At times it feels like the core group of 4 involved in starting Ameena Project live and breathe it. Because of this, at times, we forget to let the rest of you know all of the things we ponder over, discuss and experience in our times together. We also are working hard to slow down and invite you into the stories of how it is impacting each of us, but more importantly, the communities we are working with.
Here are some of the thoughts and ideas that we come back to, every time we meet here in the US to discuss the details of Ameena Project:
- We do this because it powerfully impacts very needy children and because we can. For whatever reason we are in the position to be able to do this kind of work! So, we either do, or do not. A simple choice.
- This work is so important that all US-based operations can and should be 100% volunteer run. All donated money should be used to benefit foreign partner programs and the children they serve.
- People desire to be involved in something simple and powerful. Everyone has something to give, and people want to know that their time, talents and donations make a difference.
It has been an amazing process as we watch many ideas come to life and take shape. None of us are rich by American standards. We all work every day to support ourselves, and our families, and we all still live our regular lives in our regular neighborhoods. However, volunteers sacrificing a little time, a little money, and a little bit of our various talents has resulted in something remarkable and life changing for the community of Kiang’ombe.
At the end of March, Ian and Anne will travel to Kenya to work directly with staff, solidify relationships within the community, and gather information on how to partner with this community in a lasting & empowering way. If you were wondering, no donated funds will be used for any of their travel expenses, they and other volunteers pay their own way to keep donated dollars hard at work.
Whenever possible, we desire to buy and use the labor within the countries we work in. But, in communicating with Kenyan staff, there are supplies and materials that would benefit the school of Kiang’ombe that can not be obtained in Kenya, or are prohibitively expensive. We know that shopping and looking for bargains is a talent for many of you—and want to enlist your help! There simply is an abundance of used and new objects that we can find Here that will be of immense value There. We hope to use four 50lb suitcases to take materials to Kenya with us. In the next little while, we’ll have a wish list posted here on the blog. We are excited to see what you all might come up with to bless these teachers and children.