Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Info on my Orphanage
So I have gotten many questions about where and how people can help. I just wanted to give you all a little back round so you knew a little more about the place I have been spending my time in Africa.
The orphanage is called Karim. It is run by a 25 year old women named Rehema. She has a 5 year old daughter and had a son who passed away a year and a half ago. He is the reason she started the orphanage. Karim was founded in May 2007 after the death of her son who passed away from a rare disease called hydrocephalus. It is abnormal fluid in the brain. She had trouble through her pregnancy but had a healthy baby boy. After a few months she noticed that his head was getting very large and that he seems uncomfortable. She was in and out of many hospitals who told her he was fine and sent her home. One Friday night he got really sick and she took him to the hospital but since it was a weekend there were no doctors around. (I didn't know people didn't get sick on the weekends) The nurses tried to take care of him and fed him over the weekend but he stomach started getting larger and larger. Finally the Dr came in on Monday and told her to take him to another hospital that could help. Well on the way to the other hospital Karim died in her arms. She has used all her money that weekend so she had to take him home on public transportation to save money.
After this experience she decided she didn't want another other mother to go through what she did. Her dream is to open a free center for women and children to go to and not worry about money. In the stepping stones to this she opened the orphanage. She houses 9 kids and travels to 30 other homes to help out. She is an amazing women with a kind heart. You don't really hear such inspiring stories very often which is why I wanted to share this one with you. I truly feel I have been sent here for a reason and have been blessed with these children.
If you are interested in find out more or donating to this specific orphanage please check the wedsite: www.orphansfoundationfund.com
This is an umbrella org that helps 33 orphanages and 3,000 orphans. It distributes the donations in reasonable quantities because otherwise the money would either be stolen or not used properly. If you want to learn more I encourage you to check it out.
Stats on Tanzania:
36% of people live below the poverty level
40 million people live in Tanzania and 20 million of them live on less than a $1 a day
44% of that population is under the age of 15
Thank you for helping me help these children! We are all so blessed!
The orphanage is called Karim. It is run by a 25 year old women named Rehema. She has a 5 year old daughter and had a son who passed away a year and a half ago. He is the reason she started the orphanage. Karim was founded in May 2007 after the death of her son who passed away from a rare disease called hydrocephalus. It is abnormal fluid in the brain. She had trouble through her pregnancy but had a healthy baby boy. After a few months she noticed that his head was getting very large and that he seems uncomfortable. She was in and out of many hospitals who told her he was fine and sent her home. One Friday night he got really sick and she took him to the hospital but since it was a weekend there were no doctors around. (I didn't know people didn't get sick on the weekends) The nurses tried to take care of him and fed him over the weekend but he stomach started getting larger and larger. Finally the Dr came in on Monday and told her to take him to another hospital that could help. Well on the way to the other hospital Karim died in her arms. She has used all her money that weekend so she had to take him home on public transportation to save money.
After this experience she decided she didn't want another other mother to go through what she did. Her dream is to open a free center for women and children to go to and not worry about money. In the stepping stones to this she opened the orphanage. She houses 9 kids and travels to 30 other homes to help out. She is an amazing women with a kind heart. You don't really hear such inspiring stories very often which is why I wanted to share this one with you. I truly feel I have been sent here for a reason and have been blessed with these children.
If you are interested in find out more or donating to this specific orphanage please check the wedsite: www.orphansfoundationfund.com
This is an umbrella org that helps 33 orphanages and 3,000 orphans. It distributes the donations in reasonable quantities because otherwise the money would either be stolen or not used properly. If you want to learn more I encourage you to check it out.
Stats on Tanzania:
36% of people live below the poverty level
40 million people live in Tanzania and 20 million of them live on less than a $1 a day
44% of that population is under the age of 15
Thank you for helping me help these children! We are all so blessed!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Asante Sana!! (Thank You)
Remember how I was telling you all about the 3 beds for 10 kids. Well because of all the generous donations I was able to help purchase 3 bunk beds, sheets, and pillows for the orphanage. We bought beautiful, colorful sheets and pillow cases to brighten the room. I will also be using my mom's interior decorating skills to paint clouds and put posters around the rooms. (I could use her help though:) They received these things on Friday- which was mad chaos! I told myself TIA numerous times! They were so excited to get them though- you have all helped these children from half way around the world. I have just been lucky enough to be the messenger for all of you. I recorded them all saying thank you to you all and will post pictures of everything. It was a wonderful, rewarding experience and I am so blessed to have been able to do this for them. Next week will be helping Rehema (the mama) organize it and "pretty" it up! Thank you all again for your support and donations! Love and miss everyone!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Jordan, Obama, and Green Bay Packers
Every time I am asked where I am from I answer "Chicago" and they either say "Jordan? or Obama?" Like I know them personally or something. It is pretty funny. No worries either bc I have counted 11 sightings of Green Bay apparel while I have been walking around Arusha. I also tuned into their pre season game against the Bengals as well! We have packer fans all the way in Africa!!!
