Thanksgiving in Zambia

From Kathy Headlee Miner-Founder/CEO

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take a minute and say THANK YOU to all who support our work!

This year, I'll spend the Thanksgiving holiday here in Zambia with my husband and the children living at the Mothers Without Borders Children's Resource Center.

Where we usually spend the day enjoying family, friends and all the wonderful bounties that represent Thanksgiving (translation: turkey, stuffing, gravy, home made rolls, pies, jello, football, naps and the most important of all LEFTOVERS) this year will be a bit different. For many people in Zambia, even one meal a day is a luxury, and for many of the more than 1 million orphaned children, one meal a day is a distant memory.

Listen to what Tyler, a 14 year old volunteer who spent time with us in Zambia this year, said:

"I love Thanksgiving. If you are like me, you will celebrate by eating, eating some more and then eating again. This year I will look at Thanksgiving different than any other year. Most of the friends I met in Africa are lucky to get one meal a day."

I know that many of you feel the same way, so we've come up with a way you can help.

Special Thanksgiving Fast

Tyler and I invite you to join other Mothers Without Borders supporters in a special day of fasting to benefit the children we serve.

Here's how it works: On the Sunday AFTER Thanksgiving (Nov. 25) Tyler and I will skip breakfast and lunch. We will have one meal that day, just like our friends in Africa. We will think about them and we will donate the money we would have spent on breakfast and lunch to Mothers Without Borders (MWB) to help pay for children's feeding programs in Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Tyler explained why he wants to do this:

"I was there and saw how important the MWB feeding programs are to these children and I want to do something to help make sure there is food for them."

If you would like to join us in our annual Thanksgiving Fast, please take a minute right now to register at http://www.motherswithoutborders.org/fast.php. Feel free to be generous, as 100% of what you give to this special fast will be used to provide food for the children we serve.

As you enjoy the holiday this week, know that I am here in Zambia giving thanks for YOU; for your continued caring, encouragement, prayers and support.

One Child at a Time

Suze Johnson- Sept. 2007 Expedition Team Leader

I have wondered, like many others, if we really make a difference in the lives of people in Zambia. At times, our efforts seem small and meaningless in comparison to what appears to be endless poverty, illness and death. However, I have never gone long without a humbling reminder of the hope and possibility that exists here in Zambia.

Just like every other team, the October expedition put on several Kids Camps. One of my favorite parts of Kids Camp this year was watching Webster--one of our excellent local staff--work his magic with the children. One particularly popular game that Webster leads is called the "I am important" game. The kids stand in a circle and take turns walking into the center of the circle while everyone else chants "Mary Mekako, Mekako, Mekako" which loosely translated "I am important." Although it is brief, every child gets the opportunity to have some individual attention and this feels wonderful!!

One particularly memorable moment was at the Children's Resource Center. One little girl took the opportunity to express herself. She strutted into the center, took a few turns and strutted back. She quickly became known as the "Superstar!"

Although this may seem insignificant, this experience beautifully highlights what individuals can do for children in Zambia. We can remind children of a critical truth—that they are important and they are loved; not only by us, but by our Father in Heaven.

One of our superstars, Mary!

MWB Zambian Staff Highlight

In September, Josephine Daka, our Project Manager in Zambia started the Social Work program at the University of Zambia. Since Josephine works for MWB during the day, she is enrolled in an evening program with other working professionals. Although her schedule is quite full, she is excited about her opportunity to study social work. What Josephine is too modest to tell you, but we discovered from a reliable source is that she is the star pupil of her class!

Josephine Daka shown here with Suze Johnson, Expedition Team Leader.

Kindly Note:

Volunteer teams for 2008 are filling up quickly. If you are interested in this life changing experience, please visit the website and fill out an application today! www.motherswithoutborders.org

Mothers Without Borders
125 E. Main St. Suite 402
American Fork, UT 84003
801-796-5535