Global Connections Spring Newsletter 2013

GlobalConnections Spring 2013

Rethinking humanitarian aid

Update

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Godparent Program

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Participant Stories

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Program Updates

Serving and learning from the orphaned, widowed, poor and oppressed.

www.GlobalConnectionsOnline.org

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Global Connections Update

W

e hope this newsletter finds you doing well. By the time you read this, presidential elections will have taken place in Kenya. We have our personal and national problems here in the U.S., but it’s easy to forget that the rest of the world is very different than our comfortable lives here. During the last Kenyan election, over 600,000 Kenyans had to leave their homes and over 1,000 were killed during post-elections violence. We are praying such things don’t occur this time.

The work in Kenya will continue, but once again, we sincerely appreciate the financial support, prayers, and donations of time that all of you have contributed. If you have not visited Kenya we strongly encourage you to join us on a trip. Contact us at info@ globalconnectionsonline.org Sincerely,

According to the World Bank, in 1999 over half of the world’s population lived on less than $2 per day. Today that number is less than one third. A dramatic decrease has occurred over the past 10 years. To a large extent, orphans are a symptom of poverty. Thank you for helping us serve the less fortunate.

When we first visited Kenya in July of 2005 Patrick Mungai, his family, Pat Dixson and some other locals were caring for 25 kids.

About 6 kids were living at the Limuru Children’s Centre and the others were visiting during the day for food and education.

Over the past five years there have always been about 40 kids who have lived at the LCC. Through preschool programs, feeding programs and scholarship programs, we have touched the lives of over 400 kids. Some of the kids who live with us at the LCC have no family. Others have families who are not able to care for them. Over time, some of our children have come and gone as their families regain the ability to care for them. However, there is a core group of children who were 5 or 6 years old when we first visited the LCC in 2005. Their home has always been at the LCC and they are now entering high school. As the kids get older the cost of feeding and educating them increases. We hope that endeavors such as the recently established chicken farm will help us create a regular income for the LCC so that we are not constantly dependent on donors such as you. Thanks to all of you who have helped us provide a home for these kids at the LCC. The men and women who work at the LCC view their jobs as more than a job.

They are the mothers and fathers to these kids. Without your help and support, the care and love that these kids have received would not have been possible.

Over the past year, many men and women in the US have volunteered their time to help us operate Global Connections. The donation of people’s time allows Global Connections to continue sending 100% of all donations to Kenya. Though some donations are given for the direct purpose of printing newsletters and buying stamps, Global Connections does not keep a percentage of general donations to help cover administrative costs. I want to thank Anna Puckett, Linda Holden, Jessica Reese, Laura Schulenberg, Linda Mitchell, Kate Brown, Zac Brooks, Rachel Thomas, Katie McCrary, Macy Walker, and many others for making this possible.

Thanks to all of you who contributed recently to help us send children to high school. There are 7 kids who have been attending high school. Because of your recent support we were able to send 10 additional kids to school.

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A.B. with kids

Global Connections Godparent Program Over the last year we have been talking a lot about the Godparent program. This program has become foundational in the operations of the Limuru Children’s Centre on a financial level, and more importantly, it has shown itself to have incredible potential as an opportunity to give the orphans the feeling of having real parents who love, care, and invest in them.

This program has developed over time. When the program began, most of the children were 10 and under. Many of them had never been in school. In 2006, Annunciation Catholic School in Columbus, MS donated the book bags, school supplies and money for uniforms to allow many of these children to attend school for the first time. Many of these children came to the LCC malnourished and underdeveloped. Many of them were very behind in their education. For some of these children, this

has been an insurmountable problem in the traditional academic setting.

The Godparent program was started to help provide the operational funds for the center.

As the work with the children progressed, it became apparent that some children were academically capable and some were not. Some of our children struggle with overwhelming emotional effects of their lives, especially as they reach puberty.

The educational system in Kenya requires that all students take a national exam after the 8th grade. The results of this exam determine where or if a child can attend a high school.

In the last two years there have been many choices to make which are difficult. The LCC kids go to the most basic of primary schools. There may be 50 - 60 kids in a class.

To learn more about the program and to see photos of the children at LCC, visit www.limuruchildrenscentre.org

Linda Mitchell,

Godparent Program Coordinator

Children playing With Godparents Gifts

Caroline Caroline was going blind because of eye mites, and she needed medical attention quickly. Because of her condition, she was placed at the Limuru Children’s Center. Immediately, I was drawn to this beautiful little girl trying to hide her eyes. Weekly allergy shots have allowed her to continue her education, and her vision is no longer digressing.

