Some thoughts from Holly and some wonderful updates from Save the Children Orphanage in DR Congo...
You can read about it here.
Showing posts with label Democratic Republic of Congo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Democratic Republic of Congo. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
A little way to make a big difference
The school age children who used to live at Save the Children Orphanage are in need of funding for their school fees for the next term of school. You can do something small to make a big difference in their lives! To learn more about the needs and how you can help read this.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Sponsorship
Last year I was able to go to Save the Children orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The kids, the orphanage, the country, they are all close to my heart. A sponsorship program has been established to support the little ones at the orphanage, and we have the opportunity to take part in making a huge difference in the lives of these children! Just 5 more babies are in need of sponsors. You can read more about it in this post.
Today, my family and I hosted a garage sale to raise some extra money for the orphanage. I so appreciate the donations we received to add to our pile of things to sell. Thank you friends! We were able to raise enough money to feed 2 babies for one month. I always wish I could do more than I am able to, but that won't stop me from doing what I can do. Would you be able to sponsor a child? Or help us spread the word?
Today, my family and I hosted a garage sale to raise some extra money for the orphanage. I so appreciate the donations we received to add to our pile of things to sell. Thank you friends! We were able to raise enough money to feed 2 babies for one month. I always wish I could do more than I am able to, but that won't stop me from doing what I can do. Would you be able to sponsor a child? Or help us spread the word?
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
What she said.
Because a piece of my heart is there. Because my thoughts are often there. But sometimes I just don't know how to put it all into words. I read the thoughts of another and think, "That's it. What she said!" This is one of those times. I encourage you to read this.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The way things are
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, there is hope... amazing courage, amazing beauty. And there is a lot of hard stuff. Well really, not just hard, that is putting it too mildly.
Take a look at this blog post.
"After nearly 20 years of state failure and conflict, the Democratic Republic of Congo has become a difficult place in which to be healthy. Life expectancy is only in the early 40s for both men and women; 1 in 13 women dies in childbirth; and 1 in 5 children does not survive to its fifth birthday."
As a citizen of the United States, it is hard to fathom living with these realities. I have to put my imagination to work; attempt to picture myself walking in very different shoes. My two kids are 4 and 6. They are both alive and healthy. I am always extremely thankful for their health and vitality, but I don't think of it as a matter of defying the odds. If I was Congolese, chances are strong that I would be mourning the loss of one or more children. I would certainly have many friends and family members whose young children had died.
When I was pregnant, I didn't worry about whether or not I would live through childbirth. I am so excited for my loved ones when they are expecting babies. I don't stop and wonder if they will die in the process. A baby; a miracle! Could I have the same joy if I was faced with these odds? So many women dying in childbirth. So many children never making it to their fifth birthday.
I'm in my early thirties. I'm likely to live for many more decades. Chances are strong that I'll get to see my kids grow up, I'll get to spend time with my grandchildren, and even meet my great- grandchildren. If I was Congolese, I would be expecting to die at some point in the next decade. I'd be wondering how my children would manage without my husband and I.
Can you imagine? This is the way things are. But there is hope! What a blessing that we can be a small part of that hope. Please remember daily to pray for DR Congo. You can also sponsor a child from the Save the Children Orphanage in Congo. To do so (or to learn more about it) please follow this link: http://www.tumainidrc.org/
Take a look at this blog post.
"After nearly 20 years of state failure and conflict, the Democratic Republic of Congo has become a difficult place in which to be healthy. Life expectancy is only in the early 40s for both men and women; 1 in 13 women dies in childbirth; and 1 in 5 children does not survive to its fifth birthday."
As a citizen of the United States, it is hard to fathom living with these realities. I have to put my imagination to work; attempt to picture myself walking in very different shoes. My two kids are 4 and 6. They are both alive and healthy. I am always extremely thankful for their health and vitality, but I don't think of it as a matter of defying the odds. If I was Congolese, chances are strong that I would be mourning the loss of one or more children. I would certainly have many friends and family members whose young children had died.
When I was pregnant, I didn't worry about whether or not I would live through childbirth. I am so excited for my loved ones when they are expecting babies. I don't stop and wonder if they will die in the process. A baby; a miracle! Could I have the same joy if I was faced with these odds? So many women dying in childbirth. So many children never making it to their fifth birthday.
I'm in my early thirties. I'm likely to live for many more decades. Chances are strong that I'll get to see my kids grow up, I'll get to spend time with my grandchildren, and even meet my great- grandchildren. If I was Congolese, I would be expecting to die at some point in the next decade. I'd be wondering how my children would manage without my husband and I.
Can you imagine? This is the way things are. But there is hope! What a blessing that we can be a small part of that hope. Please remember daily to pray for DR Congo. You can also sponsor a child from the Save the Children Orphanage in Congo. To do so (or to learn more about it) please follow this link: http://www.tumainidrc.org/
Monday, August 15, 2011
Not much to say...
Some days I just don't have much of importance to say. Thankfully other people do! Here is a great blog post to read.
What if?
Please pray for the sweet kids at Save the Children Orphanage.
What if?
Please pray for the sweet kids at Save the Children Orphanage.
Monday, June 27, 2011
News from the Orphanage
As many of you are aware, last summer I was able to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo to visit family and also spend a couple days in an orphanage.
About a year and a half ago, my sister-in-law "discovered" this orphanage and since then she has visited often and has been working hard to help provide much needed funding to cover things like increased staffing, powdered milk for the children, and formula for the babies.
So much has been accomplished to benefit the babies and children who live at Save the Children Orphanage! A non-profit has been established so we can all partner together and provide support for the precious little ones living at the orphanage. Would you like to be a sponsor for one of these children?
