It's time to celebrate all that we accomplished in Africa. Yes, we, because I thought of you all every step of the way. Before I made my journey, I was so fortunate to receive contributions from some truly wonderful, brave and supportive people. So the question remains, where did it all go???I waited until my last few days in Tanzania to use the contributions because I felt it important to fully experience the struggles at the schools throughout the month and as difficult as it was, I needed to prioritize how our money could best be put to use. Fair time with the children, as well as hearing the headmaster's concerns before making any decisions, was critical. Not only is my own heart drenched with gratitude to you contributors, but if you could see these children's faces... you'd know in the deepest reaches of your soul how worthwhile and important you are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking risks with me, for opening your mind and your heart, and for actively making a difference. Here's how the contributions were spent:
- Six HUNDRED writing books for the children
- One HUNDRED reading books (different levels for different ages)
- Pencils, Pens, Pencil Sharpeners, ERASERS, Rulers
- Zuma and I hand picked the boards of wood and had 20 DESKS built for a classroom which previously housed broken, wiggling benches
- And with your contributions....we fed two entire school centers for three months. I was able to begin a Porridge Program for the children which I am grateful to share is still running beautifully. Thanks to you. (Zuma and I hired a cook, purchased stoves, pots, cups, utensils, etc.) Though you may not have been there with me, I thought of the contributors, and all who've shown interest, every. single. day. Your graciousness has touched the hearts of these children more than you will ever know.
- And as I've only grown more ambitious since my leave, I'm happy to share that work is STILL being done! Thank you to the recent contributors who have helped me to continue to feed these children for another three months -- that is a total of six months these children will have gotten / will be getting food... and we're not stopping there. The Porridge Program will continue on for as long as we sustain and work together and you have my word, we can and will!
The children's faces as they discovered they'd be receiving food every day.
And after they stood and jumped and laughed and played... they sat together with me and prayed in thanks.. for you. They sat me down as each one rested a hand upon me and through different cultures, races, religions, we came together in gratitude to God... and gratitude to you. Thank you with everything in me.
Flour we bought and lugged through town.
Zuma (the headmaster) messaged me recently to say this:"The children are running to school. Running because they know there is food there. Their attendance has improved. Their academic abilities have improved. The children's progress is amazing!"
He then went on to inform me of an American volunteer currently working there who will continue to update me on the success and stability of our program. Another surety that things are being run successfully in my absence. We are blessed.
I could not be more thrilled nor more appreciative for the means to create this Project. Today we ought to celebrate all the good that has been done.
Thank you for helping me to do this. This could not have been done without you. You gave me your undaunted faith and trust, and I used my own in believing that you would appreciate what was done. Thank you for allowing me to make difficult decisions, and for giving me the honor of passing on the gifts which you have given. I have no words. I pray that you can see here what one life can do. Yours. It really, truly does matter how we feel and what we desire to do in this world. This journey stemmed from an interest I felt years ago and now look where we are... thanks to you... thanks to God. Nothing is impossible. Thank you for changing these children's lives and MOST importantly, creating a foundation for building a better future. Stop saying if and when and tomorrow and someday... start saying NOW... start doing NOW. Your potential for aid in this world is immeasurable.