Caroline is now 18, and each summer I can see progress in her vision and her life. The little girl that would hide her eyes now holds her head high as she leaves for boarding school for her last year in high school. Caroline dreams of a future, and I have had the pleasure to watch her evolve from a frightened child losing her eye sight into a young woman with a huge heart for God who knows her potential to grow and is following her dreams.

I have had the honor, privilege, and blessing of being Caroline’s Caroline Godparent.

We have been corresponding for about five years.

She is truly any mother’s dream for a daughter. What began as a need, has become a relationship of love for each other. I am now the mother waiting patiently to hear from my daughter through a Godparent letter.

This letter illustrates just how much love is and can be shared through distance and how much these children look up to us and need our love and support.

- Linda Holden

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Re-printed with the permission of Caroline

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What I know “A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child.” ~Knights of Pythagoras When my wife and I first planned our trip to Kenya, I was plagued with the usual hang-ups--government stability, transportation, crime, would there be enough food to keep us sustained, and the side effects of malaria pills. I worried for the safety of my wife, and feared that she might follow me into a situation that proved to be more than I could handle. Mainly, I found that I feared Africa. I was afraid of the place portrayed in Hollywood films and on TV documentaries. The Africa we are taught about is a place of ethnic struggles and poverty that is plagued by disease and water shortages.

Our media outlets show us the damage and report on the hopelessness, but I have learned in life that there are two kinds of people: those who resign themselves to the struggle and believing that their efforts would only be wasted since they cannot change the world around them and those who refuse to believe in a world that cannot be made better through patience, charity, and strength. This letter is dedicated to the latter.

What I knew of Patience When we arrived in Kenya, with the help of Global Connections I was introduced to a network of people who work every day to provide for 44 children at the Limaru Children’s Center. Before this meeting I thought that I knew something about what it meant to be a patient person. Actually, my only notion of patience was contributing to my company’s 401K and trying to entertain family children at holiday functions. The staff of the LCC knows that real change does not happen overnight, and that children are the best place to start. However, children are also the most difficult.

Soup kitchens may be open every day, but children require constant love and support. To direct the life of a child would have to be more difficult than directing any NGO . There are no breaks, timeouts, or do-overs. If the future is children, then the challenges of today have to be addressed.

The staff of the LCC have the patience and will power to take on a job that to me would seem insurmountable.

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What I knew of Charity It is the most natural thing in the world to take care of oneself and family but giving to others doesn’t come as easy. Giving money to charity is admirable, but just imagine giving your time and energy. We write our checks from the comforts of our home so we don’t have to confront the problem directly. But the “boots on the ground” take care of orphanages and run food programs. These people truly understand charity. Their work is direct and the problems are immediate. The staff of the LCC has dedicated themselves to a true altruistic cause. They care for those who cannot take care of themselves and change the course of the children’s lives.

This has to be the truest form of charity.

What I knew of Strength What in this world could be stronger than placing yourself directly and physically between children and the dangers of the world around them? To protect a child takes strength. To protect 44 children is superhuman. The LCC is home to those either orphaned or from damaged families. Without protection, they would be left to the streets for food and water. But there are those who have the strength and will not turn a blind eye. They put aside personal ambition and material goods and endure to witness children flourish and fail. Mostly, they put others first and come to the aid of child.

The staff of the LCC makes up the ranks of the strongest people I ever met.

Our trip to Kenya was a life changing event that grounded me and gave me purpose. I know now that those who spend their lives in service to others will have more satisfaction than those who have pursued material items. I give to the LCC because I want to support the work they are doing there.

I give because I know that every hard earned cent will go directly to the children. I give because I believe that all children are born innocent and should have the chance to grow and thrive. Finally, I give because I want the LCC to know that someone who lives a world away believes in them.

- Dan Alan Reese

Connecting People

Daniel Kiarie, a gentle and kind boy who had left his home in Mahi Mahu in the Rift Valley because of hunger and neglect, came to the LCC the day before the Mississippi team arrived last summer.

After assessing Daniel’s needs, it was decided that he would be living at the LCC permanently.

