The month of January has been a really trying month for us with some desperate situations arising.
Over 150 children in the care of LIA all needed their school fee's to be paid, as without payment no one can attend school. We have been inundated with the community children all wanting assistance in supporting there fee's as well; last year we managed to help 400 local children gain some form of government education, but unfortunately, this year, I think it will be at least Easter before we can help that number of children.
More and more babies and children are coming into our care, as they are being abandoned and left to wander the streets.
Two weeks ago, I accepted 7 children into our care. Twins 10 month old boys and their sister, three more boys whose mother just abandoned them, and another abandoned baby which was left at a teacher's house, and the mother absconded with her older child in the
middle of the night.
But our deepest concern had been that two of our children who had gone home to relatives for the xmas period had not been returned to us on the expected date. We try very hard to keep any family 'root' system in place so the children know their tribe and their extended families, who have to sign that they will return the child on the due date. We managed to collect one child, but the other child we were extremely worried about as the mother had moved house 3 times since we had taken the child. I brought in the local leader that we work with and he and our Manager on his motorbike went off to look for the
child. They were given a lot of 'lies' and the mother was duly taken to the police station for questioning, she also kept changing the story as to where the child was....
At this point we are beginning to worry that the child has been given to the witchdoctors.
The mother was released and told she must have the child brought to LIA within the next five days or she would be questioned again. Five days go by and nothing... Pastor Frank and Gudilla are searching the area for any clues as to where the child might be. After another 5 days and no child, I spent the day in my bedroom in prayer, I could not bear to think of what could have happened. Thankfully she was found that night at midnight by a Chairman of a village with an old women. When she was sat on my knee going home in the car, she kept repeating to me, 'I want to go to my home,''I want to go to my home'. 'Where is your home?' I asked her. 'Fleeze House is my home! I want to go home to Fleeze House and my family.'
We don't know what would have happened to this child if we had not had the co-operation of the police and the local leaders, and all of our friends whom we had asked to pray for the safe return of this child.
I thank our God, and I thank you all for standing in the gap with me for the safe return of our beloved child.
Mungu Akurbiriki,
mama Lynn
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And as the UK and suffers from the worst winter in 30 years, here in Tanza we have been praying for an end to the drought and famine which has been such an insidious part of our daily lives over the last seven months.
Thankfully we experienced an abundance of rain here on the plains, and it is great to pass the livestock of cows and goats and see the replenshing of meat now covering the coatrack bones. The countryside is once again green, and the maasai who are nomadic and walked there cattle 250 kilometers to the grasslands, have now returned to there families and young children. You may remember, we were called in to help feed a school with 120 children who were severely malnourished.... for all the volunteers who were engaged in seminars to the maasai you did an amazing job of encouraging the maasai to send there children to school, the teacher who had a class of 120 children, it has now risen to 180, we are looking to support the school by employing another teacher to help her, courtesy of Bernard and his friends in Leeds who have sent some funds over for us..... well done!
The message was heard loud and clear. Education, a balanced diet, and good medical care is how you will have a stong tribe for the next generation.
Like LIA farm, we too had problems with the famine last year. We lost both our maize and bean crops..... the difficulty with these rains which are arriving now, is "Are these the light rains or is this the start of the heavy winter rains?" Do we plant now and risk having no more heavy rains to swell the grain, with the hot baking sun drying up the crops, or do we wait, to see if more rains arrive? Then plant our crops..... consequently, due to crop failure, the daily commodities that we need to feed our children's centers rose drastically, and prices became heavily inflated. Unfortunately, we have no government assistance to help us through these hard times.
Already the New Year has brought into care an influx of new abandoned children Over the last 5 days we have accomodated a 10 month old abandoned boy, 3 boys whose mother has deserted them, and yesterday, a pair of 10 month old twin boys and the1r 18 month old sister.
We never refuse to take a child who is vulnerable to neglect, even though at this time of year we have very few volunteers to help us meet the continued costs of running and caring for this large amount of children. We just believe, that God will touch the hearts of his people to help us through these difficult times. This year we are seeing an extra large number of volunteers applying to come over and help us with our programs, but the majority will arrive during June through to September. Perhaps some of our blog-readers consider coming in spring or autumn?
