November 16, 2009
Greetings from Georgia,
I am now back in the states.... our timein Africa this yearwas truly amazing and heart rendering... so much happened in such a short time. The pictures postedbelow tell the story better than I can. The NOAH School Uniform Project was a huge success ... Barbara was able to give out almost 100 school uniforms to needy orphans, without a school uniform they can not attend school.
Lisa from the Piggly Wiggly (a local grocery chain where I live) donated over 400 bags ...we were able to give out every one of them ... the children loved them...they will be used as school bags ... these children walk a long distance to school.
Jim, the school kids were thrilled with the soccer balls, schools do not have any sports equipment or toys,so you can imagine what a treat it was to have the soccer balls.
Barbara and I distributed over 200 blankets and quilts to children living in a Squatters Camp ... you ladies in Colorado and Georgia are Quilting Angels and because of your kindness and love of these African children they will have a way of staying warm.
Attendance doubled at the school in Zimbabwe where we are working with Wellington from Zimeletofeed 100 orphans a meal a day ... these children walk 5-7 miles to school on an empty stomach. So many of you helped tofund this project - you are making a difference in so many lives ... THANK YOU!!!
Dick and I were part of an Our Journey fact finding mission in Kenya and met some of the most amazing people; we are looking forward to working withthem againnext year. They are feeding hundreds oforphan children in the slums who would have nothing to eat or a place to lay they head if it were not for them. It was not thatlong ago many of these orphan childrenwatched as their parents were beheaded. It is hard toeven type that and see it in print.
My precious Phila (a child I tried unsuccessfully to adopt in 2005) died and went to heaven on June 4, 2009 ...he was six years old ... my heart aches but knowing at the same time he is in Our Fathers hands and will suffer no more. It is my hope Phila's story will touch many and they will want to help other needy children.
I can not find adequate words to express to all of you how thankful I am for you -with out you, none of this would have been possible. Please keep Our Journey in your thoughts and prayersfor next year.... we need to raise a lot ofmore money next yeartocontinue to fund these programs.Check out our web site to see how you can donate. www.ourjourneyinc.org Also, please let me know if your church or civic organization is interested in seeing a 30 minute Power Point Presentation of our work in Africa.
Much love,
Maureen Ahern
South Africa - Happy faces - some of the children receiving their new schooluniforms-a HUGE thank you toBarbara and friends.
Lisa, as you can see in the pictures, the children loved the Piggly Wigglybags - thank you so much!
Jim, the soccer balls were such a hit! Thank you so much!
Children waiting for a blanket or quilt - live in a squatter’s camp.
Thank you to all the people that helped support this project - Our Journey is feeding 100 orphans a meal a day in Zimbabwe.
Dick feeding the starving children in Kenya, Our Journey will be involved in helping tofundthis project in 2010.
My precious Phila went to heaven on June 4, 2009 - he was six years old.