Adam Wilson
The Olympian
Every year at this time, Phillip Gonzales takes 10 airline cargo boxes to Mexico. Inside the boxes are more boxes, and inside those are Christmas gifts from Department of Social and Health Services workers to orphans.
"The children down there, they would normally not receive Christmas presents. The only support they get is through volunteers, donations," says Gonzales. "When you look at kids and you realize they have nothing, the only thing they have is the clothes on their backs. When the kids look at you with their big brown eyes, they look at you with hope in their eyes. They may not know anything else, but there's hope in their eyes."
Gonzales, 52, lives in Spanaway and works for the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration in Olympia. He's worked for DSHS for 14 years, and began making the trip to Hogar Infantil La Gloria orphanage near Tijuana after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. He said he had been donating gifts to the orphans through his church, Trinity Christian in Milton, but new airline rules said someone had to escort the boxes, which were shipped via passenger airlines.
Read More.........
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Zimbabwe: It's Celebration Time!
The Herald (Harare)
24 December 2007
Posted to the web 24 December 2007
Harare
IT'S celebration time once again. Christmas time means reflecting and helping the needy.
Gospel musician John Mutoko will hold a fundraising gig at Rimuka Stadium in Kadoma on Saturday to assist more than 30 HIV and Aids orphans housed at Mai Kwati Home in Kuwadzana Extension.
The fundraising show is aimed at raising $2 billion to be channelled towards security.
Proceeds from the concert will be channelled towards helping the children who Mutoko learnt of during one radio programme.
The show, which starts from 12pm till late, features Mutoko and his Overcomers outfit, Diva Mafunga, Chegutu-based Chiedza Chavatendi, Mercy Mutsvene and Ronnie Mudhindo who had a stint with Tongai Moyo as a bassist.
"After hearing the plight of the orphans, I was really touched and resorted to helping them. All the proceeds will go to the orphans -- they need love and we want them to feel equal to the other children as they celebrate this festive season," Mutoko said.
Read More.........
24 December 2007
Posted to the web 24 December 2007
Harare
IT'S celebration time once again. Christmas time means reflecting and helping the needy.
Gospel musician John Mutoko will hold a fundraising gig at Rimuka Stadium in Kadoma on Saturday to assist more than 30 HIV and Aids orphans housed at Mai Kwati Home in Kuwadzana Extension.
The fundraising show is aimed at raising $2 billion to be channelled towards security.
Proceeds from the concert will be channelled towards helping the children who Mutoko learnt of during one radio programme.
The show, which starts from 12pm till late, features Mutoko and his Overcomers outfit, Diva Mafunga, Chegutu-based Chiedza Chavatendi, Mercy Mutsvene and Ronnie Mudhindo who had a stint with Tongai Moyo as a bassist.
"After hearing the plight of the orphans, I was really touched and resorted to helping them. All the proceeds will go to the orphans -- they need love and we want them to feel equal to the other children as they celebrate this festive season," Mutoko said.
Read More.........
Friday, December 21, 2007
Silembe | Roof & More Materials
More news from Zambia(edited):The roof is finished on the kitchen/laundry area. The poles on this end of the building support the overhang until the cooking area bricks are up to take their place. We will enjoy Christmas, services and a feast at Nevis' church on Christmas day. Then, we will haul bricks, rocks, sand, and cement until we have enough for the 2nd house.
Merry Christmas!
(Mike)
Silembe | 2nd Building Update
Additional Updates from Mike in Zambia (edited):
Our workers got paid ahead of Christmas. They were happy! I didn't get to their fields, but they say the crops are beautiful. They should be with all the good rains. Nevis went back to see the councilor about the orphanage permit, but the councilor was out -hopefully checking on it for us. The bricklayers-workers I let go home until we were ready to go fast on the next building have been asking when they can return. We will get the materials on hand over the next 2 or 3 weeks, then it will be full speed ahead.
---------------
Mike, Linda, and Jo Anne have been doing a fantastic job in Silembe on the behalf of World Orphan Relief, and please continue to lift them up in your prayers.
Silembe | Rain
An update from your folks in Zambia (edited):
We've been getting rain everyday. It rained all day yesterday, which is unusual for this area. I had arranged to haul all day today. Richwell wanted me to see the Kalomo District Commissioner, a presidential appointment, yesterday, but he was out yesterday -so Richwell rescheduled for this morning. It was a very good meeting. I hope Silembe Village becomes part of Kalomo District in the future.
After the meeting I bought 4 tin sheets needed to finish the kitchen/laundry roof, then braved the muddy road. I brought a shovel in case I got stuck. Fortunantely, the road is sandier than I thought so Linda and I arrived with no problems. We got a couple of loads of bricks delivered.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
So moved: She will ‘retire’ to the slums
Phil Pfuehler River Falls Journal
Published Friday, December 14, 2007
Linda Alvarez is only five years from retiring as multicultural student services coordinator at UW-River Falls, but she’s just now found her life’s calling.
A warm, sunny retirement scenario has been overlaid by slumming — literally.
The 59-year-old Alvarez has become determined to bring dignity, hope and opportunity to a sprawling slum on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, known as Kiambiu.
She spent a month there at the end of last summer. It was a self-financed trip costing her $10,000 and requiring a bank loan.
Read More.......
Published Friday, December 14, 2007
Linda Alvarez is only five years from retiring as multicultural student services coordinator at UW-River Falls, but she’s just now found her life’s calling.
A warm, sunny retirement scenario has been overlaid by slumming — literally.
The 59-year-old Alvarez has become determined to bring dignity, hope and opportunity to a sprawling slum on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, known as Kiambiu.
She spent a month there at the end of last summer. It was a self-financed trip costing her $10,000 and requiring a bank loan.
Read More.......
Friday, December 14, 2007
Rocky Mountain Adoption Fund
World Orphan Relief opended the Rocky Mountain Adoption Fund last month in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Adoption Alliance.
Funds will eventually be used to provide grants to adopting families from the Rocky Mountain region.
Funds will eventually be used to provide grants to adopting families from the Rocky Mountain region.
Sahara Benefit
I wanted to thant Mo, Loubna, and Jihad for opening up their restuarant for us on December 2nd as we set out to raise funds for Orphans. Most of the funds raised will go toward our Christmas Over the Border mission as we leave to visit children in Juarez, Mexico, December 27th.
Marry Christmas!
Marry Christmas!
Helping hand for Thai orphans
Oxford Tims Online
A BANBURY couple who wanted to adopt an orphan in Thailand, found it impossible to choose one from the hundreds available at the orphanage they visited. So they decided to adopt them all.
Roger and Kym Garnett went to Thailand in 2005 with the idea of bringing back one child to bring up as their own.
The couple said this week: "There were so many deserving kids there that we couldn't pick just one. We decided instead to start a charity to help all of them."
Read More.....
A BANBURY couple who wanted to adopt an orphan in Thailand, found it impossible to choose one from the hundreds available at the orphanage they visited. So they decided to adopt them all.
Roger and Kym Garnett went to Thailand in 2005 with the idea of bringing back one child to bring up as their own.
The couple said this week: "There were so many deserving kids there that we couldn't pick just one. We decided instead to start a charity to help all of them."
Read More.....
'Love and dignity' – Church members traveling 4,150 miles to help Belarusian orphans
By Michael Hartwell
Reporter-Lakes Region Weekly
WINDHAM (Dec 13, 2007): Many children in the former Soviet nation of Belarus have no future. Those who live in derelict shacks are subject to malnutrition and physical abuse. Others are abandoned and left to the streets, or put in poorly supervised orphanages.
Belarus is a landlocked Eastern European country located between Poland and Russia. It received the majority of the nuclear fallout from the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, and poverty is rampant.
Read More..........
Reporter-Lakes Region Weekly
WINDHAM (Dec 13, 2007): Many children in the former Soviet nation of Belarus have no future. Those who live in derelict shacks are subject to malnutrition and physical abuse. Others are abandoned and left to the streets, or put in poorly supervised orphanages.
Belarus is a landlocked Eastern European country located between Poland and Russia. It received the majority of the nuclear fallout from the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, and poverty is rampant.
Read More..........
Orphans' carol on iTunes could make all the difference this Christmas
ICN independent Catholic News
LONDON - 14 December 2007 - 200 words
The orphans of Makumbi Children's Home in Zimbabwe are praying that the wonders of modern technology and the internet are going to give their lives a much-needed boost this Christmas. The children's recording with the London Oratory School Schola of Makandifira/Silent Night will be available on iTunes as from Tuesday, 18 December. While they are suffering from hunger and lack of electricity due to the dire situation in Zimbabwe, they are hoping that enough people will download the record to raise much needed funds for the Jesuit-run orphanage.
Read More......
LONDON - 14 December 2007 - 200 words
The orphans of Makumbi Children's Home in Zimbabwe are praying that the wonders of modern technology and the internet are going to give their lives a much-needed boost this Christmas. The children's recording with the London Oratory School Schola of Makandifira/Silent Night will be available on iTunes as from Tuesday, 18 December. While they are suffering from hunger and lack of electricity due to the dire situation in Zimbabwe, they are hoping that enough people will download the record to raise much needed funds for the Jesuit-run orphanage.
Read More......
Uganda Orphans Fund: Building Homes and Futures from Bozeman
Gallatin Valley Non-Profit Profile Series
By Alison Grey, 12-13-07
The Gallatin Valley is home to over 200 non-profits. These organizations do not hinge on metropolitan amenities, and are often created to preserve wild places and stimulate communities of the West. As part of our New West economy, NewWest.Net/Bozeman is highlighting Gallatin Valley organizations in a weekly series.
There are an estimated two million HIV/Aids orphans in Uganda, with estimates that that number will grow to upwards of eight million in the next decade as more parents succumb to the disease.
Read More.......
By Alison Grey, 12-13-07
The Gallatin Valley is home to over 200 non-profits. These organizations do not hinge on metropolitan amenities, and are often created to preserve wild places and stimulate communities of the West. As part of our New West economy, NewWest.Net/Bozeman is highlighting Gallatin Valley organizations in a weekly series.
There are an estimated two million HIV/Aids orphans in Uganda, with estimates that that number will grow to upwards of eight million in the next decade as more parents succumb to the disease.
Read More.......
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Bathhouse Wrap-up
When the ladies finish cleaning up today this place will look much better. When the walls are painted the color differences you see will be gone. The second shower on each side has a drain installed. Water can be easily added when needed. The solar light bulb is hanging from the roof with a switch by the door. After the roof is completed on the kitchen/laundry Golden will help Comrade set the corners of the second house foundation. Golden will be doing other jobs in and around Kalomo, not for WOR, until enough money to move fast is available for the second house. Comrade will continue working on the second house, and whatever we need.Toilets
We have a toilet fully functional on both sides; boy side & girl side. The second toilet can easily be added when needed. The walls are straight, in spite of this picture. We can lay a pipe across the top of the stalls and sew on curtains (so it can't be stolen).Shower
Since we only have cold water, we installed a garden tap. This is traditionally an ideal shower in these parts. we plan to put a drum on the cooking fire for hot water. We can change to whatever shower fixture wanted. When we have more water in the tank (we had to empty to install the main pipe) we'll see how much pressure is available for a normal shower. If we don't have enough pressure we'll raise the tank.
Sinks
We put the 1st sink low for short people. We can always put the second sink, when needed, higher or lower. Garden taps are on the sinks for now. We can replace them with whatever we need.
Bathhouse Tested and ready to go!
Paint will make the wall look like smooth poured concrete. The drains are working great.
Kitchen / Laundry Area
Roof on the kitchen/laundry should be finished tomorrow. It takes time to straighten lumber.
WOR - Tread for Kids Event
We are holding a World Orphan Relief event in January of 2008. This event will be held from January 21 – 26; we will have someone on a treadmill for 132 straight hours at the 24-hour Fitness located in Meridian, and a separate event occurring at the same time in Broomfield.
Each hour represents 1 million Orphans. Our intent is to build awareness for Orphans, as well as, raise $15,000 per each of our two locations.
This would be a great event for a group of you from your Church, small group, work, or neighborhood to be involved with! Contact our office for times still available; either as a Team Captain, a participant, or sponsor.
