My Christmas Wish

I came home from work a few days before Christmas to discover the ginger bread houses the kids had worked on that day. The boys decided to make their own style of home instead of being confined to the directions on the box. This is the result of their labors. We have probably the most unique gingerbread house there is.

Their house reminded me so much of Angel Cottage in Nairobi. It is a home that is incomplete. It has no roof. It cannot be lived in yet. Angel Cottage has been on my mind a lot recently and the need for completion was hammered home by an e-mail from Beatrice. Trying to be such a wonderful steward of money that has been donated, she has been purchasing items needed for construction as money comes in and at the best prices available. She was able to get a wonderful deal on some bags of cement that will be needed for the slab that will be the roof. The bags of cement are being stored. Her e-mail brought to our attention that if we store these for too much longer they will become unusable, as moisture will inevitably cause them to harden. It is very difficult to find a dry place to store these with the rainy seasons, and climate in that area. The thought of going backwards on this project was really devastating. We just can't go backwards.

Angel Cottage to me is an example of all that Angel Covers works towards. Yes, it will be a home for orphans and deaf children, but it is more than that. Right now there are deaf children that are being turned away because there isn't enough room in the current Angel Cottage. That means they also aren't in school at Humble Hearts because it is too far and too dangerous for them to walk on a daily basis. What it really means is they aren't in school at all, because there aren't other deaf schools that children from the slums of Nairobi can attend due to the costs. Instead they remain at home. They don't know sign language. Their families don't know sign language. They have no way to communicate to the world around them. Their families incomes are so small, that they most likely don't eat on a regular basis. In many cases they may be abused, as the families don't know how to communicate with them and get frustrated with these children they consider an embarrassment. This is not the way children are meant to grow up.

Angel Cottage would change all of that. It would mean a place to live where they are understood. A chance to learn how to communicate with the world around them. A chance to receive an education. A chance to have three meals a day, and a chance to be cared for medically with things that could normally not be afforded. It is the holistic program for children that Angel Covers strives to help create. But it has been slow. The poor economy here has not helped. My Christmas wish is that Angel Cottage will be completed in the first six months of 2009.

My jaw fell open two days before Christmas when I received news of a donation for Angel Cottage. It was a wonderful donation from a very kind individual that will allow the slab for the roof to be completed. Not going backwards on the project, but forward! It took me from feeling somewhat defeated to being excited and energized about it again.

I need your help. Spread the word. Donate a couple of dollars if you can. Make it your New Years resolution to help see this project completed.

Christmas day was wonderful. I enjoyed time with Kari and the kids. We gave each other wonderful things, but those items just don't fill the voids in life that we know about. This is my, not so secret anymore, Christmas wish! What is yours?

Maria's Bouncers

In June, Angel Covers was asked to accept donations for baby bouncers in honor of Maria Chapman's life. The outpouring of support for this important project was overwhelming, and recently 186 bouncers were sent to Hope Foster Home in honor of Maria. These bouncers will be used in Shaohannah’s Hope Healing Home to care for medically fragile infants.

Through such a terrible tragedy, babies will have the equipment they need to develop into healthy, active children. A huge THANK YOU goes to everyone who helped keep Maria's memory alive through the precious children of SHHH.

The babies of Huaibei

How appropriate that we received the Huaibei nutrition update at Thanksgiving time! As I sat down to a huge meal with family and friends on Thanksgiving, I couldn’t help thinking about the beautiful faces of children who have enough food because of all of you. The children of Huaibei are happy and healthy because of your support. These children are smiling more, crying less, and sick less often because they are getting hundreds of cans of additional formula and rice cereal.

Given the recent concerns about Melamine in Chinese formula, we were so relieved to learn that none of the children in Huaibei developed kidney stones. Angel Covers only purchases Nestle’s formula, which has not been shown to have elevated Melamine levels. We are so thankful that the children of Huaibei have remained safe and healthy through this terrible scare.

Additional baby bouncers were also recently sent to Huaibei. Although this isn't part of the nutrition program, the bouncers will allow the babies to be out of their cribs more often and develop fine and gross motor skills. Because there are fewer infants in Huaibei right now, the children will be able to use them even more often.

Another 11 cases of Nestles Neslac formula were purchased for the next 3 months. Combine with other formula, rice cereal, and table foods the children of Huaibei will continue to be happy and healthy. Just look at their faces! You have created these chubby cheeks and for that I will be forever thankful!

Beatrice goes home.

