Banana bread anybody?

Since my decision to go to Africa I am getting a lot of encouragement and support from friends, and friends of friends. All of the sudden I am talking to people I've never met before who have advice, who want to help, who know someone who went to Africa and is willing to share ideas and experience.
The most impressive woman I've talked to is Barb Giraud, who bakes banana bread to raise money for children in Africa. Her story started with a visit to Uganda and developed into an unbelievable and awesome project. I admire her tremendously and wonder where does her energy come from? The power of human will is amazing.
There is Barb's remarkable story - her blog below.




http://jaajabarbshomeofangels.blogspot.com/

A little girl named Tujire

 A little girl named Tujire

Just painted this portrait of Tujire from a picture that  was sent to me when I first started sponsoring her. In the picture she was 10 years old. Oh, I know it's hard to believe. She was new to the orphanage then and she probably lived through too much already.  Well, I trust that she got her childhood back, or at least a part of it. She now lives in a safe home, goes to school, she learned to do her chores, help others, she is a kind and a  responsible young girl.  Her 14th birthday is coming up very soon, she grew and so did her hair, and she smiles now.
I am very much looking forward to seeing her in person and the other 150 children in the orphanage. I want to see their every day life, hear their stories, hope their hope. I want to see the country village and the lives of people there, I want to see the whole picture and make sense of it. I think, I know what to expect, but then, I think it's a bit arrogant to think so. I can only wish that something good comes from my visit and that my help matters. I am grateful for SOS Children's Villages organization  soschildrensvillages.ca and the wonderful work they are doing to help children in desperate need all around the world.