Each participant will have the option to fulfill the minimum $100 for the one-hour, they can gain commitments for sponsorship / pledges, or they can do a combination of the two. From my personal experience of running for 30 minutes in a 5k in May, I raised well over $4,000.
All pledges are tax deductible and will be used primarily in Zambia. In addition, we do have commitments in Mexico and we are in the process to begin funding the Rocky Mountain Adoption Fund.
As Team Captain, you will be responsible for filling up 6 hours, preferably with 6 individuals. Our goal is to maximize this time, and while it is not required, we would ask that you encourage your team members to secure additional pledges for their 1-hour on the treadmill. You will also be responsible for reminding and coordinating your team members to be at 24-hour Fitness.
We have times available from Monday, January 21 at 6AM to Saturday, January 26 at 6PM.
This is a great opportunity to serve for a company, a group of people, or some other association. I look forward to hearing back from you some time this week. I would like these times committed to by close-of-business on Friday, December 16th. Thank you for your consideration, and feel free to call me with any questions you may have. The World Orphan Relief number is 303.840.1123.
Each hour represents 1 million Orphans. Our intent is to build awareness for Orphans, as well as, raise $15,000 per each of our two locations.
This would be a great event for a group of you from your Church, small group, work, or neighborhood to be involved with! Contact our office for times still available; either as a Team Captain, a participant, or sponsor.
Each participant will have the option to fulfill the minimum $100 for the one-hour, they can gain commitments for sponsorship / pledges, or they can do a combination of the two. From my personal experience of running for 30 minutes in a 5k in May, I raised well over $4,000.
All pledges are tax deductible and will be used primarily in Zambia. In addition, we do have commitments in Mexico and we are in the process to begin funding the Rocky Mountain Adoption Fund.
As Team Captain, you will be responsible for filling up 6 hours, preferably with 6 individuals. Our goal is to maximize this time, and while it is not required, we would ask that you encourage your team members to secure additional pledges for their 1-hour on the treadmill. You will also be responsible for reminding and coordinating your team members to be at 24-hour Fitness.
We have times available from Monday, January 21 at 6AM to Saturday, January 26 at 6PM.
This is a great opportunity to serve for a company, a group of people, or some other association. I look forward to hearing back from you some time this week. I would like these times committed to by close-of-business on Friday, December 16th. Thank you for your consideration, and feel free to call me with any questions you may have. The World Orphan Relief number is 303.840.1123.
10 Ways to Care for Orphans
Family Life’s Hope for Orphans shares 10 ways every Christian can care for the orphan and waiting child.
1. Plead with the Father for Them
2. Speak Up For Them
3. Give Them What They Need
4. Support Those Who Support Them
5. Provide Them a Safe Place
6. Go Visit Them
7. Give Sacrificially to Them
8. Cheer Them On
9. Give Them a Forever Family
10. Mobilize Your Church for Them
1. Plead with the Father for Them
2. Speak Up For Them
3. Give Them What They Need
4. Support Those Who Support Them
5. Provide Them a Safe Place
6. Go Visit Them
7. Give Sacrificially to Them
8. Cheer Them On
9. Give Them a Forever Family
10. Mobilize Your Church for Them
A taste of Africa in Missouri
By Jessica Bock
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/10/2007
O'FALLON, MO. — Bland porridge and bread were on the menu last week at Christian High School instead of the typical high school lunch.
Junior Meredith Frank, 16, wanted her fellow students to get a taste of what day-to-day life is like for young orphans in Africa who have lost their parents to AIDS and are stuck in poverty.
"I really have a heart for kids and what's taking place in Africa, and this is one way that I could help," Frank said.
Read More.........
---------> This could be a great fundraising / awareness building event for any organization serving Orphans.
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/10/2007
O'FALLON, MO. — Bland porridge and bread were on the menu last week at Christian High School instead of the typical high school lunch.
Junior Meredith Frank, 16, wanted her fellow students to get a taste of what day-to-day life is like for young orphans in Africa who have lost their parents to AIDS and are stuck in poverty.
"I really have a heart for kids and what's taking place in Africa, and this is one way that I could help," Frank said.
Read More.........
---------> This could be a great fundraising / awareness building event for any organization serving Orphans.
Trip inspires African outreach
By Cindy Card, Journal correspondent Monday, December 10, 2007
From a mud hut in Uganda, Africa, a recently widowed woman named Faith prayed to God to help her and her five children. Some 8,400 miles away from her home in Rapid City, Karen Lantz asked God for someone she could help while she was visiting Uganda. The women’s prayers were answered, leading to life-changing experiences for both.
Read More......
From a mud hut in Uganda, Africa, a recently widowed woman named Faith prayed to God to help her and her five children. Some 8,400 miles away from her home in Rapid City, Karen Lantz asked God for someone she could help while she was visiting Uganda. The women’s prayers were answered, leading to life-changing experiences for both.
Read More......
Darfur Now (PG) *** | 'Orphans' of Darfur tell gripping tales of terror
Posted on Fri, Dec. 07, 2007
BY CONNIE OGLE
cogle@MiamiHerald.com
They have lost children and spouses, relatives and friends, their homes and their land, and in this sobering and moving documentary the displaced people of Darfur get a chance to tell their stories.
''We are orphans,'' one emotional boy says. ``We don't have fathers. We don't have brothers. They killed our mothers.''
Read More..........
------> I am puzzled as to why the situation in Darfur hasn't been a higher priority in our country? We intervened in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and the list goes on, but why not Darfur? I am afraid that somehow race plays into the lack of the urgency by the West. This burdens me, and is very disappointing.
BY CONNIE OGLE
cogle@MiamiHerald.com
They have lost children and spouses, relatives and friends, their homes and their land, and in this sobering and moving documentary the displaced people of Darfur get a chance to tell their stories.
''We are orphans,'' one emotional boy says. ``We don't have fathers. We don't have brothers. They killed our mothers.''
Read More..........
------> I am puzzled as to why the situation in Darfur hasn't been a higher priority in our country? We intervened in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and the list goes on, but why not Darfur? I am afraid that somehow race plays into the lack of the urgency by the West. This burdens me, and is very disappointing.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Silembe Update
We did receive several updates from Mike Jones in Zambia last week, and one message follows:
Hey Scott, -Our electricity was out for about 20 hours. Fortunately, I bought and delivered most of the remaining roofing materials before the rains (I drove back in the rain). All but the final plumbing connections (waiting on a couple of parts) are complete. I expect to have the plumbing totally completed next week, and the roof on the kitchen/laundry.
I'm sending Nevis to find our District Councilor and get the story on our orphanage permit. He should find him and get some answers this week. Probably, the answer is, "It's coming."
God Bless, Mike
------------------
As the first home, bathhouse, and outdoor cooking & laundry area at the House of Faith Orphanage near completion, we are only waiting on a permit from the local Council so we can begin serving local Oprhans in Silembe, Zambia.
Hey Scott, -Our electricity was out for about 20 hours. Fortunately, I bought and delivered most of the remaining roofing materials before the rains (I drove back in the rain). All but the final plumbing connections (waiting on a couple of parts) are complete. I expect to have the plumbing totally completed next week, and the roof on the kitchen/laundry.
I'm sending Nevis to find our District Councilor and get the story on our orphanage permit. He should find him and get some answers this week. Probably, the answer is, "It's coming."
God Bless, Mike
------------------
As the first home, bathhouse, and outdoor cooking & laundry area at the House of Faith Orphanage near completion, we are only waiting on a permit from the local Council so we can begin serving local Oprhans in Silembe, Zambia.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Call to help Jane's charity for Zambian orphans
Published Date: 07 December 2007
Source: Warwick Courier
Location: Leamington Spa
By Robert Collins
Seeing the suffering caused by Aids in one Zambian village inspired Norton Lindsey businesswoman Jane Kaye-Bailey to set up her own charity.
Now, following World Aids Day on December 1, she is hoping Warwickshire people will sponsor a child through the coming year.
Mrs Kaye Bailey decided to start The Butterfly Tree charity after visiting a school in Mukuni, where the headteacher told her that 450 out of every 1,000 pupils were orphans.
Read More.......
Source: Warwick Courier
Location: Leamington Spa
By Robert Collins
Seeing the suffering caused by Aids in one Zambian village inspired Norton Lindsey businesswoman Jane Kaye-Bailey to set up her own charity.
Now, following World Aids Day on December 1, she is hoping Warwickshire people will sponsor a child through the coming year.
Mrs Kaye Bailey decided to start The Butterfly Tree charity after visiting a school in Mukuni, where the headteacher told her that 450 out of every 1,000 pupils were orphans.
Read More.......
Local teen spends summer helping orphans in Zambia
Jon Avise South Washington County Bulletin
Published Wednesday, December 05, 2007
It goes without saying the hinterlands of northern Zambia bear no resemblance to the suburban sprawl of Cottage Grove — just how different the south African country was, though, came as a shock to Park High School senior Amy Kringle.
During months most of the 18-year-old’s classmates spent lounging at the beach and working summer jobs, Kringle traveled to Africa with a teen mission group, helping put shoes on the feet of children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic ravaging the continent.
Read More..........
Published Wednesday, December 05, 2007
It goes without saying the hinterlands of northern Zambia bear no resemblance to the suburban sprawl of Cottage Grove — just how different the south African country was, though, came as a shock to Park High School senior Amy Kringle.
During months most of the 18-year-old’s classmates spent lounging at the beach and working summer jobs, Kringle traveled to Africa with a teen mission group, helping put shoes on the feet of children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic ravaging the continent.
Read More..........
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Hope is not even an option for the orphans of Robert Mugabe’s ruined land
From The Times
December 3, 2007
Their father died of Aids, their mother left them. Now they huddle away from sexual predators amid violence and destitution.
The Mbare Flats in the slums of southern Harare are a complex of bleak, two-storey concrete blocks that make the unprepared visitor recoil in horror.
They are packed with the destitute and violent, rural labourers who have come to the capital in search of work, and those exploiting them — and with government informers.
The windows are smashed. The place stinks. It has open sewers and communal lavatories. Men hawk home-made alcohol.
Read More..........
Zimbabwe was once one of the most advanced societies in sub-saharan Africa, and now experiences numerous social challenges and 1,035% annual inflation and 80% unemployment. Zimbabwe is just south of Zambia and is home to over 12 million people, who care for 1.4 million Orphans.
December 3, 2007
Their father died of Aids, their mother left them. Now they huddle away from sexual predators amid violence and destitution.
The Mbare Flats in the slums of southern Harare are a complex of bleak, two-storey concrete blocks that make the unprepared visitor recoil in horror.
They are packed with the destitute and violent, rural labourers who have come to the capital in search of work, and those exploiting them — and with government informers.
The windows are smashed. The place stinks. It has open sewers and communal lavatories. Men hawk home-made alcohol.
Read More..........
Zimbabwe was once one of the most advanced societies in sub-saharan Africa, and now experiences numerous social challenges and 1,035% annual inflation and 80% unemployment. Zimbabwe is just south of Zambia and is home to over 12 million people, who care for 1.4 million Orphans.
In pictures: Mozambican orphans with cameras
Children orphaned by Aids and aged between 11 and 18, living in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, were given cameras to document their lives. ...
Read More....
Mozambique borders Zambia to the east, and is home to 21 million people. According to UNICEF Mozambique was home to 1.5 million Orphans.
Read More....
Mozambique borders Zambia to the east, and is home to 21 million people. According to UNICEF Mozambique was home to 1.5 million Orphans.
Nigeria: Zamfara Builds Another Hospital for Orphans
Daily Champion (Lagos)
3 December 2007
Posted to the web 3 December 2007
Ibrahim Habu
Gusau
Zamfara State deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtari Ahmed Anka, has assured that government would continue to ensure water supply to rural areas in the state.
Anka made the pledge in Birnin Magaji local government during the laying of the foundation stone of an orphans and less privileged hospital.
Read More........
According to UNICEF, Nigeria was ranked number three for countries with the largest number of Orphans. In 2005 Unicef had 8.6 million Orphans, up from 7 million in 2003.
3 December 2007
Posted to the web 3 December 2007
Ibrahim Habu
Gusau
Zamfara State deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtari Ahmed Anka, has assured that government would continue to ensure water supply to rural areas in the state.
Anka made the pledge in Birnin Magaji local government during the laying of the foundation stone of an orphans and less privileged hospital.