After a whirl-wind trip across the United States, Beatrice Anunda headed back to Kenya today. Beatrice was thrilled to have been brought to the US by the Trillium School in Oregan. Very supportive of Humble Hearts, the Trillium School has sent two groups of high school kids to Humble Hearts with their teachers to help build desks, paint walls, plant a garden, and many other things.

While in Oregon, Beatrice learned new teaching methods from the Trillium School, was able to see the ocean, and met many wonderful supporters. We were fortunate that she also had time to come to Denver. While here she spoke at a school for the deaf, met with two non-profit organizations interested in helping deaf and impoverished children, had an online chat with sponsors, meet many sponsors in person, learned about Halloween, and many other things. She was also able to see snow for the first time and went to the top of the Continental Divide...exclaiming "I've never been so cold in my life!" :-)

After leaving Denver, Beatrice had the great fortune of going to Pennsylvania for a week to visit the Scranton School of the Deaf. It was exciting to hear her be so enthusiastic about what she had learned. Seeing New York City was a huge hit too.

Thanks to everyone who talked to her through the online chat, took the time to meet her, have her in your homes, and show her this beautiful country of ours. She had a wonderful time, much was learned, and many new people learned how they too can help Humble Hearts.

A day with the giraffes

While in Kenya I had the opportunity to visit the Giraffe Center with Beatrice, her daughter Ashley, Jane and her son Niall. What fun it was to feed the giraffes and learn about these magnificent animals.

While were were there, Jane and Beatrice were able to talk to those in charge of arranging trips for under privileged children. The Giraffe Center agreed to allow 23 children and 2 teachers from Humble Hearts to visit the center for free including transportation and lunch! Additionally, the center has agreed to take children from Humble Hearts to the see the giraffes until all of the children have had this wonderful opportunity.

The first group of children, all deaf, visited the Giraffe Center last week and what a wonderful time they had. Feeding the giraffes and learning about how they live and what they eat was a wonderful opportunity. We don't know yet when the next group will go, but when we do, I'll be sure to post pictures. I hope all of the children enjoy this experience as much as the rest of us did.

Formula in China

Recently we have all heard the horrible stories of children in China who have consumed formula tainted with melamine. This chemical is used in things such as wood adhesives, flame retardants, and various coatings. It has caused thousands of children throughout China to become seriously ill, and at least 4 have died.

Angel Covers purchases formula in China for the Huaibei, Anhui orphanage. However, Angel Covers only purchases Nestle formula, which has not been found to have been tainted with melamine. We have been very concerned about the children in our programs, as many of you have been, and have been asking for confirmation that the Nestle formula we purchase is safe. Nestle's formula has been tested by Nestle, the Chinese Bureau of Heath, and Civil Affairs with the same results. No melamine was found. Tests have also been conducted outside of China with the same results.

We are so relieved to know the children in our programs are not at risk. We will continue to do everything possible to protect the children in Huaibei and keep them as healthy as possible.

Helping Angel Cottage

Many people have been asking how they can help build Angel Cottage even though they don't have the funds to send a donation. I'm always so glad people ask me this! There are several ways to help without making a direct donation.

One of our wonderful supporters sells Party Lite Candles. A portion of her profits are being donated to the construction of Angel Cottage. Additionally, if you would be willing to have a Party Lite Candle party, all of the profits from your party will support Angel Cottage construction. All you need to do is email Caroline at aijdinsmom@yahoo.com and request a catalog. She will send you everything you need for the party.

Also, check out our Giving Works page on eBay. All of the items listed have a portion of the proceeds coming to Angel Covers. All funds raised will go to Angel Cottage.
http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=4418

Angel Covers still have greeting cards and will soon have holiday cards for sale through our website. 100% of the proceeds from these cards goes to Angel Cottage construction. All of these cards were designed by the children of Humble Hearts and are beautifully made. http://www.angelcovers.org/greetingcards.html Please remember to use these for gifts during the upcoming holiday season.

All of ideas will help build Angel Cottage and provide 80 children a home they can only dream of now. Thank you for being a part of this great work.

Angel Cottage

While in Kenya I promised more information and stories about my trip, the kids, and Humble Hearts. I thought I'd start by providing you details about the most important project we have going on in Kenya right now, building the Angel Cottage.

As you may know, the budget for Angel Cottage is approximately $90,000. To date $40,000 has been raised and the structure is being built as quickly as funds will allow. But while in Kenya, I learned many new things that have given me even more faith in this project.

