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It
takes a lot of effort from a lot of people to raise a little bit of money these days. It’s a good thing that a little bit goes a long way when it’s multiplied by God to help an orphan. Each day we remain encouraged that so many have embraced our vision on behalf of the orphans. Thank you to those who are taking action, so the the children will know they may be orphaned, but they are not forgotten. We can’t do it all, but we can all do something.
My vision early on was to put people with needs together with people of means. I hoped people would adopt projects that inspired them and they'd raise funds in some way for the project. How rewarding to see the vision becoming reality.
A Different Kind of Love
Deitra Wynn Scott still holds the babies from Cameroon in her heart. She hosted a “Different Kind of Love” Valentines fund raiser Feb. 18 in Washington D.C. Monique Aiken, 
our Mobilizer in Chief (pictured below on left), was our representative at the event. Dietra and company adopted the Angel of Mercy project and because of those who support our beloved Deitra, her fund raiser is helping Phase One of Angel of Mercy Home for Children get underway.
Sartell MN Gold’s Gym Spring Fever 5K Walk Run and Raffle
The Frozen Chosen came out for the race on a balmy midwinter Minnesota Day. Lori Fuchs, our race coordinator ordered the warm temperatures for the day. She and her lovely children and husband were there and Rachel, her 8 year old, was at the r
egistration desk and kept us all in line!
Runners from the midwest came out for our event, stayed for the raffle and the drawing for the IPAD. Summer Marthaler traveled from the middle of Wisconsin because she is determined to make this 
year her year to get fit. So glad she chose our race! It was her first 5k. Others came for the second year in a row, some were competitive runners, some came for fun. Many promised to return next year! All had a great time helping us raise funds for the Angel of Mercy Project.
It was heartwarming to see all those who came to support the orphans.
Jen Bakken, our PR Associate, brought her two kids and each one helped make the day a success…even selling our bracelets to raise a few dollars! Every little bit helps! Jen is working to write the Profile for Mercy Homes in India so we can find volunteers to adopt this project.
What’s next? Helping Hands Casino Night March 17 in Scottsdale… Planning is underway.
I’ll have slide shows of photos of each event on the website. Thank you everyone for your heart and hands in the work for the orphans.
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.
I am in Houston. It felt like it was a dry run packing for September’s Cameroon on this week’s trip to Houston for the Evening with the Angels.
I packed one suitcase for one week, and loaded up my Nikon Camera Backpack with the trusty Nikon, Computer, IPOD and all the accessories…chords, etc. etc…The dry run proved the suitcase could have some slosh room for items such as finger paints for the children and T shirts, maybe shoes. I pack light, so I hope to bring one extra suitcase filled with goodies for the kids.
I have to say I am excited beyond belief to meet my newly made friends from Houston, NYC, Charlotte Washington D.C… these women are putting on a great event on behalf of Angels of Mercy. Monique has arranged for us to speak on the local NPR station tomorrow morning, we will attend a local Rotary meeting and then start setting up for the event. Relindis will come in tomorrow and she’s excited as well to meet her newfound friends.
These women have touched me deeply. They are making things happen for children they have never met. I just talked to Monique and she said she now has 50+ items for the auction…. There will be an African drummer, great food, stories and more.
I am just so happy that Monique found 200 Orphanages and adopted Angel of Mercy! My heart is full.
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.
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.
So, you may get tired of hearing about my passion to raise funds to build safe shelter for orphans. But, recently I have learned I am not alone. There are others out there like me who decided one day to do something. The catalyst was different, but we all have the same heart.
Meet my new friend: Christina Aiken-Yulfo
I was introduced to Christina by way of the World Wide Web along with a group of women who found our website while seeking to use their talents and gifts to change the life of an orphan. You heard from Monique last post and about the spark that started her to take action was simple comments from her nephew at Christmas.
Christina has a dream. She wants to use her architectural skills to design an orphanage. Well, she’s going to be able to do much of that for Angel of Mercy. In her words now:
”I am truly excited about the opportunity to go to Cameroon and fulfill a lifelong dream of building an orphanage for the children of the Angels of Mercy organization. Helping children with HIV/AIDS in a way that will greatly improve their quality of life is an awesome responsibility that I commend the organization for and am grateful to be a part of. As a Christian, it humbles me to be able to be salt and light to these children. I am eagerly anticipating the trip to Bamenda, Cameroon to set the groundwork for designing and building a new orphanage.
When I was about 13 or 14 years old, I was inspired to design, build and operate an orphanage. My rudimentary plan was simply a layout of dormitory and classroom building however, the vision I had resonated with me and put me on a path to where I am today. Architecture has provided me with a platform to address my social concerns for issues such as low-income housing, urban redevelopment and cultural communities. Providing a space that creates an experience and improves the quality of life for the inhabitants is a challenge that I have given myself as a architectural designer.
The dream I had nearly 20 years ago waned over the years however this orphanage project has reignited the passion in me and I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a life changing endeavor.”
Thank you Christina! The children in Cameroon will be blessed because of your dream.
There are many opportunities to give in this world, we all see that. And we all want our gifts to make a difference…where it counts.
I, like you, try to give my time, talents and funds to people I trust. One of my goals with 200 Orphanages is to provide you with trusted places to give, so you really can make a difference in the lives of orphans.
