PURE HAPPINESS is simply being with these kids.

Mboo ( Cutie pie, also my mom sponsor's him :)

Kalissa (This girl never stops smiling)

Chinyundo ( This little boy always seems to throw up saliva on me!)

Painting Richards Nails :)

Quote of The Day

"If you want to feel good, you have to go out and do some good." - Oprah Winfrey

Amazing Sunset

I took this photo a couple of nights ago from just outside the house I am staying in. I mean, this is just incredible!!! 

Hope Art

I started to work with Hope Art in July 2011. I began selling at my school's schoolyard market, not knowing that it would be such a success. Selling Hope Art is such a joy in my life, as its something so easy and rewarding. I mean, selling necklaces and bracelets changes peoples lives. Its simple as that. I really love this project, and since moving to Zambia for 3 months, I have got to meet the Hope Art Ladies and have got to know some of them personally. And that even makes the project more special to me. This is one project that I will always support and be apart of!

This is a little background on Hope Art:
A group of impoverished, unemployed and mainly HIV positive Zambian widows are facing the orphan challenge and producing hand crafted jewelry with paper beads. People that care buy and sell this unique hand crafted jewelry and all net profits from ‘Hope Art’ are invested in the Zambia Project that provides shelter, food, education and healthcare to children and women in need. Your purchase will make a difference in the lives of many impoverished children and women.


Each bead is carefully rolled with meticulous diligence to create beautiful unique artwork. The process of rolling, dipping in varnish and drying requires patience and teamwork. The lives of these women have changed dramatically through a sense of self-worth and purpose. Many orphans are now being care for and their extended families uplifted, thereby benefiting the community as a whole.

Hope Art Ladies

The lives of these impoverished ladies are etched with hardship and tragedy. They display diligent determination to make a difference to improve the lives of vulnerable children and women in Western Zambia. Many of them are the sole bread winners in their families and are developing a sense of self worth and purpose through the project.


Stories of some of the Ladies:

My name is IRENE KAWELE and I was born in 1958. In 2005 when my husband passed away I discovered I was HIV positive. Prior to my involvement with Hope Art I had no income and I struggled daily to support the 8 orphans left in my care by family members. It was very difficult for me when they cried for food and I wasn’t able to provide. I am so grateful that now with the money I earn through Hope Art, I am able to care for and educate these children and look after my own health. Thank you for your support. (Irene recently got married to a lovely man, Richard, and she will continue to part of Hope Art.) 

My name is BIBIAN KAWELE a HIV positive widow born in 1977. As a single mother, survival has been difficult caring for my own 3 children and an orphan. I was orphaned myself as a young child and raised by my Aunt who did not have the means to send me to school. Due to Hope Art, I am so happy that my children can now attend school, are not hungry anymore and have a hope for the future! Thank you for making a difference in our lives – I am also hoping to complete my schooling.

I am CHILOMBO CHINGA, was born in 1959 and am a widow. I only discovered my HIV positive status when my twin babies died of HIV. I grew up in an extremely poor family and was unable to attend school. It is a real privilege to now be able to send my surviving children to school with the income I earn through Hope Art, not to mention the joy of providing food for them. Thank you for caring.

I have been given the opportunity to model Hope Art, and these are some of their products:

Hope Art Patched Bags and Necklaces

Necklaces

Hope Art Critters

Necklaces

Hope Art Sling Bags

Hope Art Sling Bags and Bracelets

For More information :http://www.zam.co.za/Hope_Art/Hope_Art.html 

Children at the Save A Life Centre

Kalissa 1 month ago

Kalissa now

This beautiful little girl is 6 years old. Her name is Kalissa. She is currently the size of a 2 year old. She is possibly the kindest and sweetest child I have ever met. When she came into the centre about 1 month ago, she was so malnourished that her body was so desperate for nutrients, it took her pigmentation away. Her hair was blonde and really soft, her eye lashes her blonde. Her body was a yellowish colour. Even her eye colour was light. Her face was swollen. But now, 1 month later, she is almost completely black,  her hair is black and becoming coarse.  Her face is not swollen. And her eye colour has gone darker. This is simply because of being fed properly.  It has been amazing to see her daily changes. I feel very blessed to have witnessed this amazing life changing change.

