The Countdown

In 4 days I embark on my 3rd adventure to Mongu, Zambia.   This forsaken place has  a piece of my heart.  It is a very long 48-50 hour journey from Chicago, assuming all goes as planned. Travel roulette is part of the adventure.  Mileage between Chicago and Mongu and is 10,600 land miles and 7,976 as the crow flies.  I 'clicked' the directions icon on my screen and this is what I was given.  "We could not calculate directions between Chicago, IL and Mongu, Zambia."    That is just about right, there is no direct way to get from where I live to this remote part of the world.

Creating a travel brochure that compels one to come to Mongu would be quite a task.  Lots and lots of sand and brown huts along the road for 8 hours.  And no one in their right mind would just come to this place.  Even those who are given work here, look for ways to leave.

Note the water containers.  What they carry they use.  Usually dirty water is available.

View for 8 hours.

 We go through the wild life reserve, but let me tell you unless you are on a paid safari in a different part of Africa, those wild animals are next to impossible to see.  I caught the back end of an elephant one year.  Zoo's are really great places to see the animals that live in this region. :)

We enter the park and we are heading to the Dolphin Lodge! 6 hours later we arrive.

I think my #1 adjustment is the 'squatty potty' facilities.  A 'modern' one has a cement hole, the poorer one is just a dirt mound/hole.  The art of perfecting the 'squatty potty' technique as a female is ... well ... interesting at best. 

Hut Toilet Facility

 What compels me to return is that in this very desolate, forsaken remote part of the world we (Hands of Hope) are slowing beginning to see some hope.  Hope because clean water allows villages to have a chance to stay healthier.  Hope because irrigation allows gardens to grow.  Hope because those who 'grasp' the opportunity to change their lives with a micro finance loan are excited to get out of the deep deep depth of poverty.  Hope because someone cares and one small change allows me to believe that more is possible.

I am not alone in this journey, in fact, I come in on the heels of those who have been working with Hands of Hope and now in Mongu for several years.  The task is daunting.

Think about giving an average 3rd-4th grader the chance to borrow money, plant a garden, water this garden, weed this garden and then hope for a crop that grows bountifully enough to then sell.  The money earned is only partially theirs. They must pay back their loan, buy new seed and then "budget' the rest for the family.   In the between time, they might get sick, they are hungry and this work is new to them.  The adults we work with are often at this educational level.

When I reflect on the projects and the people knowing that we are starting at the very beginning in most situations, the fact that progress in these remote villages is a miracle.   There are successes and there are failures but those successes spur others on to hope.  Hope to keep going and try their own ventures.  Hope keeps all humans going on.

Some awesome stats that I leave town knowing are:

Mawawa Village since 2008 has eliminated malnutrition!
Children now drink goats milk!
The average income has gone from $130 a year to over $1,050 and it is rising!
The price of food has dropped 30% and the quality of food has increased!
Since the start of this year 2014, we have placed 20 wells in villages!  
Women from 20 villages no longer have to walk miles each day for dirty water!  

This makes the anticipation of what we will experience first hand worth it all.

To my friends from Hands of Hope and my friends outside this circle who have helped in this journey, you are being represented and these people are grateful.   

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” John Holms

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody....

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/denis_waitley.html#s2M9TZsk61fsVgzj.99

 There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept responsibility for changing them.  Dennis Waitley. 

When I was in High School (around the time of Noah),  I had people who surrounded me with wisdom.   I was taught and encouraged to think beyond myself and to think not just 'feel' when I made a decision. 

Being the center of the universe was a foreign concept in my world.  Diva's (Divo's - male) were rare and not worshiped.  This word did not even enter my vocabulary until just a few years ago when, for some reason, our culture lost its purpose and created people who really thought only of themselves.

I am grateful to have been taught that there were people who needed help, who needed encouragement, who needed someone to walk with them.  I am grateful for these people who modeled this for me, and pulled me in to learn from them, as they walked 'the talk' in front of me.  Because of these people and an eternal perspective that our time on this earth is just the beginning, I am blessed to be able to help others. 

In this blog, I want to share with you a poignant story that was taught to me.  It is one you may have heard but it is a story though that bears repeating.  It bears sharing with others.  It bears teaching to those who come behind us.  So as I begin this story I ask, can you identify with one of these 4?

EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY AND NOBODY

This little story is about four people.  Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. 

There was an important job that needed to be done and Everybody thought Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. 

Everybody thought anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. 

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

The story is over. But the premise of this story is not. It defines a universal problem we each face. Who is going to help?  Who is going to give?  Who is going to share this message?  Who?


