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Well, yes, especially when the funds raised goes to help orphans. In God's economy, any amount raised mixed with faith becomes the amount that's needed. All of what we raised will go to the project in Cameroon.
Everyone had a great time with the casino games…the great food and drink, the music and the stories from Danielle and Magda.
Danielle’s volunteers came early and stayed late and we are so grateful! A former client of mine and friend Vince Tocco, owner of Scottsdale’s Front Office Staff, came to do whatever he could to help make the night go smoothly. Pocket Pair Entertainment, owned by Ubong Attah Prince, a student from Southwest School of Naturopathic medicine and her husband Nathan Prince, a law student, provided the dealers and tables. The fun loving dealers interacted with the experienced and inexperienced gamblers alike, making the most of our play money. Sponsors like Ron and Joelle Baker along with Mike Spencer shared the secrets of their Xocai chocolate and provided us samples and Stay CEO shared as well. My friend Lisa Khananisho with Tryst Cafe, Laura McCormack, owner of Vino 100 along with George Hancock with Phoenix Ale Brewery and Jacqueline Bernatt, Sunflower donated donated all the food and drinks. Others provided great silent auction items and raffle prizes so that all the funds raised and some of the sponsor money would go to the orphanage in Cameroon. Volunteers, sponsors and guests enjoyed with the funny dealers at the gaming tables, the food and drink and the hourly raffle drawings. There are so many to thank!
It was an energetic, fun loving crowd, and we built awareness and hopefully a network of supporters from the grassroots. Our heart is to give people an opportunity to give directly to a project that makes a difference in the lives of orphans. We hope to continue the effort, building a strong network of supporters here in Arizona.
A special highlight of the night: Danielle’s dad even flew in from New Jersey to support her event. You should have seen her delight! I hope we can have more of these intimate gatherings, as they touch a lot of different people and stir their hearts to do something to help the orphans in the world.
Raffle Quilt Made With Fabric From Cameroon
The first month of 2012 came and went. How did that happen?
Life has kept me busy! Just days into the new year, my daughter had complications in her pregnancy so I was summoned to Washington state to help care for her family while she was in the hospital. She delivered our lovely grandson a month early and thankfully both are fine. That makes for 11 grandchildren, and I feel very blessed.
This is one reason the work to build safe shelter for orphans motivates me. They have no one but kind hearted strangers who want to make a difference in their lives.
Also, my father in law passed away January 19. He lived a great life and passed peacefully at 86. So, I flew from Washington to Minnesota to attend his funeral in Wisconsin. He, by the way, was an orphan at 6 years old and lived in an orphanage for some time before a loving family took him in. The kind act of a stranger taking him in made a huge difference in his life and of those he touched. And suddenly it was February.
As you know, last year, we chose Angel of Mercy as our primary project and had hoped to get started building the orphanage in Cameroon. But we are still working out the budget based on drawings and once that gets all settled, we hope to still have time to get it built by next rainy season. We were able last year help Haiti Outreach Mission build their fence and Nibakure Children’s Village build an outdoor kitchen and latrine. In the meanwhile, we have our sites on a project in India for 2012 and hope to provide more information on that in the next few weeks.
We’re completing the preparations for Gold’s Gym’s Spring Fever 5K Walk Run and Raffle in Minnesota February 25th 10 a.m. and beginning preparations for the Helping Hands Casino Night and Silent Auction in Arizona March 17. We have plans to have some kind of event, small cocktail parties and intimate events every month this year. Our Giving Trip volunteers are working their contacts in Texas, New York and Washington DC. So, these are achievable goals.
Our hope is to continue raising funds for Angel of Mercy until we completed the Phase One of the project in Cameroon. When finished, it will be home to 12 HIV/AIDS orphans providing them safe shelter and consistent day to day care as they live with their illness.
