Cameroon 2012: Glimpses

This sweet boy wasn't yet old enough to attend school, but he couldn't resist coming up the hill to check out what all the fuss was about.  Children his age and younger often wander far out of sight of their parents.  Hard to imagine a boy his age wandering alone in North America.

Efong, Cameroon, Feb 16, 2012

Ghana Project Update

Earlier in 2011, we learned about the scourge of slavery in Ghana, specifically on Lake Volta... children being sold into slavery and forced to toil endlessly at the hands of their slave master, often losing hope of ever seeing freedom again. 

We also learned that there are organizations dedicated to not only negotiating the rescues of these children, but also of providing for the children once they are freed from slavery.  A child can not be rescued without a future being secured for them.

Our goal was to offer financial support to increase the resources available to rescued children so that the maximum amount of children can be rescued and given the best opportunities possible. 

When we spoke to PACODEP to assess what would be the most effective way to realize our goal, we were told that their initial 3 classroom unit built at the Village Of Life was at max capacity, and that more classroom space was their greatest need.  They explained that more classroom space would help provide an education to more rescued children.

At the time, that seemed to us to be the most effective way to expand the available resources so that more children could be effectively rescued.

Touch A Life Foundation, a ministry focused solely on the needs of trafficked children, is currently supporting 28 of the 38 children at the Village Of Life.  They have worked alongside PACODEP for several years to collectively address the issues of child trafficking in Ghana, as well as the provision and support for rescued children.  TAL currently also supports 47 children in their temporary facility in Accra.  We spent time with these kids as well during our time in Ghana.  

(Photo by Touch A Life)

When Touch A Life contacted us at the end of September, we discussed the needs of the rescued children and the heart of our mission/goal.  They offered to help us implement these changes and also offered to match the donated funds to help us meet our goal.  We accepted their offer, based on their extensive experience, their integrity and transparency, as well as their ability to help us meet our goal.  The funds were transferred over to them at the end of October. 

In order to ensure our funds would be handled with the highest possible degree of responsibility and transparency, TAL conducted a thorough review of the current resources for trafficked children at the Village Of Life. 

Key points of their review, including but not limited to:

·  An additional two classrooms have been built adjacent to the original three classrooms at the Village Of Life, bringing the total classrooms to five.

·  Only 8 of the 28 rescued children sponsored by TAL at the Village of Life are receiving an education.  The majority of the children currently educated at the village of life are from the neighboring community.  Note:  We understand that there is a benefit to educating trafficked and non trafficked children together, and that there is great value in providing education to the community’s children.

TAL concluded that since roughly only half of the rescued children currently in Kete Krachi are receiving an education at the Village Of Life, there is sufficient classroom space for trafficked children at the Village Of Life within the five existing classrooms.

By comparison, all 47 formerly trafficked children in TAL's care in Accra are currently supported, sheltered, rehabilitated and educated by Touch A Life. 

In 2012, TAL will be transferring the 47 children from Accra to a permanent facility that is being established in Kumasi.  This facility will provide for up to 100 children in TAL’s holistic rehabilitation and care program, more than doubling their current capacity to provide support to rescued children.  Since there are well established schools in close proximity to the new Kumasi facility which will provide integration to the children with local non-trafficked children, no funds would be needed for constructing classrooms.  Instead, funding would be focused on the housing, care and development of the children.  This will make a tremendous impact on the children who were once enslaved, but have been released into freedom.

While classroom space is still an integral part of the program at the Village Of Life, with the classroom space already having been expanded to five classrooms, there is currently ample space for trafficked children to receive an education at the Village Of Life.  This ultimately changes the needs for the resources we have raised.

After much time spent in prayer, discussion and research, our team realized that in order to serve the best interest of the trafficked children, it is imperative that we reconsider our initial plan to simply expand classroom space at the Village Of Life.  We owe it to God, to the donors, but most of all, to the trafficked children, to protect the best interests of the trafficked children in Ghana.

We have carefully come to a decision that we feel will serve the best interest the children still awaiting rescue, as well as the children currently rescued.   PACODEP and Touch A Life, although two organizations operating separately and independently, both have the same goal at the heart of their mission -- to do what's best for these trafficked children.  Our decision will help these two organization meet their goals, while still maintaining the integrity of our mission -- to provide expanded resources to the trafficked children in ways that would help further the abolishment of child slavery in Ghana.

Out of the funds raised currently held in trust by TAL, $5,000 USD will be provided to PACODEP, to join the $1,000 we have already provided to them prior to our travels for construction materials.  These funds will be used by PACODEP to provide the construction and labor for one additional classroom.  This will help raise the amount of classroom space from the original three to a total of six.  This classroom will be equipped with sewing machines and other resources that can be used by the older children currently residing at the Village Of Life to gain necessary skills for successful employment. 