Find someone or something that needs Anybody to help.  You will be blessed! You will be a bit tired but  I know you will sleep better.  Your resources may be bit lighter but they are being used for good instead of 'stashed'  or 'stored away' for your relatives,  after you leave this earth.  Your rewards will be a smile or a hug from one whose load you have lightened.  When and where will you make a difference in another persons life?

 I close with a passage of scripture from the Bible.  "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." Romans (Bible) 15:1-2

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.

Denis Waitley

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/denis_waitley.html#s2M9TZsk61fsVgzj.99

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.

Denis Waitley

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/denis_waitley.html#s2M9TZsk61fsVgzj.99

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.

Denis Waitley

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/denis_waitley.html#s2M9TZsk61fsVgzj.99

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.

Denis Waitley

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/d/denis_waitley.html#s2M9TZsk61fsVgzj.99

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.

Denis Waitley

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/exist.html#qxV8qfBgy3BmyqJx.99

There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.

Denis Waitley

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/exist.html#qxV8qfBgy3BmyqJx.99

Silence Does Not Make Problems Disappear

It has been over a month since I last blogged.  Why?  A good question!!! The message I try to convey, that needs to be shouted about and shared does not disappear just because someone is not writing or talking about it.   The message: 'You Can Make A Difference In This World :)."

I continue to live in the lap of luxuries.  That has remained a constant.   I continue to be blessed with a warm home, clean WATER available in many rooms of my home such as the laundry, kitchen and bathroom(s).  When spring comes we will attach  hoses to the out door faucets, water our plants and our lawn.  I am surely NOT complaining but gratefully accounting the blessings that few in this world know.  If you are reading this you are blessed as well. 

The why of this blog comes together with the opposites of life.  The 'haves' bless the 'have-nots'.  Everyone wins! As I share about the 'haves' opportunity to help the 'have-nots' it can be a beautiful cycle that works!



“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” Mother Theresa

The Western Provence of Zambia is a desolate and desperate place to live.  Those living there need help and hope.  Hands of Hope brings this very thing to them.  This people group is so poor and so remote that even their government cast them off.  But God has not!  He sees them and hears their pleas!  He loves them and through people who care, hope is brought to them!

This truck replaced the oxcarts

This oxcart is standard ground transportation.

As we work this venue and help the very poor, it often feels like we are pouring a bucket of water into a desert. However,  in God's design that bucket of water has been multiplied and gardens are sprouting!!!!  That bucket of water has opened doors for health issues to be addressed, education to be addressed and little by little lives are being changed.  We are part of a miracle.


Soon the organization that I support HANDS OF HOPE ( http://www.handsofhopeonline.org/faire.asp ) will host its annual fund raiser.  It is one pure, magnificent experience!!

Incredible estate gardens are opened up to those who wish to bask in the beautiful and often surreal landscapes.   We witness God's creation come alive through the gift He has given those to care for and design these beautiful gardens.   This is an invitation to join something awesome that makes a difference in peoples lives. 

 
 Check us out, you won't be disappointed!  Check us out! Every dollar is micro managed so nothing is wasted! Your money (all your money, ticket price included) goes to our projects.  What you give, your participation and help is so valued and appreciated that we make certain it goes to help those in need.

Check us out and be 'awed'. 

The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food 

but is swept away by injustice. 

 Proverbs (Bible) 13:23

359 and counting....

As I am about to pack up my Christmas decorations, put away my gifts, clean out my cupboards of the excessive goodies that landed in my kitchen, freshen up my home to usher in 2014, I am reflective once again.

Bounty is what I have just experienced.  Blessings beyond comprehension to most of the world has been bestowed upon me and my family.  My effort to scale back this year still produced more than I could imagine and I am humbled.  I am also aware that the blessings that God has given to me are not mine to hoard but to pay forward and to bless others. 

As I am allowed to experience 3rd world cultures and then return to our 1st world culture, my senses always go into over load and I ask questions about what difference do I make.   Months have past since my last trip but I remain burdened with these questions and thoughts,
as I am acutely aware of what having 'nothing' looks like.

What must one meal a day of ground corn be like?  What does a mother do when her kids are hungry and she cannot feed them? 

 What happens when the ragged t-shirt, the only t-shirt owned, has too many holes and you can't buy another one? 

What happens when your family is sick and they need water to hydrate themselves, clean themselves and the closest source is miles away? 

What, what, what?

As I am preparing to pack up my 'stuff' I ask this of me and of you.

