Amazing-Absolutely Wonderful-Incredible: Traveling is something I think everyone should experience. Not just a road trip to the beach. I'm talking down and dirty, overseas, in the bush breakthrough, with language barriers and only the the human connections to get you by! Our trip was raw, organic, point blank, culture in your face stuff. And we loved every minute of it! And after several weeks of saying it was "incredible", here's a better descriptionfor ya!
A Perspective: Money. It is a pulse of life as we know it, yet without money, we are still human. We feel, smell, touch. Without money, we are limited only in a physical nature. Money can be medical help, travel, food, water, phone, electricity, education, Without Money, we still have our imagination, nature, oxygen, speech, walking, talent, love, work ethic. Is there a connection?
When you don't have money, will you work harder? Is our country in a state of apathy because we have too much? What can you live without? Take a moment and imagine yourself without money today. What will you not experience? What would you do today without a job? How will you eat? Drink? What would you be concerned about? Without money, how do you feel? I honestly believe our US culture is stuck in a mode of gimme, gimme and I'm not quite sure how we will ever get out of this. Lately, I picture myself, Dan and the kids in Africa, living a simple life. No bling, no image competition at school, relying on life as we know it to entertain us. Learning that there is nothing in life that we should take for granted. Going out to eat would be a fabulous treat, and wow, a movie! Being outside to play, not n front of the tv. I could go on and on with this...do you get my drift? Is my perspective affecting your own? Good!
-Hillary
"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
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!!
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!!
11.14.2007
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.
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.