Two years ago land was purchased for Angel Cottage. Soon after two additional plots of land were purchased for the future secondary school. We then decided to build Angel Cottage several stories high so that the new secondary school could occupy the second story, which will cost less to build than an entirely new building. Now the land is not only home to the developing Angel Cottage, but will also have lots of space for kids to play. In large part because of Beatrice's amazing work.

When construction began on Angel Cottage, local people in the area noticed this huge project and wanted to buy land close by. Seeing this opportunity, Beatrice contacted the land owner and convinced him to give Humble Hearts 4 additional plots of land for free. Not a marketing professional by trade, Beatrice convinced the land owner that by giving Humble Hearts the land he would be able to tell others what great work is happening there, which will increase the price the rest of the land can be sold for.

Additionally, Beatrice has been working with businesses throughout Nairobi to get free and discounted building materials. More than $7,000 in materials have been donated and dozens of bags of concrete and rods of steel have been purchased at discounted prices. For instance, Beatrice has been able to purchase bags of concrete for 585 shillings rather than 780 shillings, saving approximately $3 US per bag of concrete. Higher quality steel was purchased for almost $15 per rod less because they were purchased from the factory, something everyone in Nairobi isn't able to do. Next month a bank is visiting Humble Hearts and Angel Cottage. Last Christmas this bank purchased gifts for all of the children. This year they are interested in helping with construction costs. Keep your fingers crossed that they will decide to become a sponsor of Angel Cottage.

Financial accountability is of utmost importance to all of us at Angel Covers. These examples show that making the most of the money provided is as important to Beatrice. She works every day to get the best price on materials and works to find companies or individuals willing to donate anything needed.

Please continue to spread the word about this worthwhile project. Your donation will go as far as possible...we are making sure of that in the US as well as in Kenya.
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Sunday and Monday morning

Fortunately I'm able to send one last blog before I leave. It's Monday morning here and last night we sat down with Beatrice trying to talk about all of the things we haven't done yet. What a list that was. Today we will be finishing pictures of all of the sponsored kids, making sure we have all of the letters, writing more bios of unsponsored kids, and finishing the heights and weights for all of the kids who are now at school. It's going to be a busy day.

Beatrice told me last night that there are at least 7 kids who need glasses and an eye exam, there is at least 1 boy who has typhoid, and 2 deaf children who need hearing tests and aids. This of course doesn't include the children who have asthma or other respiratory problems. The good news is that children who have looked so sick in the past, now look great. Karen, Samson looks wonderful! He's still very small, about the size of a 9 year old and he's 15, but he's clearly much stronger. He's filled out, doesn't look sickly, and has put on enough weight to keep his pants up. :-) The milk and other nutrition he's getting is certainly working.

I learned so much about Angel Cottage and what Beatrice is doing here to make the construction go faster. I'll post more about this later, but know she's getting incredible donations from businesses here of materials and staff. She's amazing.

Later this week more posts will be coming about our trip. In the meantime, keep spreading the word about the needs. I've already seen donations for Angel Cottage and of band-aids. What a blessing!

Kari

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Saturday and Sunday in Kenya

Unfortunately I wasn't able to post, but there wasn't much to tell you about Humble Hearts and Angel Cottage though. Since Jane is also here from England with her son, we decided to take the day off and go be tourists. Oh what fun that was. i haven't been kissed by a giraffe before or shaken hands with a baby elephants truck. The boys had a blast and we got some much needed relaxation.

Sunday has been spent purchasing items for our upcoming auction. That's always great fun because I know the items will bring such joy and needed help to our education programs. The auction is in November, and check the website for specific dates so you can mark your calender. The rest of the day will be filled with paperwork, and errands. Not much fun, but very needed.

I will not be able to post about Monday before I leave, as we leave Kenya at 9:50pm Monday night. Just know that many more posts will be coming when I return. There is so much to tell everyone...much more than I can get in any blog.

Thank you all for your support! You're changing the world.

