New Year!

I can't believe this year is coming to a close! Where did it go? I have so much to be grateful for and I truly wish this for everyone! A New Year means a new beginning a time when you can start with a clean slate!! A time when you can carry forth your dreams, hopes and wishes!!

The New Year will bring much excitement for Simple Hope. We are building are partnerships to help bring nutritious food to our "partner" communities in Tanzania Africa. We are working with our "clean water ministry" to help those that don't have clean water find a way to help themselves and their families. We will travel to Tanzania and bring our message of Hope to our communities by offering them a chance to "learn" from our Vacation Bible Schools that we will bring ~ to let them know they are not forgotten but that many pray for them!! We hope to be a guiding force for people right here in the USA ~ to help them learn and understand this and many other developing nations and the struggles they face on a daily basis.

We continue to pray and ask God for guidance in everyone we meet ~ that we can help teach, learn, grow and love all those that we come in contact with here and abroad. We ask that you continue to pray for Simple Hope and our ministry!! Without prayer we will be nowhere ~ we need your support of prayer and God will strengthen us all!

Wishing you all a very blessed New Year...with peace, love and understanding.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Christmas Blessings!

In our lives it is so easy to just "go to the store" to "pick up dinner" at a fast food place and "easily get what we need" however, in Tanzania our family/brothers/sisters cannot do these things!! Christmas to them is saying a prayer with their family, going to church (if they are physically able) and maybe sharing a banana or mango from a fruit tree.

If you want to share your blessings with them please go to our website: www.simple-hope.org and make a donation of any size. You can do this directly through Pay Pal and your donation will be secure and safe. You may also send a check to our address as well: PO Box 4 Menomonee Falls, WI 53052. We will use all Christmas donations to help us to help the children and adults who suffer so much!!

Our return tickets are purchased and we are ready to head back to Tanzania!! We look forward to sharing with you what your kindness and donations have done to help the many who have no hope!!

You are a blessing to Simple Hope...we appreciate all you have done this past year and continue to help us do in our ministry in Tanzania.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Packathon Video

Devastating Times...

We live in very desperate and devastating times. 1 BILLION are hungry ~ millions are trafficked in slavery, and pandemic diseases are gouging entire nations. Each year nearly 2 million children are exploited in the global commercial sex trade. And in the five minutes it took you to read this post almost ninety children died of preventable diseases. More than half of all Africans do not have access to modern health facilities. As a result, 10 million of them die each year from diarrhea, acute respiratory illness, malaria, and measles. Many of those deaths could be prevented by just ONE SHOT!
Yet in the midst of the wreckage, here we stand or sit, comfortable and pretending these things aren't happening. We all have a one of a kind glorious life and a once in history opportunity to reach out and help!
Ours in the wealthiest generation of multi-faceted religions. We are bright, educated and experienced. We can travel around the world in twenty-four hours (if there are no delays) or send a message in a millisecond. We have the most sophisticated research and medicines at the tips of our fingers. We have ample resources. A mere 2 percent of the world's grain harvest would be enough, if shared, to erase the problems of hunger and malnutrition around the world. There is enough food on the planet to offer every person 2500 calories of sustenance a day. WE HAVE enough food to feed the hungry. The problem is NOT in supply; the problem in in the distribution. God has given this generation OUR generation everything we need to alter the course of human suffering.
We can't just snap our fingers and expect the grain to flow across the borders or governments to permit foreign adoptions. Policies stalemate the best of efforts. International relations are strained. Corrupt officials snag the systems ~ I get that...I have seen it AND I am doing something about it.
Traveling several times a year to Tanzania is not easy. I leave my family, my life, the things that mean the most to me but I also know that I can. I have a family who sees that if I don't who else will? I have seen hunger, thirst, poverty, sadness, health issues that I can't even explain and if I walk away and said that I will leave this to someone else to handle would be wrong and surely I would be letting myself along with all those that need our help down as well.
We can build a bridge of love between our worlds ~ let us join hands together and do something...anything...if we start now, we will make a difference and our world will begin to heal...one belly at a time.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Friend of Education Award.

I want to humbly Thank Dr. Keith Marty the superintendent of the school district of Menomonee Falls for honoring me with the Friend of Education award. When I received his letter, I was speechless. I have to admit, before I traveled to Tanzania I had no idea what hunger/starvation truly looked like ~ I did know that I needed to help, but could not do it alone. The saying "it takes a village to help a village" became the focus for me. My focus was not only on serving and helping the people in Tanzania but also helping those of us in America who live in the land of plenty to understand global needs. The food "packathons" were the way to make this happen.

The award that was presented to me this evening is a true testament of the focus of our school district. They are supporting the efforts to help a country that can't help themselves...and along with that, I will teach through photo's, and first hand experience how everyone is helping us conquer the hunger need. By nourishing our three villages in Tanzania we are giving them another day to live, love and feel hope.

I encourage all school districts nationwide to help us "Build a bridge of love between our worlds" We can educate the youngest minds on how simple it is to make a true difference in the lives of millions of people who suffer so great on a daily basis. We look forward to hearing from you...

Until next time~

Cheers!

Lunch and Learn.

In my deepest Thanks, I had all the children from Valley View who participated in the Packathon join me for Pizza lunch yesterday ~ WOW can I just say how much I LEARNED from these young children. I sat with a group of boys (all in 5th grade) that were just bubbling over the top with excitement for the pack we just had at Menomonee Falls High School on Saturday November 6th!! One boy told me: "My Mom and I LOVED being at the pack, we were there last year and again this year and one of the neatest things was I made 2 new friends, we worked in a team and had a blast" This young boy will never know how much that meant to me to hear this. When I think about packathons, I don't want people to feel like they "have to" do this, I want them to come to have fun and learn. It was then another young boy sitting next to me said: "I came with my Mom and sister and we learned so much about this food that our hands were going to help someones belly" yet again I was humbled. The things they were sharing with me were coming from their heart and I knew it.

I learned so much about our young children. I also had the opportunity to just "hang" with them while we ate our pizza. It was also an honor for me to have some time to talk to the teachers and principle of Valley View. What a wonderful school being led by some of the BEST teachers and wonderful principle!!

Keep up the good work Valley View ~

Until next time~

Cheers!

Thank you Crosspoint Church

Simple Hope was asked to speak at the "Mission Dinner" at Crosspoint Church in Oconomowoc. It was an honor and blessing to be in the company of so many great people doing mission work ALL over our world!! Missionaries and speakers from Chile, Dominican Republic, Swaziland, Gulf Shores, New York to name a few were all speaking about the great work that is happening. I was so encouraged to see so many willing to step out of their "normal" lives to help others in so much greater need.

Crosspoint has joined Simple Hope as mission partners. We will have the opportunity to package food at their church on Saturday March 19th from 8:00a.m. until 2:00p.m What a blessing for us to help others learn about the plight of our dear brothers and sisters in Tanzania. Crosspoint has wonderful leaders in their church. They understand missions and how if we all work together we can accomplish more than if we do it on our own!! More helping hands make a lighter load~ let us all remember this in the days and weeks ahead.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Packathon Success at MFHS!

There are no words to describe the wonderful success we had at Menomonee Falls High School yesterday!! God has truly blessed Simple Hope and the loving friends that are helping us to help the "least of the least" in Tanzania Africa.

We had hundreds come out to help us package the nutritious food that will be sent to our three villages who desperately need this food. I kept thinking that each and every person who came to help was a true HERO!! Heroes are individuals who give of their time selflessly to help others in need!! 60,000+ meals were packaged with hearts and hands that care so much about helping those that don't have what they need on a daily basis. This food WILL save their lives!

It is so easy to think that others will help these wonderful people in Tanzania but the fact is, nobody else IS helping them. It is because YOU are giving of your time and resources that we truly will "Build a bridge of love between our worlds" and we saw that with every volunteer that gave of their time yesterday.

Thank you is not enough, but perhaps the joy you have seen in the people that have received our food will comfort you in knowing your hour made a true difference.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Sharing the message....

I want Thank Shepherd of the Hills Church in Richfield Wisconsin for embracing Simple Hope as their Mission partner. Pastor Jay, Karen and myself were able to speak on behalf of our journies collectively to Tanzania Africa. Pastor Jay shared about his "planned" trips the ones whereby you are always in the safety of a formed group vs the exciting adventures Karen and I have been on in the last couple months really facing the unknown but somehow "knowing" that there was a much larger plan for us.

I loved the part of the sermon where Pastor Jay said: "certainly most of us will not be called to go to Africa" and that is true. I NEVER thought for a minute I would be called to go there either, in fact I can remember that I really didn't even know much about it when I decided to go for my first time. Maybe ignorance is bliss? Well it was then, but now I have training and skills under my belt and am MUCH better equipped to work within and outside of Tanzania. My heart has always been full of compassion for others, yet somehow when I landed in this country, I knew that they needed what I could provide...that has led to others joining me with similar hearts and to the development of Simple Hope.

Cast your fears aside and take a bold move in your life. Maybe it is just getting up the courage to talk to a co-worker or neighbor, or maybe it is finally telling that person you are sorry for something that happened. Whatever your calling, be convicted, trust, have faith and know that as you put your fears aside, you will feel empowered. The sense of accomplishment will overwhelm you.