To sponsor a child and/or learn more about this opportunity, go to:
www.tumainidrc.org
and http://kitumaini.blogspot.com/2011/06/sponsor-progress-update_27.html
Whether you are able to sponsor a child at this time or not, please pray for these children and for the staff who care for them!
About a year and a half ago, my sister-in-law "discovered" this orphanage and since then she has visited often and has been working hard to help provide much needed funding to cover things like increased staffing, powdered milk for the children, and formula for the babies.
So much has been accomplished to benefit the babies and children who live at Save the Children Orphanage! A non-profit has been established so we can all partner together and provide support for the precious little ones living at the orphanage. Would you like to be a sponsor for one of these children?
To sponsor a child and/or learn more about this opportunity, go to:
www.tumainidrc.org
and http://kitumaini.blogspot.com/2011/06/sponsor-progress-update_27.html
Whether you are able to sponsor a child at this time or not, please pray for these children and for the staff who care for them!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Dry Season
It is hot and dry here. Perhaps I wouldn't refer to it as hot if I was a "native." I think it has only been 90 degrees or so. We had some rain earlier this month and I was astonished! During our first year of living in Southern California, it rained in April and didn't rain again until October. I grew up in Oregon where it is easy to think in terms of seasons. Winter is cold and wet, spring is mostly cool and wet, summer is warm and somewhat dry, fall is cold and wet and windy. I didn't cope well with the constant rain and gloomy skies (the main reason we moved).
The seasons here are more along the lines of spring with some rain but lots of sun, a long and very dry summer, and a cool sometimes rainy fall but mixed with warm and sunny days. There is no winter. I don't miss winter! I have found that I am comfortable and happy if the temperature is between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. I like it when it rains a few days each month, especially if that rain comes at night. All this to say, I've gotten quite picky about my weather. It bothers me that I will be too hot for the next 3 or 4 months and that my lawn will be dry and brown.
Some perspective is in order as I contemplate my current "dry season." Check out this blog post that my sister-in-law Holly wrote last year during dry season in Congo:
http://kitumaini.blogspot.com/2010/08/just-when.html
I may be hot, and my yard may be dry due to the cost of water...
but I have safe water to drink, I have water for showers, water to wash dishes and clothes, water for my garden, and even water to fill up a little plastic pool for my kids. I don't have to send my kids out to fetch water and worry about their safety while I am at work trying to make enough to feed my family. We don't stand in line waiting for our turn at a community faucet. In fact, there are about 8 different water faucets just in my house and yard. I wish I could share this access to water, especially safe drinking water, with my neighbors across the ocean.
For now, I will work on maintaining a joyful and thankful attitude. I know I can share that with others!
The seasons here are more along the lines of spring with some rain but lots of sun, a long and very dry summer, and a cool sometimes rainy fall but mixed with warm and sunny days. There is no winter. I don't miss winter! I have found that I am comfortable and happy if the temperature is between 68 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. I like it when it rains a few days each month, especially if that rain comes at night. All this to say, I've gotten quite picky about my weather. It bothers me that I will be too hot for the next 3 or 4 months and that my lawn will be dry and brown.
Some perspective is in order as I contemplate my current "dry season." Check out this blog post that my sister-in-law Holly wrote last year during dry season in Congo:
http://kitumaini.blogspot.com/2010/08/just-when.html
I may be hot, and my yard may be dry due to the cost of water...
but I have safe water to drink, I have water for showers, water to wash dishes and clothes, water for my garden, and even water to fill up a little plastic pool for my kids. I don't have to send my kids out to fetch water and worry about their safety while I am at work trying to make enough to feed my family. We don't stand in line waiting for our turn at a community faucet. In fact, there are about 8 different water faucets just in my house and yard. I wish I could share this access to water, especially safe drinking water, with my neighbors across the ocean.
For now, I will work on maintaining a joyful and thankful attitude. I know I can share that with others!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Kaziba Orphanage 9 months later
It feels like just yesterday, and it feels like a life time ago, that I was blessed by a trip around the world to the Democratic Republic of Congo. In real time, it has been 9 months since I returned from my time in Congo. While I was gone, I missed my 2 children so very much. Now, of course, a piece of my heart has also been left behind with the many precious children of Kaziba Orphanage. How I wish it didn't require days of travel and very expensive airfare to go and hold them and see their beautiful smiles.
Because of the prayers and generous donations of many who supported my trip to Congo, some very neat things have been able to take place at Kaziba Orphanage. I thought you might be interested in knowing more about it!
The primary project that was accomplished through donations was the building of a wall around the orphanage grounds. Here is what my sister-in-law, Holly, wrote to me about it, "The wall has been HUGE. You wouldn't believe how much they planted and harvested immediately after putting it up. It's amazing! They use it for much needed food."
This was so exciting to me for more than one reason. First and foremost, the orphanage now has a means to grow a large portion of the food for the kids. They can have a fresh and healthy food source that is not dependent on donations. Also, do you remember the passage God spoke to me while I was preparing for my time in Congo? He placed in my heart the story of Jesus feeding over 5,000 people with a small basket of fish and bread. I trusted God to make it happen, but I really didn't understand how the little bit I could do would get anywhere near providing thousands of meals. About 30 kids eating 3 meals a day, that could add up to 5,000 pretty quick! And who knows what else He has planned for this garden or the children being nourished by it? See what God can do with the little bits we have to offer!? Here are some pictures of the garden and the beans that have been grown in it.
"These are beans harvested because the wall was built. The hand is the 70 year old cook, Abel.
This is what the kids eat." (All quotes are from Holly who visits the orphanage regularly.)
Some of the crops growing.
