Just a little about JoJo

Welcome to my blog- which is not about one thing. It’s about journeying through life together. Here’s some key points about me…

I’m from Melbourne, Australia.
I have been working in the Social Welfare field for over 10 years mostly with families and children. Early in my career I specialised in working with refugee families. I have a Bachelor in Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma.
I actually started my career as a nurse, working in Paediatrics, Oncology, Orthopaedics and a little Gen Med. I have also tried my hand at teaching nursing students. A combination of exposure to social issues through my work, family life and volunteering and a back injury led to my career change.
In my 20s I volunteered on and off in various African countries, mostly with abandoned and orphaned children but also in medical teams in remote or slum communities.
I volunteered as a youth mentor in a large youth group for about 13 years, I had many roles but mostly I oversaw the girls programs. I was also the special events coordinator and was tasked with planning camps, fundraisers, conferences and many other events.
I’m passionate about social justice issues.
My family has been touched by cancer.
I am 1 in 4 who have experienced pregnancy loss, having 2 miscarriages in 2018.
I am undergoing fertility treatment to become a single mum and also to open up my choices in the future if I do find someone I want more children with. I have Factor V Leiden and low AMH.
I don’t eat gluten or dairy due to intolerance and I try to eat as refined sugar free as possible (although I’m not as strict on the sugar all the time).
I am Christian and have a deep faith in God. I try to live by the ‘Love God, Love People’ philosophy rather than ‘religious rules’.
I am a feminist- although I would prefer we called it something like ‘equalism’. That’s the heart of feminism, equality.
I try to limit the use of chemicals in my life where possible.
I am the eldest of 5 sisters ranging from our 30s down to 12 years in age.
My family fostered children from when I was 18 and so I’ve had about 20 temporary siblings (all preschool age).
I am very family orientated- and by family I also mean the family we choose for ourselves. I’m known by many as ‘Auntie Jo’.
I love baking and I enjoy making special cakes for family and friends- but they are a lot of work so only occasionally.
I am passionate about making a difference in the world, particularly for children.
I am obsessed with Christmas.
I have been to South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Thailand, Canada, the USA, the Bahamas, Denmark, Holland and Germany.