Hananasif

2008-07-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

July, a time for changes.

As we near the end of July here in Tanzania, we'd like to share a number of changes and additions we have made to the ministry.

This month we have welcomed a new School Manager, Jacob Aswile Mwaipaja, at Hanasif Academy. (fondly known as Shamba) Mr. Mwaipaja, who graduated this year from the University of Dar es Salaam, has taken quickly to managing the day to day activities and volunteer coordination. He has introduced many additions to the school government, a new environmental cleanliness program, and infrastructure to help volunteers.

The new guest house is at 99% completion. A bit more paint and a walkway and it will be the most stunning building on the site. The volunteers of the Hope Runs program are comfortably settled in with their running program going strong. The girls at Shamba especially have taken to the program while learning distance running, relay races, and stretching techniques. See Hope Runs at www.hoperuns.org

This month we have welcomed a group of 12 volunteers from Atlantic College in Wales and Hong Kong. They have been working extremely hard at Shamba and already they have painted three buildings and both classrooms, laid the cement floors in the new teachers' house, and started the construction of walkways. In addition, they have been busily teaching as many classes, games, and arts to the students as they have the energy to do. Their enthusiasm is reflected in that of the students.

We are growing! While looking forward to installing the irrigation system, the okra and cucumber we planted at the beginning of July has started to healthily sprout. The shamba program, which is about to take off, is very important to the school. In addition to bolstering the students' nutrition, it teaches practical skills such as water management, vegetable farming, and entrepreneurship. A picture can be seen below.

Tomorrow Hezekia, five volunteers, two Hananasif teachers, a choir teacher, and five members of the Watoto wa Mungu choir will be traveling to Mbeya on the far West side of Tanzania to give a fundraising concert at Isange Lutheran Church. The students are especially excited to go visit their homes in Mbeya, which is nearly 800km from Dar es Salaam.

As promised, I will share some photos that I have taken this month of the ministry:

A student crossing the river on the way to Shamba.

Afternoon rainbow at Shamba after a rainy day.

Soccer match between Form I and Form II at Shamba. Form I won!

Healthy Cucumber sprouts at Shamba.

Koko Beach in Dar es Salaam, a 45 minute walk from the Center.

Love from Tanzania,

Scott

2008-06-23T03:33:00.000-07:00

Hello from Dar es Salaam!

We have moved into the new city compound and the internet is up and running strong. The new center is the hub for all administrative activities in the HOCET ministry, as well as the residence of the Mwalugaja family. Headmaster Dennis and I, a volunteer from Gainesville, FL, are busily typing the terminal exams for the students at Hananasif Academy School. (the Shamba site)

The Shamba center has been undergoing some big changes in the past two months. The guest house is built and is nearing completion every day. The teachers' cottages, the frame of which have been built, is next on the agenda. We have succeeded to use the electric well pump with our generator so the students no longer drink or bathe with water from the river. This has cleared up a host of gastrointestinal issues.

We have welcomed two new teachers, Daniel and Benno, from the University. They have been busy teaching English, Civics, and History to the students. The new drama/batik teacher, Hilda Juma, has been making the journey out to shamba every weekend to teach the students. Last week, the drama class performed for the Watoto wa Afrika (Children of Africa) celebration in nearby village Shungumbweni. They were well received and had a flawless performance.

We have welcomed the Hope Runs (www.hoperuns.org) organization at the Shamba center as well. They brought over 100 pairs of high-quality running shoes and three volunteers, Molly, Alyisha, and Jenny. The students run every day and are learning much about stretching, exercise, and personal health through the program. They are now organizing and training the students for a 10K Race to the Ocean at the end of July.

Last week, we hosted 11 volunteers from the Grace Methodist Church in Gainesville, FL. While at Shamba they provided 200kgs of rice and 100kgs of beans, planted shade trees, installed ceiling boards, and spent every moment learning and teaching with the students. We thank them very much for their support.

Here some pictures I have taken in the last few weeks:

Hananasif Academy School group picture. Students, teachers, and staff.

Students at Shamba participating in batik making, a local tradition similar to tie-dye.

Mbeck, 14, a student of Hananasif Academy School, Form I.

Students worshipping in the morning at the Shamba center.