The remaining $24,000 of the funds raised will be used by TAL to establish the Kumasi facilities, greatly increasing the resources available to rescued children.  Full accountability and transparency of how these funds are used for the Kumasi facilities will be readily provided by Touch A Life.

Any concerns or questions as to the distribution of these funds or how this decision was reached, please feel free to contact Touch A Life or our team, at Africa@beyondmeasure.me

Please note that I will be in Cameroon until the end of February, and will be unable to respond until my return.  

It's a.... first!

It seems that it's raining blessings in the form of babies throughout our Compassion family.  Lizbeth, Justin and Suwanna's mammas were all expecting recently.  

I've been eagerly waiting to hear news of the safe arrival of their new brothers or sisters.

When she had announced her mother's pregnancy to us through one of her letters, sweet Suwanna had promised to send us a photo of the baby as soon as he or she was born.  Her excitement and pride in becoming a big sister again was clear as she shared the news.

Although she had promised, it was still a sweet surprise to receive the announcement of her sweet little sister's birth.  With pictures.

I have to say, it's the first time in all the years we've sponsored that we've ever received a birth announcement, much less one with photos!  How exciting!

Here is the beautiful family...  (her dad works in the rice fields, he wasn't available for the photo)

Suwanna's adorable younger sister, beautiful Suwanna (in pink) with her hair starting to grow back, Suwanna's loving mom, the precious new babe, and Suwanna's handsome older brother.

Introducing "Koon" (they also spelled her name Coon in the letters).

I am so excited for Suwanna and her family.  What a joyful blessing!

Family By {His} Choice

We no longer sponsor a Maker's Dozen. 

Our Compassion family grew in 2011... first George & George in April, followed by Tahameena in July.  Thirteen seemed to me to be blessed (on any day of the week, lol!).  

Surely we were at our limit.  

Surely God laughs when we think this.

In December, three more children were added to our Compassion family.  Don't ask me how that happens.  Ask Him!

Victoria was introduced in this post, and today, I would like you to meet Maryuri, our sweet girl from Honduras.

There is no doubt that God chose Maryuri for my mom and I to sponsor together.  

It started in December...  My mom had been missing her dad very much as the holidays approached.  It had been 13 years since his passing, and the holidays always made the loss especially tender.  Perhaps intuitively knowing that it would bring healing as grief is often softened when reaching out to others, mom had asked me to find the oldest available girl from Honduras. 

I asked my Advocate team leader to help, and a while later, the child pack came to my house just as I was about to pick my mom up a few days before Christmas.

As soon as I saw the child pack and read it, I immediately called Compassion and told them that this would be the new child for my mom and I to sponsor, and I added her to our account.  No hesitation.

I quietly gave my mom Maryuri's child pack when I picked her up, and gently told her "Meet your new child..."  I also shared that my present to her this Christmas would be my pledge to continue financially supporting our co-sponsored Compassion children should she, at any time, find herself unable to continue to support them financially.  She had been concerned about being close to retirement and committing to a child...  

But when she saw Maryuri's profile... she broke down and cried, knowing God had chosen her for us, and that He would provide, as always.  He would not only provide financially, as always, but also provide healing.

Maryuri's birthday is the exact day, month and year of my grandfather's passing, as well as the same day/month as my younger brother's birthday.

It was a while before she could speak through the tears.  

It was a while before I could see the road again clearly.  

Practice Makes Perfect

She had so much to say, they gave her two sheets of paper.

For over two years, this girl had been working hard at learning how to write, not an easy skill to master for a young child in Thailand.  She kept telling me about how hard she was trying, and I kept encouraging her.

Her goal was to write her name for me... and then a letter in her own handwriting.  I cheered her on.

Last summer, after receiving a note from her teachers asking for encouragement for Suwanna's handwriting to improve, I looked online for Thai handwriting practice sheets.

With my next letter, rather than the usual reading or coloring book I sent her a package of alphabet practice sheets -- one sheet for every letter of the Thai alphabet.

To encourage her, I did some research to learn if I could figure out how to write any of our names in Thai, but the only two I could find were Joshua's and Jillian's.   I wrote "Joshua" on a yellow sticky note, and the best attempt at the Thai translation just underneath...  and did the same for Jillian's name.

I hoped she wouldn't laugh too hard at me...  and that she'd be encouraged to write her name for me.

A few months ago, our prayers were answered.  She wrote her name to me for the first time.   I was delighted to see her confidence grow and noted that the messages from the teachers pointed to progress in Suwanna's life.  I celebrated this sweet victory and kept encouraging her through my letters to her.


I received a letter in the mail yesterday, puzzled to see that it was from Suwanna.  The letter she had signed had arrived not too long ago, so it was unexpected to see another one so soon.

That wasn't the only thing that was unexpected.