I am always here for you, your emails are always welcome ~ simplehope1@gmail.com

Until next time~

Cheers!

Video for Sheggy!!

The video I have posted is an unbelievable story!! Sheggy is full of so many God given talents!! My dearest friend Ann who lives in Dar es Salaam ~ met Sheggy when he came to their recording studio. Her husband Solomon asked if he could sing, and his gift was shining so bright. He could play guitar, sing, compose music and other talents I will share at a later date with you. Sheggy was orphaned at a very young age when both of his parents died, leaving him alone to fend for himself with no family to love or care for him. Can you imagine? Never experiencing love? He also had to quit school in 6th grade. He became homeless, with no education and wondering what life was all about. In all of his pain of missing his mother, he began to write music ~ lyrics to sooth his own heart and soul. He was given a very beat up guitar that he cherished so that he could comfort others who were orphaned and alone.
My dearest friend Ann and her husband, listened to his "demo" in their studio. As Ann told me, his voice was simple and like and angel. Solomon got right to work and began developing a video for him which is what I have posted!!
I will share with you the English translation of this tomorrow but THANK YOU for listening to Sheggy who wrote, sang and put what little he has into a beautiful song.
God Bless Sheggy, Ann and Solomon for taking the little they have to make something beautiful in this world.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Ochu " Dar-es-salaam " ( XCLUSIVE VIDEO ) EMPTYSOULZ PRODUCTION

November 6th, 2010 Packathon and Experience!!

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED!!!! Yes, you and your friends, family, neighbors, girl scout troops, boy scout troops, community organizations ANYONE!!

JOIN US to help package life saving food that will be delivered to our partnership villages in Tanzania East Africa. We have wonderful partners who are working with us to distribute the food. We are serving the "least of the least" the ones who can't even help themselves!! Our food will give them complete nutrition and help them to gain strength!!

All you need to do is reserve your spot by emailing: simplehope3@gmail.com. Tell us what hour you would like to come (9:00-2:00) and you can bring your $25.00 registration fee with you the day of the pack!! One hour of your day will feed over 100 bellies. They send their Thanks already. I have hand delivered this food to them, they know how generous we as Americans are!! YOU have helped build a bridge of love between our worlds!!

This year we will give you the presentation of what you are doing, where the food is being delivered, who is receiving and more importantly WHY we need to look beyond the community we live in. We will also give you a sample of the food and provide you with many educational stations to discover what life is truly like for our friends in Tanzania!!

We promise you will walk away with a better understanding of WHY you are VERY IMPORTANT to helping these children and adults!

Until next time~

Cheers!

So close and yet so far!!

What an awesome day today!!! As I was incredibly busy today "getting organized" I received a call on skype from my dearest friends in Tanzania Africa. I was literally in the midst of trying to do 5 things at once when I answered the call!! It was not only my dearest friends (all calling together) but Sister Hilda called and had two boys with her that had received new uniforms that were purchased by Simple Hope!!! The boys were so excited they began dancing and I could hear Sister Hilda just giggling at their excitement!! I had asked her when she was able to purchase uniforms to send a photo to me....better yet, she called me and the two young boys actually said "asante sana madam" and then again and again repeated their Thanks!! They were the only two that finished the National Exam with 100%! Sister Hilda rewards those that study hard but she makes them work hard. They don't know what their reward will be but in the end it is always something big! Now their families can rest easy knowing they have new uniforms!! I also got to speak to my Dada (sister) Debi whom I have gotten to be very close too. We spoke for awhile and it was like she was right next to me!! What a blessing technology is!!
I am so happy for the young boys who learned that when you work hard, you do get a reward ~ to them this was their lucky day and to me, it just filled my heart with happiness~ perhaps one of my lucky days too.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Upcoming Dates to remember!!

We have a couple fundraisers on the horizon that I want you to put in your calendar as a "save the date!"

Saturday September 25th, 2010. Noodles & Company in Menomonee Falls (by Target) will be sharing a percentage of the gross sales that day towards our food packaging event which will take place at Menomonee Falls High School on November 6th, 2010. Please email me to receive a coupon that you must take along to Noodles & Company so that your gross receipt will go towards this event! Email: simplehope1@gmail.com for the coupon.

Friday October 15th, 2010. Angelo's cafe Vino (The old John Harbors) in the Falls will host the 2nd annual Wine Tasting event for The Packathon!! All proceeds will go towards helping us pay for the food and shipping of this event. Tickets must be purchased by contacting: Christina Shoemaker and simplehope3@gmail.com. The tickets are $40.00 a person. You will sample 25 different wines from around the world and there will be appetizers and a cash bar. Hope to see you there!

Saturday November 6th, 2010. Menomonee Falls High School Packathon!! This years packing event will run from the hours of 9:00a.m.-2:00p.m. We ask that you PLEASE register in advance as there is limited space each hour. Your contribution of $25.00will package over 100 meals which will be shipped to Tanzania Africa and the 3 partnership programs that are using this food!! We are honored to be called to help this country and their desperate need for food!! They receive no assistance from their government and the weather conditions are not favorable for them to farm and self sustain themselves! We are blessed to be able to help. We will provide you with a brief presentation the day of the event so you can see your money at work, where the food is distributed and the recipients of this food!! It will be a life changing day for you, your friends, coworkers, church groups and community groups.

Hope to meet everyone soon!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Thanks for your patience!

So much has changed over the past couple years since this blog began...I needed to take time to remove some "old" photo's replace with current ones and re-do the background!! I am sure for those of you who read this, it isn't a huge change but somehow it feels like a new beginning for Simple Hope!!!

After returning from the most wonderful trip YET, I wanted to get things in order on this blog!! The saying: "Be still and know that I am God" sure has deep meaning for me and what we are striving for with Simple Hope.

In the beginning of my work, I had thought that I was going to be providing help to a village called Mwika, this WAS NOT the plan for me or Simple Hope and I am so Thankful I listened and was patient with what God had planned for me!! Sometimes we think we know all there is to know then if we "sit and be still" we find out there is a whole different and BETTER plan awaiting us!! God had identified with my heart long before I knew it, but he knew my compassion ran much deeper than what Mwika had to offer me. He knew that I wanted to reach out to the "least of the least" and provide help and hope to these forgotten people. I should have know and trusted that this was the path!!

I have secured wonderful partnerships with the "sisters" who are helping me run a food program for a group of children who are economically destitute. These children are enrolled at a government run school and the government does NOT supply them even with Ugali which is cornmeal and water mixture! So I observed, on my last trip how tired, and listless these children were. I will explain in a follow up blog about their day, but it was clear as a bright day how much our food and help was needed.

Unexpectedly, I was also shown two more groups of people who need help with Simple Hope!! We traveled once again to Singida whereby, we were able to see God's work and where he needed us and our love! Sharing our love and hope with the lepers and the Hadzabe brought me to my knees. I am humbled and the pictures of their needs are not leaving my mind! I am forever changed and humbled.

I am glad for my knowledge of "sitting and being still" because it was in these times, I heard my calling very clear ~ and now I know where our help is needed more than any other place in Tanzania!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Revamping Blog!

Please check back as I am going to be revamping this blog!! There have been many great changes over the past year and I need to give this blog a facelift!!

Thanks for your patience!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Safe and VERY BUSY in TZ!

Our journey has brought us safely back to Tanzania! I can tell you that so far we have had the most powerful meetings with the government officials, we have our stamp of approval for our food program from the district commissioner for our region AND have navigated our way around more than half the country. We have only been here for a few days! It is very exciting to see how God connects the dots!!

We had a wonderful meeting with our "sisters" who will execute our program for food distribution! They are more than grateful for "our" help and will do a wonderful job serving the "poorest of the poor" and those affected with HIV!! The village we will be serving is so poor and is not lush and green, it is drought ridden, lack of education dominates this region and people are very ill with no hope for help!! Our work in certainly cut out for us, but with your prayers to allow us the strength to do this work, we shall succeed!!

Our journeys not only had us in meetings with the government officials in our region, but now we will see how the govn't in Dar es Salaam operates as well. We will have the opportunity to meet the port agents and see how that works. We may even get to sneak a day of Zanzibar in this incredible journey. After DAr, we will head to the "bush" and visit the lepers!!

We are moving along so fast and very excited for what is in store for us!!

The internet is not great here, and with the amount of traveling we are doing, more than likely I will post all about our trip when I return back to the states.

Thank you for keeping us in your prayers, it means so much!

Until next time~

Cheers!

So many to Thank!!!

Thank you sometimes just doesn't seem like enough!!! We have been so blessed with so many great friends of Simple Hope. We so kindly want to Thank Mary V. and Christina S for their wonderful donations of brand new digital cameras for our project managers. They will be thrilled with these great gifts and it will surely help our mission!! Mary V your donation of the photography books was so kind, we know Mike will be thrilled and will read read read!!! I want to Thank Mary Beth W for her donation of the wonderful prayer shawls...I am once again amazed at the work of her talented hands and how these prayer shawls make such a difference in the lives who only want hope!! I also want to Thank Mary Beth for the donation of the "smart" DVD player, this will be used in so many great capacities in Tanzania.

