The Big 21

As if I am not already obsessed with Demi, I find other ways to make connections between her life and mine. Demi turned 21 on August 20th and weird enough, that is my dad's birthday. Two of my favorite people sharing a birthday.

Unlike most people who go out, party, and get drunk on their 21st birthday, Demi spent hers in Africa with some of her closest friends. She passed up the opportunity to legally go out and drink, for a volunteer program. She spent the entire day working with Free the Children in the Maasai Mara Region of Kenya. Free the Children is a charity and educational system that works with young kids to help them get more involved in their community. Through the charity, Demi and her friends helped build a new school for the children in Kenya. Isn't she such a gem...

During an interview with Ellen Degeneres, Demi talked about her birthday experience. When Ellen asked why she decided to go to Africa she said, "I don't drink or anything like that so turning 21 could have either been a big drag, or I could make it into something special. So i chose to celebrate my life by helping others." She "sobbed like a baby," she said when she had to leave. She even slept in a tent one night and claims she heard animals throughout the night. Here is the link where Demi talks to Ellen about her experience in Africa.

Demi made friends with all the children she helped. She tweeted and instagramed many pictures of her experience. In return for her help, one of the Maasai communities gave Demi a special birthday present. They gave her a GOAT! Not your average 21st birthday present that's for sure. She named the goat Billy. The trip looked really inspiring and fun to participate in. Maybe on her next trip she will ask me to go too.