"Doctor" Issack using a digital camera during the Photography Class at Hananasif Acdemy School.

God Bless.

2008-03-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

Two volunteers from Gainesville, FL just arrived in Dar to work in both centers for the next two months. Lee and Paul are planning on building a lot at the Shamba and teaching some English classes while there. They have started another blog to write about their experiences while over there if you would like to check it out. The site is http://hananasif08.blogspot.com/

2008-03-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry, it's been awhile since we've updated this...I have a feeling you'll be hearing more from us within the next few weeks, as Sydney has just returned from a week-long trip in Tanzania to visit the orphanage.

But first things first...

The folks at ROSA LOVES have designed an exclusive t-shirt based on the story of Hananasif Orphanage. Our friend Kat Costello brought Hananasif's story to the attention of ROSA LOVES, a non-profit organization aimed at bringing awareness to social needs within our community through creative t-shirt designs.

You can read Kat's experience at Hananasif and purchase a t-shirt at http://rosaloves.com/stories/waterthefields.

A percentage of t-shirt sales will go to support Hananasif.

Thanks to Kat for sharing her Hananasif experience with ROSA LOVES:)

So... go buy a t-shirt! I just did;)

Melissa

2008-02-20T18:47:00.001-08:00

The shipment is out!

The textbooks and electronic equipment (generous donations from numerous US donors) are TZ-bound, scheduled to arrive in Dar-es-Salaam the middle of March, just several days after my arrival. Special thanks to the amazing Gainesville crew who made all of this possible.

Keep you posted...

2008-01-05T12:03:00.000-08:00

We would like to personally thank Mr. Stanley Weaver and Ms. Nancy Schaef who each participated in OLPC's winter "Give 1, Get 1" Campaign. Their "Give 1" Laptop was distributed by OLPC to a underserved child in a developing country, and they gifted their "Get 1" XO laptop to our kids at Hananasif - specifically, to our boarding school, Hananasif Academy, which we are working hard to equip with books, electronics, and learning tools that will enrich our students' lives and education.

Check out the link below for a BBC slideshow, "Laptops for Africa" to see OLPC on the ground:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/629/629/7113548.stm

We thank all of our supporters who thought of us during their year-end giving, and a special thanks to our monthly supporters. Your consistent giving is positioning us to be closer every day to long-term, sustainable service to orphaned and vulnerable children in Tanzania and beyond.

Wishing you a very Happy New year.

Sydney

2007-10-30T22:03:00.000-07:00

sisi wazima kabisa

"we are all well."

Just in from Hezekia: Internet installation was successful at our City Center office in Dar-es-Salaam. We are excited about the ways in which internet will enhance communications and enrich our school cirriculum as we work with our teachers and staff to assist them in accessing rich online resources for teaching.

Also, Hananasif Academy has recently established a partnership with another local school in Dar-es-Salaam. Jitegemee Secondary School has opened its doors to our students and offered free and limitless access to their labratory resources and science equipment for biological and chemical sciences.

building partnerships

Representatives from a foundation in Canada interested in financially supporting our work traveled to Dar-es-Salaam and visited our City Center and Shamba Centers earlier this week. They wrote,

"Thank you for the tour of Shamba yesterday. We enjoyed meeting you, and we are very impressed with your vision and the work that you are doing. We would really like to begin helping you with the completion of your buildings in order for your school to obtain government approval."

We look forward to working with them and are very excited about their involvement in our ministry.

birthday girl

Earlier this month, our dear Irene celebrated her 15th birthday. Irene Efeso is studying in Gainesville, Florida along with Gustaf Enesmo on our first-year International Study Abroad Program.

penpal program

We are excited to announce that we are in the process of establishing a penpal program between our students at Hananasif Academy and students in the US. This will also include contact between students around the world and Irene and Gustaf!

Interested in saying hello to Gustaf and Irene or to our students at Hananasif Academy?
Write them at:

hananasif.penpals@gmail.com

2007-09-30T14:15:00.000-07:00

On November 12th, the One Laptop Per Child project will launch a "Give 1, Get 1" campaign. For $399, you can purchase 2 laptops - one will be sent to you at home, and one will be sent to empower and inspire the learning of a child in a developing nation.