Kari

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Friday in Kenya

What a busy day! Today was filled with gathering as much information as possible on unsponsored children, interviewing teachers, taking pictures of kids already sponsored, buying food for Angel Cottage, and organizing books in the library. The list of unsponsored children is very long and full of need. Two girls stood out to me yesterday. One is a little girl named Claris. She is approximately 6 and deaf. Claris has never been allowed to attend school and was never taught sign language. She came to Humble Hearts this week and is curious about everything. She seems to be very bright and is picking up on the routine, a few signs, and classwork quickly. Another girl I learned about is Laureen. She has been at Humble Hearts for 2 years with no sponsor. She is in Form 2 (a sophomore in high school) and seems to have asthma. She loves to participate in sports, but it's hard because of her difficulties breathing. We will be sure she is able to see a doctor about this. If you would like to sponsor either of these girls, please contact us at patricia@angelcovers.org. As soon as I return, I can send a full bio and picture.

The dedication of the teachers was obvious during the interviews. I had the privilege of interviewing 5 and all love their jobs. They are working for approximately $90 a month, compared to 4 or 5 times that in government schools. One of the deaf teachers was told her entire life by her father that she could not go to school because she was partially deaf. She would sneak out of the house to go to school and when caught, would be locked in. She convinced the neighbor child to rip his textbook in half and give her half his pencil so she could study. After being severely beaten by a teacher because she didn't understand what he was saying, so lost all hearing in her left ear and for years had puss coming out of the other ear. After not passing the national exams to attend college, she worked in the rural areas growing ground nuts to pay for another year of high school in order to fulfill her dream to be a teacher. Against all odds she eventually attended teaching college and is now working at Humble Hearts. We are BLESSED to have her.

These are just a few of the stories I learned yesterday. The dedication of these great people is beyond compare. I'll post more stories when I return, but know you are a part of great things.

Kari

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Thursday in Kenya

The day was started by sorting the 3 huge suitcases full of school supplies, maps, pens, pencil sharpeners, stickers, toys, medicine, and countless other things we brought the kids.  The teachers said over and over again it was like an early Christmas.  The children had huge smiles on their faces and we were thrilled to be able to provide them with things they can't get in Kenya or cost too much to buy.  The teachers were completely out of pens, and seeing their faces light up because of something so simple was great.  We also recorded the heights and weights of all of the kids in school.

One thing we learned is still needed are bandaids.  So, if any of you would like to purchase a box and send it to Humble Hearts by yourself, or send it to Angel Covers and we'll mail it for you, that would be great.  All sizes are needed.

The afternoon was spent at the Dagoetti School.  This is a school of approximately 590 children with very little outside financial support.  Another suitcase full of items was given to them and they were equally pleased.  Angel Covers has started chicken projects and purchased cows for the school, which were feeding 300 of the children 3 days a week.  However, with the recent post election violence, the cows were stolen and most of the chickens have died due to disease because vaccines had to be missed because of the turmoil.  The stories the men tell of tribal members hiding in the woods to burn houses, churches, and kill individuals just for the sake of killing are simply beyond anything I've ever heard before.  The teachers are grateful to be alive for sure.  The cow shed and the chicken coops remain, but funds are not available or another cow and there are only funds for 100 chicken, rather than the 500 they previously had.  If you would like to help with this great need, please go to the donation page  Textbooks and funds for teacher's salaries are also needed.

After visiting Dagoretti, we went shopping!  It became clear that the children of Angel Cottage are in great need of boots for the rainy season.  We were able to give each of them a new backpack yesterday morning, along with many of the secondary kids.  So, the evening was spent buying rain boots, more backpacks, toys, and sanitary pads for the older girls.  Many of you have asked me how much those are.  Right now the cost is 70 or 75 shillings depending on what is purchased and the exchange rate is 68 shillings per dollar.  So, for just over 1 dollar a girl can stay in school each month.

Tomorrow will be spent gathering bios and photos of children who still need sponsors, interviewing teachers, sorting textbooks, and taking pictures of sponsored children.  Even though school started for the term on Monday, not all of the children have reported.  We are hoping they will all report by Monday of next week so we can get pictures of everyone.

Internet is spotty at best, but feel free to email any questions or comments to kari@angelcovers.org  I'd love to hear from you!

Kari

Wednesday in Kenya

After buying more than $400 worth of textbooks and office supplies for Humble Hearts, we went to see the Angel Cottage construction site. Recently we were able to send funds for the purchase of a cow and construction of a shed. This shed is
being made of concrete in order to provide greater security and will not only house the cow, but will also house the chickens and have a room for the caretaker to live it. The construction of the shed is next to a new garden. Frequently Angel Covers is given funds that can be used for anything Humble Hearts needs. Being a forward thinker, Beatrice has leased land for a garden and has planted kale and spinach for the children of Humble Hearts. Although the plants are small now, it's clear that this garden will produce a lot of food for the children.

