Empowering Education through Feminine Hygiene

Living in America, it is strange to think that something as regular as a menstrual cycle can set back a girl’s education; however, for girls and women –such as those in Africa—this is a real problem.  The lack of feminine products often means that girls cannot go anywhere while on their periods. For those that are lucky enough to even be able to afford the tuition to go to school, they may still miss 3-4 months of school each year because of their periods.  Understanding that the key to change and empowerment starts with education, I am deeply saddened by this fact.  I was further horrified to learn that girls will often shove sticks or other things in their vaginas because of the lack of feminine products and their desire to go to school or work.  It is with that in mind that I wanted to make a difference, because this seems like such an easy thing to fix. 

I watched a documentary recently called Tapestries of Hope (http://tapestriesofhope.com/) where I learned of Betty Makoni and a foundation she started in Zimbabwe called the Girl Child Network (GCN). The stories of the girls are heart wrenching, many are orphans, have been sexually assaulted and many of them are sick and dying of a disease which affects 40% of the population. I thought, if there was anyone who will be able to help with my idea about distributing feminine hygiene products, it would be Betty.  I contacted GCN and was forwarded on to Betty who thought this was a good idea.  With her go ahead my plan has moved on.

How can you help?

I am collecting new underwear (the government has banned the distribution of used underwear) for the girls, as well as am looking for donations of reusable maxi pads (sometimes known as “mama cloths”) and tampons. If you know how to sew or crotchet and are interested, please contact me at elsie@elsiethedomesticgoddess.com and I can send you the pattern to make them. You can then mail all items to me at:

Elsie Lodde

Po Box163726

Sacramento,CA95816

The items collected will be sent to Zimbabweto make a difference. You can find out more about the GCN on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Girl-Child-Network-Worldwide/109935497517 or at their website at http://www.girlchildnetworkworldwide.org/

Dog Rescue

On top of loving to cook and sew, I also spend many sleepless nights doing dog rescue. I usually have at least one foster dog and I would ventuare to guess that in 2011, I rescued and adopted out about 120 dogs. 

You can see all my adoptable animals at:

http://www.AdoptaPet.com/shelter80770-pets.html

I am currently raising money for a few dogs in need. You can donate via chipin (elsielodde.chipin.com) or by sending checks to:

Elsie Lodde
PO Box 163726
Sacramento, CA 95816

Otis

Otis was born on October 20th. He is a cuddly shep/chow mix puppy. His mom was rescued while pregnant and then she gave birth to 6 little fluffballs. Everything seemed fine at first, but when it came time to be weaned, Otis would start violently wretching, foaming at the mouth, and could not keep anything down. His foster mom worried, but it didn't seem like a big deal until the mom dog (a young mom) dried up and left the puppies on solid food. We tried giving him benebac to see if that would help his tummy, with no luck. We gave him gruel (puppy food blended with formula) and still he vomitted. After being unable to get him to keep any food with texture down he went to the vet. The vet did an xray and guessed at the time what the problem was (correctly) but sent the images to a radiologist to confirm. She told me to give him liquid food, and so Otis has been pretty much on formula and a tiny amount of solid food, plus a high calorie replacement for dogs (and peanut butter in his kong). Otis is back to a healthy weight and is playful and cuddly and sweet. But there is still the matter of the persistent right aortic arch.

What is Persistent right aortic arch? It is a congenital birth defects found in many species of animals including dogs (especially in German Shepherd and Irish Setters). Basically the aorta and esophagus switch sides causing the heart to block the esophagus not allowing food to get to the stomach. This can cause the dogs to aspirate food into the longs (causing pneumonia) or to die of starvation (see: http://www.vetsurgerycentral.com/gi_praa.htm)

Surgery corrects all problems in 90% of patients, so it is a great choice. One problem is that the cost of surgery can be prohibitive. At UC Davis, where he would have the surgery, the cost is about $4000. Since this is a rescue dog (and it is a vet school) they are willing to provide Otis with a significant discount. I was also warned that the sooner it is performed, the less damage is done to the esophagus so the better the chance is for a normal life. If food is allowed to sit in the esophagus, it will distend and can lead to megaesophagus. As for now he can only eat a liquid diet as his esophagus is as small as a straw right now.

You can see pictures of this cute puppy at:

You can donate at:  http://elsielodde.chipin.com/otis-needs-heart-surgery

A true Goddess leaves her world a better place.

I have many hobbies that keep me very busy, many include charity work. I think the easiest way to make yourself smile, is to make someone else smile.  With that being said, this is my current link of charities I am working on today.