GEMS

Girls Educating & Mentoring Services is an amazing non-profit organization in New York, founded by Rachel Lloyd. GEMS works with commercially sexually exploited girls to help heal and grow the girls who have been affected by sex trafficking in the United States.

I recently finished reading Lloyd's book, Girls Like Us: Fighting for a World Where Girls Are Not for Sale... and am deeply moved by Lloyd's story and so many other girls' stories that she featured in the book. It makes my heart ache to read about girls who are beat by their "daddy" because they did not make enough money on the track...

There is a corresponding documentary that shows the work of GEMS. You can find it broken into 6 segments on youtube. Please watch it and educate yourself on the horrifying issue. And read Lloyd's book to go even further in your understanding. Hopefully it will inspire a fighting spirit in your heart like it has in mine.

sincerely,

kelly glenn boylan

Santa Cruz

I'm currently sitting in one of the best coffee shops i've ever been to...It's called The Abbey and it's part of a church down here called Vintage Church. There are old windows and beautiful artwork and comfy chairs...And right as i walked in the room, Sara Bareilles came on. I might just move to Santa Cruz so i can spend all of my days here;)

I'm in Santa Cruz with the officers from the dance team i assistant coach. It's always an awesome time because they get so excited to bring back new material to the team. It's beautiful to watch them grow as leaders, and as young women in general. They are all so precious to me(:

I've come to realize that i never laugh as much in life as when i am with them. The past weekend we spent at Sac State for team camp had me laughing constantly. It's nice to see that because it really solidifies my belief that God has called me to work with young women...

Today after closing ceremonies are over we'll head over to the beach and spend some time there! I am so looking forward to the sand and ocean and the inevitable take-a-photo-while-jumping opportunity;)

Hopefully there'll be more pics to come!!

xo,

kb

Dance Camp:)

A few weekends ago my dance team went to camp at Sac State, held by the United Spirit Association.

This camp is always awesome. I have so many memories from camp, both from while i was a camper and then as a coach. It felt great to be back this year:))

xo,

coach kb

Happy Birthday, America!!!

playing with fire is fun...;)

k

tahoe:):)

Sunday my family went up to Tahoe to visit my Aunt and Uncle who celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary! Aunt Debbie and Uncle Mike are two of my favorite family members.

Family photos at the lake:):)

Fourth of July:

I picked up a shift at Arden&Eastern today and worked 8a-3:30p. Later in the day i went over to the house and "swam" for a while with dylan(:

Everyone in the family was over for dinner and dessert. I'm so grateful to live in America and know what freedom feels like...how did i get so lucky? I honestly do not know...all i know is that His grace is all around me.

xo,

kb