Angel Cottage construction is truly amazing. Much bigger than it seems on paper, Angel Cottage will be a wonderful home for at least 80 children. Walls are up and the next step is to put the 'slab' or roof on the top. Angel Cottage is being built in a manner that 3 additional stories can be built on top to house even more children. Beatrice has already started mapping out where all of the names will go on the bricks and it's going to be lovely. All of the names will be located next to the play area for the children so they always see each name as they are outside playing. Please tell all your family and friends about this great opportunity. each brick can be purchased for a minimum donation of $10 to Angel Covers and will completely change a life.

Paying for Angel Cottage has to be a top priority. 36 children are currently crammed in 2 rooms and Beatrice knows of at least another 20 who need a home. The day the new Angel Cottage opens, at least 56 children will move in. we will soon be sending out a newsletter telling you how you can help this exceptional cause.

Today we will organize all of the supplies we bought and go to the Dagoretti school, where we have started chicken and cow projects.

Please spread the word to everyone you know. Your efforts are changing lives!

Kari

Tuesday in Kenya

Ok, so today is actually Wednesday here, but I thought I'd write about yesterday mostly. First I'll say I'm sorry for not posting pictures. I've been lucky to be able to post a blog at all given how slow the Internet is, and pictures have been impossible. I'll keep trying though. Promise!

Yesterday was wonderful. After exchanging money, we shopped for all of the food for the staff appreciation party. And what a fun party that was. Way too much food was made, and of course we just had to eat it all. The staff of Humble Hearts are all wonderful. They love the kids and they love their jobs, despite the fact that they are under paid and working in less that optimal conditions. We give them gifts of hand made wooden pens and they couldn't have loved them more. Everyone was so grateful and I was quick to tell them that without all of them working hard for the kids, the school would be nothing. The evening ended well after dark after lots of singing and dancing. It couldn't have been more perfect.

Today we will be buying textbooks for the school (we ran out of time yesterday), visiting the Angel Cottage construction, and sorting through all of the school supplies we brought. I walked around HH yesterday and realized how much things have changed in the past 2 years since I was last here. The water tank purchased 2 years ago is invaluable. The garden planted by a wonderful group from Oregon make everything look so fresh, and the concrete on the floors of some of the classrooms make it possible for the children to learn without sinking into the mud.

There is still lots of work to do though. 7 1/2 classrooms still need concrete on the floors, roofs need to be fixed, and there are never enough textbooks, desks, or supplies. Please spread the word as much as you can about these great kids, staff, and needs. Everyone who talks about this school to others is helping is a huge way. Once again these children have stolen our hearts and I hope they will steal yours too.

Kari

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First Day in Kenya

Justin and I arrived last night in Kenya after 24 hours of traveling. To say we are tired would be a huge understatement, but we are thrilled to be here. Every time I come I'm always shocked at how poor the school is. We were only at Humble Hearts for a few minute, but the need is just overwhelming. We will be shopping for new textbooks and food for a staff appreciation party tonight. I will post more as I can, but know that everyone you are doing to support this school is making a difference for these kids. They have so little and everything you do for them changes their lives completely.

Kari
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Kenya

In less than 4 days I leave for Kenya. The list of things to do is almost as long as the flights I will be on and the time change is difficult to get used to. But, every time I have the privilege to go, all I can think about are the beautiful faces of the kids and how honored I am to get to see them again.

This year my 13 year old son is coming with me. He's packed lots of toys, backpacks, school supplies, and hundreds of other items. He's excited to meet everyone I've been talking about for years, to buy new toys, and missing a few days of school isn't so bad either. But, Justin is going as a representative of Angel Covers. He will be learning how we monitor programs, assess needs, and listen to kids and adults tell us what works in their culture.

Seeing the country and schools through his eyes is one of the things I'm looking forward to the most. I will be posting blogs and pictures as much as I can, and so will Justin. We have started a blog just for him. http://www.angelcoverskids.blogspot.com/ Please pass along this blog address to anyone you think would be interested in reading his stories and hearing about his experiences. This is a great opportunity to get your kids involved and interested in the needs of children in Kenya.

Join us on this exciting journey. You helped make it possible.

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Maps

Angel Covers has been offered a wonderful opportunity. Beautiful maps of China are available and for each one purchased, Angel Covers will receive 50% of the proceeds.