Five million laptops are scheduled to be delivered to children in developing nations in the summer of 2008. These revolutionary machines are durable, simple to use, and as low cost as possible. The vision of One Laptop Per Child is to provide a means for learning, self-expression, and exploration to the nearly two billion children in the developing world who have little or no access to education.

I will be working closely with Hezekia over the next month or so to see if we can open a dialogue with TZ government officials to initiate contact with the organization who will supply the laptops (they are currently only selling to governments who express interest in the program). This would be a phenomenal opportunity and resource for our students at Hananasif Academy.

For more information

NY Times Review on OLPC
www.laptop.org

2007-09-25T22:45:00.002-07:00

Interesting article with brief (recent) history and current information on Tanzania:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1072330.stm

2007-09-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning four of my friends came to church and afterwards the five of us, along with Irene and Gustaf, left for lunch. We were going to go to a park and have a picnic on the benches, but since half the food was left in my house, we decided to just go to my house and have a picnic in the front yard. We enjoyed some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and conversation. After we finished lunch we experimented with the leftover food. A plain bagel with peanut butter spread on it, bits of marshmallows and gramcrackers sprinkled on top and dizzled with melted chocolate. We cut up the creation and passed the pieces around. Gustaf examined his piece and then popped it in his mouth. Irene wouldn't eat it. She said it looked disgusting. I gave her a marshmallow to try instead, but she was uncertain about that too. "What is it?" she asked. A ball of sugar was the best answer I could give. "It looks weird. I don't want to eat it." From there we talked about things they ate back home, and kinds of food that we as Americans might find stange.
We spent most of the remaining time teaching each other common sayings. We now know how to say " You are crazy like a banana" and "Are you kidding me?" We taught them some words, Irene's favorite being 'fantastic.' They also asked us about some words they have heard from others. A few we told them it would probably be a good idea to never repeat them again.
About the most amazing part of the whole afternoon was when Gustaf showed us his front and back flip. All in all, we had a lot of fun spending the afternoon together.

2007-09-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hey Sydney!

I just returned to Germany last week after volunteering for HOCET for more than 5 month. It was hard to say goodbye and I can´t await to fly over again - hopefully after 2 years. I spent most of my time with the children in Kinondoni. I went with Joan and Hesekia in order to get an idea of how the fundraising works. I also taught English lessons in 2 groups for the primary school students and regularly gave individual lessons for 2 of the older (secondary school) students.

I was there when we started the school on March 5th. So many things changed there up to now and I want to send you some of the latest pictures which I took at Shamba (August 14-17,2007)!
I you´re interested I could also send you some "historic" pictures of Shamba and some more "day-to-day" pictures from the orphanage - now that I have a fast computer again ;-)

(Many thanks to Susanne Weishelt for sending these beautiful recent pictures of the Shamba and our HOCET students and staff)

Future classrooms and computer lab; currently a temporary
office for teachers/staff.

Hananasif Academy students David Edward and Amina
practicing in their theatre group

"No petrol for the generator means studying in less than
favourable conditions," Susanne writes. "Flashlight and oil lamp.
I still hope the solar power plan will be installed before next term."

Daily irrigation activities. Augustino on the water tank.

Isack working on the irrigation system

Students irrigating tomatoes

Future library and laboratory

Best Regards,

Susanne

2007-08-26T19:53:00.000-07:00

We have just received a Xerox copier to send to the school for our teachers. We have been waiting for quite some time for a copier to come in from some place, and finally two weeks ago two of my friends, Lee and Ben, found one at the UF surplus purchasing warehouse. They have a policy that all items that come in must stay in the warehouse for up to two weeks, and at the end of this time period if it has not been bought then it can be donated.
When Lee and Ben found the copier, it had only been there for a few days, so they did their best to make sure it would not be sold. They took tape and taped up the whole thing to make it look broken, put a sign on it reading "May need some work" and then hid it behind a refrigerator. Friday afternoon Lee and I went back to the warehouse to find out that their plan had worked, and it was now able to be donated to us. While waiting for all the paperwork, one of the workers there told us a little about the copier. It is not all that old and has only had about 100,000 copies used on it. So it should last the school for a very long time. It came with a lot of extra toner, which is amazing since toner is very expensive - and for the school they will be needing more than just one cartridge. The only set back is that it is a floor model copier, which means it is enormous. It could be a problem getting this packaged and shipped. But the Lord has provided us with such a nice copier, I am sure that He can provided some way of us getting it over there safely and cheaply.

