Mama Lynn
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With over 100 invited guests arriving for the opening of the food kitchen on the 25th September, I guess nobody can say that it did not take place.!
Light in Africa staff members where warmly welcomed into the community as each village chairman gave his speech of welcome, and cut the ribbon for their village to access the 'free' food for their orphans.
One of the nicest comments that the village Director made was that Light in Africa had brought the community together. As upto that day, some of the village elders and community members had never met! And I pray this is the seed that has been planted for co-operation and harmony in this most desperate of districts.
After the opening ceremony we invited the guests to lunch on the food that the children will be given six days per week. They will then have full knowledge to speak about the program. The many muslims present who were unable to take lunch, as they were fasting, were given food to be taken home and eaten later.
The following day, the children arrived for their lunch. Our social worker Grace was much needed as we saw children with severe malnutrition and disabilities.
Our one shock was when a disabled maasai child of approx 8 years, when given her plate, sank to the ground there and then, and with both hands stuffed as much food as she could into her mouth, we just stood watching this poor child.
We quickly fetched Grace to witness this impacting situation, and she is going to follow the matter up and do a home visit, it was pretty obvious that as the child was disabled, she was ostracised and starved.
So here are the long awaited photo's of the opening of the food kitchen.....
Praise God Hallelujah.......
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An Invitation was extended to me via the Hai District Commissioner -
Mrs Hasna - this week to take lunch with the Hon. Mirisho Kikwete, the
President of Tanzania and his Wife, the Hon. Salma Kikwete,on his
recent whistle stop visit to the Hai District Area. He had many stops
enroute to the Hai Club for lunch, which included, opening a new
district, the new market at Kwasadala, an orthopedic wing at Machame
Hospital, with visits to Same and Rombo, a hectic schedule.....I think
one of the most endearing features of the President is the warmth of
his smile and bonhomie that eminates through his presence. I'm sure a
very special gift that has been given to him.
Sometimes we are asked by God to step out in faith, and when we do He
has the ability to not only shock us but to make us gasp with the
awesomeness of what has been achieved.
From previous blog messages that I have written you will be aware
that I am working in a very deprived area where their are many
children without parents and without food.... I stepped out in faith
when I informed 4 village chairpersons that I would provide a daily
food kitchen for children upto 16 years of age. Discussions led to me
renting property to enable the food to be cooked and a place where the
children could eat. On Saturday, due to some amazing american
friends, 248,000 pre-packed meals where delivered to me for use at the
food kitchen...enough food for me not to worry for the next year where
I am going to get the food from. Praise God Hallelujah mama lynn
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On the 17th May the children and staff of Light in Africa where blessed with a visit from the President of Tanzania wife - First Lady - Mama Salma Kikwete.
She arrived on the invitation of the District Commissioner - Mrs. Hasna and the Member of Parliament for Hai District - Kilimanjaro Region Mr Fuya Kimbita.
All the children from the homes, gathered at Mailisita to await her arrival, they could hardly contain their excitement when the entourage of white landcruisers arrived carrying the First Lady.
After receiving bouquets from two of our children she continued to the nursery unit and asked many questions on how the children came into the facility and the background of some of the children.
Explaining in detail about LIA operations, Anthony Kimaro led the party into Tumaini Gallery, where she met with Eliaza, a 22 yr old disabled man who is being self-supported by making baskets from local reed materials, and selling them through the gallery to visitors.
Mama Salma was familiar with basket making and was able to give Eliaza advice on strengthening the handles of the baskets.
Next she moved to where one of our volunteers Becky Garcia, has been teaching our children the art of patchwork quilting. They had made a 'first attempt' hanging wall quilt, which was later presented to Mama Kikwete as a gift from the children of Light in Africa.
The party then moved to the table to sign the visitors book, and further gifts where offered to her of a pair of african made pictures.
Mama Salma (second from the left) is presented a gift of two pictures
The District Commissioner was presented with a box of new school books for the Secondary School that is being built in Hai District, and she was asked to present to the Regional Commissioner, who was not present a box of items which are sold within the gallery.
The children sang a song as she departed to another venue to hear the children from Light in Africa and St. Francis School, sing a song to her representing "Family Day". Our children sang expressing words which said "please don't forget about us". Some of the guests present started to cry.
Mama Kikwete then spoke to the guests present about caring for the family unit. The DC and MP followed with futher statements.
A gift was offered to Light in AFrica of 400 kilos of rice and 200 kilos of sugar and cooking oil which was gratefully received. The First Lady then departed for lunch........
A wonderful - exciting day for everyone concerned for the recognition of the work of Light in Africa.
Mama Lynn
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Hello!
Here we have space on the weblog for all stories about events you may be organising to the benefit of the children and all the good work of Light in Africa.
We welcome your stories (and pictures) to be posted on this weblog so please send them to webmaster <at> lightinafrica <dot> org
Asante Sana
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