News Updates from Light in Africa - Kilimanjaro Region - Tanzania http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php Copyright 2010, LIA-Team LIA-Team en-US SPHPBLOG 0.4.8 January 2010 update http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry100206-120249
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]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry100206-120249 LIA-Team Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:02:49 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=10&m=02&entry=entry100206-120249 I'M DREAMING OF A 'RAINY GREEN' CHRISTMAS. http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry100117-222127
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]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry100117-222127 LIA-Team Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:21:27 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=10&m=01&entry=entry100117-222127 Best Holiday Wishes To All http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091225-000000
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]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091225-000000 LIA-Team Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:00:00 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091225-000000 Mama Lynn: Shining Lights of Africa in the UK http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091204-230744
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.]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091204-230744 LIA-Team Fri, 04 Dec 2009 22:07:44 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=12&entry=entry091204-230744 Great North Swim http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091125-094121 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
]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091125-094121 LIA-Team Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:41:21 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091125-094121 10 Years! http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091106-235947 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]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091106-235947 LIA-Team Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:59:47 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091106-235947 email mama Lynn http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091106-074459 africa@lightinafrica.org

Her other email accounts on Hotmail and Yahoo have been closed.

Have a great day!
Paul, LIA webmaster]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091106-074459 LIA-Team Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:44:59 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091106-074459 October 2009 update - Long Message http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091101-164706 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]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091101-164706 LIA-Team Sun, 01 Nov 2009 15:47:06 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=11&entry=entry091101-164706 THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF LIGHT...... - http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091014-231354
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]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091014-231354 LIA-Team Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:13:54 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=10&entry=entry091014-231354 Medical Outreach - another milestone http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091012-073238
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]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091012-073238 LIA-Team Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:32:38 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=10&entry=entry091012-073238 Sending gifts? http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091011-175327 a good size envelop and clearly marked gift, it should pass through customs without any serious issues..

However, anything bigger gets held up and we will be asked to pay for customs duies and taxes. Nothing unusual, but we cannot afford to spend out donor money on such charges. Such packages are to be avoided.

We count on your understanding and like to thank you for your continued fine support.

Asante sana!
Paul
webmaster]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry091011-175327 LIA-Team Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:53:27 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=10&entry=entry091011-175327 Medical care: LiA's Outreach Program http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090926-233722 Jake Lyell, photographer, has written a well illustrated story on his blog.
Click here and scroll down to the article titled Limited Access: healh care in rural Tanzania

While most of our readers prepare for autumn & winter, Tanzania is embracing for the potential effects of El Niño which is said to be potentially hazardous for the East African communities th2 next few months. As we prepare for it, we'll keep you informed through this weblog.

Asante Sana
Paul]]> General news http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090926-233722 LIA-Team Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:37:22 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=09&entry=entry090926-233722 News - Latest updates from Tanzania http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090906-173904
For the last three weeks I have been incommunicado with the website being totaly blocked by all the wonderful pictures that our returning volunteers had taken of there stay in Tanzania. And all there photo memories of our children and the places they had visited when on the out-reach dispensaries, and of the people they had met, and the pictures of beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro, and the wonderful pictures of the elephants, the zebra's and the giraffes, they were all great to see and to know they had enjoyed such a positive time with us, but it caused us a little problem. It was fine my end but as our webmaster and his wife had taken a much deserved three week holiday, it was only when he returned that he found that the whole site was also blocked his end too..... so sincere aqpologies for all the peole who tried to send me emails and all that was revealed was 'email blocked'.
(before sharing any pictures, pls email the webmaster first)

I sometimes just stand and look in amazement at the work that is being achieved, through God's provision, and I have so much to tell you what has happened since my three weeks absence.