2007-08-20T07:15:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, my good friend Jenny and I took Gustaf and Irene to UF's Florida Museum of Natural History and Butterfly exhibit. It was sunny and hot, so perfect time to just wander around the gardens and explore. Irene seemed to enjoy taking pictures of all of the butterflies flying around the atrium, and Gustaf spent a lot of time identifying the butterflies from the guide card. The butterfly staff also happened to be releasing new butterflies into the garden, so a small crowd gathered to watch.

We also explored the rest of the museum, including an exhibit featuring the jaws of a Megaleodon, the largest shark to ever exist. They had never seen fossils before, so it was also fun explaining to them about dinosaurs, mastodons and mammoths. A science lab stands adjacent to the butterfly exhibit, and a window allows museum guests to observe lab workers conducting scientific experiments. The microscope in particular seemed to fascinate Gustaf, as he had only studied a diagram of one in a book. I was impressed at how he knew the names of many of the components and he recited to me their functions as well! He also demonstrated his basic knowledge of cellular biology when we examined a magnified transparency of a cell nucleus. He definitely shows a remarkable memory and grasp of scientific ideas.

The museum also had a Native American exhibit, featuring the Seminole and Calusa tribes. Of course, Gustaf and Irene had never heard about American Indians (same as we Americans in high school never learned any ancient African history), and we enjoyed looking at the tools, jewelry and clothing on display.

Afterwards, Jenny and I took them to the Latin café, just in case they were craving some rice and beans and meat, more similar to what they eat at home. Although Irene decided she wanted chicken and rice, Gustaf insisted on eating a chicken sandwich and dousing it in hot sauceJ

I was sad to leave them, but I hope to visit them again next month.

Pictures from our outing are coming, I promise! Wait for it, wait for it…;)

2007-08-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

Our fifth US volunteer of the summer, Eian Schnoor, has returned safely to the States. I met up with him briefly this last weekend in a isle at Target while I was shoe-shopping with Gustaf and Irene. He was excited to see the kids, and they were thrilled to see him again.
Eian spent five weeks in Tanzania volunteering at our city center and our shamba center, and he was joined by an international volunteer group who came to teach at Hananasif Academy and spend time with the kids. I just received a synopsis of the trip from one of the group members, Olivia, and would like to share clips from her retelling of the group's experiences...

"...I returned to the UK with so much on my mind that I felt I needed to write it down. So here is a summary of what we did, which I am going to send to as many people as I can. Following five weeks in Tanzania, there is so much on my mind that it is often difficult to remember all the details at once! However, what we did in Tanzania was amazing, and I personally loved every minute of it... This is why I have decided to write down a quite detailed account of what we did as a group, as well as the aims of the orphanage, and a little about the children and the man responsible for it!

Teaching

On arrival [at the Shamba Center], we gave the teachers a list of subjects we would be happy to teach, and a timetable was drawn up for us. We taught math, physics, geography, english, and science.
Also, Caley taught a civics lesson, during which we split them into groups and had a debate, getting them to represent different areas of the government...

The level of the students clearly depended on their backgrounds and the schools they had come from, as well as their ages. There is a 4 year gap between the youngest and the eldest.

At Shamba, and during the afternoons in Kinandoni, we had the opportunity to sit down with some of the children individually and tutor them.

An environmental class was taught by Lotte, focusing on disposal of rubbish and simple ways in which an effort can be made to reduce wastage..."

Building

Unexpectedly, we were able to physically become involved in building classrooms for the school. We helped dig the foundations, then fill in the gaps between the bricks with concrete that we mixed! They use cement that they order from town, some of which we ordered for them, and mix it with sand that they dig from holes close to the buildings!