These maps are a 24” x 36” poster with provinces and selected place names labeled in Chinese Characters (Hanzi), Chinese pinyin (romanized spellings) and the English translation of the meaning of the place name. The maps include a chart of over 100 commonly used characters/words found in Chinese place names. The poster is $15 plus $5 shipping.

Please consider ordering one of these by going to http://www.familyscholartree.com/parents.html They make a beautiful gift, poster for a child's bedroom or classroom, or just a great addition to your home. You will be supporting children around the world.

Gift Cards Make A Huge Difference

For years Angel Covers has had gift cards available on our website for a wide variety of programs. Donations can be made in honor of a teacher, family member, co-worker, or anyone around the world and a card will be sent describing your donation to that person. These are a wonderful way to provide a gift for someone while helping kids. One child who has been helped because of our gift cards is Tommy.

Tommy is a 4 year old boy in China attending Love Without Boundaries Believe in Me IV school. Because of donations through gift cards, Angel Covers has been able to send Tommy to school for a year. Tommy has learned to count to 10, say his full name, and is learning to follow directions and cooperate with others. He loves playing with his friends at school too. Because of donations through gift cards, Tommy is learning how to interact with others in a way he wouldn't have been able to before.

Next time you need a gift, please consider our gifts cards. They are changing the lives of children like Tommy around the world.

Caring Kids

Frequently kids from around the country contact Angel Covers about how they can help others. Donations of clothing, vitamins, school supplies, blankets, and many other items have been sent to us from children trying to make a difference. More than $400 was recently sent by a school after they held a bake sale to raise money for Angel Cottage. Each of the children who worked on this fund raiser will have his or her name on a brick at Angel Cottage.

Another great example of a generous child helping orphans was seen this week. Melanie is a 5 year old little girl who was adopted from China when she was 10 months old. Rather than asking for toys for her birthday, Melanie asked her friends to donate towards baby bouncers. Because of her selflessness, two more bouncers will be purchased and given to orphans in China. Melanie put aside her own wants and asked that needy children be helped instead.

We can all learn from Melanie's example and the example of children around the world. Are you willing to follow their lead?

More Full Tummies

July has been a month for wonderful pictures of smiling children with full bellies. Not only did we received the great report from our nutrition program in Huaibei, Anhui but we also received more pictures from the Humble Hearts lunch program.

The children of Humble Hearts frequently don't know where their next meal is coming from. Because of the school's lunch program, these kids know they will at least have one meal each Monday through Friday. They are each also receiving a glass of Ensure once a week to help boost their nutritional level. The smiles on these children's faces are priceless.

As July comes to a close, I begin to worry about these kids again. There is no school in August each year. Without school, food is not guaranteed.

I am fortunate enough to be going to Kenya this year. I'll be at Humble Hearts on the first day of school and would love to be able to give all of these kids a piece of fruit to welcome them back. If you would like to contribute to this cause, please go to www.angelcovers.org/donation.html and write "fruit" in the message section of your donation. Raising the funds to purchase 250 pieces of fruit leads to the problem of how I will carry it all to the school....a problem I look forward to having!

Kari Fillmore

Full Tummies

Our nutrition facilitator in China, Cindy, just visited Huaibei and sent some of the best pictures. The baby on the right is called “laughing Buddha” by the orphanage staff. How adorable is that?! You can see why too. She looks so happy.

Thanks to all of your support, the babies continue to look great. The orphanage continues to use the cleft bottles we sent, which is obvious from the pictures of the babies with cleft lips. They are looking great. Not too skinny at all. And 2 will be having surgery soon! That's a huge blessing because they wouldn't be able to have surgery if they didn't weigh enough.

We are going to send more formula and rice cereal this month. Cindy said the orphanage was clean and neat and that the aunties take very good care of the babies. Many of the younger children are attending kindergarten outside of the orphanage during the day, which is wonderful. We will be purchasing formula that is good for the toddlers too (Neslac) because there aren't as many infants right now. This formula is also especially good for the babies with medical needs and was purchased in April 2008 with great success. The kids love the taste and it’s full of great nutritional benefits for all of the kids. We will also continue to provide more than 200 bags of rice cereal each month.

In February we were able to purchase heater/ air-conditioning units that are getting a lot of use right now. This area of China is not only very hot in the summer, but also very humid. These air-conditioners are preventing heat sores and sleepless nights.

The support of so many is making this program invaluable. Children are not only happier, but they are healthier, and are able to have surgery if needed because they are strong. If you would like to be a part of this life-changing program, please email me at kari@angelcovers.org Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you’ve done for these children. You are making it possible for them to have a full life.

