Thank you Julie, Emily, Rick and Brett!

It was a day of reflection for me today~ looking back at 2009, and thinking about what has been accomplished not for me, not for some corporation to put more money in "their" pockets, but the accomplishment of helping a place where most of us have never been!! My friends, colleagues, acquaintances, family in faith and those that don't even know me, have helped so many!!! I am continually reminded of what we are on this earth to do. Not everyone can do the same thing!! There are millions of miles of land with empty holes and forgotten people.

I was called to help in a land where there are close to 40 million people YES 40 million!! There is plenty of emptiness in Tanzania where I can work for the rest of my earthly life and with your help, we can accomplish one child to be fed, to be clothed or even educated. I remember a saying that caught my eye so long ago and that is: "To the world you may be one person, but to one person YOU may be the world"

My dearest friends made the most meaningful donation to me today. To continue my work in honor of their son who struggles with so many health issues of his own and yet, they wanted to help me to help someone else far less fortunate. My heart is deeply touched and I am SO grateful for this thought and monetary contribution~ probably~ more than they will ever know.

I will do whatever I can, for as many as I can that live with no hope~ thank you for believing in me!!

God Bless you Julie, Rick, Emily and Brett and ALL the rest who have helped me to help others.

Until next time~

Cheers!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

I want to wish EVERYONE a very Merry Christmas this week!!! If you have one minute this week, I ask that you kindly say a prayer of Hope for my friends in Tanzania...my sisters Scolastica, Hilda and my dear friend Mike K all of whom help me to help others in Tanzania. They live the life I talk about in my blog. They all help those who are poorest of the poor, hungry, weak, and without love. I commend their hearts who give everyday to help those I mention!!

I say a prayer for those who suffer in our country as well. People will ask me, "Why do you have to work in Tanzania when people in your own neighborhood need help" and my response has always been, while I know and pray for all those who struggle here, my calling has been placed for these people in Tanzania. This is not a place I was planning or praying to help, but, because I was touched in my heart when I made my first visit, I cannot ignore what I saw and if I can help bring a little help or hope with your help, we can reach those on the other side of this world!!

I take things one day at a time, one person at a time, one thought/plan at a time. I will remain with great faith that we can make a huge difference for the poorest of the poor.

Have a very Merry Christmas!!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

New Year Thoughts.....

I am forming a committee for my Grafton Packaging event. If you live around the Ozaukee Country area and want to join this committee, please email me at: simplehope1@gmail.com I will give you all the details of this very SIMPLE and not time consuming committee!!! I promise it will not be labor intesive, but VERY rewarding!!! I will look forward to hearing from you!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Shout Out!!

Ok for lack of a better way to say THANK YOU....I decided to use the phrase I hear all the "younger kids" use....hope you don't mind!!!

My Shout Out goes to my hometown church in Cedarburg, Wisconsin Faith Lutheran Church! If you are ever in Cedarburg, PLEASE stop in and pay a visit to this most generous congregation!! They are led by a wonderful Pastor ~ John Norquist and led by the kindest most loving Christians I have ever met!!! Their youth director, Toni S is a wonderful vibrant lady who helps that youth of all ages find their way in this world we live in. I have had the wonderful opportunity to be involved with the Sunrise Circle! This group of ladies, just had a "Christmas Cookie bake sale" that raised money for the many mission projects I have on my "to do" list!! They sold homemade cookies to be exact 54 one pound packages!! WOW!!! And the church took on my food project as their mission of the month for November.

The church is active and vibrant in their ways to help!! I encourage you to worship at this church, meet the congregation, talk to Pastor John Norquist and become involved if you live in the area!! Their website is: www.faithlutherancedarburg.com.

This is ONE fine example of a church reaching out locally and globally!!

Until next time~

Cheers!!!

JOIN ME!!!!

I have had so many great compliments on people following me and my blog!! Here is how you and I can communicate. If you want to post a comment for me, go to the bottom of my post and click on " comment" Here is where you and I can communicate through my blog!! Of course if you want to become a "follower" of my blog you can add your name there too...this will notify you when I post a new comment. I have lots and lots of GREAT things coming up in 2010 and I would be happy to share this news with you. Of course if you want to ask me anything personally you can ALWAYS email me at simplehope1@gmail.com too!!!

Get Ready...2010 is going to be a wonderfully productive year and I am so happy to have you along to help....as you know, it takes many hands and hearts to make our world go around!!!

I appreciate you!!

Until next time ~

Cheers!!

Hope!!!!

I heard from one of my dear friends today who lives in a remote village of Tanzania. We are building a wonderful bridge of learning about each other. She is a woman who in so many ways reminds me of Mother Theresa. She is a nun who has dedicated her entire life to help the poorest of the poor. She explained to me today that a group that she is caring for has become very desperate for food. That within the last few days, she has witnessed over 10 children die of starvation.

I don't know what that must feel like, to hold a child who has no strength to hold their own head up or lift their arms for joy or run like the others. I can't imagine, my friends heart witnessing this day after day ~ but she does and she allows those children to stay safe in her arms.

I ask during this holiday season, that we remember her and all of her sisters who so freely give their life to help those who have nothing to eat. Our food will soon arrive, and we will be able to give decent nourishment to the poorest of the poor. Thank you again for all you have done for me to help others~ I appreciate everyone for their kindness!!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Thank you Express News!

I want to Thanks Thomas McKillen managing editor for the Menomonee Falls Express News for writing the very kind article about the Packathon event that was held November 7th at Menomonee Falls High School. I am so grateful for this wonderful article which told the story of how it "takes a village to help a village" One person cannot do this task on their own, it takes many kind and helping hands and hearts to reach out to those who absolutely have no means to obtain what they need.

Thank you Menomonee Falls for supporting my efforts to feed those who are starving!!!

Until next time ~

Cheers!

Valley View has meaningful Fundraiser!!

Valley View Elementary School in Menomonee Falls Wisconsin had a very meaningful coffee fundraiser. As I spoke at a PTA meeting, I shared with the parents and teachers what a coffee farmer has to endure to pick a coffee bean. I don't think any of us realize how much work it truly is to pick that tiny little bean and then to receive a fair wage is also challenging. My partners Outreach Int, takes such great care of the coffee farmers in Singida region as well as the Kilimanjaro region. They have a coop of farmers that choose only the BEST beans and prepare them for shipment to a roasting plant in Des Moines Iowa. Here the beans are met by some challenged young men who pick, sort, roast and bag these beans. Already, we have helped dozens of people who normally would not have means to income. On top of all that, Valley View was able to sell the wonderful AA Direct Trade coffee and earn some income too to help support the many great programs that our children here would normally not get to have. It is a win-win for so many!!

I would be happy to help your school, church, corporation or service club explore the coffee fundraiser!!! Together we can help so many who have so much less. Email me with any questions you might have: simplehope1@gmail.com.

Blessings to everyone who visited my post today.

Until next time ~

Cheers!!