"I see the Bumbo seats in use whenever I am there, and the babies are stronger for it."
When I was at the orphanage last July, the babies had diapers that resembled thin little kitchen towels and were tied on by bits of thin plastic. The diapers would leak constantly and the kids would scoot around on the floor leaving trails and puddles to be mopped up by a young man who worked there. Many generous friends helped provide new cloth diapers and covers. Holly reported, "The diapers and covers help a ton. Not only are they leaking less, but they are being changed more often so less diaper rashes."
"I think the training meant a lot. But even more than that was you guys coming and us staying up there overnight. The encouragement the women received helps them love the children more and you can see it in the happiness in the children's faces and laughter. It's a different place compared to one year ago."
What little miracles these children are! Good things are happening and I feel so blessed to have been a tiny part of it and by so many others who took part in showing Christ's love to the children and staff at Kaziba Orphanage. I encourage you to continue to pray for the children and staff of Kaziba and for the country of Congo.
Because of the prayers and generous donations of many who supported my trip to Congo, some very neat things have been able to take place at Kaziba Orphanage. I thought you might be interested in knowing more about it!
The primary project that was accomplished through donations was the building of a wall around the orphanage grounds. Here is what my sister-in-law, Holly, wrote to me about it, "The wall has been HUGE. You wouldn't believe how much they planted and harvested immediately after putting it up. It's amazing! They use it for much needed food."
This was so exciting to me for more than one reason. First and foremost, the orphanage now has a means to grow a large portion of the food for the kids. They can have a fresh and healthy food source that is not dependent on donations. Also, do you remember the passage God spoke to me while I was preparing for my time in Congo? He placed in my heart the story of Jesus feeding over 5,000 people with a small basket of fish and bread. I trusted God to make it happen, but I really didn't understand how the little bit I could do would get anywhere near providing thousands of meals. About 30 kids eating 3 meals a day, that could add up to 5,000 pretty quick! And who knows what else He has planned for this garden or the children being nourished by it? See what God can do with the little bits we have to offer!? Here are some pictures of the garden and the beans that have been grown in it.
"These are beans harvested because the wall was built. The hand is the 70 year old cook, Abel.
This is what the kids eat." (All quotes are from Holly who visits the orphanage regularly.)
Some of the crops growing.
"This is one of the women that was hired last year. Because there are more staff, the mamas now can be seen sitting with kids in their laps. The little boy standing is Moise. He was so weak and malnourished a year ago, I thought for sure he would die. Now he is crawling & pulling himself up. "
"I see the Bumbo seats in use whenever I am there, and the babies are stronger for it."
"This is little Chantal who turned one the day this photo was taken. She can pull her self up. She was one of the babies that was often put in the bumbo chairs."
When I was at the orphanage last July, the babies had diapers that resembled thin little kitchen towels and were tied on by bits of thin plastic. The diapers would leak constantly and the kids would scoot around on the floor leaving trails and puddles to be mopped up by a young man who worked there. Many generous friends helped provide new cloth diapers and covers. Holly reported, "The diapers and covers help a ton. Not only are they leaking less, but they are being changed more often so less diaper rashes."
"I think the training meant a lot. But even more than that was you guys coming and us staying up there overnight. The encouragement the women received helps them love the children more and you can see it in the happiness in the children's faces and laughter. It's a different place compared to one year ago."
"Here is sweet Ziruka from a month ago. Happy girl."
What little miracles these children are! Good things are happening and I feel so blessed to have been a tiny part of it and by so many others who took part in showing Christ's love to the children and staff at Kaziba Orphanage. I encourage you to continue to pray for the children and staff of Kaziba and for the country of Congo.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Another journal entry written while in Congo
From my Congo journal, July 17:
Today (we) went to visit Panzi Hospital in Bukavu. We got to spend about half an hour talking with and listening to Dr. Denis Mukwege, the head gynecologist/surgeon for women needing medical care due to sexual violence. He was very direct and clear as he explained his opinions of the change that needs to take place in Congo.
He said the financial assistance, food, medicine, etc. that is poured into Congo is causing more long term problems than it is solving. He feels the Congolese people have become dependent upon it and are not standing up for themselves. What Congo needs is peace. He said the Congolese women are very strong and very resourceful. If they had peace and an end to violence, they could solve the remaining problems on their own. He said the Congolese church especially needs to speak out and support the Congolese people, to stand up against all that is wrong.
A break from the journal entry, some thoughts from today:
Dr. Mukwege acknowledged that if the aide from other countries was removed, lots of people would die initially. But even now lots of people are dying due to the lack of peace in Congo, it has been that way for many years and will continue unless dramatic change happens. This was important, yet hard for me to hear. This is a man who cares deeply for the people of Congo. He is from Congo. He has dedicated his life's work to serving the people of his country. He is well-educated. With my head, I understand what he is saying. My heart does not like it! I think of all the innocent children who would die if all external aide was actually withdrawn from Congo. Dr. Mukwege is certainly right about at least one thing... They are dying now. I had to interrupt him and ask... "So what can we do to help Congo without further adding to Congo's problems?" His response... Congo needs prayer and for people to speak up for them. We need to encourage politicians to adopt policies that help put an end to the violence.
I must admit, I am not completely satisfied with that answer. That can't really be all we can do! It doesn't help the children who are dying as I type, or as you read this blog. Prayer helps of course, but we are also to be Jesus' hands and feet in a hurting world. So where do we find a balance in this? I keep praying and asking for guidance in answering this question.
How do we help the children who are currently orphaned? Yes they need food, shelter, and medicine; mostly they need loving families. We traveled across the world to shower a few with love for a couple days. Would my time have been better spent encouraging and training people in the village to regularly volunteer their time with the kids? Would I spend time volunteering in an orphanage if it was in my town? Would I do it if I didn't know how or if I would be able to feed my own children that day? Am I called to adopt? Are you?
