Be uplifted

Today was a day to appreciate so much of what Chantal and Mbanda do through CALM. New Hope Homes is Chantal’s prime focus, yet under CALM they do lots more. Today we got to appreciate one of the most wonderful programs called Uplifting a Family. A family in need is given short term help of $50 a month for 3 years. They need to decide how best to use the funds, should they start a business, should they get more schooling etc etc. If they choose to start a business they can create a business plan and review it with Chantal. When approved they get a one time stipend to get the business launched. We went back today to see the family that is currently featured on the CALM website (calmministries.org). The widow is caring for her elderly mother, her own children and her deceased brother’s children. She has AIDS. She lives in a rural area about 35 minute away from our New Hope Homes. After nearly a year of searching for a funder, we found someone in the States who wanted to provide the $600 she needed to fulfill her vision of starting a business where she could sell sugar, fresh vegetables etc etc. The funding arrived about a month or so ago and Chantal delivered the needed start up supplies about 6 weeks ago. Today we went to check on her progess. She has done wonderfully. Her small shop is in her home. As we enter the small structure you walk past her bed on the floor and some firewood. Then you see the nicely arranged shelves with the various things for sale. She said that business was pretty good. In fact, when were were three she had 3 customers come by. Chantal reminded her of the concept of profit margin and that she needed to be selling things at a high enough price that she could do the re-stocking. She acknowledged that she was keeping with the plan. We took the opportunity to wander around through some of the rural homes and have included some photos so you can see how the people live. The country is so beautifully green that is provides a lush backdrop to what we would consider to be harsh living conditions from a US pov. The people are so proud of what they have each accomplished. I left so proud to be associated with such wonderful people as Chantal and Mbanda that have created so wonderful programs for their people. We also took Desami to see the doctor to see if there is anything that could be done with his foot that curls up and prevents him from standing, much less walking while his twin brother runs freely. 2 doctors examined him and believe that in addition to his foot that he will have long term mental challenges. We thank God for the amazing progress that he has made since coming into our home and believe that he will not only walk, but one day talk. The doctor had recommended that we put him in a cast for 10 weeks and then continually change it out until it was in a proper position and replace with a brace. In the end, they decided that should take him to another doctor who may also be able to do physical therapy with him. We will see the next doctor on Wednesday and I am hopeful that we can make some progress before I leave on Sunday. We took the time away from the kids to do a couple more errands like exchange some money, stop by the super doper new store that opened about a year ago that looks like their version of Walmart, without the great prices. It’s a moozoongoo’s (white person) playland as they carry everything from fresh meat to wine to microwaves and bikes. Prices are crazy, but it is the price for convenience. A fold up table and chairs for outside that would probably cost about $75 to $100 in the states runs over $400 here. Our trio decided that we wanted to cook a meal for everyone on Saturday night. Spagetti will be the order of the day. Yes, the girls decided we should be the pricey Prego sauce for our group of 40, but of course our Liles said that since he worked in the cafeteria he could make everything from scratach. Adorable…but we over road him for the convenience. He is going to supplement everything with fresh tomatoes etc. We had a great time at school despite our absence for most of the day. We played hangman and the kids properly figured out the phrase “Liles is a good leader”. The kids had to each write 5 sentences about what they liked about Liles. The list was terrific…because he cam to visit us, because he loves us, because he brought us computers. Kristen did a great job teaching too. Hangman was her game…they figured out her phrase of “head and shoulder knees and toes”. We also took on some 1:1 time playing some games and reading. Liles also worked with the big kids to work on their keyboarding skills. Kristen brought out some of her supplies today to shots of joy. New pencils, easer tops ( a huge need), a cd, some books and a puzzle. The kids did a great job of sharing. This evening Kristen put some of the things in a paper bag and made them simply reach in and pull out. The options were playdough and matchbox cares. Each of you who donated educational supplies or just things to play with, you too have some uplifting. For those who are newly inspired, we’ll share ways you can help in the future too. Be inspired, be uplifted today and always.