She wrote the entire letter by herself, in her handwriting...  and asked for a second piece of paper because what she wanted to pour out to me simply wouldn't fit on one page, in spite of her beautiful, tiny, perfectly crafted handwriting.  


I've loved all the letters I've received from her, but this is by far my all time favorite, ever.  I could see her personality finally shining through as her voice flowed through her hands and onto the page.

She had mentioned in a letter back in July of 2011 that the Princess in Thailand was visiting her area and that she was very excited about the visit...  so in my response at the time, I asked what she would say to the princess if she could meet her, and what would she do if she could host the princess for a day -- what would she show the princess?

I received the answer today, in her own handwriting:



"I am very glad to write this letter to you with my handwriting.  I have written this letter to you with my best.  Thank you very much for letter, photo, books and stickers.  I really like them. I am very happy when I receive your letter.  Thank you very much for your gift also.  I spent it on overcoat.  I have kept the rest of money for using in necessary time.  


We are preparing for Christmas party now.  I will perform dancing on that day also.  I really like dancing.  My brother and I regularly attend the project's activities.  There are many activities for us to do there.  There are football club, volleyball club, Thai massage club an handicraft club.  I have attended the volleyball club and my brother has attended the football club.  


My father is harvesting rice every day.  My mother always stays at home for treating Koon (new baby) and Normor.  Koon is two months old and Normor is three years old.  Normor likes to play with my mother, Koon and friends.  My brother and I go to school every day.  My brother and I always help our mother to do housework after school.  We always cook rice for mother in the morning.  My study is quite good and I can play with friends very well.  Adventure is very exciting for me.  


My most success is graduation from university.  English is very hard for me but art is very easy for me.  


You are my first sponsor.  


If I can say something to princess, I would like to ask her that is she tired from her work?  If I have whole day with her, I will bring her to watch trees which were planted by her twenty years old ago.  I think that she will not be able to visit my school now because many places in Thailand have been flooded.  


Thai names of Joshua and Jillian are very good (whew!!).  I really like these names also.  I will pray for Ghana children that they will be free soon.  May God lead your ministry always.  I would like to give you Matt 7:7 to you as Christmas present.  I believe that God will never leave His children.  He is always with them.  


How many tourist attractions in your country?  


Please pray for my health also.  May God bless you always.




Love and care,


Suwanna"




Am I proud of her??  Beyond measure.  Watch out, University, Suwanna's on her way.

If you sponsor a child in Thailand and would like a copy

 of the Thai practice sheets, just let me know

 in the comments below, and I will email them to you!

What are some of your favorite questions to or from your sponsor child?

Princess Pockets

At first, I didn't see her name.  All I could see was her sweet, infectious smile...  there are few things brighter or purer than the joy of a child.

Eventually, I pulled myself away from her photo long enough to learn more about this sweet girl.  That's when I saw her name and giggled -- oh, such a fitting name for the daughter of the King!

In no time, I was drawn again to her photo and caught a glimpse of something red.

I took a closer look, and wondered:

What DOES a princess carry in her pockets?

I shared the photo with someone, and she guessed "frogs".  I giggled at the thought!  I think my son Brandon would love to become a prince to a frog-pocketing princess...

My guess would be giggles, but I'm guessing this one's giggles would likely be hard to contain.

Hubby thinks princesses carry hairbrushes in their pockets.  With Jillian being his princess, that makes sense!

It's likely that Joshua's guess would involve Coca Cola.  That would account for the color red!

I have NO idea what Jillian's guess will be, except that it will probably turn into a post of it's own...

What say you, oh friends?  

What does a princess carry in her pockets?  

Leave a comment with your best guess!

Winner gets an 8x10 scripture photo print (perfect to send to your sponsor child or to frame!)

Jillian will decide the winner based on the entries received by 11pm EST on Feb 9th.

Two free prints to the one who decides to sponsor this little girl!

As for this princess, she needs a royal sponsor, one that will treat her like a princess!  

(And someone who can ask her what it was she was carrying in her pockets that day!!)

If that sponsor is you, please respond quickly before my willpower collapses....  oh that smile!
UPDATE:
A sponsor has been found!!  My friend Steph, who sponsors Prince, the little boy we visited on her behalf in Ghana, now sponsors Princess too!  A Prince and a Princess!!  <3  SO excited!

Penny Perspective

I had the opportunity and blessing of writing for the Compassion Canada Blog today...

"If we ignore pennies under the assumption that a penny is worthless and won't make a difference... how much more of a grave mistake is it to do the same to children?  How often do we do this to the world's children?  How often do we do this to our own?"


Will you join me there to hear about my Penny Perspective?

http://www.compassion.ca/advocatenetwork/blog.php?intid=836

Emancipation of Robert Sadler

A year ago, I did not know what the word emancipation was.  A year ago, I might have passed this book when it was offered for review.  I would have missed out on one of the best books I have ever read.