First and formost, more children have come into the care of LIA. We are now recognised that in a large area from Moshi to Arusha that Light in Africa appears to be the only childrens' home who willingly are accepting chilren with the HIV/AIDS virus. They are coming into care via hospitals, social workers in other districts and through our own network. We look to God, not to the cost of how much it is all costing, to keep all these children healthy. We only have to look at our young adults who came to live with me 9 years ago and just seeing them so healthy - tall, enjoying education, and making plans for their futures, and the boys now able to 'pat me on the head' as I shrink and they grow to 6' tall, but most of all - laughing and being happy. They are not the orphans who were stigmatised because their parents had already died of Aids, they are not the street children who were living under the coffee trees because their fathers had beaten them and thrown them out, they are not the children who were sleeping in doorways and being abused by the drunks passing by at night - they are not the children who could not read or write at 10 years of age. They are NOW the future of Tanzania....


TUDOR VILLAGE

It is a very exciting time for us this week, as we are on the move again.

Two moves are anticipated. The first being the disabled children are moving into house no 3 with mama Queenie in charge of their care. And the many babu's (grandfathers) that we care for are all going to move to our maasai facility in Lerai, where this year our volunteers have enjoyed the unique experience of living in a maasai encampment and walking with maasai elders on the 'tree walk' to see the trees that these nomadic tribe use as traditional medicine.

The volunteers this year have worked just so hard to 'kick start' the bungalows into being available for the children to move into. From making cement bricks to planting trees: they have all committed to our vision of making Tudor Village a very special place for the children. The management and staff of LIA honour you for the work of your hands and hearts. Thank you and bless you.

LIGHTHOUSE CHILDREN'S HOME - THE OPENING OF A NEW HOME IN MIRERANI.

In April of this year, we felt the need to rent another property in the Manyara Region to enable LIA to be in a position of accepting more vulnerable children into care. The property had stood empty for 3 years and had been vandalised.
This year's army of volunteers has transformed this derelect property into something really special. They have built high walls, knocked down toilet blocks, painted and tiled poky little bedrooms and made them look fantastic, built a new kitchen area and left their murals on the lounge walls.
One comment that was said this year which made me chuckle; was "mama Lynn, you're very brave." "Why is that?" I responded. "Because my parents would never ever allow me to have a paint brush in my hand, and you're allowing me to paint a wall" - The anticipated opening date for this new facility is the 25th September. It would not be happening if it wasn't for our volunteers! Great Job done.

(picture shows the new toilet blocks being built for Lighthouse)


MAASAI SCHOOL FOOD KITCHEN.

This is a drought year in Tanzania. The rains which started after a long delay, failed to be sufficient to grow the maize. Consequently, people are suffering with hunger as well as the livestock that people depend on to sustain them. The maasai have been particularly hit and as they are nomadic, have taken their wifes and cattle and travelled 250 kilometers to the grasslands.
Unfortunately, many of the small children, which could not walk the distance have been left behind with either neighbours or relatives.


Light in Africa had been asked to help a private school which has over 100 kindergarten children attending it and it has only one teacher. The building they are using isn't finished. It has walls and a roof and that is it. Some children sit 5 or 6 to a desk, other younger children at the front of the class sit on a piece of wood supported by
two bricks at each end.

For five days per week, we have been taking our food into the school to help these little ones, who some have been only receiving a cup of flour and water each day. We will continue to help these vulnerable children until the rains come and there parents return.

I think I had better stop now or else it will be me blocking the site with too much information, and I will write a further update later with more pictures of the village and Lighthouse......

Thank you for your patience, be blessed - mama Lynn

Light in Africa also cares for several unsupported babu's. They will all move from Mailisita to Leray and will be joined by this recently found babu who was without any decent home or care.









It looks an idylic picture, but this cart served as ambulance to transport a patient to the nearest dispensary]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090906-173904 LIA-Team Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:39:04 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=09&entry=entry090906-173904 Volunteering & the Mexican Swine Flu http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090719-191329
Tanzania earlier this month (June 9th) reported its first case of swine flu. A British student traveling in a group with teachers and fellow students did not feel well upon arrival in the capital Dar-es-Salaam. He was hopitalized for isolation and treatment and meanwhile has recovered and has been discharged.

For those who plan to leave for travel to Tanzania in the (near) future: exercise the same care as you in your home country regarding flu symptoms. Oviously, those with symptoms and due to travel, should, unfortunately, cancel/delay their trip until better again.
And we expect everyone to appreciate that those with symptoms already in Tanzania will have to be separated from the group, but will be cared for, of-course.