At the end of March, Marcus and I are travelling over to the States at the kind invitation of Lee Harding and his team of volunteers. We are looking to travel at present to Ohio, Chigago, and Michigan, I believe, in what order I'm not quite sure but Lee is handling the itinerary, so anyone who would like me to come over and visit with them, please contact Lee. One of the 'fundraising' events we will be privy to see, is a 'packaging day' where volunteers will on one day, pack a huge amount of dried food which will then be sent overseas to feed the children on our outreach food kitchens. We are really looking forward to seeing this massive event with a large amount of volunteers. I'm sure Lee can give us an update on the blog at a later date as to what is involved. I'm thinking I shall put a number on some boxes and then take pictures when the boxes arrive at our centers just to show America that I have received the boxes that we saw being packed.....
As a round-up I would just like to thank sponsors who have sent small xmas gifts through the mail to the children, we are still receiving some each week, and expect to do so right upto Easter. I have Malissa here who is helping me, with the backlog of thank you letters, so please be patient with us, we are trying to get them all out to you when the parcels have arrived and the children have written there letters, with some of them now back at boarding school, it does pose a bit of a problem for us, but we will endevour to write to you to thank you for your wonderful support of our children......
Be abundantly blessed throught this New Year,
Mungu Akurberiki,
mama Lynn
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ACROSS THE MILES WE WISH ALL OF OUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND SUPPORTERS OF LIGHT IN AFRICA A HAPPY, JOYOUS, 'SAVIOR' FILLED' CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.
I have now returned to Tanzania, I just managed to leave before all the snow fell and flights were canceled. When the aircraft doors opened at the Kili airport it was just like the heat of an open oven hitting you. This is the hottest time of the year here in Tanzania, so different from the dark grey skies of Europe.
I was able to attend my mother's 101st birthday party, which was very special, and then it was the Christmas ball. So much effort had gone into making it a huge success, so many thanks to Laura of Nations Together, daughter in law Lou and my son Aidrian, who put up with me at their home, Debbie, Allison, Claire and the team, and all the many supporters who had provided raffle prizes, and other gifts, Vinney was the compere for the evening and so many volunteers arrived from all over the country, (even Suzanne from Germany). It was a very special time for everyone to 'catch up'. Reece and Michael worked hard on the PowerPoint presentation on the work of Light in Africa which was very emotional.
And a 'special thanks' to our webmaster Paul, and my long-term friends, who always treat me to a carvery at a nice restaurant. Memories are made of these times together.
When I look back over the year, it always amazes me how God has moved Light in Africa up another notch. This year we have accomodated even more children, and opened another children's home and a primary school. In January 2010 another home will open in another region, all this is accomplished without any marketing of LIA. But through word of mouth. Visitors or volunteers who go away and tell family and friends about their experiences at a children's home in Tanzania. It humbles and encourages me to do much more for these desperate children and the community. Words fail me to express my sincere appreciation for the gracious gifts that 'friends of Light in Africa' provide.
Without your continued support we would find it hard to help so many children and adults with shelter, food, medical care and surgery.
So, from the children and staff, we salute you all for your great kindness to us in supporting us through another year.
Warmest wishes and heartfelt thanks,
mama Lynn
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Hello dear family, friends and supporters of Light in Africa,
What a whirlwind, amazing time that I have recently enjoyed. My feet have hardly had time to hit the airport tarmac before I have had to dash of to train and bus stations, our Light in Africa volunteers in Germany and Holland and Scotland and the Uk have arranged for me to meet some amazing new people who have asked to meet with me. I have already met with over 1000 school children and students and I have still some more schools to visit. It has been a wonderful time, and I wish to thank all those very kind people who have hosted me at their homes and given me a 'true' taste of the many delicacies of there countries. My taste buds are 'droooling' just thinking of all those delights.
I have already visited Sheffield and Newcastle Universities where I was able to meet with some of our past volunteers and to meet new ones intending to volunteer in 2010..... I am amazed at what some of our volunteers get upto in there attempts to raise funds which they will spend on children and the community when they arrive in Tanzania.
Just to give you an idea.....Some guys from Sheffield are cycling from John.o.Groats to Landsend, (approx. 1000 miles) Sky dives, Absails from bridges, Walking through hot coals, silent auctions, Jarrord my grandson, (12yrs) is going to attempt to break his record of 170 dives in 1 hour, amazing, Mary & Brian have just registered for their marathon swims, holistic week-ends, besides the many coffee mornings and pampering days that occur each month. It truly is awesome what our committee members and volunteers will do to help the orphans of Tanzania.