Also, I am so happy Jen Bakken is on board helping me with press releases, phone calls and helping us tell the stories. It means so much in the midst of busy and eventful lives when people stretch beyond themselves to do something for those who suffer. Jen is a Gem. As is Monique, Danielle, Asia, Ubong, Deitra, Isabelle, Christina and Nate, Magda and Lori and Jesse and…. well I could just go on and on now couldn’t I! They are giving from their hearts making a difference in the lives of HIV/AIDS orphans. They are living their faith, doing their part and it really warms my heart.
Danielle and her group in Arizona are working hard to make the casino night happen (all the while studying for their boards in medical school!) We hope to build awareness and raise funds while having a great St. Patty’s Day Party! Danielle and Magda will be telling their story about their trip to Cameroon.
There is so much to do and our group of dedicated volunteers is making it happen.
You can help make the life of a child who doesn’t have a home or family, just a bit brighter. You can donate to our silent auction, raffle or sponsor at one of the levels available. Also, please attend our events. They are not only fun, but they are for the children.
We can’t do it all, but we can all do something!
For the children,
jh
Upon arriving in Cameroon, the words, “You’re Welcome,” ring out. We all had to get used to the salutation as it seemed to be missing the customary “Thank you”. We adjusted… but what really threw the Cameroonian’s off was when they said thank you and we said ”You’re Welcome.” No international incident to report over it, just a few good laughs.
Our Giving Trip team of 8 couldn’t be more excited about our trip to Cameroon. Danielle pictured at the Angel of Mercy Clinic said we reached a whole new level of productivity! 
And I couldn’t agree more. Our short time there demanded that we push hard to get in all that we had wanted for the children. Here is an overview of the trip and I am 
asking the volunteers to share a short summary of highlights for the next blog.
While there, we were blessed to meet some of the children who will live in the orphanage after it is built, we met the village leader who donated the land to Angel of Mercy, we met the architect, the project manager, the Bamenda Rotary Club and the staff of Angel of Mercy. Much of these meetings were ceremonial in nature, and others were working among and with the Angel of Mercy staff and patients.
Medical Care: Three of our volunteers are in the medical profession and couldn’t have been more touched as they were able to use their gifts and talents to comfort the people of Cameroon. Three of their days were spent consulting with patients who came from miles away to be seen.Angel of Mercy provides periodic free clinics and word spreads for miles.
The Building: We spent quite a bit of time at the site with the architect and project manager. Workers cleared the land so we could see what the elevations were really like and we were able to visit a building supply store. Christina now has a better picture of the land and Angel of Mercy’s needs. She will work with the local architect to finish the design based on the new information and hopefully we can get started by November which is the dry season. According to the architect, they manufacture the block onsite and it takes 2 months for them to dry. So, that is a consideration.
We decided it would be best to start in Phases when the raining season ends, which is November. Phase one will be one dormitory for 12 children and a caretaker and an administration building with a small clinic. This made more sense given the funds we’ve raised and the immediate needs. The first building will be a model for the 3 others on the land.
The Well: Unfortunately, we won’t have funds to put in the well before construction. This is a challenge, but not insurmountable. A well and security fence is expected to be fully funded and in by next August. The plumbing and sceptic will be in before the water and electricity.
Angel of Mercy We were able to visit the Angel of Mercy store where supplies are sold to make money for the center. Relindis has high expectations of her staff and she has great compassion for those suffering with HIV/AIDS, especially the children. She is building a self sustaining organization, one that will remain viable to serve those with the greatest needs in her home country. She works so hard to make this happen it’s an honor to assist in even a small way.
We spent time with the staff, orphans and patients of Angel of Mercy and were able to give the gifts that were donated to the kids. It seemed like an early Christmas for us, doling out the toys, clothes and candy to all the kids. Click here for A Slide Show With More Photos
All in all, we accomplished much. And of course, now we have much more work to do. Everyone is already brainstorming on their next fund raiser, knowing we have some dollars to go before we can get Phase 1 built. Our Spring Fever 5K is in February and we hope to have a cook out in Arizona in November. Others have plans for a D.C. event… Stay tuned! We thank you for your help and support! For the children!