Read More........
According to UNICEF, Nigeria was ranked number three for countries with the largest number of Orphans. In 2005 Unicef had 8.6 million Orphans, up from 7 million in 2003.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
President Bush: Faith key to international AIDS fight
updated 1:58 a.m. EST, Sat December 1, 2007
MOUNT AIRY, Maryland (CNN) -- U.S. President George W. Bush on Friday stressed the role of faith-based groups in the fight against AIDS, calling the struggle one of conscience and morals on the eve of World AIDS Day.
Read More............
MOUNT AIRY, Maryland (CNN) -- U.S. President George W. Bush on Friday stressed the role of faith-based groups in the fight against AIDS, calling the struggle one of conscience and morals on the eve of World AIDS Day.
Read More............
Silembe Update
We receive additional communication from Mike in Zambia yesterday (edited):
Thanks for the encouraging words. Today we hauled some sand. The ground is getting softer. I barely had enough power to get the load of river sand out. I also hauled a load of bricks for the foundation of the second house. Bricks are cheap and need to be hauled while we can.
I'll work on ledger over the weekend and send it to you. I don't think any money will remain after payroll and transport costs are paid. The remaining roof materials will be about $700.00.
Jo Anne went to see the social worker in Kalomo yesterday. The provincial office told Jo Anne she could work through Kalomo, saving everyone involved from having to go all the way to Kazungula. The social workers have limited resources and are very limited with the type of support that they can provide. With Jo Anne offering to help them with transport when they want to see the orphanage, the government official should be less likely to exercise their authority by making things difficult for us -which is sometimes a common problem. All went well. By the way, another person came to us on site asking if we could take a child having just lost both parents. I had been thinking that receiving one child a month would be faster than what we had experienced before. Now, I'm thinking more than one child a month -there is so much need here. God Bless, Mike
-----------------
As you can see we are closing in on being prepared for children. What a wonderful place for these children to experience comfort and safety -that you have helped provide.
Blessings, -Scott N
Thanks for the encouraging words. Today we hauled some sand. The ground is getting softer. I barely had enough power to get the load of river sand out. I also hauled a load of bricks for the foundation of the second house. Bricks are cheap and need to be hauled while we can.
I'll work on ledger over the weekend and send it to you. I don't think any money will remain after payroll and transport costs are paid. The remaining roof materials will be about $700.00.
Jo Anne went to see the social worker in Kalomo yesterday. The provincial office told Jo Anne she could work through Kalomo, saving everyone involved from having to go all the way to Kazungula. The social workers have limited resources and are very limited with the type of support that they can provide. With Jo Anne offering to help them with transport when they want to see the orphanage, the government official should be less likely to exercise their authority by making things difficult for us -which is sometimes a common problem. All went well. By the way, another person came to us on site asking if we could take a child having just lost both parents. I had been thinking that receiving one child a month would be faster than what we had experienced before. Now, I'm thinking more than one child a month -there is so much need here. God Bless, Mike
-----------------
As you can see we are closing in on being prepared for children. What a wonderful place for these children to experience comfort and safety -that you have helped provide.
Blessings, -Scott N
Silembe | 2nd Home
Reinforced concrete has been poured for the second house. When the bricks are laid to ground level and plastered for water proofing (these bricks are made out of dirt) the weather will not be much of a factor.
Silembe | Batteries
When the ceiling is installed a drop panel will be in this corner for battery service. More batteries can also be added in parallel for more power.
Silembe | Power
The small solar panel is on the right side of the roof. I found the price of small panels cheaper per watt than the larger ones. If/when more power is needed I can add more of these panels in parallel.
Silembe | Lights
The wire is barely visible from the roof ridge cap to the bath house. I have a light installed in both sides of the bath house. I found out today that one of these energy efficient 11 watt bulbs works great directly from the solar panel.
Silembe | Waste System
The septic system and “soak-a-way” (drain field) are finished. I've built more than a dozen of these, none of which have ever had a problem. I bought and delivered more pipes today for the grey water drainage. The grey water will drain out away from the houses and be available for gardens, etc. This is not legal in wet places in the States like the east coast, but is legal in the more dry places like Arizona. Grey water is smelly if stored, but seems to work better on gardens/flowers/grass than fresh water.
Silembe | Water Supply
The hill for the tank has been leveled, broken bricks placed to prevent erosion, and a “box” area made in the hill for drawing water. We can easily raise the hill/tank with more dirt when more water pressure is needed.
Let's Unite Against HIV-AIDS
By Laura Bush
Saturday, December 1, 2007; Page A15
Today, a red ribbon hangs in front of the White House to mark World AIDS Day. It's a celebration of the progress we've made -- and a reminder to all Americans that the AIDS epidemic is far from over.
Reports released this week contain disturbing news about AIDS in our country. As new medicines allow people with HIV to enjoy normal lives, more Americans are becoming complacent, and infection rates among gay and bisexual men are rising. Here in our nation's capital, the virus is spread increasingly through heterosexual sex and is being diagnosed more frequently in women. A disproportionate number of those living with HIV in the District are African American, and HIV infection rates are higher here than anywhere else in the country.
Read More...........
Saturday, December 1, 2007; Page A15
Today, a red ribbon hangs in front of the White House to mark World AIDS Day. It's a celebration of the progress we've made -- and a reminder to all Americans that the AIDS epidemic is far from over.
Reports released this week contain disturbing news about AIDS in our country. As new medicines allow people with HIV to enjoy normal lives, more Americans are becoming complacent, and infection rates among gay and bisexual men are rising. Here in our nation's capital, the virus is spread increasingly through heterosexual sex and is being diagnosed more frequently in women. A disproportionate number of those living with HIV in the District are African American, and HIV infection rates are higher here than anywhere else in the country.
Read More...........
Bush calls for more money to fight AIDS
Saturday, December 1, 2007
BLOOMBERG NEWS
WASHINGTON
President Bush marked the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day yesterday by visiting a church near Washington and then delivering a brief speech in which he urged Congress to increase financing to fight the AIDS virus and said he will travel to Africa early next year.
Read More.........
BLOOMBERG NEWS
WASHINGTON
President Bush marked the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day yesterday by visiting a church near Washington and then delivering a brief speech in which he urged Congress to increase financing to fight the AIDS virus and said he will travel to Africa early next year.
Read More.........
Ghana: More HIV/Aids Orphans Are Homeless
Public Agenda (Accra)
29 November 2007
Posted to the web 30 November 2007
Patricia Ofori Atta
The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has said that one of the biggest challenges in the country is how to support the growing number of orphans and vulnerable children that occur as a result of death caused by the HIV/AIDS virus within the communities.
According to GAC, it is estimated that about 200,000 orphans and vulnerable children are in Ghana who have lost one or both parents due to HIV.
Read More...........
29 November 2007
Posted to the web 30 November 2007
Patricia Ofori Atta
The Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) has said that one of the biggest challenges in the country is how to support the growing number of orphans and vulnerable children that occur as a result of death caused by the HIV/AIDS virus within the communities.
According to GAC, it is estimated that about 200,000 orphans and vulnerable children are in Ghana who have lost one or both parents due to HIV.
Read More...........
Bush brings AIDS message to United Methodist church
From NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>
Date Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:27:16 -0600
Bush brings AIDS message to United Methodist church
Nov. 30, 2007
NOTE: Photographs are available at http://umns.umc.org.
By Melissa Lauber*
MT. AIRY, Md. (UMNS) - President George W. Bush observed World AIDS Day by calling on the U.S. Congress to double funding to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS overseas.
In the process, the president and his visit to a United Methodist church in Maryland spotlighted a United Methodist ministry to orphans of AIDS in Namibia, Africa.
Speaking at Calvary United Methodist Church in Mt. Airy on Nov. 30, Bush called for doubling the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief to $30 billion to expand AIDS prevention and treatment in some of the world's most needy nations. World AIDS Day is observed annually Dec. 1.
Read More..........
Date Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:27:16 -0600
Bush brings AIDS message to United Methodist church
Nov. 30, 2007
NOTE: Photographs are available at http://umns.umc.org.
By Melissa Lauber*
MT. AIRY, Md. (UMNS) - President George W. Bush observed World AIDS Day by calling on the U.S. Congress to double funding to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS overseas.
In the process, the president and his visit to a United Methodist church in Maryland spotlighted a United Methodist ministry to orphans of AIDS in Namibia, Africa.
Speaking at Calvary United Methodist Church in Mt. Airy on Nov. 30, Bush called for doubling the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief to $30 billion to expand AIDS prevention and treatment in some of the world's most needy nations. World AIDS Day is observed annually Dec. 1.
Read More..........
Friday, November 30, 2007
Silembe Update
We received a message from Zambia late last evening. Our first phase is nearly finished with only a few things with the bathhouse to finish, only the roof for the kitchen-laundry area, and the furniture for the home to go! A message from Mike follows (edited):
A man from our church in Kalomo owns a small auto parts shop. I went to his shop trying to buy the clutch part needed for our truck. He asked to go with me and help. He not only had the part, he installed it and wouldn't take any money for the labor (the part was only k45,000 -or $12 US). I went yesterday, hauled rocks, ran a light to the bath house, etc. Golden should build the trusses for the kitchen/laundry within the next week. It rained last night and looks like rain today. Not a good time to drive through the bush and collect rocks or sand. So I didn't go today.
Jo Anne took some more measurements yesterday. We have to make good use of the space within the home, and will price furniture next time we're in town. We know the bunk beds complete with mattresses, sheets, and blankets will cost approximately $200 each. And will eventually need 6 more for the first house (one for the "parent room"). God Bless, Mike
-------------
God continues to make our way in Silimbe. Continue to pray for His provision and protection there. Thank you.
A man from our church in Kalomo owns a small auto parts shop. I went to his shop trying to buy the clutch part needed for our truck. He asked to go with me and help. He not only had the part, he installed it and wouldn't take any money for the labor (the part was only k45,000 -or $12 US). I went yesterday, hauled rocks, ran a light to the bath house, etc. Golden should build the trusses for the kitchen/laundry within the next week. It rained last night and looks like rain today. Not a good time to drive through the bush and collect rocks or sand. So I didn't go today.
Jo Anne took some more measurements yesterday. We have to make good use of the space within the home, and will price furniture next time we're in town. We know the bunk beds complete with mattresses, sheets, and blankets will cost approximately $200 each. And will eventually need 6 more for the first house (one for the "parent room"). God Bless, Mike
-------------
God continues to make our way in Silimbe. Continue to pray for His provision and protection there. Thank you.
Silembe | Windows
One window glass broke before installation. All of the glasses are now installed and look good.
Silembe | Plumbing II
This picture was taken while the toilet drains were being connected. The septic tank concrete top is now in place.
Silembe | Plumbing
The toilet drains, including the septic system, for the first two toilets are now connected and work great.
Silembe | Builder
This is our builder, Golden. We should be connecting water lines and grey water drain pipes next time.
Silembe | Clean Water
The pipe from the pump to the tank is buried and the tank hill is being reworked for stability and filling containers. Trenching should be finished for the pipe between the tank and bath house.
World AIDS Day 2007
Fri Nov 30, 2007 7:16am EST
President and Mrs. Bush Reaffirm Our Nation's Unprecedented Commitment toFighting HIV/AIDS at Home and Abroad.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, President and Mrs.Bush will mark World AIDS Day 2007 by participating in a faith-based roundtable discussion at Calvary United Methodist Church in Mount Airy,Maryland. Since 2001, the Administration has delivered more than $129 billionto fight HIV/AIDS both at home and abroad. This World AIDS Day, the U.S. Government is highlighting the important role of faith- and community-based organizations in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The President and Mrs.Bush will discuss the global response to HIV/AIDS with U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Mark Dybul, members of local churches involved with volunteer efforts in AIDS-afflicted countries, and faith-based organizations partnering with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Starting today, the White House will display the red ribbon for two days on the North Porticoto represent the continued battle against HIV/AIDS and to affirm the matchless value of every life.
Read More........