I also want to Thank Pastor Jay for your wonderful commissioning of our trip at church today. Your sermon was so fitting for what we are being asked to do! The members of SOTH are clearly driven with his spirit to walk with us on this journey. The music and children at today's service just made me joyful in the work I am doing!!

The next time I write, we will be in Tanzania working diligently on all of our projects!! Thanks for your support EVERYONE and many Blessings to you always.

Until next time~

Cheers!

JOIN US!!!

You are invited to join us on Tuesday August 3rd, 2010 from 4:30-9:00p.m. at Bilda's Freiss Lake Pub in Hubertus Wisconsin.

Bilda's has offered to donate 15% of the evenings proceeds to help us with the funds needed for the November 6th, 2010 Packathon at Menomonee Falls High School.

Bilda's offers a wide variety of delicious pub food and their pizza is out of this world.

We would love it if you could help us spread the word to your friends and family!! Bilda's is located on the corner of Hwy 164 and 167 in Hubertus. The address is:
4493 State Road 167.

We would also appreciate any non-perishable food items that evening too so we can help feed the hungry bellies right in our own communities.

Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Returning To TZ!!

I am humbled, honored and blessed to be able to return to Tanzania in August!! Upon my return visit, I would like to take 6-10 prayer shawls with me when I go. I will be working and visiting with the lepers and would like to present them with these blankets of comfort! If you and anyone you know would like to donate a prayer shawl, please send them to me before August 10th.

Mail them to:
Simple Hope
PO Box 4
Menomonee Falls, WI 53052.

Thank you for your kind consideration!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Blessings Continue...

Being asked to speak and encourage the youth of First United Methodist church today was such a blessing. There were so many things that I saw the children learning! As I read them my favorite story from the bible about how one man received a calling to do something so miraculous and without any hesitation he "jumped in" because he knew it was the right thing to do! My friend Reverend Amy took that "bold move" too by becoming a Reverend not in the beginning of her life but in the "middle" part of her life!!! She has taken a step of reaching out locally with all different groups of people both young and old and Amy and I have found a common thread that has woven us together ~ What a Blessing!!

The people at First United Methodist so warmly welcomed me and my oldest daughter Libby to their church. As Reverend Amy and I did the children's sermon, it became apparent that not only the children were listening but everyone in the whole entire congregation was too!!

After service we were greeting with many warm hugs and thanks for listening to this calling. I hope I have shown others that being "just a normal person" with God's help we can reach out and change lives both here and abroad!!!

I am so Thankful for this partnership with 1st UMC!!! You are truly a wonderfully caring congregation and I appreciate all of your prayers for my continued growth in this calling.

Congrats Reverend Amy on your huge accomplishment and May God Bless YOU Always!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

July 3rd Parade!

Thank you to: Pat, Joe, Julie, Taylor, John, Karen, Libby, Lauren, Brooke, Owen, Tommy, Trevor, Dan, Neema, Cara, Olivia, Katie, Bridget, Jacob, Ashton, David, Elly, Cecelia, Alfred, Fran, Tom, Tami, Sarah , Christina and Joan for your help and support! It was such a great way to spend July 3rd ~ helping others understand how we as a community CAN make a difference.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Hunger never ends!

I was lucky enough to work at my local community Food Pantry. This was where the seed was planted so many years ago in my heart to reach out and help others who faced hunger! It had been several years since I had been there and as I walked through the doors, I remembered the people the faces and the stories.

I met the group I would be working with ~ a wonderful group of caring individuals! Things hadn't changed too much, and I was so pleased to see that the shelves were fairly well stocked! The "storage" area was also adequately stocked as well.

I was eager to begin to serve the people who had come to get their food. Knowing I was now not only serving my own community but villages and communities in Tanzania Africa too. There were some similarities but vast differences too. I greeted one lady who just needed a few staple items that her social security check would now afford her. She said she would not take anything she didn't really need that her heart remained steadfast with helping others by leaving what she didn't need. As we went through the local food pantry, I listened to her story of her life. She had a story to share and I don't think anyone took the time to ever listen to her. As we were finishing, we discovered that we were both cared for by the same doctor. We laughed and she thanked me for listening to her and not "rushing" her through. She reached out with a hug and it was the warmest hug I could have ever had! This is helping someone in more ways than just filling up her grocery bag. Another lady came through the food pantry and wanted to share her story with me as well. It was sad but a work injury that crippled her husband had also crippled their life as a family. They were left with little income and what they had could not afford them food on a daily basis. As we walked through the pantry, she kept talking and I kept reassuring her that God had a plan in her life. I asked that she just take baby steps and not look further than what was in front of her today. She promised me she would do that and gave me a big hug on her way out.

The food that we package here in the USA that gets shipped to Tanzania Africa, completely nourishes the bodies of hundreds of children who have nothing to eat. They have no government run food pantries in this country. The food that we are able to give them, truly saves lives. I have seen the children eat this food. They are completely quiet as they eat the rice, soy and vegetables. They are too weak to tell a story but I have seen by the looks on their faces as they are nourished by this food. They are not given a choice as to what they eat, they are just happy to have something TO eat!!

I will end with one thought for tonight, hunger is very real here and globally. We have the opportunity to change someones life for a day ~ take a leap of faith and reach out to help.....it will forever change you and the person you are helping.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Asante Sana Dear Friends!

A wonderful night was shared by my friends this weekend. We cooked all kinds of great Tanzanian dishes together, shared our stories about life in Tanzania and the USA and created a very Special Bond together!!

Thank you Elly, Mama Neema, Neice Elly, Dada Karen and Pastor Elias!!

The night was so blessed ~

Until next time~

Cheers!!

Just received word...

I have been in touch with my wonderful partners in Tanzania that our food program is going absolutely PERFECT!!! Sister Invioleta and Sister Mary are taking care of 60+ children a day and these children are so happy to know they can receive one nutritious meal during their day!! I am so blessed to have the right people helping me to watch over these children who need this food on a daily basis. I know that I don't have to worry one minute that things may not be going right because they are in full cooperation with this program.

I also want to Thank Sister Hilda in Singida for taking such wonderful care of the 500+ children that are fed by her during a week. This is the second "feeding center" that we are helping with our food packs. Sister Hilda is in touch with me and has assured me that the children are gaining strength in mind, body and spirit with the help of this food.

GOD BLESS EVERYONE!!! I Treasure everyone who helps me to help our friends in Tanzania.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Our children....Their children.

I had the opportunity to go on the 4th grade class field trip with my daughter and 43 of her classmates. The trip destination was to our wonderful state capital ~ Madison Wisconsin. There were several parents entered into a lottery to "win" seats on the wonderful motor coach bus that took us right from our elementary school to the state capital and back home again. What luxury. The students raised money throughout the school year to have a motor coach vs. a yellow school bus.

Each student was "allowed" to bring along whatever personal items they wanted, but "no cell phones" were allowed. As we began our journey to Madison I was in observation of all that our children had. Sitting around me were 14 children with Nintendo Dsi. These hand held devices play games and "chat" with other devices. The children that brought their DSi with them, began to "chat" with each other. They would have screen names and then type back and forth much like cell phones nowadays. I really began to wonder, how are these children who are 9 and 10 yrs old going to learn how to communicate effectively when their heads are down and they are using their fingers to type whatever nonsense they were typing. Every once in a while one of them would stand up and ask: "OK, who is Mickey" or "who is blue57" then someone would shout from the back of the bus, "its me"

As I think about the majority of our children on this class trip, I really began to wonder why we as Americans insist that our children have these toys? Is it because we don't want to take time with them, that we are too busy and this will keep them quiet? I couldn't help but wonder that almost every child in this bus had an electronic device of some sort ie: ipods, PSP, Ninteno with an average cost of $170 per device. I excluded 3 children from my calculation that would be a GRAND TOTAL of $6,800 worth of electronic items in the hands of 9 and 10 yr olds!!

As I envelope my work in Tanzania Africa, I equate things to how this money could be used to help the children who hug me because no one else does, how they have bellies full of worms due to bacteria ridden water and bellies that don't grumble anymore but merely hurt!!! The children in Tanzania don't want an electronic item, they just want to feel better, have strength to smile, walk and perhaps even run...this is what is on their list. $6800 could feed nearly 31,000 bellies, put clean water into 25 or more villages and change their lives forever.

My prayer for today and always is that my words that I type or speak will plant some seeds for the future. You can make a difference. I will be happy to help you to help others...all it takes is one simple email...I will connect you to the most fulfilling work you will ever experience. Give it some thought...it maybe the best decision you will ever make.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Teaching mission work to young children!

I had a wonderful opportunity this morning to share what it is like to be a "mission" person. I had 30 of the most wonderful, engaged young children who listened so well. Mission work is a hard concept to explain to younger children, but putting into terms where they can help others made it very easy for them to understand!! Although my mission work is on a larger scale than most, I asked these young children that if they wanted to pray for my mission that would be a huge help!! One little boy said he would "add" me to his prayer list at night!! WOW, I guess I couldn't ask for more than that could I??

My mission is to help my brothers and sister in Tanzania, but it is also helping my brothers and sisters here in the USA understand that the littlest things can have a huge impact on the great things happening in our world.

