Ted Talks....and so will Julie!!

Well, It's Official! 

I've been invited by the prestigious Ted Talks organization in the form of TEDxUlaanbaatarWomen to speak on the life changing effect of discovering the children up at the Peak and truly seeing how they were living. December 7th, for 12 or so minutes up at the Black Box Theatre here in Ulaanbaatar I will be making my large venue public speaking debut....gulp.... and sharing  some of the "insider's" view of starting the Children of the Peak Sanctuary. Amusing anecdotes included...

And while it is somewhat uncomfortable to be sitting here writing a blog about...well..me...(I'm not the type to blow my own horn really.  Really!! ) I can't tell you what an incredible honour this is.  I was initially very amazed (read dumbfounded!!) by their request, but now am very very much looking forward to being able to share with the world how the beauty that is these children has transformed my own life, and that of so many of you who have been moved to help. As I always say, the more people that know about the situation up at the Peak, the better.  Together we can truly effect social change and I know that a high profile talk such as this cannot help but  raise the awareness both within Mongolia and overseas.

The TEDx group here in Mongolia is headed by a group of dynamic, engaged young Mongolian women who are impressive in their talents, dedication and drive and their unstinting dedication to this cause that they are volunteering their time for.  They are also looking for sponsorship to help defray the costs of bringing this world class international event to Mongolia. 

If you or your company would be interested in information about sponsorship, please contact me or go directly to their website: tedxulaanbaatar.com

You can see what it's all about there!  And to those of you in Mongolia - Let's make this the most successful TED event in Mongolia to date - get your tickets now!!
Oh, yes and in case you are wondering why this blog entry is decorated with pictures of me...?? It's because I had to choose one for the  bio they were doing on me - It had to be one without sunglasses on ( turns out there were darn few of those!) and a head shot. You have NO idea of how tough it is to look through literally hundreds of photos of yourself and try to pick on that will adequately represent the "who" you are in this context.  Not to mention how unsettling it is to look as literally dozens of , hmmmn, how shall we say it..."unflattering" snaps of yourself.  New Year's resolution in November time!! In any case, these were the finalists in my mind.

Which one would you have picked? Just curious if the world sees me the same way I see me.  I guess on Dec 7th I'm going to find out....See you all there - or later on the Ted Talks youtube page! 

...oh and just for fun, here's the uncropped versions of those photos - I think the context is relevant..at least it is, to me. 

With two of our little Kindergarten attendees...last spring while the centre was still under construction.

Caving with the kids from the Peak at Bag Choloo ger camp - en route to Oyu Tolgoi for their first EVER vacation.  Thanks to OT for the free trip!

At a Saturday lunch programme before the centre was officially opened.  With what would later be one of the children in our Kindergarten and one in our "To and After School  programme."

With  one of my Mongolian "Granddaughters" on the occasion of her own Kindergarten graduation.

En route to Oyu Tolgoi with the Children of the Peak...being chased by a herd of wild camels.  No, seriously!! They were chasing us!! What ?  Don't I look scared?