Baba has a set plan in his mind for the structure of Shamba. At the moment, there is a large building with three classrooms, two of which are being used as dormitories. There is also a traditionally built building which was where they lived at first when the building began. It now serves as the kitchen and nyumbani ya kuku, or chicken house. The future buildings will be arranged with this one around a central courtyard, where they will have well tended grass and shade where they can study. One building is almost complete, while we began building its twin. These will be a library and laboratory on one side and an IT lab and a fourth classroom on the other. Opposite the large existing building will be an administrative building. Diagonally opposite each other at different ends of the buildings will be the girls and boys separate dormitories. These will be split into four buildings, according to the form they are in. Staff rooms have begun to be built, but the funds are quite low at the moment, so they have been stopped.

Farming

This is one of the main activities at Shamba, but we were not really involved in it! In fact the first afternoon we didnâ€™t even realise to where all the children had disappeared! On the second day however, I took Josh and Scott to see the Passion fruits that Baba had shown Amina and I proudly when we first arrived, and we ended up helping some of the children plant watermelon seeds. In the afternoon, I returned to the farm and cleared a patch of land by burning the long grasses with a group of children. It was very hot work, but very satisfying to see the long yellow covering disappear eventually! The Farm is one thing which Baba is very proud of. Not only does he hope to produce food for the children to eat, but also to sell. The profit will go in part to the orphanage to continue with building and maintenance, but also in part to the children who can start to build up some money of their own, to save or use to travel!! They have watermelon, passion fruit, tomatoesâ€¦and hope to increase the diversity of their crops. Soon they aim to have a herd of cows, as well as pigs! And the number of chickens is continually increasing!! Baba is also hoping to install an irrigation system so that he can sell and produce fruit when the market wants fruit, in the dry season for example!

Worship

On the first night, I was dragged from the campfire by Furaha, and as we moved towards the buildings, we were joined by all the other children and most of our group. At first we had no idea what was happening, but soon the children began to sing and this was followed by prayers. At the orphanage, we had been to church, but not seen the children worshipping in this way before! It was one of the most beautiful experiences. It got dark at about six, and by the time we had formed this circle, the sky had revealed a myriad of stars (nyota), as well as the Milky Way. It was a though we were caught in a luminous bubble, and the experience was one of the most moving. Each morning at six, the children congregated in the classroom to sing and pray, Damas and David leading the service. Chris was asked to read and sing also. It was entirely student led. Chris, Josh and I joined them every morning. The songs will remain in my mind for a long time, I am sure of it.

Charity Dinner

While we were staying in Dar es Salaam, Baba had organised a Charity dinner in order to raise money for construction work at the orphanage. This highlighted the constant struggle that it is to maintain the programme, and to some extent how fragile it is. During the dinner, the children sang and danced, speeches were made and an auction was held. The money was used for cement, corrugated iron and wood for roofing. Any money goes directly to the orphanage according to what is most needed. For example, shortly before we arrived, the construction work on a well was stopped due to lack of funding, but was resumed as soon as possible [thanks to funds that came from a US donor immediately upon hearing the need] as this is one of the most important needs of the Shamba.
As we were leaving, it was just about to be finished. As part of the donation that we made to the orphanage, we ordered cement to be taken to Shamba, so that we could continue with the building. One other fundraising element is the production of CDs. Hezekia has written lyrics and with the help of some local Tanzanians and some American students has had the songs sung by the children and recorded professionally. These are available from the website.

A Few Students...

One of the children I got to know most closely is Furaha Mbeyela. She is 15, the same age as my brother. She is from Iringa, a province in Tanzania. Her brother is one of the teachers at the school, they both came to Dar es Salaam to look for education when their parents both died. Before we arrived in Tanzania, some of the students wrote us letters, to welcome us and introduce themselves to us, and hers was to me. Her dream is to become a doctor or a lawyer. She is very hard working and involved fully in all parts of the school. She has a beautiful voice and often led the singing during the worship. She is one of the better students, and is always willing to explain or help others with their work.
Another student, Fadhili Mukharami had been to a school where they taught French as well as English, and his French was actually better than the English most children spoke. It was nice to be able to have a proper conversation with someone! He is now learning French from three books that he has acquired over the years. His dream is to become a linguist, and speak many languages. I am looking out for intense language courses that it may be possible for him to attend, either in Africa or Europe in the future.

