"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!!



3.26.2008

where are we now?

Looking through all our thoughts in print, I realized that even though we are not going anywhere far away right now, Africa is still a piece of us that spurs us into action, satisfies our souls and gives us a reality to be ever so grateful for. Recently, the art journal Gia and I spent so much time with, has been "ended". What this means is that Gia did her last page, mailed it to me and began a new art journal for us to share. When it arrived at my house, I placed it in my studio and left it alone for sometime. Yesterday, I journaled in it, placed some mementos inside and closed it with a ribbon. It now resides in a place of honor with my other artwork. In other areas of our lives, Gia continues on with her dance of life. She is putting all her energies into beginning a non profit for foster children. Bless her heart! I am fully immmersed in artwork...doing, inspiring others and more. My newest adventure is art modeling. Love it!
More soon :)
Peace - Hillary
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1.29.2008

What Africa means to me now...

What Africa means to me now....I have never been on a trip that has affected my life so immensely, in so many ways. Africa is a country I hold close to my heart, still amzaes me today, overwhelms me with emotion. Africa is such mysterious ground for me to tread. And I yearn to go back, to discover more. It is such a huge place to explore, live with and become part of. I have only experienced a fraction of what Africa truly has to give me. And for the meantime, what I have brought home with me will last a lifetime. When I see pictures of Africa, I feel a connection, almost in a territorial sense. I think "I was there." I know what Zambia smells like, what N'shima feels like in my belly and how to say hello. I know how important I am in someone's life when they want to hold my hand and everytime I hug someone now, I think how blessed I am to take such an action for granted. Africa opened my eyes from the inside out. I experienced hunger, the sacredness of money, the value of friendship. I have become slower in my walk, more thoughtful while interacting with others and less to jump to conclusions. How can one trip to another country do this to me? I have no answer for this question. It's just the way things are. I have pondered the whys and how comes. Is it because the African people are different? Was it because I was completely away from my home, completely out of my element? What I do know is that I began changing before I left. I became more open minded, calmer, less judgemental of myself, kinder, more patient, braver. I have journal entries of before my trip that emphasize an internal strength that perplexed me. How does travel do this to someone? I now seek out seasoned travelers. To soak up more of that internal strength, that self confidence that traveling seems to give our souls. And that is how I can truly sum up Africa at this moment in time...my soul is inundated with joy, having absorbed Africa to a fullness, a saturation of smoky haze, bright smiles, human openness and personal courage.-Hillary
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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.