(Not my house! :) )

**Why do we have storage bins? 
**When were they last opened?  Do you even know what is in them?
**Why do we in this country rent storage units for our excesses?  **If we are functioning on a day to day basis with ease why are we holding on to more 'stuff'?
**If I cleared out my closet of clothes not worn in the last year, how much space would I find?  How much clutter would disappear.  Who could benefit from my abundance?
**If I cleared out my basement, garage, spare room, would I miss anything? Do I really need 'it' or do I just cling to an illusion that all of my 'stuff' makes me significant, important or ??????
**If I gave to charity the 'bangles and baubles' that collect dust and cause me to stress over storing or dusting how much easier would my life be?

When I leave this earth nothing goes with me.  When I leave this earth, my 'stuff'  will be sifted through by those who are not emotionally attached and quite possibly have no clue as to its value emotionally or perhaps monetarily and they will discard, try to sell or give it all away. So I beg the question, why do we hang on to our 'stuff'?  

Our excesses can help everyone.   As you begin your new year and as I write there are 359 more days until Christmas if you are reading this the day I post this blog.  Between now and then stop, reflect on what you have stashed, stored, stuffed and never use.  Could you sell it or give to another who really could use your excess?  You would not miss it.  You would be helping another and you will be unencumbered with stuff.  Think about it. 

359 days and counting until Christmas, make this year one of, less focus on you. Focus your thoughts and actions on how to bless others who cannot repay you for their need is so great.   Is the purchase you are about to make really necessary?   Could you do 'with out'  with the intention of helping someone stay alive?  Or perhaps you could match gift.  A purchase for you and you send an similar amount of money to help one who cannot help them self? 

I tell you from the bottom of my heart you will never be happier.  Open your hands, clean out your closets, cupboards, garages, storage units and provide for those who cannot provide for them selves.   Trust me your hearts will be full of joy, your life will become less cluttered and cleaning out is wonderful therapy!

PS: If you want to unload 'stuff' to Hands of  Hope (www.handsofhopeonline.org/ ) we collect your extras to provide money for the essentials of life, if you are in the Chicago area.  If you are in another part of the world, find a worthwhile organization give to them!  Make a difference in your life and in the life of one who cannot even fathom even a closet in your home.   

From the Bible I leave you with this admonition.  Mathew 6:19   “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

When is it enough?

 

“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.” Socrates


Is your shopping done?  Are you 'over doing it' again this year?  Are the gifts you are choosing going to satisfy beyond the opening?  What would happen if you decided to cut back and think outside the box to help someone who could never gift you?   As you choose to read this blog...think about doing Christmas just a bit different this year.  You might just like it!

Christmas is coming too fast. I am making myself mentally slow down.  I am going to minimize the things that used to be a 'high' priority for me during this season.  I am blaming no one for what I have made Christmas into.  I love gifting those of I love and take mental notes during the year of things that might be a delight to those I buy or give too.  Giving truly makes me happy.

So why am I putting on the brakes?  Why am I taking this season at a slower and easier pace?  Why am writing to unknown readers about my choices to rethink my way of doing Christmas giving?

When I take stock of all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me as a human being and those I love, then I compare my life with those who truly are without blessings, hope and a chance to ever change; I must step back to ask what can I do to help those who need it?  How can one person make a difference?  Can one person make a difference?  Why should one person try to make a difference?

Have you ever thought about what if you were that 'other' person?  You wake up tomorrow morning living in a grass hut. Sand is your floor, ground corn is your meal choice quite likely once a day, your beverage is dirty water if it has not been used up from the day before.  Your clothing choice is what you are wearing, it is dirty, tattered and ill fitting but it is yours until you can scrounge and get it replaced.

Christmas? A bath? A meal? A change of clothing?  A toy?  An education?   You are trapped by the cycle of poverty, you did not choose to be born into this life but you were.  Is there hope?  Does anyone care?

A village board game made of bottle caps and wood.

Look closely to see a wire push toy.

I say, yes!  Yes!  Yes!  If I can help just one person break the cycle of poverty then the blessings I have had bestowed on me have meaning!

Why were born into the culture we are experiencing?  Why? I do not know but I know I am to help others. The movie/play/story Christmas Story is a moral that is spot on!  We may not be quite as bad as Mr. Scrooge but how we allocate our funds could probably do some reevaluating.  How much is too much?  When do we ever 'feel' we have enough?

While you are rearranging your large closets to fit in the 'new' duds, shuffling toys to make room for the new, cleaning out your refrigerator of left over food that now must be tossed,  pause and think about another person thousands of miles away.  That person would be happy with one gently used piece of clothing.  That person could not fathom food being tossed.  A toy, just one new ball or small doll would be an extravagant treasure.  Begin to think of spending less on things that do not truly satisfy your soul and share the savings on blessing someone whose life would be changed forever.

