to dissect the idea of abuse, know the demographics and delve into the statistics and psychology behind abusers and victims, and my findings were shocking and unexpected to say the least. Reason being not because I learnt how prevalent gender specific abuse is, we know that 1 in every 4 woman in South Africa are survivors of domestic abuse. Not because I learnt the negative affects and emotional and physical consequences that abuse has on woman and children, we know this too.. but because I learnt more about myself, my purpose and my personal role as a woman within our gender and the responsibilities I have to speak out on behalf of those affected by these horiffic acts on a daily basis. By looking into and thinking critically about the motivation, actions and the effects of battering of women and children, I realised that many girls, wives, daughters, sisters succumb to abuse in any of it's 6 forms on a daily basis in varying intensities, without even realising it. I learnt that if women as a collective do not respect each other, encourage and support one another, how can we create a society that does not accept abuse, even in the slightest? Whether you are experiencing abuse or not, we, me included, have a responsibility to one another to spread the word to every inch of this world that we will not back down, we will not accept pain or mistreatment and we will support our fellow woman until woman are treated as they should be.
We, myself included, have the responsibility to treat each other with utmost kindness, if we do not, how do we expect reform? As sisters, wives, mothers, daughters and leaders of a new world standard, we as woman need to stand up, together and say no to abuse. A collective "no". A "no" that is as powerful as the hurtful words or fist of any man or woman. A "no" that will end the abuse of women and children for all times.

A 4 year old's photography

On Wednesday the 25th of September myself and the other finalist of Miss Garden Route and Klein Karoo had the humbling experience of visiting the CEF (Creating Effective Families) center for abused and battered women and children in Mossel bay. One of the children staying at the shelter, a 4 year old named Victor, stole our hearts with his dance moves and witty chirps. When Victor got hold of my iphone, he blossomed into a wise photgrapher directing and snapping away at every turn. Below are the results of a 4 year old's photographic session, most of which happened to be selfies

Have you ever wondered why children love to look at pictures of themselves? It is a wonderful thing, not knowing the pressures and expectations of the world all of which mean nothing really. We as adults should aspire to be just as bold as our junior counterparts who know no boundries and limitations.

Totally random: Did you know?

The Rock Hyrax found in South and East Africa's closest related organism is........ The Elephant!

http://www.arkinspace.com/2012/02/hyrax-elephants-cousin.html

Miss Garden Route & Klein Karoo 2013

After 9 years of visiting the Garden Route on a frequent basis it is hard to deny that it's old school charm and juxstaposed worldly beauty stole my heart. Even so, moving here on a permanent basis was not what I expected and would not have been in my life plan if you had asked me of it a year ago. However, on a whim and as if fate intended, late in January 2013 I found myself, my car and belongings packed up with all roads heading down the usual road toward Eden, only this time, for a great deal longer than usual. The move, like the many others I have experienced in my 21 years was not without challenge and still is not an easy road to be on, but it has been a worthwhile one indeed.  A small town girl at heart with big city ambition, my number one goal this year has been to amalgamate what I know of both worlds into a model that works for the good of both myself and those around me. I have given much when I have had little and I have too had to ask for help and support on many occasions. The warmth of people in this this part of the world is rivalled by few and if I did not know it before, I truly have learned the value of love and kidness in the world thanks to the smiles, acceptance and willingness of people to give of themselves to help others.

Although the Garden Route faces many challenges and ongoing battles, there is a treasure in this place worth more than diamonds and gold and I believe that if people continue to show the world of this beauty, we will have an oasis to always come home to. I hope that my experiences and growth this year aids me in understanding what a good representitive of the region should be, and what the needs, plights and joys of it's people are. I am honoured to be a finalist in Miss Garden Route & Klein Karoo 2013 and I hope that I can complete the circle and in doing so extend my community work and involvement with the backing of the gracious sponsors of the competition.

Miss Garden Route & Klein Karoo Gala event
Bravo Lounge, Garden Route Casino
Mossel Bay

20:00
R180-00 pp 

Clothing and non-perishable collections in George, Eden District

We are still collecting clothing, toiletries and non-perishables in the Eden district.

Thank you yo Demi Viljoen who donated two big bags of clothing and other items and to NMMU Saasveld SRC for pledging their collection of items for distribution to the George Child and Family welfare and other homes and shelters in need.

I am continuing to collect and distribute on an ongoing basis and all donations will find a good home.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on danicka_morningstar@yahoo.com if you would like to donate!

A prayer for Kenya

In the light of the horrific terroristic attacks at the Westgate Mall in Kenya, a prayer of strength goes out to the families and friends of those lives lost in the attack. 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, "For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." . But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.

Philippians 4:6-8

Miracles through Equine Therapy

A few years ago I had the privilege of being able to assist at SARDA(South African Riding for the Disabled Association) Highveld, while living in Westrand, Gauteng. The organisation provides therapeutic horse riding lessons for disables and terminally ill children. The positive affects of the therapy were tangible and easily seen by all of the volunteers over the time that we offered to the organisation, and years later, I am entirely in support of therapy through equine arts.

After moving to the Garden Route I had therapeutic riding on my heart for many months, trying to figure out where and how I can offer this miracle to children in the area that could benefit from it. That is how I found Rainbow Riders, a group of passionate volunteers using limited resources and offering of their time on Tuesday's and Wednesday's to heal children with therapeutic horse rides.

I am so excited to get involved with Rainbow Riders and the selfless work they are doing in the George, Eden area. Follow the link to their Facebook page below for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rainbow-Riders/286908697998226