Who loves Africa?

Ever since I was 18 years old, I've had a special affinity for Africa. I had the opportunity to live in Lusaka, Zambia for 5 weeks then. I went down with Mothers without Border since a close friend of ours started the company. It was incredible. I got to live with a family down there, the Sifaya's, and live how they live. They taught me to cook their nshima, I learned to hand wash my clothes, best of all I fell in love with the people. Every day was spent teaching in an Elementary School, spending time at a Foundation for Street Kids and Orphans -- teaching them to read, do puzzles, art, etc., also we would visit the hospital once a week to hang out with those who never had anyone to visit them. It was incredible, a totally different world, I loved it.

Why do I bring this up now? So many years after I was able to live among the beautiful city of Lusaka, why mention it now? Well, my mom, Jill Johnson, is now living in Africa with her husband, Ray. They are living in Ghana... but for a much longer time than I lived there. They will be there until mid-2010. She's spent so many years dedicating her time to Oxycise! and bringing others to love themselves and their bodies. So many of you have felt her influence and your lives have been changed.

Now, she's off to take care of the world. She will spend her time in Ghana serving the people and helping where it is needed and bringing hope to Ghana. She sends her love to all of you and still loves the updates on how everyone is doing, so keep on writing us. We love to hear from you.

It's all new

The stress of filming the new videos is over... and we are sooo excited to finally get them out. They should be available by January. We filmed them outdoors on this beautiful green grass, with trees and the gorgeous mountains behind. My mom, Jill, actually found the location. She's so great. She's been the one to keep everyone motivated and loving exercise more than ever, because Oxycise! is that great. It's just accessible to everyone. Ever since I was young I always wanted to be like my mom, as I got older I started wanting to take over Oxycise!, I had no idea I might actually make exercise videos like hers. She's such a great example and I'm blessed to follow in her footsteps.

I have such mixed emotions about these new videos, nervousness, excitement, but I just know others will benefit from them. They are the same workout, just updated... new music, new people, closed captioning, a testimonials section, and I'm the one leading the workout. The first time I'll really be introduced to the public... Jill's daughters carrying on her legacy. Only one month away. Eek, we're so excited!