What can we do to keep more children from becoming orphaned? Check out "Run for Congo Women." Have any of you sponsored a child from another country? Month after month, year after year, you send money that you hope helps one child and his or her family to some extent. Ever wondered if it really makes a difference? I know I have. I like the idea of this organization (Run for Congo Women) because the sponsorship helps train and get a woman started in her own business in just a year. So while I've sponsored one child for the last 15 years, I could have helped 15 different women (each likely to have many children)! And you can develop a relationship through letters. Okay, I'll be quiet about it now... Just something to think about.
And now, back to that journal entry from July 17:
At Panzi Hospital, we were able to briefly meet some of the women who have experienced sexual violence. Some were recovering from surgery and some were awaiting surgery. It was so touching to look into their eyes and shake their hands. One woman handed Cammie her baby to hold. Behind the hospital there is a small forest area where some of the women rested, some were washing their clothing or preparing food. (The hospital has no running water and does not provide food for the patients). Many of the women had small children with them. These women are strong, beautiful, and forgotten or rejected by many of their own family and country. I wanted both to smile with them because of their strength and beauty, and to cry with them because of their pain.
Today (we) went to visit Panzi Hospital in Bukavu. We got to spend about half an hour talking with and listening to Dr. Denis Mukwege, the head gynecologist/surgeon for women needing medical care due to sexual violence. He was very direct and clear as he explained his opinions of the change that needs to take place in Congo.
He said the financial assistance, food, medicine, etc. that is poured into Congo is causing more long term problems than it is solving. He feels the Congolese people have become dependent upon it and are not standing up for themselves. What Congo needs is peace. He said the Congolese women are very strong and very resourceful. If they had peace and an end to violence, they could solve the remaining problems on their own. He said the Congolese church especially needs to speak out and support the Congolese people, to stand up against all that is wrong.
A break from the journal entry, some thoughts from today:
Dr. Mukwege acknowledged that if the aide from other countries was removed, lots of people would die initially. But even now lots of people are dying due to the lack of peace in Congo, it has been that way for many years and will continue unless dramatic change happens. This was important, yet hard for me to hear. This is a man who cares deeply for the people of Congo. He is from Congo. He has dedicated his life's work to serving the people of his country. He is well-educated. With my head, I understand what he is saying. My heart does not like it! I think of all the innocent children who would die if all external aide was actually withdrawn from Congo. Dr. Mukwege is certainly right about at least one thing... They are dying now. I had to interrupt him and ask... "So what can we do to help Congo without further adding to Congo's problems?" His response... Congo needs prayer and for people to speak up for them. We need to encourage politicians to adopt policies that help put an end to the violence.
I must admit, I am not completely satisfied with that answer. That can't really be all we can do! It doesn't help the children who are dying as I type, or as you read this blog. Prayer helps of course, but we are also to be Jesus' hands and feet in a hurting world. So where do we find a balance in this? I keep praying and asking for guidance in answering this question.
How do we help the children who are currently orphaned? Yes they need food, shelter, and medicine; mostly they need loving families. We traveled across the world to shower a few with love for a couple days. Would my time have been better spent encouraging and training people in the village to regularly volunteer their time with the kids? Would I spend time volunteering in an orphanage if it was in my town? Would I do it if I didn't know how or if I would be able to feed my own children that day? Am I called to adopt? Are you?
What can we do to keep more children from becoming orphaned? Check out "Run for Congo Women." Have any of you sponsored a child from another country? Month after month, year after year, you send money that you hope helps one child and his or her family to some extent. Ever wondered if it really makes a difference? I know I have. I like the idea of this organization (Run for Congo Women) because the sponsorship helps train and get a woman started in her own business in just a year. So while I've sponsored one child for the last 15 years, I could have helped 15 different women (each likely to have many children)! And you can develop a relationship through letters. Okay, I'll be quiet about it now... Just something to think about.
And now, back to that journal entry from July 17:
At Panzi Hospital, we were able to briefly meet some of the women who have experienced sexual violence. Some were recovering from surgery and some were awaiting surgery. It was so touching to look into their eyes and shake their hands. One woman handed Cammie her baby to hold. Behind the hospital there is a small forest area where some of the women rested, some were washing their clothing or preparing food. (The hospital has no running water and does not provide food for the patients). Many of the women had small children with them. These women are strong, beautiful, and forgotten or rejected by many of their own family and country. I wanted both to smile with them because of their strength and beauty, and to cry with them because of their pain.
Journal entries from my time in Congo
I wrote this while traveling to Congo, July 9:
My prayer is that I can be a source of encouragement to (my family in Congo), and all the staff at Kaziba Orphanage. That I can help the children know that they are loved. That I can be inspired, and inspire others to truly love and make a difference in the lives of those in need. That I can listen and hear from God what His next step for me is. That I can serve others without crying constantly! That we can be safe and healthy. That my family will be fine in my absence. And so much more.
I wrote the following on July 14, while I was in Congo:
Yesterday we drove up to Kaziba. It was a very long and bumpy ride. We arrived at the orphanage in the late morning. The older children (ages 3 to 5) sang to us. It was very sweet and many of them are great singers. We stayed for a short while and then went to see the mwamikazi(the acting "king" of the Kaziba area). She invited us to stay for a wedding celebration for her daughter. The Congolese food was very good. I don't remember the names of the things we ate... rice, beans, sweet potato, cole slaw, chicken, etc.