If you don't have anyone you are connected to at this point, I encourage you to walk with me on my journey. It will be an amazing journey ~ this I know for sure.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Thank you Curt!!

Thank you Curt for the great meeting today in Minneapolis!! The wonderful conversation and lunch we shared showed your focus and our focus are one in the same. We are extremely grateful for all the work you do in Tanzania and we look forward to a powerful future!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

See the video..

If you click on the word Tanzania (below post) it will begin the video I just created.

Enjoy and Karibu to Tanzania!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Tanzania

Tanzania

Thank you Prayer Breakfast MOM'S

What a great morning ...sharing my mission to help the "least of the least" in Tanzania with the "Mom's prayer group" this am!! You were so thoughtful and engaged with my mission work and I am very Thankful for allowing me to be your "guest speaker" this am!! It only takes one person to plant the seed...and our world will be full of beautiful growth!!!

I appreciate your kind hearts this morning!!

Until next time~

Cheers!!

WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!

I want to Thank my wonderful friends at ST. Mary's Parish ~ Hales Corners for the AWESOME AWESOME job they did with their meal pack for Haiti!!! They rustled up 385 volunteers and packaged 45,000+ meals to be delivered to their sister parish in Haiti. My partners Floyd and Kathy helped all day which was a complete blessing!!!

I am so honored to have worked side by side with the great friends I made at St. Mary's parish. I know their heart and hands were reaching out to Haiti to help feed their hungry little bellies was so comforting!!

My partners and I also picked up 31,000 meals in the semi and loaded them for delivery to Tanzania. My wonderful partners in Tanzania will distribute to the many hungry bellies I am helping to feed there!!

WHAT A WONDERFUL feeling that we can help so many......and if we ALL work together, we can do more and more!!

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Partners.

I have been extremely blessed to be able to see the needs of my friends in Tanzania. It takes many hands to reach out and help. My vision is evolving as time goes on. Feeding the many hungry bellies has always been first and foremost in my line of vision!! I am happily connected to the most wonderful partners, Sr. Scolastica, Sr. Invioleta, Sr. Mary and Sr. Claudia. These women are the most incredible with their talents and skills to help the "least of those" They are building a wonderful food program for an area of Tanzania that calls for help everyday, every minute. The children that will be receiving our life saving nourishment on a daily basis are affected with HIV. They are all in school, but if their health is not treated properly with good nutrition they might not be able to continue in their studies. Can you imagine, living this way? Having parents who are sick, not able to give you the basic needs of living, no medical care, no food on a daily basis? Unfortunately this is their reality. It is sad, but with every bag of food you pack, you are giving one child pure nutrition for that day...YOU have helped to save a life!!

I could not be successful without the help of so many friends who have joined me! ! I want to Thank my partners ~ The sisters ~ for their help day in and day out. They feed these children with the food that has been packed here and I will tell you that those children Thank you everyday before each meal with a prayer.

I continue to pray for each and everyone of you who read my blog, listens to my stories and understands that my calling is not about me but about helping the "least of those"

Until next time~

Cheers!

Some of my favorite things...

As I look through the many many photo's that we took...I want to post them and have them tell their own story...such great friendships and partnerships made...I have been truly blessed by friends here in the USA and wonderful friends in Tanzania!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Church in Tanzania!

Since it is Sunday today and I am preparing to leave for church, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about the wonderful church services I attended while in Tanzania. I was in Singida for Easter Sunday. This was a wonderful bright sunny dry and hot day!! We had quite a few from our medical team that wanted to go to the Lutheran church and several that stayed in our compound for the Catholic Service. Both I believe were equally as beautiful (at least what I heard from my friends who attended the Catholic service) I do know that at the Catholic Mass there were 21 baptisms that day....WOW!!

There were nearly 10 of us that walked to the church which was about a mile and a half from the center where we resided for 2 weeks. The walk was beautiful. We meandered through the streets of Singida only to be greeted warmly by all the locals..wishing us a good day, greeting us with Easter Blessings and so on. By the time we arrived at church (this church was huge) it was already full!!!! We squeezed our way into the very back of the church as to not make a commotion when several "leaders" from the church told us to stand up that they had seats in the front for us!! Well you know what that means...we were the welcomed and honored guests!!! So we all marched to the front of the church and found two very tiny pews where we would sit!!! Now mind you there were 10 of us and enough space for probably 4!! So we called this the Tanzania "spooning" method. They don't believe in personal space so the closer you are the better!!! As we all "squished" into the pews, we were greeted with the choir who sang so beautifully. WOW...NO instruments but only their voices...it made my heart want to just jump up and sing with them...although I didn't know swahili, but I sure could have learned their "moves!!" The service continued with the Evangelist the the Pastor and finally the Bishop of the Central Diocese was there to do the sermon. At this point, somebody from the congregation must have seen our faces. We all were trying to "understand" what was being said but when you don't know the language that well....well,,,,you see what I am saying...I am sure we all had blank but satisfied stares on our faces!! She sent over a couple men to help us with interpreting. Of course where are we all going to sit??? Well, one sat down right between Karen and I and then one on the other side of me and then another a few down from there...it must have looked hilarious as we all "tried" to make more room!!!! There absolutely was not anymore room but we sat closer and closer and I believe Karen married Bob C during this time~haha!!

It was so nice to have our interpreter there to help us understand the sermon. As the sermon ended we could finish with the offering and more songs from the choir. We were all invited to the front of the church to introduce ourselves to everyone. They all knew we were with the medical team who had come to help at their hospital however it was nice for them to know our names and see our faces. After the service the entire church gathers around the outside to begin the "auction" whereby, people that don't have money for the offering might bring something to be auctioned off after the service. Our group, bought almost everything from fruits to vegetables. We in turn gave them to our kitchen staff at he social center!!! We were greeted by so many kind and simple people after the auction.

As we made our way back on foot, we all took our time to take in the beauty of Singida. The people, the live animals walking next to us and of course remembering fondly, our church service that had just nourished our souls.

It was a beautiful Easter, one in which has left an imprint on my heart forever.

Until next time~

Cheers!

A night to remember!!

I woke up last night to the sound of rain a bit of thunder and a flash of lightening. It brought back the memory of what would have been the night I was to fly back home to the USA. The time of year I was in Tanzania is considered their "winter" or "rainy" season. It is also known by those in the safari or hotel business as the "low" season. More on that later!!

After arriving to JRO airport, the sign was posted at the door that all flights had been grounded. Much to my delight, I began to hug everyone around me, Thanking God for giving me just a few more days or weeks to work on the mission projects. Who would have known that this plan was in place from the very beginning??

So upon arriving back to our home, we were greeting once again by the kind and caring staff of Boniface, Tim-o and George and a host of others that cared so much for me/us while we were there. We were given the "apartment" for the remainder of our stay!! We had a small refrigerator a desk a table and chairs and nice big bed...it was home..away from home!!!

That evening as my two Dada's (sisters) were together, we had just basked in the joy of getting the "one minute more" little did we know it would be "weeks more" but that night it felt good to be able to continue our laughter and laughter we had...well into the night!!

As we were all laying in bed, waiting to fall asleep, trying not to talk as we knew it would just begin another long moment of laughter...the rain began...OH MY did it begin!!! The rain came down so hard, I don't remember in any of my days hearing rain sound so loud. As we talked, we raised our voices more and more and more so we could hear each other!! It went on not just for a minute, not for five...but for over an hour!!! Thunder and lightening began to add to this sound and all three of us sat up and bed and began to wonder if we were to begin to build an Ark??? I know my own fears were beginning to show as we looked outside and started to see puddles filling quicker than they were disappearing!!! It was a strange feeling to be stranded by an Icelandic volcano and the rains about to take us all away!!!

The rain was needed so much in Tanzania. They have suffered severe droughts for so long...I knew that the farmers who tended to their crops were probably smiling and dreaming happy dreams!! I had to say a prayer for this rain and for who the rain helped!! My fears of not knowing how to build that ark weren't quite as happy as most of the people who had been praying for this much needed rain.

I guess I will never hear a rainy night again without thinking of the laughter that went with it in Tanzania. Thanks to my two dearest friends, Karen and Ann...we shared a moment that will never be forgotten.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Prayer Shawl Ministry.

I want to Thank everyone who sent a prayer shawl with me to Tanzania. I was able to distribute all of them while I was doing my mission work. There were so many beautiful shawls it was hard to decide who to give them too. As we traveled from village to village, the needs jumped out and it was easy to decide. In so many ways, I wish I would have one for each person in Tanzania ~ however I would need alot of people to accomplish this task!!

The needs were great. Illness affects every family!! The lack of medical care in Tanzania is where it all begins. After working in Singida for 2 weeks and experiencing life at the hospital, I know exactly why so many die early in their lives. They don't have the equipment or supplies like we do here in the USA. They lack professional doctors, the lack supplies and the locals don't have money to pay for anything to get themselves better. Its a sad story for most.

I want everyone to know that I was able to deliver all of the prayer shawls. I was unable to capture photo's of everyone receiving one because some asked that I NOT take their photo's. I could respect their wishes and understood in their weakened state, a photo was the last thing they wanted to happen. If your prayer shawl does not show up in my photo's yours was one that was received by someone afflicted by much pain and suffering.