Mama’s Wish - Letters of Gratitude

During the past school year 100 Mama’s Wish students wrote letters to their sponsors. Each of these letters were as unique as the girls that wrote them. The girls wrote about their families and the poverty of their villages, life at school and their dreams for the future. But the one thing all these amazing letters had in common was each young woman’s undying gratitude for the help she has received.

“When I couldn’t attend school due to my financial difficulties, you, though located so far away, extended a pair of helping and warm hands to me and pulled me out of my difficulties. In my heart, I truly feel happiness. Due to my family’s financial difficulties, I almost had to quit school. It was you that provided me this opportunity to continue studying

Many of the students wrote about the struggles their families face. Most of the girls come from very small, remote villages with little economic opportunity. Their families are struggling to make ends meet with an average income of only $98 a year.

“My family’s financial situation is very bad. Both my father and mother are working. It’s very difficult for us to pass the days. My parents were willing to continue supporting me only because I studied well. Otherwise, I would have been married out very early. It was at this time that you, like a deity, appeared in my life. Only because of your help was I able to regain brightness in my life.” ~ZhaXi

“Everyone in my family is a farmer. Our financial situation isn’t too good. My mom is disabled. We rely on the Chinese caterpillar fungus that my mother and brother dig up and sell in order to pay for our living expenses. My parents have worked hard and been through many difficulties.”~DuoJi

One of the most heartwarming things the girls wrote about was their genuine desire to give back to their communities as a way to repay the gift that has been given to them.

“I will use what you’ve shown me with your selfless and love-filled contribution to go help and protect other people.” ~SangJi

"I admire the size of your heart. You have inspired me to study hard so I can help someone as you have helped me. I wish you all of the health and prosperity in the world." ~LiMao

To all our wonderful Mama’s Wish sponsors we send,"Ten Thousands and Thousands of thanks to you." Your gift truly is making dreams come true for these amazing young women.

2008-09 Mama’s Wish Sponsorship

Mama’s Wish is currently looking for a few new sponsors for the upcoming 2008-09 school year. Sponsorships for a student to attend high school are just $10 per month. A one year sponsorship covers education fees, with some left over to help support living expenses. As a sponsor you will receive education reports with photos of your student, and you will have the opportunity to send and receive correspondence.

We also have several college students who are in need of sponsorship help for the upcoming school year. These amazing young women have beaten all the odds, passed the entrance exams, and are now attending University. With our help these bright women are on their way to fulfilling their dreams of becoming doctors, teachers, and community leaders. College sponsorships start at $35 a month.

You can learn more about the Mama’s Wish Education program by visiting our website http://www.angelcovers.org/mamawish.html
Photos of the students currently needing sponsorship can be found here: http://www.angelcovers.org/mamawishsponsorship.html

If you are interested in sponsoring a student or have questions about the Mama’s Wish program please contact Karen@angelcovers.org

Karen MacNair- Mama’s Wish Sponsorship Coordinator

Remembering Maria

On May 21, 2008 tragedy struck the Chapman family in which young Maria Chapman died . But through this tragedy, Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman continue to think of the many orphans in China. In order to let the world show how much they loved Maria, Angel Covers has been asked to accept donations in honor of Maria for baby bouncers. These bouncers will provide hours of interaction and fun to the babies cared for at the Shaohannah’s Hope Healing Home (SHHH), a new project in China, of the Chapman’s organization.

Because of a partnership between the Chapman’s and Dr. Joyce and Robin Hill, this 60,000 sq ft facility will care for 128 medically fragile infants and toddlers . One hundred baby bouncers are needed for SHHH in order to help provide these babies with the best care possible.

Maria was a beautiful little girl with a huge smile and contagious laugh. Please help us spread her joy for life to the children of SHHH. Only $10 purchases one of these bouncers and will bring countless hours of happiness to these needy children. http://www.angelcovers.org/chapman.html

Every Mother's Wish

Angel Covers decided to add the Mama's Wish program one year ago. We were not only excited by the opportunity, but were confident we could find sponsors for the 50 or so girls we agreed to send to school. Then something amazing happened. Sponsors came forward for 100 girls (93 high school and 7 college) and all were sent to school. Children who had been told there was no hope of attending high school were suddenly told to pack their bags. Many tears were shed around the world as these girls' lives were changed forever.