After that we returned to the orphanage and of course spent more time holding the babies and playing with the kids. We also did four small trainings: oral health, nutrition and medical information, play and stimulation for babies and toddlers, and play/interaction with the older children. We gave the workers lotion, toothbrushes, and donuts. For the babies and children we brought crib toys and other toys, bananas and cookies, toothpaste and toothbrushes, formula, cloth diapers, diaper covers, a baby sling, and a bumbo baby seat. We spent quite a while there just interacting with all the kids. Can you imagine getting about 30 kids ages 5 and under ready for bed? It was pretty crazy! We "helped" tuck the oldest children into bed. We sang with them and they all laid down. As we left, they were all standing on the bed and peeking out the window at us.
We spent the night at a nearby guest house and returned to the orphanage in the morning for a few more hours with the kids. The biggest challenge for me at the orphanage was trying to give lots of attention to as many kids as possible.
My prayer is that I can be a source of encouragement to (my family in Congo), and all the staff at Kaziba Orphanage. That I can help the children know that they are loved. That I can be inspired, and inspire others to truly love and make a difference in the lives of those in need. That I can listen and hear from God what His next step for me is. That I can serve others without crying constantly! That we can be safe and healthy. That my family will be fine in my absence. And so much more.
I wrote the following on July 14, while I was in Congo:
Yesterday we drove up to Kaziba. It was a very long and bumpy ride. We arrived at the orphanage in the late morning. The older children (ages 3 to 5) sang to us. It was very sweet and many of them are great singers. We stayed for a short while and then went to see the mwamikazi(the acting "king" of the Kaziba area). She invited us to stay for a wedding celebration for her daughter. The Congolese food was very good. I don't remember the names of the things we ate... rice, beans, sweet potato, cole slaw, chicken, etc.
After that we returned to the orphanage and of course spent more time holding the babies and playing with the kids. We also did four small trainings: oral health, nutrition and medical information, play and stimulation for babies and toddlers, and play/interaction with the older children. We gave the workers lotion, toothbrushes, and donuts. For the babies and children we brought crib toys and other toys, bananas and cookies, toothpaste and toothbrushes, formula, cloth diapers, diaper covers, a baby sling, and a bumbo baby seat. We spent quite a while there just interacting with all the kids. Can you imagine getting about 30 kids ages 5 and under ready for bed? It was pretty crazy! We "helped" tuck the oldest children into bed. We sang with them and they all laid down. As we left, they were all standing on the bed and peeking out the window at us.
We spent the night at a nearby guest house and returned to the orphanage in the morning for a few more hours with the kids. The biggest challenge for me at the orphanage was trying to give lots of attention to as many kids as possible.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
A world away
Traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo presented me with some challenges. I knew God wanted me to go and I was very excited by the opportunity to go. I didn't know how I was going to afford the trip, or have funds to help out Kaziba Orphanage... But God took care of that. I got sick from both rounds of immunizations and was really sick on the way home and for a few days after... But God took care of that. Thinking about the horrible things the people of Congo face on a daily basis kept making me cry and I was worried that I would cry during my whole time with the kids at the orphanage... But God took care of that. Congo continues to be a very dangerous place to go and I was kind of scared about my physical safety and health... But God took care of that. I could go on, but I'm guessing you get the idea.
Being so far away from my kids was the hardest thing I had to face. Would they be okay without me for two whole weeks? Would I be okay without them? Would they think they were somehow less important to me because I was leaving them in order to go and show love to other kids? What would their lives be like if something happened to me while I was in Congo? Like I said, Congo isn't exactly the safest travel destination in the world. Let's just say I had a lot of fears about traveling so far from my precious and beloved babies...
But God took care of that! My kids did great without me. Yes, they missed me, but they had lots of fun with Joel (dad) and with Grandma, Grammie, and cousin Haleigh. I didn't die after all, so I got to come back to them! There were a few nights when I cried myself to sleep because I missed Joel and my kids so much, but all in all I was okay too. And they didn't think they were less important to me. Instead they learned a little bit about what it means to care for others in the world, what it means to share and do without some things (mom, in this case), and a tiny glimpse of the blessings we enjoy here in the United States compared to other places in the world. They are even making plans for their futures that include mission trips and adoption!
Being so far away from my kids was the hardest thing I had to face. Would they be okay without me for two whole weeks? Would I be okay without them? Would they think they were somehow less important to me because I was leaving them in order to go and show love to other kids? What would their lives be like if something happened to me while I was in Congo? Like I said, Congo isn't exactly the safest travel destination in the world. Let's just say I had a lot of fears about traveling so far from my precious and beloved babies...
But God took care of that! My kids did great without me. Yes, they missed me, but they had lots of fun with Joel (dad) and with Grandma, Grammie, and cousin Haleigh. I didn't die after all, so I got to come back to them! There were a few nights when I cried myself to sleep because I missed Joel and my kids so much, but all in all I was okay too. And they didn't think they were less important to me. Instead they learned a little bit about what it means to care for others in the world, what it means to share and do without some things (mom, in this case), and a tiny glimpse of the blessings we enjoy here in the United States compared to other places in the world. They are even making plans for their futures that include mission trips and adoption!