If you know anyone that is interested in this ministry, please let me know. The need is great and the end result helps so many who are afflicted by pain!!!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reaching out selflessly to give of your time and talent.

Until next time~

Cheers!!

The cup of tea....

After we had spent the day learning about "bean farming" our dear friends Mike and Nico decided to take us to Nico's extended Family for an introduction. His extended family is part of the Masai tribe. They live in the Masai lands near Tanga. As we approached their homestead, it became very apparent to me that if I had to find there home I probably would have been somewhere between Egypt and South Africa!!! There are NO road signs anywhere and how in the world, Mike and Nico knew what dirt paths would lead us to their farm and home is beyond my imagination!! Seriously, not even a GPS could have gotten us to this place.

Once we arrived of course the children came running to our vehicle. I am quite convinced that they had never seen a white person by the looks on their faces. They were curious but shy and the little children were just plain frightened!! It was cute but I could understand how they felt. If all you have ever seen and experienced is your own race, I am sure seeing me would be a bit frightening!! Anyway, the older children would try to explain to the younger ones that we were their "rafiki's" and then they would hold our hands and make sure that their own hands had not turned white!!!

We were invited to look around their home/farm so we did just that. We walked to see all the crops they were growing, and the animals they had in their possession. It was so Peaceful. It was quite, I could hear the wind blowing, the grasses rustling the corn tilting over...it was such peace and solitude!! The sky was incredibly blue, the mountains that surrounded their land were breathtaking!!!

As we were finishing our walk, Mama Masai (Esther) and her husband (Francis) invited us to have tea. It was the traditional Masai tea with medicine in it. The medicine was found by the mountains and it tasted like chamomile. Esther who spoke some English said that it would calm our tummies. I enjoyed this cup of tea because it was shared with such love and friendship. I don't know if I can even put into words what it felt like to be an honored guest in their home. While we were sharing our tea with our friends, a goat was giving birth right behind my chair that I was sitting on. As I watched the birth of this goat, I noticed all the children helping the mama goat with her labor and birth. It was fascinating to me. These children knew just what to do. As the baby was born they quickly had the mother clean up the baby so that she would know to love the one that was just born. They kept putting the mama's nose on the baby. They cut the umbilical cord with their fingers and gave that to the Mama goat to eat...this built that connection to that baby. Within 15 minutes the baby stood up and began feeding on the mama. Their union had taken place.

We resumed our tea together and began to talk about our efforts with farming. At one point, Esther said she was so pleased that we came from so far away and cared so much for the people of Tanzania. She and Francis shared some conversation in their tribal tongue and when they were completed, she told me they had plenty of farm land and would like to give me 100 acres to farm. She said I could use this to help the many villages I was trying to help. She said you have come so far to help our people, this is the least we can do to help you. I will tell you I was speechless. What can you say to someone who is so gracious? I replied with Asante sana, Asante sana (thank you very much) and was choked up...I do believe I could have just cried right then and there!!!

Esther took me through their humble mud hut. She showed me their living room and bedroom. It was simple and peaceful. There was no electricity, just one door and one little window. I could feel the love all over their property. The farm fields, their home, their children all exuded love.

Our cup of tea was one of friendship and bonding. It was my chance to understand their life and to tell them a little about me. I feel incredibly blessed to know that I was able to connect closer to my Masai friends. They explained that now we are true friends and we are now able to share farm land when we develop our project.

I am so blessed with these great friends, Esther, Francis their children, Mike and Nico!! We will always have the bond of friendship and farming together.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Sometimes its the littlest things....

As Dr. Peter , Karen and myself began to prepare for the eye clinic in Singida we had much wonder about this clinic. We had no idea how many would show up, what the need would be for eyeglasses and further more, how many just wanted to come to see the "American's" who blew into town!!!

Our clinic was simple led by two very wonderful doctors who tried their level best to run an eye clinic on a daily basis in Singida. Dr. K and Dr. S did a great job with what they had. We had "toured" our clinic where we would be working everyday for a week and to my surprise it was a very small room. I think the entire working space we had was 10 meters long by 5 meters wide. Not a big place to do exams and set up a dispensary!!! As we pondered the first day how we would make this work, it became easily apparent that we would do our eye exams along one wall and set up our dispensary along the other. Mind you, there were 2 huge desks and 2 big tables that occupied this room already. There was no place to move these pieces of furniture. There was a couch and a bench and one big used examining chair!!! We shuffled all these pieces of furniture around and made this exam/dispensing room work!! I will tell you that from 12-3 this room got extremely HOT!!! We would have anywhere from 3-7 people in the room for exam and dispensing at a time!! The window cloth had to be put over the window at all time so Dr. Peter could test the "eyes" At one point, Karen and I felt we would both collapse ~ the heat was unreal and the door to the outside had to be kept shut!! We made it work!!

The people that came to this clinic ALL needed glasses. There were only a handful that did not qualify for anything. Cataract surgery is needed on a daily basis due to the closeness to the equator and their eyes literally getting "burned out" The remaining patients needed glasses for reading and distance.

We did "run out" of usable glasses at our clinic. Many that had been donated were not the right kind of glasses for our patients. We had a wonderful donator who sent over 1800 pair of sunglasses that we were able to distribute to everyone that came to visit ~ what a blessing this was for those who came!! By the end of the week as we walked around Singida we saw more and more people with our sunglasses on!!! Hopefully they know this is the only way to protect their eyes!!

I know I could work at this Hospital until I die and never be able to help everyone....the one week I was scheduled to work was fulfilling and life changing...it doesn't seem like enough, but sometimes its the littlest things that make a difference.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Photo preparation!

I am sorting through nearly 2000 photo's right now. I have so many wonderful memories of my 5 week mission trip to Tanzania.

I will sort and post this week!! I will have another 5 days of "stories" to share with you this week. If you have any questions for me please email me at: simplehope1@gmail.com. It is easiest for me to answer your questions with email.

Thank you for being patient!! I am very excited to share with you my stories.

Until next time~


Cheers!!

Killer Bees!!

Today's post will be a continuation of my "rice farming" day!!! While I was in Tanzania (Post volcano) I was fortunate to become a rice farmer for the day!! This is a day that was pivotal for me and what I want to do to help my many friends in Tanzania. As we worked EVERY part of the rice field that day, I had the opportunity to help "swap" the rice. I along with several migrant farmers pounded the rice onto a rice bag where it would be gathered by the children who would haul it to the village to "dry" for a week. After I pounded much of the rice, I was walking back to my "video" recording professional (thanks Mike) and as he was interviewing me on the experience, he shouted loud to "GET DOWN GET DOWN" I was laughing and surprised and didn't understand why...but quickly crouched on my knees and put my hands over my head!! He kept telling me to listen and as I did, I heard this loud hum...getting closer and closer. I peaked out of the corner of my eyes and saw this huge black cloud getting closer. The cloud was nearly a few feet above my head then left and went off in the distance. I quickly asked Mike what it was and he said it was a swarm of "Killer Bees" that make there way around these fields and if you don't get down they would have gone right through us!!! WHEW...that is what they call a close call!!!!

Just another day of rice farming...with another new experience to write about!!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Continuation....

After we left the school for the Disabled children we drove to Moshi. It was a beautiful day, the sun was bright, the clouds were puffy white and the rest of the sky could not have been more blue. As we drove away from this village I was reminded of the simplicity of the Tanzania people. The women walking with their "goods" on their head...once again I was admiring their strength both physically and mentally. Most of these women had children along side of them holding their hands or guiding them off the road as cars would pass by. The cattle and men herding them was yet another reminder of how life remains simple and basic....maybe they have worries and stresses but from the looks of it, they are content and happy to be alive. As I drove past each person, I wondered what they were thinking as they looked at me. I was reminded that if I kept these people in my memory I could pray for them even though I didn't know their names, their lives might be a little it better.

We arrived in Moshi with the help of our friend Mike who so patiently drove us to meet our dear friends Sister Scolastica, Agasta, Claudia et all. We met at the "provincial house" where we were greeted with the warmest welcome. It was mid afternoon and we had not stopped for lunch along the way. Our dear friend Sister Scola had her sisters prepared their "leftover" lunch of rice and beans. As we were invited to the lunch area, we were so welcomed by the beautiful place mats, clear plates and the warmth like being at your Grandmothers house. We were most welcomed. Mike had decided to remain outside to watch the vehicle and rest a bit. The dear sisters took him a Fanta so that he could relax. He was so patient and never once complained about driving and waiting for Karen and I. We were so blessed by his patience.

We departed with Sister Scola and made our way to the Sisters school/convent/university about and hour from Moshi. Here is where we were greeted by "all" the sisters who were in training and others that were completed and working for God 24/7/365. WOW talk about a powerful experience. Our "partners" for our food programs were finalized and put into place. We were able to share a Coke and some homemade popcorn with them and talk about how we will move forward to help serve the "least of the least" I feel so great that my partners with the sisters is finalized and I can trust all that they will do to help me to help them!! Our first school that we will begin to serve has more than 90% children that are infected with HIV. The area is very very poor and most parents have no education or viable employment. We will begin to share our Kids Care Food with them until we can incorporate our self sustaining farming program. This is where our "project managers" come to help us!! Mike, Nico, Steve and Mike will all be very instrumental in helping us move forward positively with all of our ways of building these children to great strength!!