Jan
My dear friend Floriane Brown returned from Nibakure Children’s Village, Rwanda. After a summer of interviewing and taking in children, they now have 16 orphans to care for. She’s back in the states with her family.
Here are a few stories of the children Floriane has taken in.
One 11 year old girl was orphaned by both parents. She is in second year of primary school. She does well at school, her favorite food is rice and she loves to dance. Another, 13 year old, was orphaned by both parents, her father left her with a benefactor family when she was two. She hasn’t any relation with her caregivers. At school she is 7th in her class. Another group of 3 siblings was orphaned as both parents passed away recently (from HIV). They are joyful still and do very well at school. These children were cared for by an elder sister prior to coming to Nibakure. There is another sibling group of boys abandoned by their parents after returning from a refugee camp in Uganda. Each one is settling into their new home.
The stories of these children will now change. They will have hope and a future.
I am amazed, touched and moved beyond words at the wonderful work Floriane is doing in her country. As one of our partners, there isn’t anything more fulfilling than seeing the faces of the children now in her care! I am sure there will be adjustments, but the children will be well cared for, educated and have warm food daily. What joy!
I noted in the photos she shared the fence in the background. It wasn’t much, but we provided the initial funds so there would be a sense of safety for the staff and children. This is a small thing, but it made a difference.
We can’t do it all, but we can all do something! I am very proud to be associated with Floriane Brown and NVC.
It never ceases to amaze me what the work of a few dedicated people can do. Last night I met some of the women I will be traveling with to Cameroon. Monique, Danielle, Isabelle, Rhonda, Dietra and Christina. They hosted a wonderful event in Houston to help build the orphanage in Cameroon. It was a great success. The silent auction went well, Monique and friends secured more than 60 items and people were milling about all evening.
The food: Delicious. Ouisie’s Table donated delightful wines and food. The Alliance Francaise provided space for the event and volunteers tore down, set up and worked the floor all night.
Monique’s last words to me last night: “I am happy.” The children will be blessed.
Building a home for orphans is hard work. Times are tough and people give what they can. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much in many parts of the world to make a real difference.
Last year, I traveled to Rwanda and helped build the fence we funded around the first three homes of the Children’s Village. Our part was small, we did what we could. Many others before us donated time, talent and money to build the three buildings and furnish them. We did what we could and sent money for a fence to provide security and safety for the staff and children. We can’t do it all, but we can all do something.
I had lunch yesterday with Floriane Brown, executive director, and got the great news that Nibakure Children’s Village took in their first orphans this week. Floriane Brown is staying true to her vision, providing a home and a future for orphans being cared for by widows on staff. Slowly, slowly, step by step, her dream is coming true.
Meet the first children and their care taker.
Meet the ones this work is all about.
Thank you for your part in making dreams come true.
Danielle Lewis goes to school in Phoenix. She and I met through Monique Aiken her friend from Houston. She’s one of the three women mobilizing the Angel of Mercy fund raisers and Giving Trip. There are now 8 travelers who are making their way to Cameroon to help build the orphanage for 40 HIV/AIDS orphans.
Here’s Danielle’s story:
“Since I was in High School I have always had 2 dreams; to work with people who have HIV/AIDS and a desire to take a trip to Africa. This root of my passion comes from finding out that the person that studied the Bible with me had AIDS. For years she didn’t know because she was happily married and didn’t know she was at risk.
My desire to go to Africa comes from seeing it as such a beautiful continent that is going through so much. Africa is one of many places that a little bit of strategic help can make a drastic difference is many peoples lives. Who knew that simply putting a wall up around an orphanage in Rwanda would make the children there feel so much more secure.
I never in a million years thought I would have the opportunity to fulfill both of my dreams at the same time. On several occasions I approached teachers, non-profits, and doctors about how I could make my dreams come true. For years I was either turned away or I didn’t feel comfortable with the projects that were presented to me. Until now.
