"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

Noah...loved this little guy...

Hillary & I spent a lot of time painting and playing with the children outside while we were at the Kondwa center. So we didn't get a lot of time to "bond" with the kids that were in school. Which was probobly a good thing for me. We spent more time with the Kondwa graduates and some curious wanders that wanted to check out the "white girls" painting.

BUT there was this one little guy. His name is Noah. And for some reason I loved this little one. Something about him drew me to him. He wasn't overly outgoing or smiley. He didn't follow me around or fight to hold my hand but he was always there. We would meet eyes and I felt a connection to him. He seemed a bit sad. He seemed like he had survived a lot. Again....none of this I know for sure...it's just what I felt. When we would meet eyes he would smile. That one of a kind amazing and authentic smile. And I felt his warmth.

I wanted a picture with him before I left. I decided to take a self portrait of us and only caught his eyes. Which say a lot. I love this picture. Because it will forever remind me of how I felt when I saw Noah. Ironically right before we took the picture he got smacked around a bit. I think Hillary mentioned early that the kids are pretty aggressive. Survival of the fittest, as they say. So poor little Noah got beat up a bit but still took the picture with me. So you can see some fresh tears in his eyes. He's the boy to my right.

I love you little guy. Thank you for touching my heart.

-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.