As we were finishing our time we returned to Mike who had been waiting so patiently for us. It was near dark and we knew we had taken up so much time and needed to get back to Arusha before it was dark. We said our farewells to our "partners"/sisters and began our journey back to Moshi to drop off Sister Scola. On our drive we were all in such great amazement at the events of this day. As I was speaking with Sister Scola who was in the front of the vehicle, my eyes popped out of my head. There was the biggest brightest most beautiful rainbow I had ever seen. We all looked with amazement and knew that this was a sure sign that our day was blessed in greater ways than we ever could have planned. Then Mike had us look out the right side of the vehicle and there was Mt. Kilimanjaro it is complete beauty. We had gone past this Mountain several times in the 5 weeks we were there and never got to see it..but today, the rainbow and the sight of this mountain, made us all aware of the wonderful beauty of our earth!!

It was a day we could not have planned, but one that was already planned for us!!! We will all remember how we felt on this drive home....at least until the next rainbow comes!!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Musings continue...

"Post Volcano" will be the term I use alot in the next weeks of talking about my mission in Tanzania. If it hadn't been for this volcano, I never would have gotten the opportunity to do all the great things I did. Thank God for my friend Mike!! He was available to Karen and I for all we wanted to do, our late night requests, our laughing on how seeds were being planted and growing during this time of uncertainty...and even though he had a full schedule himself, he journeyed with us and helped connect us to the people that we needed to meet. Asante Sana Mike...You were such a blessing to us and our work!!

We met a wonderful Pastor at a Lutheran Church we were visiting one Sunday. She was the "visiting" Pastor that day and new that we were "guests" as we were the only white people in church that Sunday. She quickly greeted us after service and invited us to her office. We talked about why we were in TZ...what we had already accomplished and what our goals were for Simplehope. She invited us to a school that she was connected too near Moshi/Kilimanjaro. This school was a school built solely for children with physical handicaps. As my passion to help the "least of the least" this seemed to be a great connection for me.

Mike so graciously drove us to visit this school. We arrived with the coordination of Pastor Anna and were greeted by the Head Teacher. It was a National Holiday the day we were visiting but it was ok...he wanted to show his school to us. There are 85 children that live there as it is a boarding school. These children are all in wheelchairs, walkers and or crutches. There are many afflicted with MS and other crippling diseases. The head teacher explained that the rely on support from donors and a little comes from the diocese of Moshi. The school was well thought out, it takes the needs of these 85 children into account with handicap bathroom access, beds that can accommodate wheelchairs and the pathways between buildings are all flat and smooth so these children are safe. This school teaches the children how to gain independence within themselves and to instill pride into their everyday life. They are taught how to do their own laundry, to clean and cook and all the children take extreme pride in learning and executing what they learned.

This school is powered by solar energy!! They have some crops growing to support their everyday food intake, they also have some farm animals to use for milk and egg production. They not only take them to fish but teach them to fish!!

As we were ending our tour of this school, all the children came together to sing Mike, myself and Karen a song. They began by singing which led into clapping then they were moving back and forth as if they were dancing. Tears were welling up in my eyes as they were so proud of themselves. Their voices were like angels!! We had the opportunity to share a few words with them and I encouraged them to keep learning and never give up!! I told them that I would share their story on my blog and that many would pray for them. They all clapped and understood the power of prayer!!

We shared tea with the Head teacher and talked about his accomplishments in this school. Of course I hope there is a way I can find people here to connect to the children there. They need encouragement and love and I would love to connect children and adults to these wonderful children.

Our day ended with another song from the children and a kind farewell. They saw our faces, they know that there are people that care about them. Perhaps I could connect some prayer shawls to them..anyone interested??

I will post the second part of this day tomorrow...more miracles happened to us this day!! This was only the beginning of a very wonderful day!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Join me on Facebook!!

My facebook name: Pamela Schwalbach. I share lots of fun photo's and news on facebook as well as this blog!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Recounting my memories!

5 weeks of memories are alot to blog, so I have decided that each day I will recount one or two memories of my trip. This will allow me to focus on special ways that I was brought closer to my friends in Tanzania. Today I want to share with you about a day in Singida. I was preparing to leave for the hospital where I was working with my "dada" (sister in Swahili) and my friend Dr. Peter from Nairobi. We had just finished breakfast and tea and made our way to the hospital. As we were arriving, the eye clinic was filled up with patients needing and wanting eye glasses!! This was our second day of our eye clinic. We had set up our "dispensary" and Dr. Peter had his small eye examining station set up. A lady came through dressed in the most beautiful dress. She had been examined by Dr. Peter and it was determined that she needed glasses. Her vision was extremely low and we needed to match her up with a pair of glasses. I searched and searched to match her with the exact prescription but was unable to find what she needed. We had hundreds of donated eyeglasses but none that would match her Rx. I was beside myself as I know what it is like to not be able to see things clear. I went through all the bags we had and still found nothing. Among a pile of glasses that we had not individually bagged yet was her exact match. One pair with the exact Rx!!! I had her try them on. She read the chart clearly and began to cry. She said over and over: Asante Sana Asante Sana. This was the first time in her life she could actually see things clearly. I knew at that moment that this simple eye clinic was changing the lives of many!! As she was walking away, she said I will be back in 15 minutes. I wasn't sure what she meant but continued with the clinic, helping dozens of others. She returned later and asked me to step into a small examining room. In this room she brought her daughter who was a tailor. She brought several swatches of fabric with her and said she wanted to make me a dress. My eyes began to well up with tears. I did not expect this, nor did I want her to go out of her way to do this for me. She said she wanted to show me her deepest appreciation for allowing her to see clear for the first time in her life. Her daughter took my measurements and the next day a beautiful dress was made. I know that my heart was changed that day!! I went to Tanzania for many reasons, but the one I wanted to achieve most of all was to help as many as I could. My calling is to reach out and help those least of the least...it is my greatest honor to do this work. I will never forget the tears in Celima's eyes the day she could see....this is what we are here to do....reach out your hand just once to someone...and the results will forever change your life.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Thank you Grafton High School/Ozaukee County.

The May 1st Packathon a huge success!!! We managed to package 30,000 meals in just under 5 hours!! I had the most wonderful group of volunteers who by the way, carried out this pack with their own fortitude until I arrived home just 24 hours before the "pack"

I want to sincerely Thank Jim G, Pacha, Robin, Sue, Toni, Alisa, Polly, Dorothy, Emmett, Chris, Cindy, Libby, Tom, Bre and all the others that came to help make this event possible. The committee really took care of promoting and distributing the information and made this entire event a success.

Sometimes in the darkest hour we are reminded that if we remove our worries, things turn out greater than we could ever expect!!

Many many many Thanks from the bottom of my heart for helping the starving children in Tanzania. Our partners in Tanzania are very proud and joyful with what we accomplished Saturday!!

Until next time~

Cheers!!

5 weeks later!

I am on my way back home...am currently in Amsterdam with my flight cancelled to Detroit. Pole sana. I will reconnect on a different flight and be home later!!

This 5 weeks of living in Tanzania has been a journey no one except God could have planned!! The experiences have been life changing. I remember after the volcano errupted, my dada Karen and Ann (from Dar) and I were laying in bed feeling restless. We weren't sure what we should do, how long we would be staying and my dada Karen said: "Be still, and know that I am God" So we did just that. The next couple weeks of being at peace led us to the most important answers we needed. We made connections greater than anyone could have ever planned. We experienced everything we were looking to experience AND we found that all the dots that were not connected were now connected.

Thank you everyone for your support of love and prayers during my much extended stay. There is alot of work to be done, but as a dutiful servant of God, I will carry out his plan and mission. I couldn't do all I am doing without your love and support and for that I am eternally grateful.

I will post photo's and write more about the trip when I am home. The internet/electricity and phone situation in Africa did not allow me to post too much. Thank you for understanding and if you can remember one thing in your day today: "Be still and know that I am God"

Until next time~

Cheers!

Becoming a Bean Farmer!

Another miracle today!!! I spent the day traveling with my good friends, Karen, Mike and Nikodema to an area of Tanzania where commercial farms are located. Nikodema is an agricultural consultant in Tanzania and has been for the last 8 years. He oversees many commercial farms for a company located in Holland. He works with many local and international farmers who import and export crops from Tanzania. The journey was quite unbelievable as we had to travel on the "African roads" which if you have ever experienced the most extreme roller coaster in your life, you can triple that with bumps and lumps and rocks and holes and dips in the road. We were blessed with Mike as our driver. He knows these roads like the back of his hand. He can easily maneuver but with me sitting in the front seat I would always point out a few that I thought he might now have seen. I think you get the picture...he was probably thinking to himself, this lady really doesn't trust my driving...and we would all laugh!!