President and Mrs. Bush Reaffirm Our Nation's Unprecedented Commitment toFighting HIV/AIDS at Home and Abroad.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, President and Mrs.Bush will mark World AIDS Day 2007 by participating in a faith-based roundtable discussion at Calvary United Methodist Church in Mount Airy,Maryland. Since 2001, the Administration has delivered more than $129 billionto fight HIV/AIDS both at home and abroad. This World AIDS Day, the U.S. Government is highlighting the important role of faith- and community-based organizations in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The President and Mrs.Bush will discuss the global response to HIV/AIDS with U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Mark Dybul, members of local churches involved with volunteer efforts in AIDS-afflicted countries, and faith-based organizations partnering with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Starting today, the White House will display the red ribbon for two days on the North Porticoto represent the continued battle against HIV/AIDS and to affirm the matchless value of every life.
Read More........
Global vigil for AIDS orphans begins in Toronto
Thu Nov 29, 2007 2:56 PM EST
TORONTO (Reuters) - Christopher Wachira couldn't help but think of 9-year-old Hamisi Kombo as the names of 360 children, orphaned as a result of AIDS, were read out at Toronto's CN Tower on Thursday.
The Kenyan boy, who is HIV-positive, has seen his parents, and two subsequent sets of caregivers die from AIDS.
"He's being taken care of by his grandmother now," Wachira, a World Vision program manager in Kenya said as an international vigil to mark World AIDS Day on December 1 kicked off in Toronto.
The global vigil will feature the reading of the names of 6,000 orphans, symbolizing the number of children who lose a parent daily because of AIDS. From Toronto, the event moves westward to 17 cities around the globe, including San Salvador, Auckland, and Seoul before finishing in New York on Friday.
Read More..........
TORONTO (Reuters) - Christopher Wachira couldn't help but think of 9-year-old Hamisi Kombo as the names of 360 children, orphaned as a result of AIDS, were read out at Toronto's CN Tower on Thursday.
The Kenyan boy, who is HIV-positive, has seen his parents, and two subsequent sets of caregivers die from AIDS.
"He's being taken care of by his grandmother now," Wachira, a World Vision program manager in Kenya said as an international vigil to mark World AIDS Day on December 1 kicked off in Toronto.
The global vigil will feature the reading of the names of 6,000 orphans, symbolizing the number of children who lose a parent daily because of AIDS. From Toronto, the event moves westward to 17 cities around the globe, including San Salvador, Auckland, and Seoul before finishing in New York on Friday.
Read More..........
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Widows Respond to HIV/AIDS Crisis
LUSAKA, Zambia, November 29, 2007—
“Each time I saw other children go to school when mine were not, a lump of distress would come up my throat,” says Maiwase Mbewe as she hitches up and secures her ‘chitenje,’ or wrap-around cloth, in readiness to rejoin a group of other AIDS widows in a dance of celebration.
The celebration dance of joy is part of a ceremony for a group visiting the Musanga Ward Community, a cluster of 120 villages with 1,225 households and a total population of 7,120.
A six-hour drive from Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, Musanga is a far flung remote border village, east of Chipata in the Eastern Province. It is home to the Madaliso Widows, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Community Support project.
The widows and orphans are victims of an HIV/AIDS epidemic that has swept their community. Chipata district has an estimated population of 369,443 with an HIV prevalence rate of 26.3 percent, the highest in the province. The rate far exceeds the provincial average of 13 percent and the national average of 16 percent.
Read More..........
“Each time I saw other children go to school when mine were not, a lump of distress would come up my throat,” says Maiwase Mbewe as she hitches up and secures her ‘chitenje,’ or wrap-around cloth, in readiness to rejoin a group of other AIDS widows in a dance of celebration.
The celebration dance of joy is part of a ceremony for a group visiting the Musanga Ward Community, a cluster of 120 villages with 1,225 households and a total population of 7,120.
A six-hour drive from Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, Musanga is a far flung remote border village, east of Chipata in the Eastern Province. It is home to the Madaliso Widows, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Community Support project.
The widows and orphans are victims of an HIV/AIDS epidemic that has swept their community. Chipata district has an estimated population of 369,443 with an HIV prevalence rate of 26.3 percent, the highest in the province. The rate far exceeds the provincial average of 13 percent and the national average of 16 percent.
Read More..........
World AIDS Day collections
By Staff Copy
“These young children come to the orphanage to get a few hours of lessons and one meal a day. There are one million AIDS orphans in Zambia out of a population of 12 million. It is a huge problem.”
Read More........
“These young children come to the orphanage to get a few hours of lessons and one meal a day. There are one million AIDS orphans in Zambia out of a population of 12 million. It is a huge problem.”
Read More........
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Silembe Update
We received additional updates from Mike Jones in Zambia yesterday, be blessed (edited):
As you might imagine, the trenching by hand and punching holes for pipes in the masonry takes time, but the piping these days goes fast. We used to tread pipes, until a man in Lusaka started importing containers of cpvc.
I bought a package of lemon grass seeds while in Lusaka. No one could tell us what variety they are, but the package has an email address. I'll email and get the story. The price was k80,000 (approximately $22 US). From what I've seen, I think lemon grass will be easy to grow and easy to multiply through cuttings, once we get it going.
I went to the site this morning with a load of timber for making trusses. On the way my clutch didn't work well. After unloading, I started the truck with men ready to load rocks, and the clutch was completely out. I managed to get home and was blessed to find some parts and the clutch is now fixed and we're good.
My plan is to try again tomorrow. I have enough money for payroll. I'll need about k2,000,000 (approximately $540 US) to buy a few more boards and the tin, which I may have, but need to calculate again after today's purchase.
I still believe the plumbing will be finished this week, though I'm missing one part that I haven't yet found in Kalomo. When we get the roof on the kitchen/laundry, and finish the plumbing before mentioned, all requirements should be met, only waiting on the permit from the council. When the roof is finished I plan to only have a couple of people working each day, keeping the place safe while continuing the work slowly. Not much money will be needed on a weekly basis after our first phase of construction is completed.
Thanks Mike!
As you might imagine, the trenching by hand and punching holes for pipes in the masonry takes time, but the piping these days goes fast. We used to tread pipes, until a man in Lusaka started importing containers of cpvc.
I bought a package of lemon grass seeds while in Lusaka. No one could tell us what variety they are, but the package has an email address. I'll email and get the story. The price was k80,000 (approximately $22 US). From what I've seen, I think lemon grass will be easy to grow and easy to multiply through cuttings, once we get it going.
I went to the site this morning with a load of timber for making trusses. On the way my clutch didn't work well. After unloading, I started the truck with men ready to load rocks, and the clutch was completely out. I managed to get home and was blessed to find some parts and the clutch is now fixed and we're good.
My plan is to try again tomorrow. I have enough money for payroll. I'll need about k2,000,000 (approximately $540 US) to buy a few more boards and the tin, which I may have, but need to calculate again after today's purchase.
I still believe the plumbing will be finished this week, though I'm missing one part that I haven't yet found in Kalomo. When we get the roof on the kitchen/laundry, and finish the plumbing before mentioned, all requirements should be met, only waiting on the permit from the council. When the roof is finished I plan to only have a couple of people working each day, keeping the place safe while continuing the work slowly. Not much money will be needed on a weekly basis after our first phase of construction is completed.
Thanks Mike!
Orphans, adoption, and Fuling, China: a fresh look at James 1:27
November 27, 2007
Posted by Andy under Adoption, Theology
Adapted from my journal - July 8, 2005, Fuling, China
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans…in their affliction” (James 1:27).
I spent the early morning thinking about James 1:27 (couldn’t sleep!), specifically about what “visiting orphans in their affliction” means. I probably should have given this serious thought years ago since James says that visiting orphans in their affliction is an essential mark of true Christianity, but I had not. There is something about spending several days in an orphanage in the middle of China that forces you to think about the meaning of James’ words. So there I sat at 4:30am on July 8th, 2005, in Fuling, China wondering what “visiting orphans in their affliction” might really involve.
Read More.......
Posted by Andy under Adoption, Theology
Adapted from my journal - July 8, 2005, Fuling, China
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans…in their affliction” (James 1:27).
I spent the early morning thinking about James 1:27 (couldn’t sleep!), specifically about what “visiting orphans in their affliction” means. I probably should have given this serious thought years ago since James says that visiting orphans in their affliction is an essential mark of true Christianity, but I had not. There is something about spending several days in an orphanage in the middle of China that forces you to think about the meaning of James’ words. So there I sat at 4:30am on July 8th, 2005, in Fuling, China wondering what “visiting orphans in their affliction” might really involve.
Read More.......
FEATURE-AIDS leaves Africa's grannies to raise children
Wed Nov 28, 2007 8:04am EST
By Barry Moody
NAIROBI, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Skinny and gap-toothed, her nose smudged with black dust, grandmother Kanotu Mumo sorts charcoal into small pots for sale on the stoop of her slum hut.
Mumo is an "AIDS granny" in Kibera, one of Africa's biggest slums. Like grandmothers all over Africa, they have been left to fend for orphans after their own children and husbands died.
Her hut, stacked with sacks of charcoal, measures 10 by 8 feet (3 by 2.5 metres) and is too dark to see more than a few inches (cm) even in the middle of the day.
Read More.........
By Barry Moody
NAIROBI, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Skinny and gap-toothed, her nose smudged with black dust, grandmother Kanotu Mumo sorts charcoal into small pots for sale on the stoop of her slum hut.
Mumo is an "AIDS granny" in Kibera, one of Africa's biggest slums. Like grandmothers all over Africa, they have been left to fend for orphans after their own children and husbands died.
Her hut, stacked with sacks of charcoal, measures 10 by 8 feet (3 by 2.5 metres) and is too dark to see more than a few inches (cm) even in the middle of the day.
Read More.........
Farm schools for vulnerable rural youth on the rise in Africa
Posted by: appablog 28 novembre 2007
Millions of orphans and vulnerable children in need of support – new manual published
Rome, 28 November 2007 – Farm schools for vulnerable children affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic are playing an increasingly important role in sub-Saharan Africa, FAO said today. The schools are teaching orphans vital farming and life skills ensuring them sustainable livelihoods and long-term food security.
A new manual on how to set up a Junior Farmer Field and Life School (JFFLS) has just been published by FAO and the World Food Programme (WFP).
HIV and AIDS have a tremendous impact on rural communities in Africa, particularly on children.
“Children and youth are charged with the heaviest burden of the AIDS crisis,” said Marcela Villarreal, Director of FAO’s Gender, Equity and Rural Employment Division. “Without their parents, they become more vulnerable to hunger and poverty, disease, conflict, sexual exploitation, forced migration and environmental degradation. The schools are an attempt to give orphans the means and the confidence to survive in an often very difficult environment,” she added.
Read More......
Millions of orphans and vulnerable children in need of support – new manual published
Rome, 28 November 2007 – Farm schools for vulnerable children affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic are playing an increasingly important role in sub-Saharan Africa, FAO said today. The schools are teaching orphans vital farming and life skills ensuring them sustainable livelihoods and long-term food security.
A new manual on how to set up a Junior Farmer Field and Life School (JFFLS) has just been published by FAO and the World Food Programme (WFP).
HIV and AIDS have a tremendous impact on rural communities in Africa, particularly on children.
“Children and youth are charged with the heaviest burden of the AIDS crisis,” said Marcela Villarreal, Director of FAO’s Gender, Equity and Rural Employment Division. “Without their parents, they become more vulnerable to hunger and poverty, disease, conflict, sexual exploitation, forced migration and environmental degradation. The schools are an attempt to give orphans the means and the confidence to survive in an often very difficult environment,” she added.
Read More......
Everybody Wants to Save the World
But when you start a charity overseas, good intentions often go awry
By: Dalia Fahmy
Published December 2007
There was a nasty surprise waiting for Troy Wiseman in Zambia. The founder of InvestLinc, an investment and wealth-management company, flew into that African nation in the summer of 2005. On the agenda: taking Zambia's first lady on a tour of several institutions financed by his charity, World Orphans. Unfortunately, the orphanages seemed not to exist. Nor could Wiseman locate the supervising pastor, to whom he had wired almost $70,000 over the past year. After half a dozen phone calls failed to clear things up, Wiseman made his apologies to the president's wife and headed anxiously back to Chicago.
Read More.....