One of the orphans I spent most time with was Peter. He is 10 and very mature and serious for his age. Over the weeks it became obvious that he was trusted by the others, and also the adults. He was very quiet, not only because of the language, but also with the other children, although he was happy to play. He made some of the best toy cars, made from recycled materials and wood, with a long driving wheel. He also commandeered my camera most of the time at the orphanage! On the last day, when we brought the books, his eyes lit up and he tried to read a little to me! His pronunciation is very good!

A Day at the Shamba

A typical day at Shamba (while we were there) for the children!

05h30- Wake up call from our dearest kuku!
Children went out for PE (or ran back in with cries of Simba!)
06h00- Bricks carried from pile to building site
06h30- Worship
07h00- Assembly
08h00- Lessons (2)
10h30- Break, Uji (porridge) for breakfast
11h00- Lessons
13h30- Lunch (ugali and marahague)
14h30- Farmwork, or study
17h00- Study / bonfire
18h30ish â€" Food / dancing singing around the fire!
Then more study, if the generator is working!
11h00- Lights go out!

In closing, I am certain that the programme will be successful and yield more fruits than expected! In all senses of the phrase. As Hezekia himself says, we preach sustainable development, education in the developing world, all safely coddled at home. He is actually doing doing this, acting rather than simply speaking!
Not only is he fully involved in bringing education and opportunity in Tanzania, one of his long term aims is to initiate volunteer projects in Rwanda and neighbouring African countries by the students at Shamba. He is an incredible and admirable person, of which there are too few in the world. All of the teachers, Joan who has been working with the younger orphans since the start, Mama, and Mama Umba who cook the food for the 40 studentsâ€¦all of these people are admirable, working together and putting their efforts into raising and educating the children. Watoto ya Mungu as they call them: Children of God."

2007-08-08T05:48:00.000-07:00

Eian Schnoor, other workers and a few kids on site, roofing one of our other buildings at Hananasif Academy.

2007-08-05T18:27:00.000-07:00

got to spend the day with the kids today. they're doing great - healthy and happy.
tomorrow is there first day of school...will let you all know how it goes.

more soon.

2007-07-31T08:06:00.000-07:00

Friday I took Irene and Gustaf to the park to teach them how to play ultimate frisbee. We tossed the frisbee around for a while, I taught them the basics of the game, and many times we found ourselves trying to get the frisbee out of a tree. After a while they decided to walk around and see what else was going on. The first place we stopped was at the skateboarding ramps. Gustaf was very interested in all their tricks, but kept repeating, "That is very dangerous. They will fall and break their heads." Then for about ten mintutes we stood at the fence watching everyone in the pool. Mostly they liked watching everyone jump off the diving boards. Then we went to play on the playground. Irene enjoyed sitting on the merry-go-round, but was off of it after about five minutes of endless spinning. Gustaf enjoyed swinging on the swingset, and then jumping off when he got as high as he could. They were both a little apprehensive about going down the slide, and I don't think in the end they really liked it all that much. One thing they did love was some device out there that you turn some knob, speak into it, then turn the knob again, and it repeats everything back to you. They sat yelling both English and Swahili words into, and were so happy every time their voice came back through the speaker.
On the way home we talked about the differences between America and Tanzania. They said all the houses here are new, and nothing in them is broken. Also, there are so many cars. It seems to them that every person old enough to drive owns a car. All the talk about cars got Gustaf intrested in how they work, so when we got into the neighborhood, I pulled over and let him sit in the driver's seat and showed him what everything was. "It is simple then," he said. "Do you think that I could drive home?" I looked back at Irene who's eyes were big, and she was shaking her head, "Hapana, hapana. No, don't let him." "Maybe some other time."

2007-07-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Wow! After a month of travels I am finally back in America. It is taking some time to adjust back to America's very different way of life but I am slowly getting there! I want to thank you so much for supporting me with money and prayers as I took this adventure that I have dreamed of for so long. This incredible opportunity could not have been reality if it wasn't for you helping me. I got to be a part of the most amazing organization I have ever seen. I know it meant a lot to the children and even more to me!

While in Tanzania working at the Hananasif Orphanage Center (HOCET), I taught English classes, helped two students fill out visa applications for study in America, interviewed them for their website, held babies, drew water, and planted trees.