Back to farming!!! So we learned that there are over 100 different varieties of beans grown in Tanzania. Some are drought resistant while others are more "hybrid" in variety and need more moisture to grow!!! We learned of all the different diseases that can stop the growth along with the insects that LOVE to eat these leaves and destroy the plant. Having our crops grown in different parts of Tanzania will be most helpful as if one fails another will live. Nikodema also went along to "survey" the local crop condition. He could sit in our truck and immediately knew what was happening with that particular crop!! He would point out what pesticides or insecticides were needed and tell us how they would mix up these things to continue with a safe crop!! Who knew I would become a farmer in this lifetime???

After our safari to the farms we met a Masai family which is an extended relative of Nikodema. We arrived at their homes and were greeted by so many wonderful children just curious about us!!! The first thing to do is take their picture...then show them their photo!! This creates an instant bond!! Mama Masai (Esther) and Baba Masai (Francis) invited us to have their traditional tea. It was made with medicine from the mountain. I would compare this too chamomile tea in the states. Esther showed us how they pick from the bush and grind it to make a powder. Then add to the tea to help "stomach" problems. The tea was wonderful and the company was peaceful. Other than the flies that were attracted to my tea, there were no other issues!! We talked with Francis and Esther about farming here in Tanzania. They offered us some of their land in goodwill because they love that we come from so far away and want to help the people of Tanzania. I can't describe the feeling of gratitude!! Who would have known that we could all work together with the same hearts??

While having my tea, a foot behind my chair was a goat (mbuzi) giving birth!! The children all went to help this mama deliver her baby. The baby was born and they helped the mama "attach" herself to the baby. They took the cord and cut it with their fingers, then put it in the mama's mouth so she would recognize her baby. They kept putting her face on the baby so she would recognize her smell!! After a few minutes, the mother and baby were connected. The baby stood up 30 minutes after birth and began taking the milk from mama!! What a wonderful experience for me.

We returned to our apartment and were invited to a Tanzania wedding. It gave us another chance to put on our custom made Tanzania dresses!! The weddings here are long and formal. The reception was beautiful and everything has a meaning!! By 11p.m. my eyes could not stay awake any longer!!

It was a great day, full of so much meaning!! The dots are being connected more and more!! I am so happy to have found the best people to work with!!! I have many many great friends here in Tanzania and I have a great partner...my dada Karen!!!

Until next time~

Cheers!!

Becoming a Rice Farmer

Well, as they say, make hay when the Sunshine's...that is just what I did. I had a wonderful opportunity to learn and experience the life of a rice farmer here in Tanzania. I drove for nearly 3 hours yesterday to get to a village called Magugu (near Babati) to meet with the local rice farmers. Our driver knew the "local" farmer and we picked him up and then drove for miles and miles and miles to get to the rice fields. The setting was so peaceful and beautiful. The back drop of these fields was the Rift Valley Wall. It was in a valley and very very HOT!!

There were the 3 of us that walked and worked with the rice farmers. I will tell you that my thoughts have changed since experiencing the life of a subsistence farmer. They work and toil so hard each and everyday and earn nothing for their work, yet they are dedicated to this work.

We walked for miles through the rice fields. There were little hills or moats about 4 inches wide above the mud/water where the rice grows. The meaning of "watch your step" has a whole new feeling. Upon one of the many steps I took, my sandals slipped and into the mud I went! So as they say "jump in with both feet" I did just that!! I was full of mud before we had even arrived to where we were going to help. The local farmers laughed more and more after seeing me!! I even laughed myself..wondering what my purpose was in all this!!

We met the woman who pounds the rice out!! She was small in stature and yet I believe could have taken me and whipped me around!! She would take her two hands and wrap them around a foot of rice stalks and pound pound pound. I had to do this with her so I did. Nothing could have prepared me for this experience. After the rice was pounded out, it is taken on their heads or backs to be laid out in the sun to dry. We went to the area where the rice seeds were drying then were told to take our shoes off and start "turning" it over. They walk back and forth for hours and hours drying this rice. After we did this, we went to the rice "shelling" machine. This machine takes the husks off the rice and separates it. Once it is separated it gets put into bags and sold at the market. There are women who take big buckets and sift through the rice to catch the rocks that are found in with the rice.

So much goes into obtaining that one piece of rice!! I will never ever blink again at the price of rice. This is a job everyone should have the experience of doing once in their lifetime. I know I am blessed to have been able to walk the walk and share with them how much I appreciate their hard work!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Established in Tanzania

Well, since we are here for a long while, we have set up a small apartment bought bread and water and have moved into the culture!!

Yesterday was a great day. We managed to have a small safari with a personal guide and visited an orphanage. The children saw us coming and began to run like crazy to us. They grab your hands and love and hug you. These orphans are without parents OR have parents who could not afford to care for them. They don't experience the "human love" or contact that most of us receive on a daily basis. Just to look into their eyes and hold there hand, pick them up, dance with them, laugh with them, is like giving them all the money in the world. As they say, Love does make the world go round...and I believe I made their world turn just a bit brighter, by sharing time with them!!

Going to visit other orphanages this week...will make my way to a disabled children's school and also make some "home visits" with my friend Pastor Anna!!

My work is not done, it has only begun.

Until next time~

Cheers!

May 1st Food Pack - Grafton High School.

Please don't forget to sign up for the Grafton High School Food Pack!!! We need lots of volunteers and could use everyone's help!!! You can contact jgrissom3@wi.rr.com in my absence!!

This food is saving lives!! Please donate one hour and $25.00 to help package 100 meals.

Until next time~

Cheers!

More work to be done!

Things are not done yet in Tanzania. My flight was grounded due to the volcano in Iceland. We have been told it could be up to a month to get home. Becoming a missionary was my dream...but never thought it would be this fast!!! I am very safe and have great friends that are taking really good care of me and my mission partner Karen!!!

We have been able to experience so much. We had a wonderful meeting with the Sisters in Moshi. We have formed a wonderful partnership for developing food programs for many remote villages!! I feel entirely blessed to have made this connection. Thank you to my dear friends, Mike K and Floyd and Kathy Hammer. When the time is right for things to take place, things fall in place so easily. I will say that many of the villages we are working with depend on the food. They have no means to get a good nutritious meal, so this food is saving lives.

We spent a couple days with the Masai Tribe!! What an interesting and fascinating life these folks live. We went to their "market day" and saw how they sell cows and goats or trade for something they might need. There was probably 500 or more at the market. I knew that I stood out of this crowd, but was so welcomed!! One of my friends even fit my feet for their famous "tire shoe" I now have a pair of these to bring home and wear "around town" I was also given the plaid wrap to wear, although, I don't think I would be able to do what they do. The Masai women work extremely hard. They build the house, the barn, take care of the children, please their husbands when they need, and take care of everything else under the sun!!! The men, well, they take care of the cattle...WOW...can you imagine??? I see that this is the truth with the women here in Tanzania that aren't Masai too!! They all work so hard!! I am only so happy when I can help them in a small way!!

Since we will be here longer, we will be able to do more work for the least of the least. We are preparing to make arrangements to visit several orphanages and share our love with the children who have no parents. My only hope is that we can give them a smile by being there for them.

Life if difficult in Tanzania. There is nothing easy about it. The people remain the most loving and caring people I have ever known. Please keep this country in your prayers!! They need every ounce of your help.

Until next time~

Cheers!

T.I.A.

My initials stand for This Is Africa. I have been so extremely busy here. The medical mission week ended very successfully. My eye clinic was a huge success. Having Dr. Peter with us from Kenya was an absolute blessing. In 4 days we managed to examine 305 patients and distribute more than 500 pairs of eye glasses. There are specific needs in this country for glasses. I will be forming a more specific list of those needs upon my arrival home. The doctors that we worked with from the Singida Regional Hospital were so kind and gracious. They helped us run the clinic and it was successful because of their help. The last day of the week I was asked to do triage for the pediatric clinic. What an eye opener. I was doing all the preliminary work for the Doctors and met all the "pediatric" patients and mama's that brought their children in. I remember so vividly a little girl affected by HIV...her Mom the same...I held this little girl and she was almost 2 years old. Her weight was under 12 pounds and the circumference of her bicep was less than 5cm. She had not been breast fed since March and had thrush in her mouth so severe. I couldn't help but hold her and pray for her life!! There were many others like this that I could share with you but I think you get the picture. The children suffer so much as do their parents.

Saturday evening the Honorable Regional commissioner, his secretary, the VP's of Singida had a wonderful "gala" event for our med team. We were all honored with a wonderful gift for helping his village/region. The highest dignitaries were there and I wore my African Dress that had been made Special for me for that night and felt honored to be able to be in that very room. They are so grateful for all the help we provided for these people.

I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to the "bush" and visit a small village. It was a very different experience. It was so remote and so peaceful compared to the area where we stayed in Singida. This village that we visited was amazing!! They have learned to accept their subsistence farming and live with it. They are very simple people and their needs are only what is in front of them for that day. They don't live for anything but God and their families. We toured the primary school and visited their dispensary. This village is run by the same order of nuns in which I have been working with in Singida. I will meet there head order today so see where other needs are in and around Tanzania.

