YWAM/Do Justice launch

"Equipping individuals with democracy-building advocacy skills to help promote the voices of people at the local and national government."

Do justice.

It started as a question, as I sat floating in the Amazon in a dugout canoe. Why? Why are the indigenous here coming home with no food? Why are poachers so freely entering their land? Why is no one doing anything?

Of course, people were doing things, lots of things, but my 19 year old self didnt get it. So I set out to learn why.

I am still asking WHY all these years later, after grad school, some time in the field. But I feel like I have some tools to ask these questions, to know what questions to ask, and how, and a framework to help others ask these questions.

And that is what "Do justice" aims to do.

Let's sit together over a cup of coffee. Let's assess the situation. Let's figure out what is wrong with the law or policies that impact this issue. Now let's write something better. Let's talk about advocacy planning. Let's talk about making voices heard. 

Do justice.

And what does this effort look like? So far its been skype calls in the kitchen, cup of coffee in hand, while the kids say hello in the background. And emails, lots of emails.

But things are starting to gear up.

UPDATE - 8/22/15
So, here is where things are at now. Three years after our initial "WE ARE MOVING TO HAWAII!" declaration.

Well, we are, now, actually moving to Hawaii. FOR A YEAR. Forget that three month thing we talked about before. Ha. I've had a lot of people say to me in the past years, gee so sorry that didnt work out. But, really, we weren't. Because it wasn't time yet. And when things are rushed before their time its always harder, not right. But now. Its right.

So, what will this look like? Well, for now I will be working with the YWAM "Law Dept" to assist in developing a degree program in International Relations/ Public Affairs/Law for the University of the Nations. This program will allow individuals who want to serve in government or serve in their ministry through legal advocacy to acquire training with a faith based perspective. We will develop curriculum, courses, seminars, and launch the first school where I will teach some aspects of the courses. I hope to continue teaching in years to come, in the various schools held. YWAM is unique in that the University of the Nations conducts schools around the world making it accessible to many people in many locations. We are excited about that possibility as a family in the years to come

I will also be heading to Mexico to teach a workshop on legislative advocacy in November to a group of individuals led by an amazing woman I've been working with for several years now.

So yes. Its happening. We just bought the tickets. Its real. And yes,  I see this project, this year, as a launchpad for this new organization and as a great opportunity to work with YWAM on this new vision.

So, we are off. As a family. On an adventure. And it feels, after all those years ago in that dugout canoe, this could be it, the dream is alive.

FINANCES: As far as the finances, I'm shutting down this Go Fund me page shortly, within a month perhaps. Steve will be doing his lawyering business from Kona and, I will be the "working for free part time" lady whilst homeschooling and etc.  However, a few people have graciously asked to support us in our transition. Moving to Hawaii is amazingly expensive. (All our household goods will stay in storage in MN, so we will be starting afresh...ie, with nothing. HA.) The cost reflected on this page is purchasing tickets, shipping a few boxes of the kids special things, and getting settled in a new place...buying dishes and some beds. So, anyone who feels so led. You are awesome. Thank you. Call or email Steve or I if you want to know more about donating or our needs in the next month. Once we are through the transition we are fairly confident things will be pretty smooth. As smooth as things can be relocating to an island with suitcases and three kids.

(Follow along on my personal website or email me at sarajsteffey at gmail dot com for more info.)

SO. THANK YOU FOR THINKING OF US. For love and prayer and happy texts. Your support means the world to us.