"Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." - Desmond Tutu

Purpose:

Purpose:
This desire to visit Zambia is least about tourism and more about becoming better students of culture, and more about self-awareness, and most about examining our shared humanity. It has been our dream to visit Africa, to listen to her rhythm, to learn some steps to her dance. Our philanthropic agenda is straightforward and certainly open to suggestion. In short, we want to embrace the challenges and needs of the local families, nurture and support existing programs, and collaborate on future goals and growth of services. Meeting basic needs as clean water, food, safe shelter, companionship and self-esteem, these are viable activities worthy of our volunteer time. Upon our return, we are committed to educating our communities about the plights of Africa, and seeding environments for more growth in service programs.

Destinations/Organizations to Support:
1.The Kondwa Children’s Foundation, Lusaka, Zambia
2.The Body Shop Community Trade supplier in Northern Zambia.
3. Working with children at various orphanage facilities in Zambia.

Travel Dates:September 6 - 25th 2007

Get Involved:

Get Involved:
Now that we're back from Zambia we have more ways for you to help out!

Here's what we're working on right now:

1. Gia is putting together a care package to Angela (school director/creator) in the beg of Feb. for the kids at Kondwa centre. She said they are currently in need of socks. The kids age in range from 4-8 yrs old. If you would like to donate please contact Gia.

2. We have HIV pins to sell at $5 a piece. They were made by the widow's group. Gia would love to send the money to Angela with the care package for the widows. I am happy to mail them to anyone who would like to purchase them. About 30 left!!

3. If you would like a tax write off you can always donate to the Kondwa Centre directly via this website. www.kondwa.org

The money is being used to help fund the new primary school! It's were we spent time "digging" with the caretakers. A great way to invest in the children's future!

Keep checking back to see what's needed.

Thanks for your continued support!!



10.23.2007

Mr. Banda


Lexon Banda. A name we won't forget. More importantly a spirit that we won't forget. Who is Lexon Banda? Mr.Banda?

I bet you would never guess. Mr.Banda was our faithful taxi driver. We had no idea how much we would need to take taxi's for transportation. Angela gave us Mr.Banda's phone number when we arrived. "If you need a ride. If you have to be somewhere at a certain time. You call him. He's reliable. He's honest. And he'll give you a fair price." All true.

Now Mr.Banda was more than just our taxi driver. He "saved" us one night. Well I exaggerated a little bit but lets just say that one of the few times we were nervous about our safety Lexon was there.

We were on the long bus ride back from Livingstone. Normally a 6 hr drive. Mr.Banda was going to meet us at the bus station he dropped us off at 3 days earlier (just like a friend would pick you up on your return) until we changed our plans. We decided to take a different bus because it left earlier in the day and it wouldn't be so hot. We knew that this bus would take us downtown to the city center in the late afternoon. But no worries Banda would meet us.

Well lets just say the bus ride went a little longer than expected. We couldn't get a hold of Banda & we weren't sure if he got our text messages. So we just crossed our fingers. Our bus arrived about 2.5 hrs later and it was getting dark. As we rounded the corner to the bus station we realized that we probably weren't in the best part of town. With our backpacks and white skin we we stood out just a little bit. We definitely looked like we had money. And we weren't really sure of where to go to catch a taxi. We were starting to panic a little bit. I remember looking outside the windows trying to assess the scene. The best route to take to get away from the crowds but not to isolate ourselves. The options looked slim. My heart started to race. Maybe we should have baked in the sun and taken the bus that left later. Oops. Did we make a poor decision based on comfort?

The next thing I know....I see the happiest, jolliest, smiling man waving to me. It's Banda. Lexon Banda to the rescue! We couldn't believe it. As we walked off the bus into the crowd he reached up and grabbed a hold of our arms and pulled us to his taxi & gave us a warm welcome "home." I assumed he got my text so he knew to catch us later. Thank goodness!
Silly me. He didn't get our message. "What message" he checks his phone,"No? No message from you." We couldn't believe it...he waited. He had no idea when our bus would be in. But he would wait. He waited for 2.5 hrs for the two crazy American girls. He WAITED!

Angela was right. Banda is reliable. And he is our friend. We asked ourselves over and over if that would EVER happen here. In our country. Has a taxi driver ever waited 2.5 hrs for you?

So if you find yourself traveling to Zambia...we have a taxi connection for you...Mr.Banda.
This picture was taken at the airport on our way back home. Goodbye Mr.Banda we'll see you next time! Too bad the photo doesn't capture his warm smile...you'll have to trust me on that one.

-gia
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We Support:

The Kondwa Children's Foundation:
The name Kondwa means "Be Happy."

This name encompasses the mission of the Kondwa Children's Foundation, which is to bring happiness and hope to the lives of orphaned children and communities impoverished by the effects of HIV/AIDS in the slums of Lusaka, Zambia in Africa.
Almost 20% of the children in Zambia are now orphans. On average, these children will live to be only 34 years old. The toll of HIV/AIDS and extreme poverty on Zambia and other African counties is staggering, but there are many ways for individuals to make a difference and help.

The Mission of the Kondwa Day Center:
Kondwa serves many physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the orphans.

To improve the quality of life of orphans whose parents or caregivers have died of AIDS and HIV related diseases.
To give love, care and counseling to the children.
To provide pre-school education and to seek funding for formal education.
To prepare orphaned children with life skills.
To serve nourishing meals and attend to medical needs.
To raise awareness about HIV / AIDS among the children, their guardians and center volunteers.
To provide spiritual guidance to the children and their guardians.

The program staff is 100% volunteer.

Where is Kondwa?
It is located in the Ng’ombe compound on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. Zambia is one of the southern countries in Africa, an area most affected by the AIDS virus.