One year later, we have the honor of planning for the second year of this program. Three of "our" high school girls have graduated and are now waiting on the results of their college entrance exams while we work on finding sponsors for them for college....with full confidence they will be accepted.

Reports recently sent to sponsors included letters from their girls. All are honored to have the opportunity to attend school, and many feel they are learning first hand how to spread joy and kindness to others. Here is a small part of one young woman's letter.

"I hope to become as kindhearted as you, so starting from this year, I will take the compassion you have shown to me and use it to be just as compassionate to others around me. I helped out one of the girls in our village. Everyone knows about her because last year her father passed away. Afterwards, there was only her mother to help pay for her expenses. They truly are very poor, so I gave them a pair of shoes and a pair of pants. To others, this may not seem like any sort of help, but to a really poor family, getting financial help is as difficult as the sky is vast."

We are thrilled to know that most of the 100 sponsors will be able to continue their sponsorship for the coming year. We are looking for a few new sponsors though, so if you or someone you know is able to help these amazing girls, please contact Karen at karen@angelcovers.org She would be happy to match you with a child, whose life you will completely change.

General Donations

I am frequently asked why general funds are so important. This is such a great question because funds for specific programs are talked about often and are vital to any program. Donations designated for specific programs keep those programs running on a day to day basis, support specific children, and meet specific needs. So, why are general funds so important?

I recently received a long list of items that were purchased and services received at the Humble Hearts School for the Deaf in Kenya. All of these needs were met because of general donations to the school. Approximately $1,670 was sent to Humble Hearts for general needs in April. In addition, one sponsor generously sent socks for any child who needed them.

The list of needs that was met is extensive....latrines were drained, mattresses were purchased for the preschool class, charts and posters were purchased for classrooms, pads were purchased for the older girls, chairs were added to the library and staff room, textbooks were purchased for the high school kids, the electric bill was paid, and medication was purchased for children with malaria and colds.

Although vitally important, none of these items are covered by sponsorship fees. Who would ever want to sponsor the draining of a latrine? Yuck! But because general funds were available to Humble Hearts, this vital need was met and children are less likely to become ill.

So next time you wonder if general funds make a difference, please remember this list of what was provided for the children of Humble Hearts in April. Every single dollar makes a huge difference.

Sichuan Earthquake

All of us were devastated to hear of the earthquake in China a week ago. The numbers of lives lost and children left orphaned is still unknown. Family members are still searching for each other, and rubble is still being sifted. But, in all the devastation, stories of wonderful acts of kindness are emerging.

I recently received some of the most heartwarming pictures I've ever seen. The Mama's Wish program supports orphaned and severely impoverished girls by providing them with the opportunity to receive a high school and college education. These girls come to school with very little, and completely rely on sponsors for their financial support. Many attend the Tongren school in the Qinghai. We were expecting to hear the worst news about these amazing girls, but were thrilled to learn that all of the Mama's Wish girls and their teachers were safe after the earthquake hit.

What was equally overwhelming to me was the generosity these extremely poor children have shown in the face of the devastation. Students wrote our facilitator in China expressing their concern for her and her family. But more than that, they participated in a fundraiser at their school for victims of the earthquake. At first glance you might not think much about that. But what must be understood is that these girls don't have the $1 US it costs to take the bus home on the weekend. Their families, if they have one, have an average income of less than $100 a year. Many have seen family members die because of untreated, basic illnesses.

And yet, they lined up to help those less fortunate.

I have always said that the kids in our programs are my heroes. They take the worst circumstances and completely change lives....their own and others. I am honored to know them.

Friends Around The World

Since Angel Covers began, people around the world have offered their help and support for children around the world. Recently, individuals have been posting about the need for a new Angel Cottage on their blogs and posting our widgets so others have the opportunities to donate. Because of these efforts, funds continue to be raised for this project. With Father's Day rapidly approaching, please consider donating a brick in your dad's honor. http://www.angelcovers.org/angelcottage.html

Marcia, of Magnolia and Friends, is another perfect example of the generosity of others. Marcia has graciously decided to give Angel Covers 100% of the profits from the sale of her Friends Of Magnolia Dolls. http://www.magnoliaandfriends.com/ These dolls come in a wide variety of outfits and are adorable! Marcia's generosity is going to touch the lives of children around the world. This about all of the kids in your life who would love one of these!

Thank you to all of you who help each and every day. I don't know who all of you are, but I know your caring for children is truly making a difference.