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| My sweet kids, "Baby Oliver" and "Tabby Cat" (ages 3 and 5) |
Family in Congo
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| This is me at the airport in Ethiopia, after a day and a half of travel with only 3 hours of sleep. My little blue buddy there is Henry the Hippo, who came from Japan to join us in Congo. |
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| My human travel companion, the lovely Cammie: she is my husband Joel's cousin (and my dear friend). Thanks for jumping in and joining me on this adventure Cammie! |
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| My beautiful sister-in-law Holly and her daughters, Mia and Ellie, our newest nieces! |
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| Me, Holly, Isla and Natalie (my other 2 sweet and adorable "Congolese" nieces). |
Monday, August 9, 2010
Kaziba Orphanage in Pictures
Kaziba Orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo
July 2010
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| Lots of laundry, all washed by hand. |
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| Trying to figure out just how many kids I can fit on my lap at once. The time felt so limited and each child needed to soak up so much love and attention. |
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| We did some basic trainings on oral hygiene, medical and health, and ways to interact and play with the infants and toddlers and with the preschool age children. |
Sweet faces: Some of the babies and children at the orphanage.
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| Dinner time for the "big" kids. |
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| Dinner time for the smaller kids. |
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| Bottles for a few of the babies. |
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| Views on the drive back toward Bukavu. |
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| Looking out the back window. It is dry season in Congo right now and everything is very dusty. |
I keep thinking I will develop a better ability to put into words my experience and thoughts from my time spent in Congo. So far that really hasn't happened. I still don't have the words to describe the needs, the reality, any of it really. Kaziba Orphanage is "home" to about 30 small children. Many, many more have spent years there since it opened in the 1950's. Much has improved at the orphanage since my sister-in-law Holly first "discovered" the orphanage and started helping them out earlier this year. They have more workers, better nutrition, formula for the babies, some training for the workers, etc. Much more is still needed. And this is just one orphanage of thousands around the world. Most of all, these children are in need of love and family.
Friday, July 30, 2010
What to say?
It is hard to believe I've been back in the United States for a little over a week now. It seems that a blog post is long overdue! That first week back was a crazy one: I was really sick the first two days I was home, followed by a few hectic days of packing and moving. I was SO blessed by friends who helped us move, let us borrow trucks and hand trucks, took care of our kids one day, and made us dinners! Thank you! Now we are starting to settle back into life and have had a couple days of just being a family again. The kids and I have been spending lots of time with Legos, Playdough, and books.
Now, I imagine that anyone who might be reading this is interested in hearing about my trip to DR Congo. What to say? What do I write about such an experience? I haven't quite figured that out yet. The total length of my trip was 14 days. It took 2 days to get there, and 2 days to get back. One day was spent in an exhausted, travel-weary stupor. That leaves 9 days worth of events that I should have lots to write about.
We spent 2 days at Kaziba orphanage with all the sweet little ones. They currently have about 30 kids there, all under 6 years old. We were able to spend lots of time holding the babies and playing with the little kids. We provided some basic training for the "mamas" at the orphanage: dental care, health and nutrition, and ways to interact with all the children to help their development. We were also able to donate cloth diapers and plastic diaper covers, formula, toothbrushes, toys, crib toys, and a Bumbo seat. We also gave a contribution to help build a wall around the orphanage that will help to keep the kids much safer.
It was hard to be there face to face with the reality of the kids' lives, and even harder to leave. The staff at the orphanage work so hard and truly care about the kids, but their tasks are enormous and make it very challenging to provide the kids with all the love and attention they need. I was torn between giving a few kids lots of time and attention, or treating them assembly line style and allotting each child a ten minute slot before moving on to the next child. To be honest, I did some of both. And I found that I could fit 3 kids at a time on my lap!
We spent one day visiting Panzi Hospital in Bukavu. This is a well known hospital for treating women who are the victims of sexual violence. Dr. Denis Mukwege, a recent Nobel Peace Prize nominee, spent half an hour talking to us about his work at the hospital, what he has witnessed in Congo, and his opinions about what needs to happen in Congo. That conversation warrants its own post (a topic for another day). We then toured the hospital wards of women recovering from surgery and those awaiting surgery. With tears in my eyes, I smiled and shook hands with many beautiful, strong, and heartbroken women.
Another day we were able to go to a small church and meet dozens of orphaned children who are in an unofficial foster care program organized by Mama Dorcas (the pastor's wife). Hundreds of Congolese people donate what they can, most often the equivalent of 50 cents per month, to help provide some food (2 or 3 meals a week) and school fees if possible for the kids in the program. The children and volunteers sang some songs for us, Mama Dorcas told us a little more about the program, and then they fed the children from a large pot of maize porridge. Many of the kids walk for miles to receive this simple meal.
This is a brief overview of a few of my days in the Congo. I'll try to add more as I have time to process. And eventually I'll take the time to figure out how to add pictures = )
Mostly I am reflecting on the amazing blessings in my life that are often so easy to take for granted, and wondering exactly how I am to best use these blessings to impact our hurting world. I am so thankful for my husband, my kids, our health, safe drinking water, electricity, great roads, education, my home, my country, safety, etc, etc, etc.
Now, I imagine that anyone who might be reading this is interested in hearing about my trip to DR Congo. What to say? What do I write about such an experience? I haven't quite figured that out yet. The total length of my trip was 14 days. It took 2 days to get there, and 2 days to get back. One day was spent in an exhausted, travel-weary stupor. That leaves 9 days worth of events that I should have lots to write about.
We spent 2 days at Kaziba orphanage with all the sweet little ones. They currently have about 30 kids there, all under 6 years old. We were able to spend lots of time holding the babies and playing with the little kids. We provided some basic training for the "mamas" at the orphanage: dental care, health and nutrition, and ways to interact with all the children to help their development. We were also able to donate cloth diapers and plastic diaper covers, formula, toothbrushes, toys, crib toys, and a Bumbo seat. We also gave a contribution to help build a wall around the orphanage that will help to keep the kids much safer.