Unfortunately, he was unable to attend school with the other children.

re-made the doors so that they could open and close. It was amazing to watch the progression of this well-engineered machine, and it was even more amazing to watch the progression of the children’s respect and acceptance of this young boy and to watch all the boys vie for a chance to use his van on the playground. He was generous with his gift. All enjoyed!

It was amazing to see this kind boy working with the moms, doing chores, helping with water and cooking, and anything else that needed to be done at the center. He was very willing and able.

One of the last days of the trip there was a man and his daughter who visited the LCC at our urging, having met him at Brackenhurst. David Lang an Australian and engineer by trade was so taken with Daniel’s ingenuity that he could not help but desire to be a part of his life.

During this time, the new dorms were being completed. While Daniel had free time, we saw him begin to pick up old wire from the building site and twist it into some kind of structure. One day we came in and he had fashioned a small wire van. The next day we came, and he had attached wheels and a stick which allowed him to walk around the playground with it. The wheels turned smoothly--much better than most strollers that I had pushed. The next day we saw that he had

The Gifts At Home

Louise Powers took her first trip to Kenya in 2006, and since that time, she and her husband Fletcher have gained the support of their church in Batesville, MS. Because the Powers’ have such an awesome church family, First United Methodist Church of Batesville followed Louise and Fletcher’s lead and saw how they could become involved in making real changes a world away.

FUMC Batesville shows us and the world a true example of how mission-minded a church can be, as they have played an integral part in the children’s lives at the Limuru Children’s Center in Limuru, Kenya.

Louise connected her church to her own personal mission in Kenya several years ago, and since then, FUMC Batesville has established a budget line of $1500 annually that is set aside specifically for the LCC. The budget is in place to assist with food, clothing, and education for the children. In addition to the gifts from the church budget, individual members of FUMC Batesville support the LCC and give as well. Their dedication has not stopped there. Over the years, the church has collected reading glasses for the elderly, handkerchiefs for the children and staff, and clothing for the children to be taken to Africa each year.

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Because of Daniel’s situation, he has been remanded into the custody of the LCC. David Lang and his family have taken Daniel on as their Godchild and are working to support him spiritually, emotionally and financially through the Godparent program.

Daniel Gikonyo (left) and Daniel Kiare (right)

Additionally, Fletcher Powers uses his gifts at the grill and cooks during Thanksgiving and Easter in order to raise money for the LCC. Church members come out in droves to support the cause because they understand the magnitude of the work that Global Connections is providing in Kenya. Fletcher and Louise both volunteer their time and talents in Batesville to make sure that it is paid forward in Kenya.

“Thanks to my church and husband, I have been able to become a part of the large loving family that is the LCC. I have two beautiful God Children that I look forward to visiting every summer,” Louise said. In addition, she and First United Methodist Church of Batesville ask for your prayers each summer as the team makes their trip.

What a blessing.

Teaching the Little Ones Mrs. Good’s K5 class at Immanuel Christian School in Columbus, MS invited Jessica Reese and Katie McCrary to speak to them about Kenya. The class was studying a unit on Africa in their class, and Katie and Jessica spent time speaking to the class about the animals, the landscape, and the people of Kenya. The students had the opportunity to dress up in traditional Masai clothing and learn some cultural facts about the tribe in the process.

The class as a whole decided to fundraise for the younger children at the LCC, and ultimately raised $350 to help purchase shoes.

Mrs. Good’s class is very enthusiastic about the project, and they hope to continue corresponding with the LCC in the future.

Mrs. Good’s K5 Class

Chicks at LCC The chicken house received its first 12,000 chicks on February 14, 2013. This project is in place as a for profit business which will help to supplement the Limuru Children’s Centre budget. Patrick and Global Connections have partnered with Uhuru Child to build this house, and Patrick will be running it.

It costs approximately $1.20 to buy and raise each chick, which are then sold back to the company approximately 6 weeks later for $3.50.

Based on profit split Patrick’s program should generate approximately $4,000 six times per year.

Patrick has long desired to see the LCC as a more self-sustaining organization, and this is the first step toward that possibility. The funds used for this project were either designated for the progress or were donated to G.C. without a designation. The LCC donations are used only for the care of the LCC children and the operation of their home.

Chicks

Chicken Farm

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Summer Projects C

urrently, the Mississippi Team will be represented by 13 individuals from Mississippi and Texas to work in Limuru. The team departs the U.S.A. on June 19 and returns to the states on July 12.