Wasa when she left.

Wasa when she arrived.

This is Wasa. She is 3 years old. She is litteraly the size of a baby.  She came into the centre about 2 weeks ago, severely malnourished. She weighed about 6kgs, when she is actually meant to weigh around 13- 14kgs.  She is so tiny, sometimes I am worried that she will break, as she seemed so fragile. She had already left the centre, looking very fat. And is a happy child.

Muhaho sitting

 Okay, I seriously love this little girl. Her name is Muhaho.
She is 1 years old. She came into the centre for developmental skills, as all she used to do was lie down. She left on Sunday, with the skill of being able to sit. She also gained a lot of weight as well from being in the centre.

Sharon has been in the Save A Life centre for a while now. She was born blind. She is 2 years now. She is mentally and physically very behind because of not being cared for and malnourishment. She cannot walk or crawl. She is extremely stiff, and battles to bend her legs. She hasn't started to form words at all or really make sounds. Her family abandoned her, but now this amazing aunt has taken up the courage to look after her. She was severely malnourished when she came into the centre. But now has improved so much.  Every week I see improvement. 

Quote of the Day

"The sky has never been the limit. We are our own limits. It’s then about breaking our personal limits and outgrowing ourselves to live our best lives."

Farewell to Florence and her family.

Left to Right: Florence and Njamba , Teacher Margaret,
 Me, Precious and Mary

This picture was taken on Friday, the day that Florence and her family left to move to where her family is staying. It was very emotional seeing her leave. But I know she will be happier and safer. I am very blessed that I got to meet this lady and was able to help her.

Thanks again to all the sponsors, and everyone else who has been apart of changing her life.

Muhaho :) I could steal this child :)

Woman's day and Malaria

Sorry for not blogging. Have been really busy, also did not have internet last week, and then was really sick for the last couple of days.

So first all there has been a few changes with Florence. She has moved to another town where she will be happier and safer. And thank you once again to all of those who have been apart of changing Florence's life

Then I have been really sick since Tuesday afternoon. I actually thought I had Malaria, and even the nurse who works at the clinic on base was concerned. But I had a malaria test, and thankfully it came back negative. I can say that it is definitely one test you do want to fail! But I can say that I had a little taste of what mild Malaria feels like. And it is HORRIBLE! Seriously the worst, and I had it for two days only. To be honest, I thought I was going to die.

Otherwise, all has been great. Last week Thursday ( 8th of March) we celebrated International woman's day, which was amazing. All the ladies from school ( Bertha, Jane , Margaret , Patrica) and then a Mom from the Orphan Home ( Charity) and myself. We took part of the march which was about 4km's long. We wore our Village of Hope, Mongu tops and either black skirts or black pants. Then we had a banner, which myself, Matt and Bri made the previous night. It took us 4 hours to make, and it came out amazing.  The march was really entertaining, as there were thousands of ladies waking in hills, ( and for those who dont know Mongu, it is a sand pitt, and the roads are full of potholes, meaning if you don't watch your step, you might disappear. ) The walk was from Zesco to the Stadium. And when we arrived at the stadium, we had to perform a professional march, sing the national anthem and be welcomed by the honored guest. Then there was some entertainment which they had many ladies performing traditional dances, then some political ladies performing songs about the leading party. And also a school performed with a drum line and all the girls performed with batons. Then they had a Mekishi, which is a traditional dancing. Then the day ended with a lovely lunch at OK Restaurant. It was an amazing experience.

Also March 2nd the school had its first Cross Country, which each grade had its own routes, and it was challenging for a few as it was in thick sand and up and down hills, also in the heat of the sun. The day was awesome, and it was great to see all the parents and grandparents who came supporting their children. Also to see children who struggle at school, succeed in sport was also great to see.

Our Woman's Day March Team.

The Amazing VOH Banner

From Left to Right: Margaret , Bertha , Patrica, Charity, Me and Jane

Marching

Ladies marching

Girls from a local school performing

Mekishi

Love this Quote