It was hard to be there face to face with the reality of the kids' lives, and even harder to leave. The staff at the orphanage work so hard and truly care about the kids, but their tasks are enormous and make it very challenging to provide the kids with all the love and attention they need. I was torn between giving a few kids lots of time and attention, or treating them assembly line style and allotting each child a ten minute slot before moving on to the next child. To be honest, I did some of both. And I found that I could fit 3 kids at a time on my lap!
We spent one day visiting Panzi Hospital in Bukavu. This is a well known hospital for treating women who are the victims of sexual violence. Dr. Denis Mukwege, a recent Nobel Peace Prize nominee, spent half an hour talking to us about his work at the hospital, what he has witnessed in Congo, and his opinions about what needs to happen in Congo. That conversation warrants its own post (a topic for another day). We then toured the hospital wards of women recovering from surgery and those awaiting surgery. With tears in my eyes, I smiled and shook hands with many beautiful, strong, and heartbroken women.
Another day we were able to go to a small church and meet dozens of orphaned children who are in an unofficial foster care program organized by Mama Dorcas (the pastor's wife). Hundreds of Congolese people donate what they can, most often the equivalent of 50 cents per month, to help provide some food (2 or 3 meals a week) and school fees if possible for the kids in the program. The children and volunteers sang some songs for us, Mama Dorcas told us a little more about the program, and then they fed the children from a large pot of maize porridge. Many of the kids walk for miles to receive this simple meal.
This is a brief overview of a few of my days in the Congo. I'll try to add more as I have time to process. And eventually I'll take the time to figure out how to add pictures = )
Mostly I am reflecting on the amazing blessings in my life that are often so easy to take for granted, and wondering exactly how I am to best use these blessings to impact our hurting world. I am so thankful for my husband, my kids, our health, safe drinking water, electricity, great roads, education, my home, my country, safety, etc, etc, etc.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Today is the day!
Today is the day I begin my journey to Democratic Republic of the Congo! My first flight takes off at 10:30 tonight from San Diego. I will meet up with Cammie in Washington D.C. Then we're off to Ethiopia, then Rwanda, and finally to Congo. We are scheduled to arrive in Bukavu, DR Congo on Sunday morning. It all adds up to 2 days of travel, about 24 hours of actual flying time. Not looking forward to that part of the trip! But I'm sure God has plans for that time, too.
I can't wait to give hugs to my wonderful family in Congo and to hold and play with the babies and children at the orphanage. The biggest bags I've ever seen are packed full of cloth diapers, plastic diaper covers, formula, and toys for Kaziba Orphanage. 2 bags, 50 pounds each, plus a small suitcase and a backpack for me. My luggage is bigger than me and weighs as much as I do!
I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband who is supportive of my trip and able to help me get all this to the airport. Thanks Joel; I love you! How I will miss him and my sweet daughter and son while I am traveling. I love you my little "Tabby Cat" and "Baby Oliver"! A huge thank you also to everyone who is praying for me and this trip, all who have given donations and financial support, and to the kids' grandmas who are coming to take care of them when Joel is working. I love and appreciate you all!
I can't wait to give hugs to my wonderful family in Congo and to hold and play with the babies and children at the orphanage. The biggest bags I've ever seen are packed full of cloth diapers, plastic diaper covers, formula, and toys for Kaziba Orphanage. 2 bags, 50 pounds each, plus a small suitcase and a backpack for me. My luggage is bigger than me and weighs as much as I do!
I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband who is supportive of my trip and able to help me get all this to the airport. Thanks Joel; I love you! How I will miss him and my sweet daughter and son while I am traveling. I love you my little "Tabby Cat" and "Baby Oliver"! A huge thank you also to everyone who is praying for me and this trip, all who have given donations and financial support, and to the kids' grandmas who are coming to take care of them when Joel is working. I love and appreciate you all!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Missions Trip to Democratic Republic of the Congo
I will be traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo July 8th to July 22nd. My husband's cousin will be joining me and we will be staying with my sister-in-law and her family. They have been living and working in the Congo for the past 3 years.
As I was praying about this trip, and how little I really have to offer compared to the extreme levels of poverty and hurt in the Congo, God led me to this passage in the Bible: Luke 9: 10-17. The disciples wanted to send all the hungry people away, but Jesus used one little boy's lunch to feed over 5,000 people! With this scripture in mind, I will be going to the Congo in trust and obedience to God. I will go with the little I have to give, and trust God to multiply it to provide for many.
My hope and prayer for this short-term mission is that it will lead to continued opportunities, and increased awareness and desire, for all of us to give generously of our time and resources to those in need.
Things we will be doing:
1. Taking formula, cloth diapers, and diaper covers to Kaziba Orphanage.
2. If funding permits, have a wall built around the orphanage to help protect the kids and provide them with a place to play. The estimated cost for this project is $4800. There are a variety of other projects that need attention if we are not able to accomplish this one.
3. And of course... Hold, feed, play with, and love the babies and children!
4. Also, when I first began planning this trip, my sister-in-law and her family were planning to return to the United States this summer. They will now be staying in the Congo an additional year. They are making a huge difference there, but it is often so hard and draining for them in every way. I am hoping that we can truly be an encouragement to them.
Things I am praising God for (and thanking many of you for)!
1. Joel's wonderful cousin, will be joining me on the trip. I don't have to travel alone!
2. Our flights are scheduled and paid for. We will be going July 8th (and arriving in Congo on July 11th). I will be back in San Diego on July 22nd.
3. Enough financial support has been received so far to cover the cost of my flight, with over $1000 left over to contribute to the orphanage.
4. My mom and Joel's mom will each be coming to take care of my kids for a portion of the time I am gone. With Joel, Grandma and Grammie here, my "babies" will get plenty of love in my absence.