By: Dalia Fahmy
Published December 2007
There was a nasty surprise waiting for Troy Wiseman in Zambia. The founder of InvestLinc, an investment and wealth-management company, flew into that African nation in the summer of 2005. On the agenda: taking Zambia's first lady on a tour of several institutions financed by his charity, World Orphans. Unfortunately, the orphanages seemed not to exist. Nor could Wiseman locate the supervising pastor, to whom he had wired almost $70,000 over the past year. After half a dozen phone calls failed to clear things up, Wiseman made his apologies to the president's wife and headed anxiously back to Chicago.
Read More.....
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Sahara Benefit - WOR Fundraiser
WORLD ORPHAN RELIEF BENEFIT
Sunday, December 2nd Noon – 7PM
WHERE:
Sahara Restaurant
9636 E Arapahoe Rd
Englewood, CO 80112
Phone: (303) 790-4707
9636 E Arapahoe Rd
Englewood, CO 80112
Phone: (303) 790-4707
I-25 & Arapahoe Road, next to Grand Slam, across from Home Depot
WHEN: Sunday, December 2nd, Noon – 7PM
WHAT: Help Orphans in Need – Mexico & Zambia
HOW: Come dine with us at Sahara Restaurant and 25% of proceeds go to World Orphan Relief to care for Orphans in Mexico and Zambia. Or donate at http://www.worldorphanrelief.org/
World Orphan Relief is a registered 501(c) (3) founded in June of 2005 in the state of Colorado. We have served Orphans in Mexico, Myanmar, and Zambia in the last two years.
World Orphan Relief is a registered 501(c) (3) founded in June of 2005 in the state of Colorado. We have served Orphans in Mexico, Myanmar, and Zambia in the last two years.
Our mission is to provide loving support for Orphans fostering a greater capacity for physical, spiritual, and emotional healing and growth.
Thank you for your support, -World Orphan Relief
Message from our Founder - Scott A. Nordstrom
As we enter into the latter part of 2007, and begin to ponder what 2008 will hold for us, I am overwhelmed with expectation for the things we will accomplish together. We have been engaged with World Orphan Relief activity over the last two years now, but rejoice in knowing that this is still just the beginning. Not that this means that things will get any easier, but the rewards will be much greater!
As we enter into the latter part of 2007, and begin to ponder what 2008 will hold for us, I am overwhelmed with expectation for the things we will accomplish together. We have been engaged with World Orphan Relief activity over the last two years now, but rejoice in knowing that this is still just the beginning. Not that this means that things will get any easier, but the rewards will be much greater!
In the last several years we have blessed, and have been blessed by, Orphans in Mexico, Myanmar, and Zambia. In Mexico, we served 23 Orphans with Christmas gifts and supplies during our first mission in 2005. In 2006 we expanded this support to 80 children, and this year we will serve 200+ children in Juarez at Christmas time. In Myanmar, in cooperation with Orphan’s Hope, we provided Bibles and blankets to one orphanage, and also provided for school fees for 30 Orphans there. In Zambia, we have traveled there on two different occasions; we have accomplished a myriad of task. We will also begin accepting children in the latter months of 2007 at House of Faith Orphanage in Silembe, Zambia. All of this in two years!
We are now preparing to visit Mexico in December of 2007 and Zambia again in February of 2008. Our hopes are that you will decide to be involved in serving God’s children with your prayers, your time, and with your continued financial support. Thank you.
Blessings,
Scott A. Nordstrom
Founder – President
World Orphan Relief
Scott A. Nordstrom
Founder – President
World Orphan Relief
Silembe Update
We heard again recently from our Director in Africa, Mike Jones, and wanted share with you some of this thoughts (edited):
All of the window glasses are installed on the house. They look good!
Reinforced concrete has been poured for the second house footings. This will make it easy to lay the walls, as long as the hole doesn't fill with water. If we hadn't done the concrete the rains could have made the place a mud hole not fit for anything until drying out (that could be a long time). Rainy season in this part of Zambia is typically November to May.
I got a good price on the pipe used between the tank and buildings. So I bought the roll, 100 meters, for under k300,000 (k stands for kwacha - $1 US = 3,700 k approximately). This should be enough for the bath house, the kitchen/laundry, and the 2nd bath house.
I still haven't heard from the council on our permit. The Council Secretary told me in the meeting he would call me.
I plan to be on site everyday for a while, unless we get a big rain, or unless we go again for lorry repairs, and will send pictures. God Bless, Mike
--------
Keep praying for God to provide the way in Silembe.
All of the window glasses are installed on the house. They look good!
Reinforced concrete has been poured for the second house footings. This will make it easy to lay the walls, as long as the hole doesn't fill with water. If we hadn't done the concrete the rains could have made the place a mud hole not fit for anything until drying out (that could be a long time). Rainy season in this part of Zambia is typically November to May.
I got a good price on the pipe used between the tank and buildings. So I bought the roll, 100 meters, for under k300,000 (k stands for kwacha - $1 US = 3,700 k approximately). This should be enough for the bath house, the kitchen/laundry, and the 2nd bath house.
I still haven't heard from the council on our permit. The Council Secretary told me in the meeting he would call me.
I plan to be on site everyday for a while, unless we get a big rain, or unless we go again for lorry repairs, and will send pictures. God Bless, Mike
--------
Keep praying for God to provide the way in Silembe.
Lending hope to orphans
Nov 27, 2007 12:02 AM
Answering call to help
By: David Fleischer, Staff Writer
Between his family, his career as a high-tech entrepreneur and his work as a globetrotting charity board member, Khashif Hassan has his hands full.
“There are a lot of causes. You have to decide on the ones that are important to you,” Mr. Hassan says in a voice that is soft, but imbued with confidence.
“It’s one of those things you have to take the time to do.”
The Richmond Hill resident runs his own mobile content business and, for the last few years, has served as a board member with Children of Hope.
Read More.......
Answering call to help
By: David Fleischer, Staff Writer
Between his family, his career as a high-tech entrepreneur and his work as a globetrotting charity board member, Khashif Hassan has his hands full.
“There are a lot of causes. You have to decide on the ones that are important to you,” Mr. Hassan says in a voice that is soft, but imbued with confidence.
“It’s one of those things you have to take the time to do.”
The Richmond Hill resident runs his own mobile content business and, for the last few years, has served as a board member with Children of Hope.
Read More.......
We Find Nuns On The Run In Scotland
Nov 25 2007 By Marion Scott
Scots Sisters Flee Orphanage In Zambia Amid Cruelty Claims Official Says Kids 'Starved' In 'Concentration Camp' Conditions
TWO elderly Scots nuns were forced to flee Africa after being accused of cruelty to children in the orphanage they founded.
Dorothy Clark, 65, and Jane Burchill, 76, ran the Little Sisters in Jesus orphanage in central Zambia.
The country's human rights commission are investigating, although the women deny reports that include:
The conditions were like something out of a "concentration camp".
An official compared the situation to "slavery".
A Zambian nun said they kept their dogs well fed while orphans "starved".
Read More..........
Scots Sisters Flee Orphanage In Zambia Amid Cruelty Claims Official Says Kids 'Starved' In 'Concentration Camp' Conditions
TWO elderly Scots nuns were forced to flee Africa after being accused of cruelty to children in the orphanage they founded.
Dorothy Clark, 65, and Jane Burchill, 76, ran the Little Sisters in Jesus orphanage in central Zambia.
The country's human rights commission are investigating, although the women deny reports that include:
The conditions were like something out of a "concentration camp".
An official compared the situation to "slavery".
A Zambian nun said they kept their dogs well fed while orphans "starved".
Read More..........
Silembe Update
As we move closer to preparing for children to move into House of Faith Orphanage in Silembe, Zambia, we have begun construction on the second home of the project. This is the same home that is being funded and hopefully finished by Journey of Faith Zambia 2008 Mission Team that will travel to Zambia in February and March. This process has involved many of you as you have financially participated, and or have been praying for this project -thank you.
This is an update we received November 26, 2007, from Mike Jones, our Director of Africa Missions, who is located in Zambia (edited):
We arrived on site this morning after fixing a flat tire on the truck and picking up a replacement window glass for one broken during installation at the Orphanage.
We started taking apart the hand pump to install the seal, and my new vice that was holding the rod broke. I drove back to where I could call the borehole driller to see how deep the rod would go if dropped. He told me it could only go the length of the pump and recommended I go ahead, call him if anything went wrong and he would help us if need be. I got back and was able to hold the rod with two pipe wrenches, installed the seal plate, and put everything back together. IT WORKS GREAT! NO LEAKS! Golden, our builder, has been pumping water into the tank. The night watchman/worker will bury the pipe and place broken bricks around the tank, as well as build with broken bricks a place under the tap for drawing water.
I didn't get a picture of the solar panel on the roof, but it has been installed. The wire enters the house under the ridge cap. The battery is on the truss "cat walk", and I connected a light in the living area. All seems to be working well. I'll be testing and installing more lights, probably this week.
While in Lusaka doing some minor things on the lorry(truck), like fix the starter and window crank, we ended up having to stay two extra days to get the parts. The Internet service didn't work after the first day. On the way home the same mechanical problem with the lorry happened for the third time. Fortunately, we made it home and can still drive. Our mechanic in Lusaka is searching for answers and promised to have them tomorrow.
I plan to buy a few more things in Kalomo tomorrow, go to the site, and haul rocks for the rest of the day. I expect the plumbing for the first 2 sinks, 2 toilets, and 2 showers to be working this week.
I will be sending more pictures. -Mike Jones
----------------
Continue to pray for this project as we step out in Faith to provide for the necessary funding, and the needed personnel on the ground to provide care for these little ones. Thanks, Scott
This is an update we received November 26, 2007, from Mike Jones, our Director of Africa Missions, who is located in Zambia (edited):
We arrived on site this morning after fixing a flat tire on the truck and picking up a replacement window glass for one broken during installation at the Orphanage.
We started taking apart the hand pump to install the seal, and my new vice that was holding the rod broke. I drove back to where I could call the borehole driller to see how deep the rod would go if dropped. He told me it could only go the length of the pump and recommended I go ahead, call him if anything went wrong and he would help us if need be. I got back and was able to hold the rod with two pipe wrenches, installed the seal plate, and put everything back together. IT WORKS GREAT! NO LEAKS! Golden, our builder, has been pumping water into the tank. The night watchman/worker will bury the pipe and place broken bricks around the tank, as well as build with broken bricks a place under the tap for drawing water.
I didn't get a picture of the solar panel on the roof, but it has been installed. The wire enters the house under the ridge cap. The battery is on the truss "cat walk", and I connected a light in the living area. All seems to be working well. I'll be testing and installing more lights, probably this week.
While in Lusaka doing some minor things on the lorry(truck), like fix the starter and window crank, we ended up having to stay two extra days to get the parts. The Internet service didn't work after the first day. On the way home the same mechanical problem with the lorry happened for the third time. Fortunately, we made it home and can still drive. Our mechanic in Lusaka is searching for answers and promised to have them tomorrow.
I plan to buy a few more things in Kalomo tomorrow, go to the site, and haul rocks for the rest of the day. I expect the plumbing for the first 2 sinks, 2 toilets, and 2 showers to be working this week.
I will be sending more pictures. -Mike Jones
----------------
Continue to pray for this project as we step out in Faith to provide for the necessary funding, and the needed personnel on the ground to provide care for these little ones. Thanks, Scott
News: Unanswered Prayers
After hearing a message this weekend about Lazarus (John 11), and am better understanding why sometimes prayers go unanswered.........
This prospect has really motivated me to read the Bible more diligently, as I again read the story of the raising of Lazarus this morning...........
Fox News reported a tragedy in eyes of many this morning as unanswered prayer................
I ran across a book this weekend entitled, "Everyone Wants to Go To Heaven, but No One Wants to Die"................
Pilate Pilate, as Jesus was being crucified, posted above His head "KING OF THE JEWS" in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin.
Jesus repeatedly stated in scripture that, "I am".
I want to encourage you as I am encouraged. I wait in great expectation of what God is going to do in my life, with my life, in you, and how He is going to move in the Church to reveal Himself in yet a greater way. Throughout the ages He has been revealed by the Holy Spirit moving among us, and this process has not changed.
I am refreshed this morning. As I consider the possibilities, the unimaginable. I can not fathom what Jesus will do next, and in what form it will take. What prayer of mine will he pass up to only perform a great work for me, and for you? -Blessings.
This prospect has really motivated me to read the Bible more diligently, as I again read the story of the raising of Lazarus this morning...........