Tomorrow I'm off again, this time to the Dorset area, and Southhampton, so will catch up with you again later.
Spotted this quote on a Buds to Bloom calendar.
A FRIEND IS SOMEONE WHO KNOWS THE SONG IN YOUR HEART, AND SINGS IT BACK TO YOU WHEN YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN THE WORDS.
Thank you to all my dear friends who keep encouraging me when things get a little 'scary'.
Abundant Blessings,
mama Lynn
NOTE: we are participating in the BBC MyStory competition. Click Here to visit the site and if you like it, you can even vote.
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This picture is of Mary & Brian Clark who are such wonderful supporters of Light in Africa. Each year Mary swims in the cold cold waters of Lake Windermere in the UK to raise funds for our children.This year Mary was joined by her husband Brian, who last year was too sick to compete. It is a joy to see you both looking stunning in your wet suits! Mary & Brian raised 500 pounds from there swim.
Bless You Both For Your Exhausting Endeavours.
Mama Lynn
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Today exactly 10 years ago mama Lynn got on a plane to see if God really wanted her to go to Tanzania.
And we all know the story: many lives, those of beneficiaries as well as volunteers and sponsors, changed thanks to her conviction and energy.
Please join me in congratulation mama Lynn with all achievements and remember her in your thoughts.
My thoughts are with those in need and I am grateful to be part of the wonderful LiA world to continue to make a difference.
Paul
LiA webmaster
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Mama Lynn asked me to inform you that with immediate effect her only email account in use is: africa@lightinafrica.org
Her other email accounts on Hotmail and Yahoo have been closed.
Have a great day!
Paul, LIA webmaster
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Hi everyone,
Granny Annie came to volunteer with us a couple of years ago. A lady of mature years, she had pink hair, wore odd shoes, was a total extrovert and the children loved her outlandish ways. She broke the mold as how a bibi (grandmother) should look or behave. Today she posted me a bouquet with some pearls of wisdom that I would like to share with you all. Thanks Annie.
Happiness keeps you sweet,
Trials keep you strong,
Sorrows keep you human,
Failures keep you humble
Success keeps you glowing,
But ..... Only .... Friends
Keep you going.
Sometimes I am motivated to make changes which, I have to admit, leave Light in Africa staff, the present volunteers or dare I say even our webmaster, somewhat bewildered, and at a loss as to why I have done something.
A recent case in question was when we were told to expect El Nino to severly hit the Kilimanjaro and Manyara region with strong winds and heavy rain.. Having previously experienced the floods in Mirerani, where miners lost there lives, and there was much distruction, and with the Tanzanian Government issueing directives for all people living in the lowlands to move out of the area, and having so many babies and toddlers at Fleeze House, I made the decision to evacuate the little tots and move them to the empty Mailisita House as in the event of a disaster, we could not handle so many small children.
Two weeks after the move, we were contacted and asked to rescue 21 children from a home near Arusha where the landlord had arrived and locked up the three rooms where the 21 children (3 children being disabled) were staying and they had been forced to sleep outside on the balcony. A very dangerous situation as elephants often moved around the area, and of course there is always the hyenas. This was due to the Pastor being unable to pay the rent for the last 5 months.
Our social worker Grace, and Pastor Frank, hired a dala dala and brought all the children to the empty Fleeze House, where they were all examined and very very happy to come into light in africa's care.
A suitable home is now being looked for to enable the children to return to the Arusha area and attend school.
God works in mysterious ways, sometimes we just have to have the faith to 'just do it'.
The last time we were asked to take in 24 children in one go, God provided in an amazing way. Likewise, he has done the same this time by a ladies German group donating some funds for the first time. It was gratefully appreciated, it answered our need to help these children.
Now some updates on the projects that our volunteers were working on.
Lighthouse Children's Home & Primary School.