When I first met with Jan Hanson who is the founder of 200 Orphanages Worldwide I knew this was the perfect project for me. It is very important to me that the projects I get involved with be SUSTAINABLE. I also appreciate being able to help non-profits that involve people who are trying to give back to their home countries. Bamendas Orphans project encompasses all of these important objectives.
My goal is to be able to use Naturopathic Medicine along with the treatments that are currently being used to help improve the lives of the Orphans in Bamenda, Cameroon. I feel blessed that I will be apart of this project from it’s inception. I am so glad that the wait payed off. I firmly believe that everything happens when it is supposed to happen.”
I met Danielle in Arizona and she’s working between finals and studies to raise funds for the orphanage. She invited Relindis Moffor, executive director with Angel of Mercy and I to speak at her school.
Since then, she’s organized a Pet Beauty Contest and it was a great success, then she had an informational fund raiser at a Poetry Night Open Mic. She hopes to expand her Pet Beauty Contest this August. Her dreams are coming true. And soon the children’s dreams will come true as well.
Thank you Danielle! For the children!
Precious
I was introduced to a young boy in Cameroon named Precious through Relindis Moffor, “Angel of Mercy” USA director. I asked Relindis to have the children in her care draw their hand art for me during one of her trips there, and I am blessed to have one from Precious.
Precious lived in the Village where 
the orphanage is to be built. He was about my grandson’s age, so seeing his photo about a year and a half ago and learning about his story touched my heart deeply. It made me realize the work I am doing makes a difference in the lives of children like Precious.
I learned he was a sick boy and under the care of the “Angel of Mercy” staff. He suffered with HIV/AIDS; his parents were infected and passed away. Precious lived with relatives, they did what they could, but they had very little to help him. Angel of Mercy stepped in to provide for his medical, nutritional and educational needs. They became his extended family. He was so excited to finally have a home once the orphanage was built.
Precious is not the only child living in poverty and disease; sadly, there are so many and really so few of us who know about them and their needs.
A few weeks ago, May 29th 2011, I learned that Precious had passed away. It saddened me as I am traveling to Cameroon in September with a group of volunteers. We are helping raise funds to build the orphanage Precious was to call his home. I won’t get to meet him, and he won’t see the building that would have been his home. He is my poster child of orphans that we are helping.
“Angel of Mercy” USA has a staff of medical personnel caring for the day to day needs of children just like Precious; such as Una, Emmanuel, Sandra, and Jenabou. These are the children of “Angel of Mercy”.
They are all Precious to me.
Today, I am even more inspired and motivated to see the children have a place they can call home, a safe shelter where caring people provide for them daily. Helping Angel of Mercy meet the needs of the children who have no one else really makes a difference.
Please help us help them! It’s not only about donating money. You can help us help them by simply telling your friends about what we’re trying to do. You could host a fund raiser. You could travel with us to haul block, move brush, pull fence.
We can’t do it all, but we can all do something.
I am dedicating this message to my Grandmother Ethel Skalicky who passed away in November at the age of 97. I have been blessed to have her in my life these many years. She enriched my life and now it’s my turn. I am a grandmother 9 times, almost 10 and am again enriched!
As I flew to Washington State to visit three of my 9 grandchildren for Thanksgiving, I told a little Russian lady next to me that I was going to be with my three grandchildren. She replied in a thick Russian accent, “You are rich.” She’s so right. I have the blessing of a large loving family and I am ever grateful. This is part of why I am invested in helping orphans who have been left alone in this world with so little, by way of family and material things. I can do something to help them.
I also hope to provide opportunities for you to be involved in something greater than yourself. So often organizations only have funds for day to day operations. Our vision is to come along side them and help provide funding for building projects. We are blessed, rich if you will, and it is an honor to help orphans have a roof over their head.
We’ve done much this year and continue to build a strong foundation in order to fund projects, like the Haiti orphanages, the Rwanda and Uganda fencing. We are excited about the work we’ve done this year.