Fox News reported a tragedy in eyes of many this morning as unanswered prayer................
I ran across a book this weekend entitled, "Everyone Wants to Go To Heaven, but No One Wants to Die"................
Pilate Pilate, as Jesus was being crucified, posted above His head "KING OF THE JEWS" in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin.
Jesus repeatedly stated in scripture that, "I am".
I want to encourage you as I am encouraged. I wait in great expectation of what God is going to do in my life, with my life, in you, and how He is going to move in the Church to reveal Himself in yet a greater way. Throughout the ages He has been revealed by the Holy Spirit moving among us, and this process has not changed.
I am refreshed this morning. As I consider the possibilities, the unimaginable. I can not fathom what Jesus will do next, and in what form it will take. What prayer of mine will he pass up to only perform a great work for me, and for you? -Blessings.
Uganda: American Pupils Mobilise Aid for Orphans in Rakai District
The Monitor (Kampala)
26 November 2007
Posted to the web 26 November 2007
Issa Aliga
Rakai
PRIMARY School pupils in New York have started mobilising funds to uplift the education sector in Rakai District.
This mobilisation campaign is also aimed at improving the livelihood of vulnerable children in Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools.
The district has a high number of orphans as a result of the Aids pandemic. Most of the orphans are forced to drop out of school, since there is no one to pay their fees.
Read More............
26 November 2007
Posted to the web 26 November 2007
Issa Aliga
Rakai
PRIMARY School pupils in New York have started mobilising funds to uplift the education sector in Rakai District.
This mobilisation campaign is also aimed at improving the livelihood of vulnerable children in Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools.
The district has a high number of orphans as a result of the Aids pandemic. Most of the orphans are forced to drop out of school, since there is no one to pay their fees.
Read More............
Monday, November 26, 2007
Journey of Faith - Zambia 2008 Team
We are excited to announce an addition to our team that will be traveling with us to Zambia in February; Jay Johnston.
Jay is a landscape architect and attends church at Vinelife in Boulder, CO. This brings our team total to 8 as we will be spending 17 days away from home as we set out to serve Orphans in Zambia by providing funding for the second home at Silembe, hands-on building on site at Silembe, building awareness for the plight of Orphans with various speaking engagements throughout the country, and by demonstrating God's love as we spend time with these vulnerable children.
Cities that we will be visiting: Lusaka, Kasama, Chingola, Kitwe, Ndola, Mazabuka, Kaloma, Silembe, and Livingstone. In addition, there will be several points in between where we will visit, but will not stay overnight.
If you'd like to be involved in any way please contact the World Orphan Relief office for more information. Blessings, -Scott N.
Jay is a landscape architect and attends church at Vinelife in Boulder, CO. This brings our team total to 8 as we will be spending 17 days away from home as we set out to serve Orphans in Zambia by providing funding for the second home at Silembe, hands-on building on site at Silembe, building awareness for the plight of Orphans with various speaking engagements throughout the country, and by demonstrating God's love as we spend time with these vulnerable children.
Cities that we will be visiting: Lusaka, Kasama, Chingola, Kitwe, Ndola, Mazabuka, Kaloma, Silembe, and Livingstone. In addition, there will be several points in between where we will visit, but will not stay overnight.
If you'd like to be involved in any way please contact the World Orphan Relief office for more information. Blessings, -Scott N.
From a continent away, a boy finds a friend
Sunday, November 25, 2007
By Lisa O'Donnell
JOURNAL REPORTER
Help flows to Kenyan AIDS kids
NAIROBI, Kenya - Clive sat tight-lipped and bashful between Alice Nesbitt and her daughter, Rebekah, in a bus filled with Americans and Kenyan orphans.
As they rode through the chaotic streets of Nairobi to a zoo, Nesbitt pointed out dump trucks and airplanes to 5-year-old Clive. Slowly, she pierced his wall of silence.
The two were an unlikely pair. Nesbitt, who lived a comfortable life in Winston-Salem, had never been to Africa. Clive was a little boy with HIV whose family abandoned him when his mother died during childbirth.
Read More.............
By Lisa O'Donnell
JOURNAL REPORTER
Help flows to Kenyan AIDS kids
NAIROBI, Kenya - Clive sat tight-lipped and bashful between Alice Nesbitt and her daughter, Rebekah, in a bus filled with Americans and Kenyan orphans.
As they rode through the chaotic streets of Nairobi to a zoo, Nesbitt pointed out dump trucks and airplanes to 5-year-old Clive. Slowly, she pierced his wall of silence.
The two were an unlikely pair. Nesbitt, who lived a comfortable life in Winston-Salem, had never been to Africa. Clive was a little boy with HIV whose family abandoned him when his mother died during childbirth.
Read More.............
Numbers without tears
Saturday, 11/24/07
By ANITA WADHWANI
For The Tennessean
As World AIDS Day approaches, the Rev. Don Messer points out that the recent news coverage revealing AIDS estimates are lower than once thought misses the point of this African proverb: Statistics are
Messer, a Methodist minister and executive director of the Center for the Church and Global AIDS, has traveled the world to observe the toll AIDS has taken, then returned to report back to audiences across the country about children in India orphaned by AIDS, families in Africa impacted when a loved one gets sick, and the desperate need for help.
Read More.........
By ANITA WADHWANI
For The Tennessean
As World AIDS Day approaches, the Rev. Don Messer points out that the recent news coverage revealing AIDS estimates are lower than once thought misses the point of this African proverb: Statistics are
Messer, a Methodist minister and executive director of the Center for the Church and Global AIDS, has traveled the world to observe the toll AIDS has taken, then returned to report back to audiences across the country about children in India orphaned by AIDS, families in Africa impacted when a loved one gets sick, and the desperate need for help.
Read More.........
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Adoption enriches lives of local families
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
By Justin Messner - Herald Tribune
November is National Adoption Month, a time dedicated to creating awareness of adoption needs.
Missouri has always played an important role in the lives of orphans going back to the Orphan Train runs from 1854 to 1929. These trains transported thousands of orphans from New York City to the Midwest.
Read More.......
By Justin Messner - Herald Tribune
November is National Adoption Month, a time dedicated to creating awareness of adoption needs.
Missouri has always played an important role in the lives of orphans going back to the Orphan Train runs from 1854 to 1929. These trains transported thousands of orphans from New York City to the Midwest.
Read More.......
Pastor camps out on fast food rooftop for African orphans
by Michelle Vu, Christian Today US Correspondent
Posted: Tuesday, November 13, 2007, 10:25 (GMT)
A pastor in New Mexico has started a week of living on the roof of a local restaurant to raise awareness and funds for children in need and orphans in Africa.
The Rev Dr Michael Hattabaugh started his camp out on top of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Albuquerque on Monday as part of the “Get Mike Down” project to remind people that millions of children need “a roof over their heads”.
“It is hard to wrap your arms around 15 million orphans [in Africa],” said Hattabaugh, director of the National Day of Care. “That’s bigger than a lot of states in the United States. That’s like eight New Mexico’s just full of orphans. It is just hard to grasp that.
Read More................
Posted: Tuesday, November 13, 2007, 10:25 (GMT)
A pastor in New Mexico has started a week of living on the roof of a local restaurant to raise awareness and funds for children in need and orphans in Africa.
The Rev Dr Michael Hattabaugh started his camp out on top of a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Albuquerque on Monday as part of the “Get Mike Down” project to remind people that millions of children need “a roof over their heads”.
“It is hard to wrap your arms around 15 million orphans [in Africa],” said Hattabaugh, director of the National Day of Care. “That’s bigger than a lot of states in the United States. That’s like eight New Mexico’s just full of orphans. It is just hard to grasp that.
Read More................
Zambian man who helps orphans speaks in Frederick
Originally published November 11, 2007
By Sonia Boin
News-Post Staff
About seven years ago, the depth of their pain was brought home to Adamson Musonda, a Zambian farmer, when the disease took the lives of 10 of his relatives. They left 20 children to be cared for.
"Separation can be very severe," he said, "but we couldn't take care of all 20."
Instead of taking all the children in, he started a nonprofit organization, Zambia Hope International. Zambia Hope works to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS through teaching responsible behavior to children, and has provided a local clinic that provides medicine to 18,000 people, according to its website.
The United Nations estimates there are about 1.25 million orphans in Zambia.
Read More........
By Sonia Boin
News-Post Staff
About seven years ago, the depth of their pain was brought home to Adamson Musonda, a Zambian farmer, when the disease took the lives of 10 of his relatives. They left 20 children to be cared for.
"Separation can be very severe," he said, "but we couldn't take care of all 20."
Instead of taking all the children in, he started a nonprofit organization, Zambia Hope International. Zambia Hope works to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS through teaching responsible behavior to children, and has provided a local clinic that provides medicine to 18,000 people, according to its website.
The United Nations estimates there are about 1.25 million orphans in Zambia.
Read More........
Zambia: Chibombo Orphanage Brings Hope to Community
The Times of Zambia (Ndola)
20 November 2007
Posted to the web 20 November 2007
Margaret Mangani
Ndola
ALICE Chanda is an orphan living at a farm in Chibombo, she was forced by circumstances to relocate from Lusaka having lost a father close to 13 years ago now.
A bubbly Chanda narrates her ordeal while serving clients at the newly opened farm market situated on the Great North road operated by an orphanage called All Children can learn Zambia.
Chanda, 21, recounts that everything was all bliss in the capital city until 1994 when her father who was a businessman died and this cast doom for the family forcing her widowed mother Irene Sinkala who along with seven siblings set out to go and settle at Kaping'a farm in search of a living.
Read More.........
20 November 2007
Posted to the web 20 November 2007
Margaret Mangani
Ndola
ALICE Chanda is an orphan living at a farm in Chibombo, she was forced by circumstances to relocate from Lusaka having lost a father close to 13 years ago now.
A bubbly Chanda narrates her ordeal while serving clients at the newly opened farm market situated on the Great North road operated by an orphanage called All Children can learn Zambia.
Chanda, 21, recounts that everything was all bliss in the capital city until 1994 when her father who was a businessman died and this cast doom for the family forcing her widowed mother Irene Sinkala who along with seven siblings set out to go and settle at Kaping'a farm in search of a living.
Read More.........
Orphans in Africa not forgotten in Bluffton
November 23, 2007
By Terri Hughes-Lazzell
Changing its name from God Will Make a Way Ministries to Forgotten Children International, members of the non-profit organization housed at Hope Missionary Church, 429 E. Dustman Road, dedicated to assisting orphaned children around the globe, believe the new name better fits its mission.
“Our mission has changed zero,” said Matt Hartsell, executive director. “We haven’t taken God out of our ministries. We just thought the name was too general because God makes a way for many things, and we wanted the name to better reflect the work we’re doing.”
And recently that work included funding construction of two orphaned children homes in Africa – one in Kenya and one in Ethiopia. The two $35,000 grants will pay for construction of the houses that each will become home to 16 children and the house parents. Construction will begin in January and should be completed by June, Hartsell said.
Read More............
By Terri Hughes-Lazzell
Changing its name from God Will Make a Way Ministries to Forgotten Children International, members of the non-profit organization housed at Hope Missionary Church, 429 E. Dustman Road, dedicated to assisting orphaned children around the globe, believe the new name better fits its mission.
“Our mission has changed zero,” said Matt Hartsell, executive director. “We haven’t taken God out of our ministries. We just thought the name was too general because God makes a way for many things, and we wanted the name to better reflect the work we’re doing.”
And recently that work included funding construction of two orphaned children homes in Africa – one in Kenya and one in Ethiopia. The two $35,000 grants will pay for construction of the houses that each will become home to 16 children and the house parents. Construction will begin in January and should be completed by June, Hartsell said.
Read More............
Nearly 130,000 children become orphans because of HIV/AIDS
17:06' 23/11/2007 (GMT+7)
VietNamNet Bridge – Around 2,800 newborn babies and 14,500 children between the ages of 14-19 carry HIV, reported the Health Ministry.
Read More......
VietNamNet Bridge – Around 2,800 newborn babies and 14,500 children between the ages of 14-19 carry HIV, reported the Health Ministry.
Read More......
