January Update

First some news, then some thoughts as we begin this new year.

Eddy has a new volunteer from Canada named Paula. He is giving her responsibility for assisting the children in sending email, and for keeping us updated with pictures and stories. As the poor woman has just started, we will give her a little time to get in touch with us.

Fred and I are looking into returning to Zambia in early June for two weeks. If any of you would be interested in accompanying us, we would be delighted to have you along. It is very expensive, probably about $3500 - $4000 per person, but it is the trip of a lifetime. You will see an Africa that is quickly fading; and visiting with the children will change you forever. If you are interested, let us know.

Acacia at dusk on the Chobe Reserve, Botswana

So much for news. Now for a few thoughts on why what we are doing is important.

As we have often stated, "adopting" an orphanage as we are doing, allows us direct and personal contact with those who we wish to help. We can actually know them--and even better, they can know us. There is nothing I can think of that builds better bridges between peoples and cultures.

There are approximately 750,000 orphans in Zambia, a country of only 10 million people. Everyone has been touched by the AIDS epidemic in a personal way. It is estimated that 1/3 to 1/2 of the population will ultimately die from AIDS. Unless the Zambian people can get help in caring for the children left homeless and/or vulnerable as a result of this epidemic, their whole political and economic system is severely imperiled. Much is already being done all over Zambia to help the people shore up their economy and build their infrastructure. We saw offices all over Kitwe of groups from Europe, Asia, and America. And the Zambian people themselves, are working hard to overcome these monumental problems. But still, tens of thousands of children live on the streets, surviving as best they can. Imagine the cast of Oliver multiplied by the thousands.

The children of the Ubumi orphanage are the hope of Zambia. Many of them are actually better off than when their parents were living. They get three meals a day when many Zambians eat only once a day. They are lovingly cared for, encouraged in their faith, taught good moral principles, and now are in school, thanks to your help. Although they have suffered terrible losses, they have been disciplined by their suffering, and are genuinely hopeful and happy. Who knows what leaders God is raising up from among these children to be leaders for their country, and perhaps, for their continent. That is why it is so important for them to become acquainted with technology in their little computer lab. That is also why it is important for them to become acquainted with you, and with your children. It may sound grandiose; but truly, in our own small way, we are helping to forge the new Africa that will rise from these ruins. While we may be, indeed, God's gift to these children, I am convinced that they are also God's gift to us.

Future African leaders? Mpundu and Mfumu with stickers.

Let us, then, continue to do what we can. Spread the word. Even if you have given what you can, others might like to be a part of this project. Do not be embarrassed to send your little daily savings, no matter how small. When pooled with the savings of others, they become a powerful gift to the children. In future updates, I hope to be able to make some suggestions on how folks have done some homespun fundraising that's fun and easy.