Our plan in 2011 is to continue helping all of our partner organizations. One primary project is to help Angel Of Mercy USA, based in Oakdale MN, build housing for HIV/AIDS orphans in Cameroon. The executive Director Relindis Moffor lives in MN, and works with HIV/AIDS orphans in Cameroon. Her dream is to provide a stable environment with loving and skilled caregivers. The project itself will take a minimum of $50,000. We are hoping to help as much as we can to give her a good start next year. We are working on fund raisers, vision trips, grants with Rotary International. You will be hearing more about how you can help through the following events in the next couple of weeks.
- February 26: Spring Fever Charity Run & Raffle (Gold’s Gym Sartell)
- June (1st Annual Golf Tournament & Silent Auction)
- Art Teach and Sale (Date not set)
In the meanwhile, we received some artwork from a group of orphans at DAYA Orphanage I
ndia and have designed Christmas Cards and Thank You cards that you can purchase. We will be creating other items to purchase online created by orphans with proceeds going partially to them , but mostly to a building project.
You can purchase the cards pictured here for $5 each and the wrist band. The children will receive some of the funds, and the rest will be put aside for the Cameroon Project. EMAIL YOUR ORDER.
Remember, 100% of your donations goes to the orphanages. Thank you for all you do. Wishing you and yours a safe and blessed Holiday Season and a Prosperous 2011.
We ‘re Helping Them Help Them!
In 2010, we are doing exactly what we set out to do, which is to help existing organizations build projects that better serve orphans. We’ve helped orphans in Haiti, Uganda and Rwanda. I just got word that the building has been released from customs in Haiti after five months…. for Haiti Outreach Mission. So the work there continues. We will get photos soon of what we funded.
For 2011, I’ve identified four initial projects with managable fund raising amounts for people to consider. Click here for the project descriptions and consider doing something…any amount helps a lot…Each week I recieve multiple applications from organizations that need help. We can’t do it all, but we can all do something. What’s yours something?
What exactly do you do here?
Each day is a new adventure and I couldn’t be more pleased with those who have responded to the call to help us help them provide housing for orphans. In a few weeks, my nephew is playing November 19 at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis MN and he’s arranged for me to talk to his vast audience and fans about the orphan work we do. He’s donating much of the proceeds to the projects, so thank you Jordie! I’m dusting off my dancing shoes! Lori Fuchs with Gold’s Gym has started organizing for the Spring Fever Walk/Run and Raffle, February 26th at Gold’s Gym in Sartell MN.
Also, Heidi Steadman, with Visual Arts Minnesota, John Haloway and Shari Whalin with Big Brother’s Big Sisters in St. Cloud Minnesota are working with us on a Children’s Art Sale for the Spring and helping organize an Orphan Art Exchange. I have others helping with a golf tournament in June and yet another is planning a Cocktail Dinner Party for a cause in January. Yet another friends wants to do a Brazilian Cuisine night. So, there… if you want to participate in any of these events, or hold your own, email me. We will work with you and your group to get things moving.
I’ve met with the College of St. Benedicts Service Learning director Marah Schulte who is helping me get connected with people who can help us make an impact for the orphans. Charlene Sul and Kerstine Herda with our local Rotary is helping me with grant applications to Rotary International for projects. Fred Cornforth is working with Carly Ward to organize an International Orphan Conference in Boise for 2012.
If you are reading this and want to mobilize your own in any of these events in another city or state, go for it. We can get you started.
In the meanwhile, NCV is hosting their annual fundraiser in Minneapolis. If you can attend, please do. I plan to be there. Relindis is working on her plans for the orphanage so we can figure out how you can help fund the home in stages. So, it looks like it’s a busy time of year. I’m also getting an end of the year appeal out to local Chamber members and those on my email contact lists.
It feels good to spend time on helping the orphans, don’t you think? Just do something… it all matters!
For the Children,
Jan