Friday, November 23, 2007
Zambia: When Fiwila Orphanage Angels Turned Evil
The Times of Zambia (Ndola)
21 November 2007
Posted to the web 21 November 2007
Abel Mboozi
Ndola
IT is shocking and difficult to understand how devoted Christians who are firm believers in the word, works and teachings of Jesus Christ can harbour evil intents and pour their wrath on innocent orphans.
Unfortunately, this happens more so often far away from us around the world, yet today, the call comes this close to home as the tale of two Scottish Anglican Church sisters of Mkushi, who have fled the country after their years of inhumane, cruel treatment of 18 orphans of Lioboth Convent and Orphanage was laid bare by Medicare of Ndola.
Read More.........
21 November 2007
Posted to the web 21 November 2007
Abel Mboozi
Ndola
IT is shocking and difficult to understand how devoted Christians who are firm believers in the word, works and teachings of Jesus Christ can harbour evil intents and pour their wrath on innocent orphans.
Unfortunately, this happens more so often far away from us around the world, yet today, the call comes this close to home as the tale of two Scottish Anglican Church sisters of Mkushi, who have fled the country after their years of inhumane, cruel treatment of 18 orphans of Lioboth Convent and Orphanage was laid bare by Medicare of Ndola.
Read More.........
A Nordstrom-Demos Thanksgiving
We had a blessed time yesterday as we shared the day with friends and family. My prayer for you is that you had a very Happy Thanksgiving!
The perfect day started with Debbie and I watching the Food Channel as we we trying to get motivated to start the day. We watched Sandra Lee prepare these amazing onion tartlets. We looked at each other and decided that even we could do this!
We finally got out to to the store to buy our tartlet ingredients, but I upset Debbie with the giant pie I also purchased. How do you have a proper Thanksgiving without a giant pie!? Upon our return, Mom Demos had cleaned the turkey and we were ready to prep the bird.
Admittedly, this was my first 'big audience' turkey. Last year I was assisting Dr. George Koulianos from Mobile, Alabama. If things went wrong in 2006 George would have had to take the 'hit'. You might say that I was in training for this moment up through last year; though some of my most memorable Thanksgivings are with the Koulianos family. I believe that we are up to 4, 2 in Mobile, and 2 in Denver.
Back to yesterday -I could tell as I stared down this dead bird, that Mom had been here before. She was not intimidated which gave me courage. She had assembled all the proper implements, spices, and had some ideas of her own of how we should 'dress this turkey up for the dance'.
We started by mixing a plethora of fruits and vegetable to fill the cavity of the turkey. This included celery, carrots, apples, oranges, onions, and various spices. I am convinced that my secret ingredient is honey. I don't remember using this last year, but I thought it would be a good idea this year. Heck, who doesn't like honey? That goes for turkey too!
So we lined the cooker with celery and carrots and then positioned our bird just right. We then threw in some lemons, orange juice, more butter, and additional honey. Lastly a doused this bird with oil and vinegar. Our turkey was going to be well lubricated,............ back to the turkey later.
We then began the preparation of the onion tartlets and spiced apple cider. Debbie and I aren't known for working well together in most instances, but we were poetry in motion yesterday. We didn't mess up anything, and were well prepared for the guest we were yet to receive. It was hard to leave any tartlets or cider for our guest because both were so good!
Eventually our counter was full of sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, the mixture that came out of the turkey, corn casserole, salad, gravy, bread, and I am sure I am forgetting something......
Then is was the time to debut the turkey. After dozens and dozens of bastings, Mr. Gobbler blessed us with his (or her I suppose) presence. He was perfectly moistened after his nice soak over 3 1/2 hours in the cooker. Needless to say, we didn't have on complaints, and better yet, I think all of the accolades were sincere.
We finished off the night by watching some old videos of Dad and Mom, some dating back as far as 60 years. Dad was especially proud of the footage over the southern Pacific as the US Airforce fueled several fighters on the fly. It was neat to see way it used to be as we considered what we had now -to be Thankful for. We had a great time, the food was good, and the left overs are yet to come.
I couldn't help but wonder about our abundance...... Now ours certainly doesn't seem to be as much as some, but none the less 'God is Good', and his blessings have been enough to sustain us. My mind wonders to children in Zambia, and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. What sustains them? I don't know that any of them want charity, but I assure you that most of them want an opportunity that has yet to be revealed to them. They can't even imagine a life different than what they have. There is no hope for an Orphan on the streets of Zambia! Will they ever have a constant loving support system? Forget for now the clean water, food, and shelter, but what about comfort, safety, and love?
I don't bring this up to make any of us feel good or bad about our own circumstances, but to make us think. What if any of us had been born on a different continent, in more dire circumstances? I think we are all called to reach out and to help our fellow man, and specifically Orphans. I am not suggesting blind Charity, but sustainable development, care, and love through any number of reputable organizations. I have been blessed that I have been able to meet some of these children in my travels to Zambia and Mexico, and was able to share with them that many care about them.
Beyond the wonderful fellowship with my family, Debbie was right, I purchased this giant pie that I, nor anyone else, could eat. A bad decision on this Thankgiving Day, and money that could have been spent in a better way -maybe even to help others.
I am so thankful for my family and friends, and am happy they decided to share this special day with me.
Happy Thanksgiving!
The perfect day started with Debbie and I watching the Food Channel as we we trying to get motivated to start the day. We watched Sandra Lee prepare these amazing onion tartlets. We looked at each other and decided that even we could do this!
We finally got out to to the store to buy our tartlet ingredients, but I upset Debbie with the giant pie I also purchased. How do you have a proper Thanksgiving without a giant pie!? Upon our return, Mom Demos had cleaned the turkey and we were ready to prep the bird.
Admittedly, this was my first 'big audience' turkey. Last year I was assisting Dr. George Koulianos from Mobile, Alabama. If things went wrong in 2006 George would have had to take the 'hit'. You might say that I was in training for this moment up through last year; though some of my most memorable Thanksgivings are with the Koulianos family. I believe that we are up to 4, 2 in Mobile, and 2 in Denver.
Back to yesterday -I could tell as I stared down this dead bird, that Mom had been here before. She was not intimidated which gave me courage. She had assembled all the proper implements, spices, and had some ideas of her own of how we should 'dress this turkey up for the dance'.
We started by mixing a plethora of fruits and vegetable to fill the cavity of the turkey. This included celery, carrots, apples, oranges, onions, and various spices. I am convinced that my secret ingredient is honey. I don't remember using this last year, but I thought it would be a good idea this year. Heck, who doesn't like honey? That goes for turkey too!
So we lined the cooker with celery and carrots and then positioned our bird just right. We then threw in some lemons, orange juice, more butter, and additional honey. Lastly a doused this bird with oil and vinegar. Our turkey was going to be well lubricated,............ back to the turkey later.
We then began the preparation of the onion tartlets and spiced apple cider. Debbie and I aren't known for working well together in most instances, but we were poetry in motion yesterday. We didn't mess up anything, and were well prepared for the guest we were yet to receive. It was hard to leave any tartlets or cider for our guest because both were so good!
Eventually our counter was full of sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, the mixture that came out of the turkey, corn casserole, salad, gravy, bread, and I am sure I am forgetting something......
Then is was the time to debut the turkey. After dozens and dozens of bastings, Mr. Gobbler blessed us with his (or her I suppose) presence. He was perfectly moistened after his nice soak over 3 1/2 hours in the cooker. Needless to say, we didn't have on complaints, and better yet, I think all of the accolades were sincere.
We finished off the night by watching some old videos of Dad and Mom, some dating back as far as 60 years. Dad was especially proud of the footage over the southern Pacific as the US Airforce fueled several fighters on the fly. It was neat to see way it used to be as we considered what we had now -to be Thankful for. We had a great time, the food was good, and the left overs are yet to come.
I couldn't help but wonder about our abundance...... Now ours certainly doesn't seem to be as much as some, but none the less 'God is Good', and his blessings have been enough to sustain us. My mind wonders to children in Zambia, and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. What sustains them? I don't know that any of them want charity, but I assure you that most of them want an opportunity that has yet to be revealed to them. They can't even imagine a life different than what they have. There is no hope for an Orphan on the streets of Zambia! Will they ever have a constant loving support system? Forget for now the clean water, food, and shelter, but what about comfort, safety, and love?
I don't bring this up to make any of us feel good or bad about our own circumstances, but to make us think. What if any of us had been born on a different continent, in more dire circumstances? I think we are all called to reach out and to help our fellow man, and specifically Orphans. I am not suggesting blind Charity, but sustainable development, care, and love through any number of reputable organizations. I have been blessed that I have been able to meet some of these children in my travels to Zambia and Mexico, and was able to share with them that many care about them.
Beyond the wonderful fellowship with my family, Debbie was right, I purchased this giant pie that I, nor anyone else, could eat. A bad decision on this Thankgiving Day, and money that could have been spent in a better way -maybe even to help others.
I am so thankful for my family and friends, and am happy they decided to share this special day with me.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Local couple starts program to benefit Mexican orphans
JOHN SOWELL, jsowell@newsreview.info
November 22, 2007
When Donelle Manton traveled to Mexico on assignment for a Cheyenne, Wyo., newspaper back in the mid-1980s, she didn’t know what she would get herself into.
The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle sent her to photograph the children of Mexico. She chose Mazatlan, a coastal city across from the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula, a place where her father had once vacationed with a group of Wyoming stockmen.
Read More..........
November 22, 2007
When Donelle Manton traveled to Mexico on assignment for a Cheyenne, Wyo., newspaper back in the mid-1980s, she didn’t know what she would get herself into.
The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle sent her to photograph the children of Mexico. She chose Mazatlan, a coastal city across from the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula, a place where her father had once vacationed with a group of Wyoming stockmen.
Read More..........
Orphans Thankful for Local Rotary Club
Members of the Murfreesboro Rotary Club completed a project to provide life-giving water to orphans in a remote village in Uganda.
A chance encounter on an airplane turned into a casual conversation, and ultimately an international mission of hope. Amanda Oliver, a member of the Murfreesboro Rotary Club, learned the plight of some 200 orphaned children and was moved to try and do something about it.
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A chance encounter on an airplane turned into a casual conversation, and ultimately an international mission of hope. Amanda Oliver, a member of the Murfreesboro Rotary Club, learned the plight of some 200 orphaned children and was moved to try and do something about it.
Read More.........
Teen helps African Orphans
BY STEPHANIE LASOTA
STAFF WRITER
slasota@republicanherald.com
11/22/2007
ORWIGSBURG — She searched her soul and returned with soles.
As children from an orphanage in Namibia, Africa, sang in front of a congregation at a church in Schuylkill Haven last spring, Valerie Glunz, 13, of Orwigsburg, wondered how she could help them.After the children sang, they were asked what it is they really needed. The answer: shoes.Valerie began contacting local businesses to ask for shoe donations. “It’s for my Girl Scout Silver Award Project. I thought it would be a good thing to do,” she said.
Read More...........
STAFF WRITER
slasota@republicanherald.com
11/22/2007
ORWIGSBURG — She searched her soul and returned with soles.
As children from an orphanage in Namibia, Africa, sang in front of a congregation at a church in Schuylkill Haven last spring, Valerie Glunz, 13, of Orwigsburg, wondered how she could help them.After the children sang, they were asked what it is they really needed. The answer: shoes.Valerie began contacting local businesses to ask for shoe donations. “It’s for my Girl Scout Silver Award Project. I thought it would be a good thing to do,” she said.
Read More...........
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Front-Line Nurses Raise Money for AIDS Orphans: Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign Receives Funds from ONA, CFNU
TORONTO, Nov. 19 /CNW/ -
Ontario front-line nurses have presented adonation to the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign to support Africangrandmothers caring for children orphaned by AIDS, joining their counterpartsfrom across Canada in raising money for the organization.
Members of the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) and ONA staff havedonated more than $3,000 to the organization, launched by the Stephen LewisFoundation in 2006.
Read More.........
Ontario front-line nurses have presented adonation to the Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign to support Africangrandmothers caring for children orphaned by AIDS, joining their counterpartsfrom across Canada in raising money for the organization.
Members of the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) and ONA staff havedonated more than $3,000 to the organization, launched by the Stephen LewisFoundation in 2006.
Read More.........
'Blankie Buddies' give comfort, security for orphans
By Bridgette Outten
Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
BETHEL TWP. — Nine-month-old Wesley Bourret came to the United States from Korea with only the clothes on his little back, one extra diaper and a bottle.