Why are you blessed?  To bless others!  If giving is not part of your life choices you are losing out on so many levels.  Give it a try, and your joy will abound.

Blogs of the past have focused on water and I won't let that go but there are so many other places you can help.  Check out HANDS OF HOPE. www.handsofhope.org   All money donated goes to help those I have described above.  We are making changes!  Profound changes!

I leave you with this thought.

All you have shall someday be given; therefore give now that the season of giving be yours and not your inheritors. Kahill Gibran

Think about....

Think about your worst bathroom day.  What would you have done with out water?  Think about your worst stomach flu day.  What would you have done without water?  Think about the hottest day you can remember.  What would you have done with out water?  (Soft drinks, lemon aid, iced tea all need water.)  Think about the dirtiest day of your life, perspiration, mud, dust, just lots of dirt on your body.  What would do at the end of that day without water. 

Today, tomorrow and many more days with out water in Zambia and the scenarios listed above are a common fact of life.

My quote for today (that is posted in a couple of places because I think it speaks to the heart of giving) is, "Gratitude turns what we have into enough."

 Christmas buying is in full bloom here in the US.  I ask this simple question, to you my reader.  "When do we have enough?"  The next simple question is, "When am I willing to give a gift that cannot be reciprocated?"  The last question, "Will you help to make a well happen in the Western Provence of Zambia this year?" 

Your gift on behalf of a family member, a friend, a co-worker or someone you wish to remember through Hands of Hope's www.handsofhopeonline.org/ will enable those who live each day, with  your worst waterless day to have water.  This gift of water changes their lives forever.

The  giving process is simple, you give up one or two gifts that you don't even need, buy a well card for someone you love, like or need to purchase a gift for and a life is changed forever.  A well gives a village fresh, clean water to clean up the messes of life. 

Now that is a gift! 

Yesterday was Thanksgiving here in the US.  I awoke to prepare a feast.  Two Turkey's, one ham and all of the side dishes that go with our families traditional meal.  I put in a load of laundry, a dial to set the temperature and push of a button and water filled my washing machine.  Next I showered for the day, a simple dial and fresh warm water came forth.  I entered my kitchen to began my food preparation.  I turned a faucet handle and warm water at the pressure I desired, came into my sink.  I then filled my glass and drank deeply of the fresh, cold water I desired to quench my thirst. As I moved about my kitchen it hit me that I had just used more water in less than an hour, than a Zambian family would use all day.

I did not walk 4-5 miles to get my water. I did not have wonder if it was clean and with out germs. I did not have to ration the water, it flowed in abundance. 

I had all of the clean, pure water at my finger tips and it comes with the expectation that it would be there for me, any time I needed it.

Today, 9000 miles away from where I live, villages of about 1000 people, 800+ are children have no easy access to water. Once a day a woman will walk 5 miles to the nearest well to gather 5 gallons of water for her daily needs.  She will carry that 5 gallon container home on her head, one gallon of water weighs 8.33 lbs. 40 lbs, with a baby on her back is carried to her hut.  The water she carries is contaminated but it is her water source, her only water.

 Christmas is upon us.  In 3 weeks my kitchen will repeat a feast preparation.  I will add to that preparation gifts for those I love.  But what will be different is that we will include a Zambian village 9000 miles away with water!  I write this in hopes that those who read this blog might join me in this effort to make a difference in just one village.  Just one.  I cannot take on the world, but I can work toward helping those who live in such a remote area that the government does not want to bother with them.

We will forgo a scarf, an ugly tie, a box of chocolates, a game or some 'what can I get' gift, for the person who needs nothing' and put our money to change lives.  I want little girls like this to have clean fresh water, to not have to walk miles with her mother to get dirty water, that will keep her sick.  I want her to be healthy because her garden will grow vegetables.  I want her to not be part of the poverty cycle that will eventually take her life. We can make a difference!!


One well, start to finish in the Western Provence of Zambia costs $5000.  That breaks down to $5.00 a person!  This $5.00 is not just an open the package gift, it is a gift of life, of transforming life.  Water changes everything for these people.  Diseases are avoided, hygiene can take place, gardens can be watered,  meaning there are vegetables to eat!  A better life for those who will delight in the gift of water.  Apart from air, water is the essence of life!  What would do if you had no water?

http://www.handsofhopeonline.org/   will give you the opportunity to help.  As you buy for those who have so much, think about gifting them by giving to another.  Make a little girl's life better by helping to get her water.  The children in your life will love that you care about another who has nothing.  Share the story and allow them to help too.   When you give this way you are forever changed as you change the life of another.  http://www.handsofhopeonline.org/

"What we do for ourselves dies within us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.  Albert Pine