5. In the months that I've been planning and preparing for this trip, much has already been accomplished at Kaziba Orphanage! My sister-in-law has been able to provide some training for the workers that has had a big impact. A donation was given to the orphanage that allowed them to hire more staff and provide better nutrition for the children.
Please be in prayer about the following things:
1. For wisdom in where to focus our time, energy, and resources. For wisdom in what project(s) to support with the funds we raise.
2. For health and safety while we are travelling and in Congo.
3. For peace and freedom from fear. So you can pray specifically, some of the fears I've been battling are: that my kids won't be okay without me, lack of physical safety while there, that I will not be effective or that what I do will not be enough.
4. That this trip will truly touch many lives both in the Congo and in the United States. That God will prepare many hearts to be touched by the love and hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Many of you have already provided financial support for this trip, I ask only that you please continue to pray!
For anyone who is interested in contributing material or financial support, here is the information you will need:
Items that are needed (we will be taking these with us to give to the orphanage): Other than the formula, none of these items need to be new!
- cloth diapers
- plastic diaper covers
- powdered infant formula
- small, safe toys that the babies can play with in their cribs. Things like mirrored toys that are meant to be tied to the crib edge, and very soft easy to hold rattles, would be appropriate.
Please send any monetary donations (tax deductible) to New Hope Church, Attn: Lynne Newland, 10330 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego CA 92129. Checks may be written to New Hope Church: please include a note saying the check is for Shauna Petracci's trip to Congo, but do not write any memos on the check itself.
I really encourage you to do some research regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo, and about orphans worldwide. Below, I will include just a few of the heartbreaking statistics that I have found.
If you have any questions (I'm sure I forgot some important details) or would like to hear more about this journey, please post a comment and let me know how I can contact you.
Some Statistics regarding Democratic Republic of Congo:
- 4 of every 10 babies born will die before age 1
- 6 of every 10 children born will die before age 5
- the sexual violence against women and female children is the worse in the DRC than anywhere in the world
A Worldwide Statistic:
- There are 147 million orphaned children in the world
Monday, May 31, 2010
Cheers for charts!
The kids and I have done most of our chores, most of the days, for the past 2 weeks! Considering that I was pretty sick about half of that time, I think we did pretty good! Tabby and Oliver are getting much better about doing their jobs without as much complaining. Plus they really enjoy putting the little star magnets on their chore chart and getting rewarded for completing tasks. They get a reward of some kind every 2 or 3 days, which seems to work pretty well for their ages.
I'm feeling much more confident in my ability to keep up with housework as a result of my own chore chart. Funny, though, I think I'll need to be careful not to become too obsessive. The more time I spend doing things like scrubbing all the walls, the more aware I am of the dirt and grime that I haven't yet cleaned. Not all of my chores were accomplished on the exact day scheduled. There were some I did a day or two late, and a couple I did a day early. But the important part is that almost everything got done. The one thing I skipped was cleaning one of the bathrooms. The best part has been having a meal plan, knowing what I'm going to cook each day, and planning my grocery shopping accordingly. Unfortunately I don't get rewarded this time around like the kids do. At my age the expectations are much higher. Or maybe I just have a mean task master! At any rate, I think I'll wait to reward myself until I manage a two week stretch without skipping any of my jobs.
As I mentioned, I was sick quite a bit the last couple weeks... which brings us to a whole new topic. I am going to the Democratic Republic of Congo in July! It was getting the immunizations for this trip that made me so sick. Hopefully it will all be worth it and I'll be healthy now while traveling. While in the Congo, I will get to spend time with my sister-in-law and her family who have been living and working in the Congo for the past 3 years. I will get to spend time with my nieces - 2 of whom have grown a bunch since I last saw them, and 2 I'll be meeting for the first time! Plus we will be taking supplies to, and spending time doing what we can to help out at an orphanage.
I will miss my little Tabby and Oliver terribly while I am gone. Two whole weeks. But I am also excited to see what God has in store for this trip. I pray that the supplies we take, the projects we do, and the love and attention we are able to give the babies and children will truly have a lasting impact on their lives. I imagine my life will be forever changed by this experience.
I'm feeling much more confident in my ability to keep up with housework as a result of my own chore chart. Funny, though, I think I'll need to be careful not to become too obsessive. The more time I spend doing things like scrubbing all the walls, the more aware I am of the dirt and grime that I haven't yet cleaned. Not all of my chores were accomplished on the exact day scheduled. There were some I did a day or two late, and a couple I did a day early. But the important part is that almost everything got done. The one thing I skipped was cleaning one of the bathrooms. The best part has been having a meal plan, knowing what I'm going to cook each day, and planning my grocery shopping accordingly. Unfortunately I don't get rewarded this time around like the kids do. At my age the expectations are much higher. Or maybe I just have a mean task master! At any rate, I think I'll wait to reward myself until I manage a two week stretch without skipping any of my jobs.
As I mentioned, I was sick quite a bit the last couple weeks... which brings us to a whole new topic. I am going to the Democratic Republic of Congo in July! It was getting the immunizations for this trip that made me so sick. Hopefully it will all be worth it and I'll be healthy now while traveling. While in the Congo, I will get to spend time with my sister-in-law and her family who have been living and working in the Congo for the past 3 years. I will get to spend time with my nieces - 2 of whom have grown a bunch since I last saw them, and 2 I'll be meeting for the first time! Plus we will be taking supplies to, and spending time doing what we can to help out at an orphanage.
I will miss my little Tabby and Oliver terribly while I am gone. Two whole weeks. But I am also excited to see what God has in store for this trip. I pray that the supplies we take, the projects we do, and the love and attention we are able to give the babies and children will truly have a lasting impact on their lives. I imagine my life will be forever changed by this experience.
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