The placement is only getting better. A new volunteer from the UK started on Monday with me this week and she is perfect for the job. She just got back from volunteering in China and has some horrific stories about their orphanages there- which makes mines seem ok. Today the kids made masks out of paper plates. They were so excited to make them but some of them were afraid to put them on their faces for some reason. So I think I wore like 10 masks today bc they wanted to see what they looked like on. We are trying to get a tape player for the them bc they love to dance and sing -it would be soo good for them to actually hear music and sing along. I think it would really help their English as well. They are already improving on singing songs and learning the alphabet. I think after 4 more weeks they will be pros! Thank you for the suggestions - I will put them to use and take pictures for everyone who contributed.
Nothing too much going on here-- I will write at the end of this week as alot is going on the rest of this week!
Love you all:)
The placement is only getting better. A new volunteer from the UK started on Monday with me this week and she is perfect for the job. She just got back from volunteering in China and has some horrific stories about their orphanages there- which makes mines seem ok. Today the kids made masks out of paper plates. They were so excited to make them but some of them were afraid to put them on their faces for some reason. So I think I wore like 10 masks today bc they wanted to see what they looked like on. We are trying to get a tape player for the them bc they love to dance and sing -it would be soo good for them to actually hear music and sing along. I think it would really help their English as well. They are already improving on singing songs and learning the alphabet. I think after 4 more weeks they will be pros! Thank you for the suggestions - I will put them to use and take pictures for everyone who contributed.
Nothing too much going on here-- I will write at the end of this week as alot is going on the rest of this week!
Love you all:)
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Total Eye Opener
So I thought the school I was at was a new experience! I started at the orphanage this week and I have been in total amazement since I walked into that place. First of all- their are 10 kids there which makes for a great, manageable number. But there is one lady who takes care of them who is 25 years old and has malaria. Second they have one bedroom that all 10 kids sleep in. They have one twin bed and a double bed. The 3 older girls (13,10, 9) sleep in the twin and all the other children sleep in the other bed. Then they have one small room with a mat in it to play in all day. They are not really allowed to go outside bc they get dirty and only bathe once a week. It just breaks my heart everyday I am there as they just cling to you bc we are basically there only contact, both physically and emotionally, that they really experience. Only 3 of them go to school (older kids) but come home at lunch bc they have chores to do. The entire situation is something that you see in movies or on the "sponsor this child" commerical. The older girls are soo good to the younger ones and basically act as a mother bc the woman is so sick and tired all the time to really do anything. Today for example, a little boy, Toshi, had to use the restroom (#2 mind you) and they dont have toilet paper and the older girl came over and used water to help him wipe. I dont know any 10 year old girls that would do that-- Im 24 and had a hard time with it!
After I have gotten over the initial shock of the place, I am quite happy with my placement. I feel my help and work is really appreciated by the mom and the children. We are learning colors, how to use scissors, and say objects in English. It is very frustrating but since I am hear for at least 3 weeks I am hoping to see some progress. Thank you for the game ideas-- they definitely need to be simple as it is usually the 3-6 year olds playing. We are cooking hot dogs for them tomorrow, which they have never eaten, which should be a great time. Next week I am going to get some paper to color masks for them to wear. They LOVE songs-- so any song suggestions would be great! I am having a hard time remembering songs! Cousins get your thinking caps on-- I want to know some songs! If you have a suggestion I will record them singing it so you can all hear! The children are soo sweet. Some of them definitely have problems from the malnutrition and the lack of parental contact- I am hoping to help them feel more confident and loved while I am there.
I will be looking into purchasing 3 bunk beds next week for the orphanage. Hopefully with all the donations from everyone and the help of other volunteers it ill be possible! So Thank you in advance!! I will keep you posted and hopefully post pictures of the children in the next 2 weeks!
After I have gotten over the initial shock of the place, I am quite happy with my placement. I feel my help and work is really appreciated by the mom and the children. We are learning colors, how to use scissors, and say objects in English. It is very frustrating but since I am hear for at least 3 weeks I am hoping to see some progress. Thank you for the game ideas-- they definitely need to be simple as it is usually the 3-6 year olds playing. We are cooking hot dogs for them tomorrow, which they have never eaten, which should be a great time. Next week I am going to get some paper to color masks for them to wear. They LOVE songs-- so any song suggestions would be great! I am having a hard time remembering songs! Cousins get your thinking caps on-- I want to know some songs! If you have a suggestion I will record them singing it so you can all hear! The children are soo sweet. Some of them definitely have problems from the malnutrition and the lack of parental contact- I am hoping to help them feel more confident and loved while I am there.