Three years later, Wes is a happy 3-year-old surrounded by everything a growing boy could need — namely love.
Read More......
Staff Writer
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
BETHEL TWP. — Nine-month-old Wesley Bourret came to the United States from Korea with only the clothes on his little back, one extra diaper and a bottle.
Three years later, Wes is a happy 3-year-old surrounded by everything a growing boy could need — namely love.
Read More......
Monday, November 19, 2007
Former sub-Sahara Africa leaders meet to discuss AIDS crisis
Fri Nov 16, 12:37 PM ET
LUSAKA (AFP) - Veteran statesmen in Africa's sub-Sahara region are expected to gather in Zambia next week to discuss how to combat the deadly HIV/AIDS pandemic ravaging the continent, an official said Friday.
The meeting will bring together more than 10 former leaders in sub-Saharan Africa, including former South African President Nelson Mandela and his Mozambican counter-part Joaquim Chissano.
Read More..........
LUSAKA (AFP) - Veteran statesmen in Africa's sub-Sahara region are expected to gather in Zambia next week to discuss how to combat the deadly HIV/AIDS pandemic ravaging the continent, an official said Friday.
The meeting will bring together more than 10 former leaders in sub-Saharan Africa, including former South African President Nelson Mandela and his Mozambican counter-part Joaquim Chissano.
Read More..........
Zambia: 'Malaria Fight Winnable'
The Times of Zambia (Ndola)
19 November 2007
Ndola
ZAMBIA has made remarkable achievements towards the eradication of malaria following the implementation of multifaceted intervention programme, ministry of Health spokesperson, Canisius Banda, has said.
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19 November 2007
Ndola
ZAMBIA has made remarkable achievements towards the eradication of malaria following the implementation of multifaceted intervention programme, ministry of Health spokesperson, Canisius Banda, has said.
Read More..........
Orphans advised on education - UGANDA
Sunday, 18th November, 2007
By Ali Mambule
ORPHANS have been encouraged to read hard and excel in their academics if they are to attract more sponsors.
Read More......
By Ali Mambule
ORPHANS have been encouraged to read hard and excel in their academics if they are to attract more sponsors.
Read More......
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Share Christ's love with increasing numbers of AIDS orphans in Kenya
Posted: 16 November, 2007
Topics in this story: aids, kenya, mission trip, orphans
Kenya (MNN) ― Scott Collins of Buckner International has been traveling to churches throughout the United States lately to speak about the needs that AIDS creates in Africa.
Read More.....................
Topics in this story: aids, kenya, mission trip, orphans
Kenya (MNN) ― Scott Collins of Buckner International has been traveling to churches throughout the United States lately to speak about the needs that AIDS creates in Africa.
Read More.....................
Bush Urges Americans to Adopt Orphans
By Melissa Charbonneau
CBN News
November 16, 2007
CBNNews.com - The White House is reaching out to faith-based and community groups to find homes for the nation's 115,000 children in foster care, waiting to be adopted.
Read More...................
CBN News
November 16, 2007
CBNNews.com - The White House is reaching out to faith-based and community groups to find homes for the nation's 115,000 children in foster care, waiting to be adopted.
Read More...................
11,5 million Aids orphans in SA in 2014
GAYNOR NOYCE
JOHANNESBURG – The biggest losers in the Aids epidemic that has gripped the nation are children. There are more than 4,4 million Aids orphans in South Africa today.
Read More........
JOHANNESBURG – The biggest losers in the Aids epidemic that has gripped the nation are children. There are more than 4,4 million Aids orphans in South Africa today.
Read More........
Friday, November 16, 2007
School Update
Could you Imagine your children learning in an environment like this?I hope that our next improvement to the school might be tables and chairs or desk.
Keep these children from Silembe Community School in your prayers.
The children are dry. Attendance should be much higher, and will be higher when we get better teachers (upper 300's).
Thursday, November 15, 2007
House of Faith - picture taken some time ago....
A message from Mike in Zambia -Tue Nov 13, 2007 (edited):
It was a special meeting yesterday. I saw Chief Mukuni with what was probably an investor. The Chief probably asked for the meeting to fit the schedule of the investor, probably only in the country for a few days. Anyway, the council called half a dozen of us for our "interview". I had to pay k900,000 for the sitting, which seemed outrageous, but the others paid well over k2,000,000. I think it went well. They asked for transport to see the site. I told them I would be happy to take them, sure they would be happy with what they would see, and please come soon. They make their decisions after the interviews. I'm very sure they really want this project and must give the permit. However, they could delay. This is the problem in Zambia, and much of Africa. The Council Secretary said he would call me. If they want transport to see the site, I'll do it immediately. Several people from the council have already seen the buildings and were impressed.
We pickup Jo Anne today from Livingstone Airport.
We pickup Jo Anne today from Livingstone Airport.
I don't know where lemon grass can be purchased, but I'll do some checking. We have all of our people living on site planting something. We did a farm training program for years when we lived in Senkobo. I usually give credit for the seeds and fertilizer, and sometimes help with plowing, with the promise of payment in kind upon harvest. The majority end up paying the credit through working for me, not through the crops grown. On an average rain fall year in this area the pay back for seed and fertilizer should be about half of what was harvested. On a less than "normal" year the payback -it would be everything harvested. On a drought year payment would only be through credit for work. They are always asking to do the "credit" thing, knowing they will not go hungry as long as they are with us. Typically, if no one holds the people accountable, or isn't flexible in the way payments can be made, the credit will never be paid. Often times this leads to dependency, deception, no respect for personal property, and dreadfully low productivity. I think we can grow things near the orphanage, enabling a worker to keep the fields/gardens, while doing other jobs -like security. The need/cost for labor should only involved one person. However, we'll have another problem -because we don't have fences, cattle can wipe out a field. Fences cost money and must be watched, or the fence could be stolen. We should be able to assign someone to watch the fields while doing other jobs around the orphanage.
Peace
-----------
A sitting with the Chief is required for approval from the council to open the Orphanage. Though we have been pre-approved by the government of Zambia and the local Chief, a desire for this facility was clearly communicated. This is their accountability mechanism versus a series of inspections that we might experience in the U.S. upon the completion of a contruction project. Blessings, -Scott
Monday, November 12, 2007
Kitchen & Laundry Area
The kitchen/laundry roof will extend out 5 feet all around from the columns. This will work well with the cooking and other areas, while giving more space inside when all closed in.School Update
Silembe's Community School - the roof looks great and is very strong. It's hard to appreciate the work until you see how crooked the lumber was. The school walls were built with mud, not cement, but are unusually strong. The roof we put on only weighs a fraction of the old grass roof. The truss design raises the ceiling a foot. We are getting free bricks to close the walls to the roof.
World Orphan Relief help provide a portion of the funding for the roof on the school in Silembe, Zambia.
Bunk Beds Ordered.
Tell us what you think about the bunk beds. They are even strong enough for heavy Americans to get some sweet sleep. The drawers work smoothly. The ends are made to use as ladders.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Roof for School
NOAH Ministries currently runs the local school in Silembe, and World Orphan Relief has agreed to assist with some of the funds required for the new roof.
From Mike in Zambia:
The trusses for the school roof should soon be finished. Roofing should be Monday. The unusual design enables us to raise the ceiling a foot without taking the time to lay more bricks, which is important considering the community already removed the old grass roof.
Many of you have seen pictures of the school which were previously posted on this blog. There are over 300 children that attend this facility, with over 50 of these children being Orphaned. Thanks.
The trusses for the school roof should soon be finished. Roofing should be Monday. The unusual design enables us to raise the ceiling a foot without taking the time to lay more bricks, which is important considering the community already removed the old grass roof.
Many of you have seen pictures of the school which were previously posted on this blog. There are over 300 children that attend this facility, with over 50 of these children being Orphaned. Thanks.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Construction nearing completion....
From our Director in Zambia, Mike Jones (edited):
Trust all is well. I've been a bit slow getting back to you. The buildings are at the place where not much progress can be seen in the pictures. I've sent the workers that joined us for this construction project -back home. They are all happy, and ready to join us again when we have money to start another house. Shut down and start up -costs us time and money. This way we are continuing to build at a slower pace and can easily speed up when we need to move faster.
The bath house window frames turned out much smaller than I had ordered; I thought the price was really cheap and now I know why. Yes, the openings between the rafters provides good ventilation (and light) and will be screened. Since the window frames are so small, I think we will just put screens in them instead of glass. The brick posts for the kitchen/laundry are going up. The window glasses are probably already installed in the house. We ordered one bunk bed with drawers under -from a carpenter in Livingstone. The price is good, K330,000 which is $85-90 (plus mattresses for about $65.00). We will send you pictures when it is ready around the first of November. If you like it and have the money, we will order more.
I wanted to build a platform for the hand pump, eliminating pumping up hill, but the driller assured me he had a better solution. The gasket the borehole driller put on the handpump for pumping "up hill" is leaking. If it wears out this quickly we will need another system for filling the tank. We have some choices:
1. Buy more rubber to make gaskets and hope it works.
2. Put containers of water in the bath house for washing and flushing.
3. Hand pump water and fill tank by hand.
4. Hand pump water into small tank/container. Use 2nd pump to fill tank.
5. Buy another pump for borehole. Only specialized hand pumps are designed to pump a "head". Windmills, solar pumps, and other motors requiring power could work.
Since we have little water to pump, all of our options will be at the low end of the price scale. I would suggest we work by hand, while looking for and pricing other options.
Tuesday I plan to turn in the application for the orphanage to the council. I must first get a letter from the health ministry, which they have already promised will be ready. Wednesday and Thursday we will be in Lusaka for work permit, vehicle repairs, etc. I hope to be on the building site again Friday, hauling rocks, setting toilets & sinks, etc.
Jo Anne should arrive here to stay next month. That is a big praise. I'll send more later, providing my computer keeps working (power problems).
God Bless, Mike
-----------------
We expect another level of approvals without any issues within the next month, and will potentially start accepting children at the home by the end of November. Each home (six planned for) will be home to 12 children.
Trust all is well. I've been a bit slow getting back to you. The buildings are at the place where not much progress can be seen in the pictures. I've sent the workers that joined us for this construction project -back home. They are all happy, and ready to join us again when we have money to start another house. Shut down and start up -costs us time and money. This way we are continuing to build at a slower pace and can easily speed up when we need to move faster.
The bath house window frames turned out much smaller than I had ordered; I thought the price was really cheap and now I know why. Yes, the openings between the rafters provides good ventilation (and light) and will be screened. Since the window frames are so small, I think we will just put screens in them instead of glass. The brick posts for the kitchen/laundry are going up. The window glasses are probably already installed in the house. We ordered one bunk bed with drawers under -from a carpenter in Livingstone. The price is good, K330,000 which is $85-90 (plus mattresses for about $65.00). We will send you pictures when it is ready around the first of November. If you like it and have the money, we will order more.
I wanted to build a platform for the hand pump, eliminating pumping up hill, but the driller assured me he had a better solution. The gasket the borehole driller put on the handpump for pumping "up hill" is leaking. If it wears out this quickly we will need another system for filling the tank. We have some choices:
1. Buy more rubber to make gaskets and hope it works.
2. Put containers of water in the bath house for washing and flushing.
3. Hand pump water and fill tank by hand.
4. Hand pump water into small tank/container. Use 2nd pump to fill tank.
5. Buy another pump for borehole. Only specialized hand pumps are designed to pump a "head". Windmills, solar pumps, and other motors requiring power could work.
Since we have little water to pump, all of our options will be at the low end of the price scale. I would suggest we work by hand, while looking for and pricing other options.
Tuesday I plan to turn in the application for the orphanage to the council. I must first get a letter from the health ministry, which they have already promised will be ready. Wednesday and Thursday we will be in Lusaka for work permit, vehicle repairs, etc. I hope to be on the building site again Friday, hauling rocks, setting toilets & sinks, etc.
Jo Anne should arrive here to stay next month. That is a big praise. I'll send more later, providing my computer keeps working (power problems).
God Bless, Mike
-----------------
We expect another level of approvals without any issues within the next month, and will potentially start accepting children at the home by the end of November. Each home (six planned for) will be home to 12 children.
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