How we work: That’s why I or someone on my board personally meets representatives from our partner organizations before we agree to help them raise funds for their projects. In order for our partners to recieve fund raising help, or project funds, we request that a representative from their group serve on our board. That way we recieve regular first hand progress reports in order to verify funds use. This way we also are able to help them build wider awareness and support for their often remote project. We are vigilant in focusing our energies on projects that will build brighter futures for orphans.
In case you are wondering, I don’t take a salary or receive any percentage of your donations. To date, like so many of my partner organizations, I personally fund the administrative costs and donate personally to the projects so all of our funds go to the project to serve orphans. This being the case, you can be sure I watch where our money goes!
Well, you know the needs out there are many. We can’t do it all, but we can all do something. I hope you know that even a small amount makes a huge difference. Please consider donating to one of our partner projects today.
Giving Trip To Cameroon: Thanks to our Texas Friend Monique Aiken, her sister Christine and other friends and cohorts…we will be taking a group to Cameroon to lay the groundwork for the Orphanage in Cameroon. This group even built their own cause site on facebook at Bamenda Orphans-Cameroon. Executive director Relindis Moffor is in Cameroon right now making arrangements with the architect, the children and the staff. We hope to help build a well, clear the land and harvest crops. You can help us while we’re there by donating online to the Cameroon Building Project in the drop down menu. There is lots to do and Monique and Co. are committed to seeing this project all the way to completion! 
Haiti: That being said, we’ve recently been updated on our gift to Haiti Outreach Mission based in California. President Reginald King, a friend of our co founder Fred Cornforth, sent this email and request:
Jan I’m sorry it took so long to report to you on the street kids facility you helped fund. Now that the Cholera patient load is slowing down at our remote clinic we are catching up on other work. The use of the building is now expanded to function as a day school for the 215 orphans. Merv is now providing them education thru 6th grade. (see photo). We are in motion to add another building for needed classrooms. Raoul will go to Haiti next week to pour the concrete slab then we will assemble the additional building. These buildings have canvas sidewalls so it is important for security to get them enclosed with concrete block walls…a big deal in Haiti! We are providing the new building, slab, windows & doors and wondered if your organization would supply the funds for the security wall which will cost $2500 to $3500 ?
We already know how much a security wall helps change the culture and provides peace of mind for the kids and the helpers. So, if you’re inclined to give to a work in Haiti, we will match funds up to $1,500.
Nibakure Children’s Village Rwanda: We’re still helping Floriane with her work in Rwanda. I get updates at each board meeting and am happy to report, she is preparing to take in her first kids into Phase I. I am so happy to see her dream come true of providing safe shelter for orphans and widows in her home country. She needs help funding solar power for the projects. If you feel strongly about this, please donate and select this project in the drop down menu.
Halo Foundation: We have been able to send $150 to Halo Foundaiton to build a chicken coop to provide food, farming and commerce. We will get an update shortly which of their site will get these funds, either Uganda, Kenya or India.
We will keep you posted on our progress, fund raising events and new opportunities in case you would like to donate with confidence.
Donations of Any Amount Are Welcome.
Great News… Preparations are underway for a Giving Trip to Cameroon in September to get started building the orphanage.
A group of about 6 volunteers contacted me and we are all making preparations to not only raise funds, but gather necessities such as shoes and schools supplies for our trip over. We have big plans, but know that flexibility is key! The volunteers are all friends and they’re excited to be a part of Angel of Mercy’s orphanage!
Once in Cameroon, we’ll do a site visit, meet the staff and community leaders. I plan to attend a Rotary Meeting while there and we might even get to harvest crops, maybe help clear the land for the well and the project. We’ll meet with the architect and contractors. We also plan to do some work with the kids at the school, making their lives a little brighter!
If you can’t travel with us, donations of any amount will help get the project built. If you donate online, select the Angel of Mercy Project and your donations will fund:
- The well that will serve as irrigation for crops, water for construction and the orphanage water supply
- The architect fees
- The initial clearing of the land
- The foundation and structure to be built before next rainy season
This is really getting exciting! I will keep you posted on all developments.
For the Children,
Jan Hanson
Your Donations Make A Difference In The Lives of Orphans.
I got a call from one of our partners Rebecca Welch executive director of Halo Foundation. 
She just returned from the orphanages they partner with in Uganda and Kenya. I met Rebecca last year in Kansas City after one of her partner orphanages in India listed their organization as a reference. We became fast friends and she now serves on our board.
Since then, your donations funded a security wall around a boys home in Kampala Uganda. She called to tell me she wished I could have been with her to see the impact the security wall has made. I want to share their joy with you.
In an email, she said, “The security wall at the HALO Bukesa Orphanage has made a profound impact on the home. Located in an urban area of Kampala, Uganda the mentors and children were constantly fearful for the posessions at the home and the safety of the children. 200 Orphanages provided funding for a new wall at the home. It truly has made an impact on the culture and spirit there. “We no longer have to fear what is on the outside. We are very grateful for the wall.” Peter, Mentor. Now the home is full of kids who have the chance to just be kids. Thank you 200 Orphanages.
We funded the wall primarily to help the boys raise chickens to help them become self sustaining, we didn’t know the added benefit would be providing the boys a sense of security and well being.
Rebecca mentioned some of her other homes want to raise chickens as well. She has priced out the cost of building chicken coups at $150. If you want to make a difference in the lives of the orphans, please donate any amount. I know it’s not an orphanage, but it is a building project to better serves orphans in their care. The chickens provide meat and eggs and they will be able to sell them to raise money to be more self sufficient. It’s a small amount of money, but it does a great deal of good.
We can’t do it all, but we can all do something.
