January 2008 Update

January 2008

Dear Friends of the Children:

In our last update I promised you a picture of the improvements to the orphanage made possible through the collection taken up at at Seton Catholic School on the occasion of their 10th anniversary. As a result cabinets were added to the kitchen for storage, chairs and tables built for the dining room so that each child would have a place at table, and a shelter built outside so the children have protection from sun on sweltering days and from rain during the rainy season, allowing them the additional space of an outdoors eating and work area. Here are some pictures.

School opened this week in the new upgraded community school. One of the new students should be a young boy, about 13, named Innocent. On our first visit to the orphanage, Mr. Ngalande brought Innocent to us as we toured the Musonda Compound. Both of his parents had recently died from AIDS, but he and his brother were lucky. They had a home—a mud walled, one room structure with no windows. The door was the only opening. Innocent, then 11, was digging a latrine to earn a little money. His brother, 14, had gone into the bush to look for some food. He stood silent before us as Mr. Ngalande relayed his story. He had the saddest face of any child I had ever seen, so different from the children at the orphanage. On our second visit, we again met Innocent, ragged, sad, and silent. “Does he go to school?” I asked Mr. Ngalande. “No, he must try to support himself.” “What is his future?” Mr. Ngalande shrugged. But since that time Eddie reported that the boys’ grandmother has come to live with them, and Innocent will start school. His face is still somber and sad, but perhaps with a brighter future, we may come to see a smile. Please keep this young boy with the beautiful name in your prayers.

Last week we had our first Annual Meeting as a non-profit organization. We reviewed our past progress and looked forward to the coming year. As ever we are amazed and humbled by the good that can be accomplished by a few people. Fifty six active donors contributed a total of $40, 672. Many others provided in-kind services, or supported our efforts with prayer. We made our first grant of the year to cover the education of the children at the orphanage, and the boarding school expenses for Harriet and Novi Mulenga.

Finally, we are happy to announce that our first ever service trip has been scheduled for July. It will include a week at the orphanage and conclude with a visit to Victoria Falls and a two-day safari. Applicants must be at least 18; it would make a fantastic graduation gift. Details can be found on our website: children-of-ubumi.org. Please spread the word about this wonderful opportunity to grow in global understanding. The application window is very brief—a necessity for traveling this year. We hope to offer another opportunity for next year with a longer lead time.

Wishing you every blessing in the coming year.

Penny