Thank you for your understanding
Paul
]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090719-191329 LIA-Team Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:13:29 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=07&entry=entry090719-191329 I BELIEVE IN MIRACLE http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090713-215204
From my previous blogg you will know that I am now based permanantly in the mining town of Mirerani, in the Manyara Region. This is not my personal choice of where I would like to live, but that I believe of God's.

In this desperately poor place, we have opened a children's home and also have a Food Kitchen, which is daily feeding many vulnerable children. Due to the many abandoned children and those being badly abused, Fleeze House is now full to capacity and we are now in the process of renovating another home to accomodate our older children.

This week whilst there I have temporarily accomodated a further nine more children. Their mothers' earn a living from sexual favours to the miners, leaving the children to fend for themselves. We know them from their attendance at the Food Kitchen, where this is where they obtained there only meal of the day, but this week it was all too much for them when they came to see me, crying and hungry. One eight year old child had the full responsibily of a little Down Syndrome baby and another sibling, the other 9 year old had the sole responsibility of a 9 month old child who couldn't even sit up by herself and was severly underweight. The third girl had another child to care for. Whilst I sent staff off to make an assesment from the local 10 cell leader, we fed them and had the regulatory medical check-up. The report came back that these two girls were living in one room with there siblings, and one night they screamed out as three men came in to there room. They were saved from abuse by the local leader, who requested that we help these vulnerable children. They are now safely in our care, as they try to relinquish the responsibily of there siblings and are now starting to integrate and play with our other older children. These young girls have not known what it is to have a childhood, as it has been their responsibilty to tie the babies on their backs with a piece of material and care for them as best they could.

A week last Friday, I rang Mama Coupa our Treasurer to ask how many
boxes of food where left in the store. She replied. 'The last box has gone today' Are you going to stop the daily food kitchen now?'. 'I will wait until Monday and if the container has not arrived by then, we will have to close it down' I replied. I returned to Mailisita the following day, and at 1pm I took a photograph of the empty store room, at 3pm Mama Coupa rang me from her home to say she had had a telephone call from Dr. Mike, the container co-ordinator to say the food had been released from the docks and the lorry was on it's way, please have volunteers ready to unload the 1,300 boxes. At 7pm, 40 volunteers were engaged in transferring the boxes in a chain from out of the lorry into our store house. Just unbelievable, that God waited until my store was empty, and then He filled it to feed the children.

We send our sincere appreciation to our friends in America who
provided the food and our friends and supporters in Iowa and Malibu
who provided the funds to send the container overseas, and to Dr.
Mike who must have an abundance of patience as he negotiates through
all the paperwork that is required for the release of the food. It
is our priveledge to work alongside of you in helping to feed these
precious children.

And finally, yesterday, whilst involved in an outreach seminar to the
maasai, Moses who most of our past volunteers know as my very first
abandoned baby and who has hands like meat plates as he enjoys his food so much, started to cry in pain, I decided to take him to see Dr. Minja with a little maasai baby who was sick. As soon as he was examined, Dr, Minja observed that it could be an obstuction in his intestine as his tummy was as hard as a drum..... this was another emergency. I quickly arranged for a landrover to collect our outreach volunteers and I sped down the bumpy road, with head lights on taking him the 2 hour drive to the nearest hospital. He was vomiting all the way, as we rushed into casualty.. praying that an operation would not be required.
Thankfully, no obstruction was found, and he was released home.

I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES - DO YOU?
Warmest wishes, mama lynn
]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090713-215204 LIA-Team Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:52:04 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=07&entry=entry090713-215204 VOLUNTEERING: Via application instructions REPEATED MESSAGE http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090705-153651
If you are leaving for Tanzania to volunteer with Light in Africa, this message is for you. If you know someone who will travel soon, please direct them to this page.