The Emancipation Of Robert Sadler

The powerful true story of a twentieth century plantation slave

Although I had read many books on slavery and human trafficking, this true story of a child slave drew me in for three reasons.

1.  It focused on child slavery in the U.S. after the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863.  This was the first book of it's kind that I would have read to help me in my abolishment advocacy.
2.  It was split into three definite sections -- Slavery, Freedom, Ministry.  This implied that there would be much to learn as we followed Mr. Sadler's story from beginning to the eternal rest.
3.  Richard and the millions of children like him, still awaiting freedom.  I close my eyes, and I see him... I owe it to him to continue to equip myself with knowledge.


I must say, if it hadn't been for the flawless way this book was written, it would have been a story almost too hard to bear on the heels of our time in Ghana. There are times when I felt physically sick and I could feel my heart bruise deeply for the injustice  and pain inflicted upon these innocent, precious lives not only in the south, but everywhere that slavery has tainted mankind.

The writing was exquisite and did the story full justice in as much as a book can.You could literally feel yourself living Robert Sadler's experiences alongside of him as he painted the brutally vivid picture of his journey through slavery from the age of 5, to freedom, and then ministry.

As much as it was important to me to read about his life as a child slave and the realities of what life was like for not only him, but all those who served with their lives alongside of him, it was his later years that touched me the most.

The way that God protected the purity of his heart and led him straight into a life of ministry worthy of his own book in the Holy Bible left me closing the book feeling a different kind of pain than that of being exposed to the horrors of slavery...

The pain of the loss this world suffered at the passing of one of the most exceptional examples of Christ who had ever walked on American soil, and the finest example of a human diamond, born of extreme pressure and trials turned into beautiful and shining glory for God.



Easily in my top 5 favorite non fiction books, ever.


I strongly believe that this book needs to be read by all -- and as such, I would like to donate my copy of this book to one of my blog reader.  Simply leave a comment sharing how slavery has impacted your life, how you would benefit from this book, and how I can contact you if you are the winner.  


Draw will be made Wednesday, February 8th at 11pm EST.


Disclaimer:
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

Back-To-Africa: Cameroon 2012

Back in early November, I learned that I had been awarded with a trip to Cameroon to join a team building four schools in remote valleys of Cameroon.

I had misunderstood the nature of the award -- it was a subsidy, not a sponsorship.  The airfare is fully funded, the project is fully funded, but I must fundraiser to provide for my in-country expenses and travel visa document.  Estimated cost for 2 weeks is $800, including travel visa document.

Since there are only 17 days left before I leave, there is little time to fundraise.


I have decided to do a Back-To-Africa Photography Sale/Fundraiser.

Check out the Facebook Album where the photographs (and one photo session) are available for sale.  Limited quantities.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151207803440224.806869.831985223&type=1

Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated!

One Word 2012

It has been a while since New Year Resolutions changed meaning for me, growing cold, buried deeply right next to life's "Bucket List".

Oh it's not that I haven't given them a voice in the past, those handful of things that I had hoped for past years, or wanted to do in the eventual future...  I just can't recall what they were, since they have completely lost their importance to me.

When I first heard of it, the idea appealed to me.  Tossing aside the New Year Resolution and choosing instead one theme, one word to focus on throughout the year, either something we pray for more of, something we're weak at and want to focus on improving... or perhaps something chosen for entirely different reasons.

My word for 2011 was Outrun.  It meant so many different things, on so many different levels, and I much enjoyed the process of not only choosing the word (and just ONE word), but of living it out.



The time came to decide whether or not I would choose a word for 2012.  I found myself reflecting seriously on it as 2011 ended in a season of upheaval and 2012 was ushered in with continued determination to outrun the enemy's increased pursuit, and the one and only word that came to mind through all the reflections was a word that I believe may very well be my last "One Word" of the year.

It's a word that will never change or lose meaning, regardless of where my life leads or what the years ahead hold.



This year is...  His.


Every year is His, since I am His.  Always.

The plans for me are His.

It is His daily bread that is sufficient.

My life is in His hands.

It is through His death that I will live.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me -- my life is completely His.

For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone.  If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord.  So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord -- we are His.

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand -- those who are His.

When I am hard pressed on every side, but not crushed --  the strength that protects me is His
Perplexed, but not in despair -- my mind is focused on His word
Persecuted, but not abandoned --  I am His beloved
Struck down, but not destroyed --  I find shelter in His presence


The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing -- because I am His.


Therefore, I will not lose heart...  though outwardly I am wasting away, yet inwardly I am being renewed day by day.  For my light and momentary troubles are achieving for me an eternal glory that far outweighs everything...  so I fix my eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal...  my days, my years, my heart, my life, my love, my everything... all and only His.