I went with the intent and desire to help these children but came back realizing they helped and taught me more than I could have ever taught them. I saw a glimpse into their lives, as I visited their old villages and interviewed each child for more material for the new website. I saw the pain and suffering each child had endured -- losing parents, living in extreme poverty, and having a life with no hope.

Despite all that, each one I met was the happiest most beautiful child. They each had a heart of gold. It was almost as though their struggles never wore them down or hardened their hearts. It inspired me to help people like them in need. Never have I felt so welcomed, so loved, and yet so ashamed for the way I act and treat people in my life. They took me in as one of their own, never resenting the fact that I was a "rich white girl". Even though they had literally nothing they would give me the best of what they had. It really made me examine my own life, where money and material things are so idolized that it is hard to share. I started to be disgusted at how much I had taken for granted. After everything is said and done I can only pray that I will be half as amazing as each of those children were to me.

I saw Jesus in every one of these children. I saw a kind of love that made me speechless. I know now that these are the role models. Jesus was in every one of these kids and I saw it. It gave me such a wonderful sense of hope again.

The organization itself (HOCET) is run by a man with a business mind and a loving heart. He said something to me I will never forget "Jessica, the Christians here sit at home and come to church on Sundays and they pray for us. Praying is a wonderful and powerful thing, but Jessica it's not enough. God has called us to stand up and help his people. Hiding behind prayers is just not good enough. That is why I am here. I want to help God's children."

The leader is named Hezekia. He is definitely a visionary. He has a vision that captivated me because it wasn't just about getting enough food to keep the kids full and some clothes to cover them. He wants so much more. He wants to educate them, counsel them, restore their hope, and teach them how to be self sufficient. He does not want them forever dependent on outside money. He calls money that is donated seed money. He has recently started a school called Hananasif Academy, and has bought 300 acres of land to grow fruits and vegetables. The sale of these will support the orphanage. Hezekia also has vision for other self-sustaining enterprises. That is why right now they continue to need donations.

He purposely chose to take in orphans from all around Tanzania so when they are done with schooling and the program they will go back to their villages and help the orphans there. This will take many years but I am confidant that they could change the face of Africa.

If you would like to donate to this work please feel free. My cousin Sydney is in the process of making it a tax deductible organization. And if you are curious to find out more the website will be updated in about a month. I encourage you to visit it and read the stories of these children.

Again thank you so much. I appreciate it more than you will ever know. Please keep the children in your prayers. They are so precious to me.

Jessica Love

2007-07-25T12:43:00.000-07:00

Syd -
I met Gustaf and Irene yesterday at the Nelson's house. We had a talk about the things
that I wanted to do with them over the year that they are here. I am sure
that list will expand over some time. Then I helped them with their ESL
homework, which I found out they are going to at Faith. Afterwards we sat
and talked and they pulled out a dictionary and asked me words. Also, Gustaf
had a book of words he heard people use and asked me about them. Irene was
telling me how she liked music, but she pretty much only had stuff in
Kiswahili, so I gave a copy of Bethany Dillon's first cd so she could listen
to some English stuff, that is also amazing. They both really loved it, and
kept saying "This is Sydney. This is Sydney. It sounds like here." On Friday
we are off to play some Ultimate Frisbee down at the park.
-Hannah

2007-07-19T05:43:00.000-07:00

I arrived yesterday afternoon at Orlando International Airport, along with their host family John and Lisa Nelson, to greet Gustaf and Irene. Although their flight landed around 3p.m., it took Gustaf and Irene nearly two hours to go through customs, due to long lines and a slight paperwork mix-up. Fortunately, a British Airways official with a walkie talkie realized we were waiting for the kids, and gave us constant updates as to their progress in customs.

Gustaf and Irene finally came through the 'arriving passengers' tunnel and looked remarkably upbeat after such a long flight! Their eyes widened in excitement as they saw us waiting for them. They both kept saying, "I can't believe I am here!" I was thankful that I had the chance to greet them, and at least give them one familiar face in what must seem like a strange and overwhelming country.

Some funny differences between the kids: Gustaf said that Irene slept a lot on the airplane, and she said he watched too many movies!:) Gustaf is excited because the Nelsons have a dog and a cat, although Irene isn't too thrilled about the dog. She said, "It will eat me!" However, Irene does like cats, so she is looking forward to having a new pet for awhile.