I will be looking into purchasing 3 bunk beds next week for the orphanage. Hopefully with all the donations from everyone and the help of other volunteers it ill be possible! So Thank you in advance!! I will keep you posted and hopefully post pictures of the children in the next 2 weeks!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
An Elevator Goes Up!
Before Upendo School ( the school I was at for 2 1/2 weeks ) went on break last week we took the kids on a Safari. I took this to mean that we were going to a national park to see some animals- I think I was more excited that the kids because I came to find out that safari simply means trip. So much to my dismay we were taking the kids to the International Conference Center. I was a bit confused as the children are only like 6 years old... I was thinking what are they really going to teach them there. Boy was I in for a surprise.
We all piled into a bus, once again like 30 kids and 6 adults in this 3 row van. We drove to the consequence center where they brought us into a conference room and talked to the children about what went on there. I was bored so I can only imagine what they were thinking! Then everything started to make sense to me. These kids have never seen anything like this before. We all piled onto an elevator and their eyes got really big as we started moving. They all clung to me and once again I was like they have never been on an elevator before! I tried to explain to them in simple English and the little Swahili that I know what it was. Then they had a bathroom break. The bathroom was soo crowded and I was like... "what is going on in here?" Well the kids were all crowded around the toilet watching it flush! I then proceeded to show them the running water faucet and blow dryer. I think that was probably the highlight of their trip for sure!
It is so weird to think how different our lives are than other people. We definitely have alot more material objects and technology than most do... but we are not necessarily happier than any of them. The children are always running around playing with each other just happy as can be.
I start at the orphanage Monday, which I think will be more challenging as it is not organized. I might need some suggestions on activities for the kids-- so get your thinking caps on!
We all piled into a bus, once again like 30 kids and 6 adults in this 3 row van. We drove to the consequence center where they brought us into a conference room and talked to the children about what went on there. I was bored so I can only imagine what they were thinking! Then everything started to make sense to me. These kids have never seen anything like this before. We all piled onto an elevator and their eyes got really big as we started moving. They all clung to me and once again I was like they have never been on an elevator before! I tried to explain to them in simple English and the little Swahili that I know what it was. Then they had a bathroom break. The bathroom was soo crowded and I was like... "what is going on in here?" Well the kids were all crowded around the toilet watching it flush! I then proceeded to show them the running water faucet and blow dryer. I think that was probably the highlight of their trip for sure!
It is so weird to think how different our lives are than other people. We definitely have alot more material objects and technology than most do... but we are not necessarily happier than any of them. The children are always running around playing with each other just happy as can be.
I start at the orphanage Monday, which I think will be more challenging as it is not organized. I might need some suggestions on activities for the kids-- so get your thinking caps on!
Friday, August 8, 2008
T I A
This Is Africa- this is my new slogan! I have had many "Well, this is africa" moments in the past month. One of them being I have not had access to the internet for like a week-- so I am sorry for my slack in postings. I now know that people actually read this blog since I received some threatening emails telling me to start writing! Ha-- thank you for keeping tabs on me!
So the schools have off for the month of August, so I took a week and traveled to Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar. It was cool to see some more of Tanzania- but it is very much the same throughout the country. I have learned a few things about Africa though...
1) I prefer toliets with no seats to squat toliets for sure!- even though it is good exercise for my thighs:)
2) ALWAYS carry toliet paper where ever you go
3) I prefer a hot bucket shower rather than a cold normal shower
4) You can never say hello too many time in Tanzania
5) You will NEVER hear me complain about the pot holes in Chicago again
6) No one can ever eat too much rice and beans.... we eat it for EVERY meal! ( I will not be coming back thinner that is for sure!)
7) There is always room for one more body on the dalla dall (bus)- 15 people in one mini van is definitely a tight squeeze
8) I feel I am camping every night- as we have to sleep in bug nets so we don't get too many bug bites
I have to constantly remind myself - This Is Africa!
So the schools have off for the month of August, so I took a week and traveled to Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar. It was cool to see some more of Tanzania- but it is very much the same throughout the country. I have learned a few things about Africa though...
1) I prefer toliets with no seats to squat toliets for sure!- even though it is good exercise for my thighs:)
2) ALWAYS carry toliet paper where ever you go
3) I prefer a hot bucket shower rather than a cold normal shower
4) You can never say hello too many time in Tanzania
5) You will NEVER hear me complain about the pot holes in Chicago again
6) No one can ever eat too much rice and beans.... we eat it for EVERY meal! ( I will not be coming back thinner that is for sure!)
7) There is always room for one more body on the dalla dall (bus)- 15 people in one mini van is definitely a tight squeeze
8) I feel I am camping every night- as we have to sleep in bug nets so we don't get too many bug bites
I have to constantly remind myself - This Is Africa!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)