From the photographs (below), you will be able to see that everything has gone ahead as planned. The facility has been secured with a high wall and a new metal gate. The toilet block and shower room is all plumbed in, the bedrooms which were all painted and tiled look great, the double decker beds we did have a little problem with in getting them through the door, but eventually, mission accomplished. The kitchen has only to be painted inside, the lounge and classroom looks great, the desks and chairs are all in and we are now employing two teachers, the school will soon be registered, and this will be the start of next years building program, where Yazmeen Ali and her team in Aberdeenshire are committing to fundraise to build a new purpose
built school.
Amani Farm.
All is well on the farm, and the water has been connected - the pregnant pigs are getting fatter, and Marcus is hopeful for litters of 8 - 10 which will increase the number to about 50 pigs. Great job everyone, thank you all so much for the teamwork, and the contribution you have all made to Light in Africa this year.
Babus
As written in a previous post, the babus (grandfathers) who stayed with us in Mailisita, found a new home in Lerai, a maasai village supported by Light in Africa. The promised pictures are now included.
Last Item.
Sophie, my granddaughter, (whom I believe every volunteer knows from Facebook) was tested as having a very high white blood count whilst
with me in Tanzania. I accompanied her back to the UK for further tests, and after a course of treatment she is now fine.
I was supposed to arrive in the UK around 24th November with our chairman and Pastor Frank, having first visited our Light in Africa volunteers in Germany and Holland.
With the change of plans, if anyone would like me to support any of there fundraising events I would be happy to visit with them,and explain to there supporters the work we are involved in.
Please contact Laura on Nations Together who is administering the
itinerary for further information.
Area's I will be visiting are: Germany (Cologne), Netherlands (Amsterdam), UK: Aberdeen, Newcastle, Leeds, Sheffield, Hull, Dorset area.
Abundant blessings,
mama Lynn
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THE GLOW THAT ILLUMINATES, AND THE GLARE THAT OBSCURES.
Dear Family and Friends,
I start this blogg with an apology for my absence in responding to emails, but at present due to the drought, we are having major power cuts daily. At present I am writing this blogg in the early hours of the morning as it is the only time for the network to post the mail..... I have a lot to tell you this week.
******
We are so thrilled with our new addition to Tudor Children's Village, which is a wonderful - state of the art playground for our children -
We have seen immeasurable dedication to complete this project by a team of young volunteers from the Bristol area of the UK.
Last December, whilst on tour in the UK, I met up with a young man named Ollie with two of his friends who travelled to meet up with me for discussion about a possibility of building a new playground at Tudor when they arrived in Africa around June to September. I gave my suggestions that I really would like swing boats for our disabled children so they good watch the movement of the sky.
The team arrived - male and female - and started work on the site which was all rock! After braking many tools, and working all hours with night lights there dedication and commitment to complete on time resulted with an opening ceremony to shouts of joy and delight from our many children, followed by two days later, two coaches arriving from a school in Moshi with 130 students, who also enjoyed the many 'fun' things to do..... A wonderful accomplishment, well done.
Volunteers who come to Light in Africa, make such a positive difference to the lives of our children and the community. Words fail me to express our appreciation to them all.
******
This week we have broken new records!!! with the most amount of patients being treated in just three outreach dispensaries.
Lee Harding from the USA, who adopted one of LIA children, his mum Debbie and friend Lisa purchased a large amount of drugs from their project money to help the poor in some of the remotest area's imaginable. Deep trenches of choking dust, not one blade of grass, skeletal cows, greeted them as they trundled along in a landrover to reach these villages. With our trusted local doctor and nurse, they have treated over 600 patients - 310 in one day! plus a seminar for the local maasai on HIV/AIDS. This resulted in them receiving lovely beeded work crosses as a gift of appreciation.
What a wonderful expression of love to the poor and needy.
Mama Lynn
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This week we have broken new records!!! with the most amount of patients being treated in just three outreach dispensaries.
Lee Harding from the USA, who adopted one of LIA children, his mum Debbie and friend Lisa purchased a large amount of drugs from their project money to help the poor in some of the remotest area's imaginable. Deep trenches of choking dust, not one blade of grass, skeletal cows, greeted them as they trundled along in a landrover to reach these villages. With our trusted local doctor and nurse, they have treated over 600 patients - 310 in one day! plus a seminar for the local maasai on HIV/AIDS. This resulted in them receiving lovely beeded work crosses as a gift of appreciation.
What a wonderful expression of love to the poor and needy.
Mama Lynn
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