To engage in volunteer work in Tanzania you require a class C-volunteering permit that can only be obtained in the country (Tanzania).
When flying to Tanzania you need to complete a so-called entry/arrival declaration form that will be handed to you during your flight. A sample is shown below. It is important that you declare “volunteer” as the purpose of travel on this form and further complete all boxes as indicated.
Immigration at the Kilimanjaro (or Dar-es-Salaam) airport will issue an entry visa (pay US$ 50, only in US$ and only cash; US passport holders pay US$ 100).
In the days following your arrival at Light in Africa the application for your class C-permit will be completed (bring all documents and pass photos as indicated in the information pack). A fee of US$ 120 (again to be paid in cash in US$) is levied by immigration in Moshi.

Those who declare another purpose of visit than the one indicated (volunteer) will be denied the class C-permit unless they pay fine of US$ 400 for wrong declaration.

Those who obtained for a tourist visa in their home country will be denied the class C-permit and will be unable to perform any services and duties during their stay.

If you have any questions or doubts, please contact/email us prior to your departure.


(cick picture for a larger version)]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090705-153651 LIA-Team Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:36:51 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=07&entry=entry090705-153651 update from mama Lynn http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090620-204930
What a wonderful day we had celebrating Pastor Frank's marriage to Salome, She looked beautiful in her wedding gown, and I'm sure God will bless this very happy union.

And yes, it has now been 9 years since I arrived in Tanzania. When I look at the children who were the first children to come into Light in Africa's care, and now the boys are 6' tall and doing well in school, and our girls are beautiful young ladies it makes one's heart melt and fill with joy how they have developed into such caring Tanzanian citizens. All wanting careers which will help there communities, which I think is a very special thing for them to do. The boarders have broken up from school, and for the first time, they are going to be working alongside our many volunteers as interpretors.

I am now solely based in Mirerani and only come back to headquarters at the week-end to relief Mama Coupa (Treasurer) and Gudilla (Secretary). As there is no internet over there, I have a large backlog of emails to answer once again, and it doesn't help with so many of my sent emails being returned to me. I am really having to close my hotmail account down as nothing is being sent, so please can you just use this site to correspond with me. Many thanks.

Dear Friends: love abundantly, Tomorrow's Blessings are patiently waiting for you all....... mama Lynn
]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090620-204930 LIA-Team Sat, 20 Jun 2009 18:49:30 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=06&entry=entry090620-204930 Coffee for a Cause http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090614-230044 Blanchard's Coffee Company who sells some of the finest Tanzanian coffee grown on the slopes of mount Kilimanjaro, under the shade of banana trees. And every bag sold benefits Light in Africa's work with this special promotion .

Thank you Tom and all at Blanchard's!]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090614-230044 LIA-Team Sun, 14 Jun 2009 21:00:44 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=06&entry=entry090614-230044 Celebrations - Celebrations http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090614-223550 Nine years and counting .....


This month we celebrated the ninth anniversary of Light in Africa. Mama Lynn has come a long way in nine years. From founding a children's home with just two girls high up on the mountain, to now providing love and care to 160 children in three towns in the Kilimanjaro area. In addition to the children's homes, ministries have expanded to elder care, medical dispensaries and a food kitchen in Mirerani. The possibilities for expansion are seemingly endless, or, otherwise said, needs continue to be identified. But we are blessed having been able to provide already for so many.




But there was more cake-cutting: a Wedding !!!!!!!!



Salome and "our" pastor Frank made it official on this special day.
Join us in sending them our blessing to say: May Your Wedding Bring You Endless Joy And Everlasting Happiness!

Congratulations on behalf of all of LíA's friends.
(more pictures on the celebrations page)

webmaster]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090614-223550 LIA-Team Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:35:50 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=06&entry=entry090614-223550 Moviestars ... http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090607-230308 "Our Actions" page (click and select 'Our Actions' from the lefthand menu, then scroll down) with a short video impression featuring our baby unit: Tumaini House. Thanks to Gertjan for his video and editing efforts.
Enjoy and thank you all for your continued support allowing us to care for so many !

Paul]]> http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry090607-230308 LIA-Team Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:03:08 GMT http://www.lightinafrica.org/blog/comments.php?y=09&m=06&entry=entry090607-230308