I was glad to have a chance to talk with them a bit before they left with the Nelsons for Gainesville. We ate some Chik Fila in the food court at the airport, and spent a lot of time looking at the aquarium in the middle of the rotunda. Even though he claimed not to be that hungry, Gustaf ate plenty of Chik Fila;)

Gustaf and Chik Fila

Gustaf and Irene with the Nelsons, looking at the aquarium.

Irene fascinated by the fish

I was pleased at how much Gustaf in particular seems to have progressed in English. And Irene was taking great care to make sure their baggage was in order and neatly packed--I had forgotten how organized she is!:)

My time with them was too short, but I hope to travel up to Gainesville sometime in the next few weeks to visit them.

2007-07-17T23:48:00.001-07:00

I just spoke with Gustaf and Irene several hours ago! They have arrived safely in London and are in the care of my cousin until their direct flight to Orlando, Florida tomorrow morning, where they will be greeted by their host family and by Melissa Reyes, a summer volunteer from last year and the familiar face they are anxious to see.

The kids were both excited and chatty on the phone, telling me about the airplane, the different food, the hotel, and the movie they were watching - everything was "so nice!" I'm excited to watch their language develop, alongside the story they tell of their adventures in the US this coming year. Lisa Nelson, their host "mom," told me yesterday on the phone that her first gift to the children will be a journal for each of them to write briefly in every day. "These are days and experiences they won't want to forget."

The kids also told me about their last night in Dar-es-Salaam, when friends, relatives, and the entire church (where the HOCET city center is located) gathered for a celebration to see them off, tell them how happy they were for them, and encourage them to "study hard every day."

We spoke for over 40 minutes before I told them they needed a good nights rest for their last big day of traveling tomorrow. Sweet Gustaf told me before we got off the phone, "It is so good to hear your voice."

Many thanks to Kaleen Love and Eian Schnoor for ensuring their safety during this first international travel experience for the kids...

2007-07-16T21:56:00.000-07:00

Taking off....

Just minutes ago I spoke with Hezekia and Joan. They were standing outside the airport, waving to Gustaf and Irene as they walked toward security escorted by Eian.

I can hardly believe this day has come - it has been over a year and a half in the making. I'm nervous...excited...scared. My cousin Kaleen, who is finishing her PhD at Oxford this month, will be greeting them at London Heathrow in just over nine hours. Gustaf and Irene will stay the night with her in London, and she will see them off tomorrow morning from London Gatwick for their direct flight to Orlando, Florida. Lisa and John Nelson, as well as Melissa Reyes, will be there to greet them and take them home to Gainesville.

I'll post again to let you all know when they've arrived safely.

2007-07-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

Syd,
Departure is hours away and Gustaf and Ireene are ready as ever. We have given them all of thier necc. documents and will lecture them tonight again on what they are about to embark on. Please find comfort in knowing that Hezekia and the gang are being as thourough as possible with the care of the future heros.

ejs

2007-07-08T21:48:00.000-07:00

TICKETS BOOKED!!

I am thrilled to announce that Irene and Gustaf's travel arrangements to the US have been made. Many, many thanks to those of you who have contributed to their airfare and additional travel expenses. You have made this small miracle possible and I know many of us are so exciteid to watch it unfold over the course of this year.
And so it begins. On July 18th Irene and Gustaf will land in Orlando, FL, greeted by Lisa and John Nelson, their host family, as well as Melissa Reyes, a friend to both of the kids and a summer volunteer from last year. They will settle in over the next few weeks, and begin classes at Cornerstone Academy of Gainesville, FL on August 6th. We will keep you posted on their experience in the US!

2007-07-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

This just came in from Hezekia...
Dada Joan is his personal assistant who has been working with the children since the very first day. This picture of Dada ("sister") Joan and me was taken last month on my last night in Tanzania.

Habari yako dada Sydney?

I think you have tried to phone to me yesterday, I have got the shock, because Joan went to hospital for her test of Malaria, and the Dr said she has a lot of bacterias. She was admitted to hospital last night. She is continue with treatment, it is bad...

Mungu akubariki sana (God bless you)

Hezekia.