During the time leading up to their departure, the team is busy crocheting and knitting hats for the adults and children, collecting underwear, rubber panties, cloth diapers, bibs and personal care items for the children and babies.

Additionally, the team will be carrying each child his or her letters/pictures/birthday gifts from their godparents, which is always the highlight for the children at the LCC. The team plans to have one big birthday party to celebrate all of the children’s birthdays throughout the year.

One of the team members is a former University of Mississippi soccer player, who is going to provide no less that 50 soccer balls to use during Saturday soccer clinics that she and the other team members will coordinate.

Needless to say, she will be an absolute hit because of the children’s love of the sport.

Project updates

Scholarship Program

T

he scholarship needs for the children who qualified for further education were met for 2013 by the generosity of our Global Connections and Limuru Children’s Center family. Their freshman year is covered! We have a scholarship designation on the website and will be working toward an established system to prepare for the educational needs of each child. $500.00 can make a difference between a woman who sews for a living and a woman who ends up in prostitution.... by paying for a trade school. $750.00 per year will provide an academically relevant education for a child who is academically capable. $1,200.00 per year will pay for an education for a child who is academically gifted. In Kenya, the only hope for a future beyond the slums is to have an education. We are committed to seeking out partners for these children.

Mary receiving Godparent Gift

Each Sunday during the team’s time in Kenya, they will have retreat and Bible story time for the children after church.

They will provide the same activites for the preschoolers during the week.

Raising Funds The team is currently in the stages of raising money to provide children with the following: • New shoes for the boarders, day students, and the pre-school children • Socks • Jackets • Backpacks • School supplies • A meal together with the children • A possible field trip • All on-site work projects during the 23-day trip

On-Site Projects

The team plans to work at the Limuru Children’s Centre (orphanage), KBranch preschool program, the LCC Baby Orphanage, the elderly feeding program, Chesire Home for disabled girls, and with Pat Dixson, a local Kenyan, who supports six preschools and many other projects throughout the area.

We believe that each of you are part of an indescribable family created and sustained by God for the children of Limuru who, by the world’s standards, would have no family. It is with a humble and grateful heart that we each thank you for being a part of this “family”. As we strive to support the efforts of the people of Kenya, we welcome your support, advice and involvement.

We are so thankful to be able to get through this challenge this year - and are very aware that it will take consistent energy, ingenuity and a certain level of urgency to provide these children with an opportunity to earn a living. Please see our newsletter this spring for updated information and PLEASE contact us with questions, thoughts and suggestions. We love the people God has brought into our lives through Global Connections - and it will take the whole “family” to serve them well. God Bless You!

- Global Connections Staff

Pat’s Feeding Program

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at Dixson is faithfully continuing her feeding program, which provides sustenance to 350 elderly and destitute people of the Limuru area. She also continues to support and encourage many small pre-school programs in the area with donations of school supplies. Pat also actively helps to fund the operations and development of Pastor Mbugua’s orphanage, Body of Christ. Please pray for Pat as she faces her second hip replacement in May of 2013, and pray that God will provide the funds and support necessary for her program to continue while she rehabilitates her hip.

On-site projects have the team preparing and cooking food, helping children mend uniforms and polish their shoes, visiting local AIDS patients, sharing Bible stories, and making arts and crafts, to name a few.

Also important to the team is to help show appreciation to the LCC employees by hosting an appreciation dinner for them and giving each worker a day off. Additionally, the team would like to assist Global Connections with offering each employee a salary increase.

Finally, and as always, the team asks for your prayers of safe travel and meaningful work during their journey.

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Pat Dixson’s feeding program

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

-- Wintston Churchill

Give a gift that really means something by making a difference in the life of a child through honorariums, memorials, birthday and hostess gifts, and the Gift of Hope Christmas Program. Global Connections will send each recipient an acknowledgement card or letter as needed on your behalf. We are happy to assist any individual or business with their request. Your money will be used as you designate, and every cent will go to Africa to feed the elderly, help support a baby with AIDS, help support a pre-school, or clothe, feed and educate a homeless child. Your gifts really will make a difference. Thank you for considering a gift that truly honors your friends, family or business partners.

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Global Connections | Spring 2013 | Newsletter

Newsletter | Spring 2013

VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

www.GlobalConnectionsOnline.org

Contact US:

Post Office Box 9630 Columbus, MS 39705 662.327.4676 info@GlobalConnectionsOnline.org