Yesterday Karen and I went to visit the sister parish on Mt. Meru. The travel to this remote village was a bit...well,....not like anything I have encountered yet in Tanzania. The road began as bumpy and rocky...they it narrowed to just two paths of dirt..they it narrowed to one little dirt path...finally running out of any site of a path or road. We had our driver take us in a van and at one point we hit a huge rock (not seen on the road) and it sounded as if the whole bottom of the van had been torn away. We gasped and they held our breath as we did not know what would happen next. Augustine our driver remained calm and got out and began to pick away at the rock until it finally moved ...then the van went forward and we were happy. We made our way to the remote village and were greeting by the church Pastor and evangelists. We had tea upon arrival and then toured the church/school and other preaching points. I had brought prayer shawls with me and took one to a man who was very very ill. The church choir came to sing to him and I wrapped that shawl around him and said the Lord's prayer. I could hardly get the words out as this is such a powerful ministry. God needed me there to assure this man he would be well. After I was done he told me "Nakupenda sana" which means I love you so much. His wife came running to me with a "kuku" and handed it to me. I wasn't sure what to do. I had never held a kuku before but she too kept repeating the words Nakupenda sana Nakupenda sana and she began to cry. I knew from this that the prayer shawl ministry is a very strong ministry in this country. I took the kuku and put it in our van with its legs tied up...and knew that I would give it to our driver. He had a very stressful drive taking us to this remote village.

I will end here. I have so many more stories to share but my time is very limited. I have a meeting this afternoon in Moshi so will be departing from Arusha soon.

Thank you for all your prayers and kind wishes. I appreciate everyone of you.

Until next time ~

Cheers!!

Good Friday.

It has been a tremendous week. Yesterday Karen and I had the opportunity to spend a couple hours at the children's feeding center. We spent time with Sister Hilda who runs this wonderful facility. I shared a prayer shawl with her from Dorothy. I felt it so appropriate to give her strength as she feeds hundreds and hundreds of children daily. She helps with their medical care and there education. We passed out some school supplies and played with the children. We read to them and enjoyed their sweet precious faces as they listened and learned from us.

Our driver for the day "Kennedy" took us to meet the Pastor of the Lutheran Chuch here in Singida. He was busy with a youth convention at the local secondary school. He invited us for a welcome from these children. As we arrived the sounds of song and praise were overflowing from the school.. We walked in and 1500 children clapped, sang and danced with our arrival. There were 4 of us representing Outreach Medical Team and we were honored to be there. We were able to introduce ourselves and explain what we were here to do. It was a wonderful experience for both the children and us.

We had dinner with one of the local Doctors here in Singida at his home. We enjoyed a wonderful meal together and learned more about how difficult it is for Doctors here in Tanzania. A well trained physician here earns $300 a month. They work hard and get nothing in return. It makes me very happy that I am on a wonderful mission team with 91 doctors and nurses who so graciously gave of their time.

We are awaiting the arrival of our medical container which was suppose to be here a week ago. It was held up in customs and was released just yesterday. WE have to do alot of work quickly to unload medical supplies and our food for the team. Please pray it all arrives safe or we will make do with what we brought with us on the plane.

I am reminded everyday that I am in the right place doing the work I was chosen to do.

The internet is not good here in Singida so my hope to post often is not coinciding with what I had originally wanted. I am so grateful for your post comments and prayers to continue my work. You are all very very special to me.

Have a joyous Easter everyone.

Until next time

Cheers!

So Far....

My work thus far has been busy. We arrived to Singida after our 13 hour very wet, muddy and bumpy ride in our Land Rovers. The country we saw on our way was so beautiful. As we left the Arusha area we began to see more Masai their home made of grasses and the many cattle they would be herding. There hasn't been much change with that since I was here last year, but a reminder of their simple living. There were many coffee trees and farms just outside Arusha which was very interesting to see. As we began to go further south there was less and less to see outside of the beauty of the land, the mountains, the beautiful trees and the much needed rain which was also a hazard on our travel. The Road to Singida became unpaved just about 30 minutes outside Arusha. So you can imagine, the dust, the mud the slipping and sliding was something I had really never experienced. We had a wonderful driver and we were escorted in Government vehicles so we were very safe. I imagined that anything less than what we were in may have put us upside down or tipped over like we saw time after time on this muddy roadway.

We arrived at the Catholic Social Center Compound late in the evening. It is a wonderful place to stay. The sisters are most gracious to us and are so Thankful that we have come to help in their community and beyond. We have very wonderful accommodations and feel very safe.

Yesterday we began to sterilize and clean the facilities in preparation for the rest of the medical team. Floyd and Kathy taught me how to convert unsafe water to bleach for cleaning. He had a small chlorination machine that when hooked up to his small truck battery, makes bleach water. After I had accomplished this task we began to clean our kitchen area so we could prepare for safe eating and drinking.

I had the wonderful opportunity to go the Singida Children's Feeding Center and met Sister Hilda who runs this center like a tight ship. I was able to participate in helping to feed the over 500 children that were there with their hungry bellies. It was very emotional for me as all of you know, my heart and compassion to help feed these children means so much. The children sang and danced for us and I feel so blessed to be there to bring them hope and love.

Today we visited the Regional hospital where I will be working next week. We met the eye team, the surgeon the director and the nurses. It was overflowing with patients and I do know that my help with carry them through better than ever. Dr. Peter I will be joining me on Sunday and he will help those with more specific troubles. It will be an intense week but one of hope for so many.

I must leave for now. I am ready to go back to the Feeding Center for some play time with the children. They are anxiously awaiting.

Thank you for your well wishes and many prayers and blessings. I feel everyone of them as I am here in Africa.

Until next time~

Cheers!

Safe in Africa!!

I have arrived safe and sound to Tanzania. We are waiting to depart for Singida region today which will be about a 10-12 hour journey over land. We were most welcome upon arrival in Tanzania. My work awaits when I arrive in Singida...the hospital and others we will visit.

I will post more as I have time, but please know all of your well wishes, prayers and blessings brought me here safe and sound.

Until next time~

Cheers!!

Prayer Shawls.

What a wonderful collective effort with the many dozens of prayer shawls I will deliver in Tanzania. These mean so much to the ones that receive them. A prayer shawl is hand knit or crotchet with the serenity of knowing that the person receiving them will feel the love and warmth of the many prayers that were knit into each shawl.

I assure everyone that has so kindly donated their time and talent with the prayer shawl that I will wrap and assure the recipient that prayers were said with each stitch.

They are all so beautiful, thank you for allowing me to share your love~

Until next time~

Cheers!

SOTH ~ Thank you!!

I want to send a very sincere Thank you to my Mission Dada (sister in Swahili) Karen and Pastor Jay for the wonderful love and commissioning Blessing you gave to me/us today. I was in great hands knowing that you blessed and prayed for our entire trip.

The service was heartwarming and it felt like home for me.

Thank you so very much and we will return to be better servants with enriched hearts.

Until next time~

Cheers!

EUMC ~ Sunday School/Confirmands get a lesson on life in TZ.

Asking the question to 75 enthusiatics listeners at EUMC Church today, "Have you ever been on a vacation or trip and when you've returned home you wanted to share every detail about that trip?" One little boy probably age 4 or 5 looked at his Mom and said: "Mom, what trip did I like?" and she said, the Brewer Game? He replied No Mom, the other trip....she said "The waterpark?" he replied "No Mom" the other one...she thought for minute and said the "train trip" He stood up and said "YES MOM finally that was the one" and he began to share all the details about his trip to Chicago on the Metra. Listening to his recollection about this trip was my purpose for being with this wonderful group of children today. I went there to share about a trip I took over a year ago and what was placed in my heart to share. There faces and great listening ears made my heart sing. They learned that the children/orphans in Tanzania are not as fortunate as the children are that were sitting in front of me today.

This wonderful church sponsors a World Vision Child in Tanzania. I am able to connect them to this brother of theirs and they were so excited to hear about where Johanes lives, how he lives and that he is a child just like they are!! The 75+ children that I had the honor to teach today, showed me that the little things we can do here; will make a huge difference for him and others. The gifts I will take with me are precious because they were made with love. The prayers for Johanes, his family and his village were heard....he will sleep just a little better tonight knowing so many care for him.

Thank you children at EUMC , Miss Karen and Miss Sandy. You are a truly Special group!!

Until next time~

Cheers!

Living, Learning, Caring and Sharing.

What a wonderful afternoon ~ Thank you Mrs. Block and Mrs. Piper for allowing me to borrow to students to share with them how others live in our world. The simplicity of a handmade book is a difficult thing for a 9 and 10 year old to wrap their head around. Explaining that most children in Tanzania don't get to go to a store and ask their Mom's and Dad's to buy them that favorite toy or game for the Wii. First of all there is no store, no money, where would you plug your Wii into if there is no electricity?? These questions weighed heavy on the 50+ children I spoke with today. Life is not easy, but with their love and thoughtfulness, there will be that glimmer of hope for many who will receive these special books!!

I am so thrilled when I can share just a little bit with the young children here in the USA about life in Tanzania. It doesn't have to be a big splashy presentation, but a simple grab a spot on the carpet sit in a circle with the children share my stories, answer their great questions and plant a seed that someday might sprout!!

This was the perfect way to end a great week!!

Until next time~

Cheers!