Last year, I was approached by Noonday Collection and asked to join a team of storytellers on a trip to Rwanda. Noonday Collection is partnering with the International Justice Mission in Style for Justice, a journey to Rwanda that will fuse fashion, justice, women and the overall power we each posses both in our voices and in the choices we make regarding our purchases.

I had butterflies in my stomach immediately–I mean, Africa! That’s so far away!  But as I learned more about the trip and the mission of these organizations and after talking with my family, I knew it was something I wanted to lend my voice to; I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. My brother sealed the deal for me. He’s been to Africa several times, first in mission trips and eventually in business. “You never say no to Africa,” he told me.

So, I’m going to Rwanda.

I’ve featured Noonday Collection before here on the blog, but if you don’t know about them, you can read their story here. What started as an effort to help founder Jessica Honneger fund her son’s adoption from Rwanda turned into an incredible opportunity to create pathways out of poverty for the vulnerable as well as a way for women in the US to make a living. Nine different countries are now being impacted by Noonday’s mission, and hundreds of women have been employed–over 500 US ambassadors as well as artisans in other countries who are able to care for their families through the fair wages they now receive for their work.  And their work?  Is beautiful.  The jewelry and accessories Noonday offers are exquisite.

There’s so much good being done in these countries thanks to Noonday and the International Justice Mission, and I am thrilled to join the other storytellers in spreading word of how we can pursue economic empowerment and justice for the poor.

Here’s the awesome part. One of you gets to come with us. One of you gets to go to Africa and meet the beautiful artisans and hear their stories and see the things that are happening and the ways that their lives are changing. Noonday Collection is choosing one reader and covering all their expenses for the trip.  You have until May 28 to submit an entry telling us why you want to join us and then rally your social community to vote for you daily.

And even if you don’t get to come with us physically, you still get to be a part of this journey with us as we share it and discover ways we all can help empower each other.

Noonday Collection will also be giving away a $100 gift certificate and a signed copy of IJM founder Gary Haugen’s latest book, The Locust Effect to 10 lucky entrants, randomly chosen.

I’ve been reading The Locust Effect and, I’ll be honest–it’s a hard read. Not because it’s boring, but because there are so many stories of women and children in poverty that are hard to hear–things that would be easy to walk away from so that I don’t have to think about them.  And this makes me even more excited for this trip. There’s a lot I don’t know, but I want to know–I need to know. And there’re so many ways we as women can help support other women, and it’s as easy as buying from companies that are making a difference.

I’m so excited for you all to be part of this story too. Come to Rwanda with us. In person, in story, in heart. It’s going to be an amazing adventure. I have butterflies again.

#StyleForJustice from Noonday Collection on Vimeo.

To read more about what Noonday and the International Justice Mission does, check out their links.

Brain crops taking a rest today.
Pictures speak for themselves.
Our weekend in images…

I didn’t notice what was happening here until I pulled these next pics up on my computer and–Nella’s carefully studying and copying Lainey’s every move.

Lazy boy…

More on motherhood from our home and some of my favorite moms, later this week…

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Contributing this week:

12 of my favorite online moms lay their hearts on their sleeves and share their views on motherhood over at eHow.

Turning a new Clean Car leaf with my minivan (yes, I’ve joined the minivan club). How we’re keeping it clean…over at eHow.

This post is sponsored by Citrus Lane.

We’re thrilled to partner with Citrus Lane again, a company that offers moms and dads the best products for kids through both their online store and their monthly box subscription service. Citrus Lane helps parents discover fresh brands and exciting new products by working only with brands that offer the best products for kids. Using a combination of product research, expert recommendations and feedback from their 500,000+ member community, the Citrus Lane Product Editors curate a monthly package of 4-5 products designed to delight parents and their little ones. Boxes are tailored for children from newborn up to five years old and selections include items such as toys, books, snacks, household and body care products, as well as the occasional treat for parents. Each box is worth at least $29 in retail value, monthly subscriptions are as little as $21 a month, and shipping is always free.

And if you’re as obsessed with mail as we are, you know how fun a day it is when we find a Citrus Lane box at our door.  It’s like mini Christmas.

This month’s box for us included…

I love that some of the things inside the box are things I wouldn’t think to buy (or know they were available), but I always love having them once they arrive.

Like our little travel first aid kit, perfect for purse, stroller, or glove compartment.

Dash and Nella took turns with the Haba puzzle, and all three kids had fun matching babies to mamas with the big board book.

The Citrus Lane Shop (open to everyone, not just subscribers) is also a great site for kid gifts with some of my favorite brands like Janod, Green Toys and Plan Toys.

Monthly box subscription plans start for as little as $21 a month. It really is a great way to discover new products and offer some fun surprises for you and your kids each month. Or, stash a few treasures away to have on hand for baby gifts and birthday parties.

Citrus Lane is offering our readers a $15 discount on your first month box subscription service in addition to a $15 shop credit using code KELLE50. Offer is applicable to self-subscription purchases by new Citrus Lane customers. It cannot be applied to gift subscriptions. It cannot be combined with other promotions. Subscriptions automatically renew to full retail price. You may cancel anytime after you’ve received your first box.

Thanks to Citrus Lane for sponsoring this post.  And, as always, thank you readers for supporting the sponsors that partner with our family to support this blog.