Fascinating Journey Hi, Kim. I've been following along with your travels and the history is fascinating (but sad, of course). Thank you for sharing this experience (and I'm so proud of what you are doing!) and educating us all in the process. Take care of yourself! - Erika
The End Of Poverty Go and read "The End of Poverty" by Jeffrey Sachs if you haven't already. It chronicles what is happening, what is and is not being done and how this kind of poverty can, in fact, be eradicated in our lifetimes. Then use whatever channels you can to put pressure on your politicians.
the boys Kim; Were you able to find out anything about these 3 boys? Do they have family? I wonder if there is anyone in their family living with HIV/AIDS or has died from it. It certainly could put things into perspective.
final thought If I were these boys, maybe living in squallor, on the brink of life and death, nothing but disease and destruction around me, I don't think I would/could smile for the camera either.
their eyes Kim; The pictures are breath taking and at the same time leaves one to wonder how we can tolerate the hunger and poverty in our world. I look into the eyes of these boys. If our eyes truly are the windows to our souls, then what I see in extremely disturbing and sad. The children of the world - our children - deserve better than this. They seem frightened, worried, guarded, and exude a sense of hopelessness - a hopelessness that no one cares. Such irony in the beauty of poverty, that one can see beauty in the face of adversity.
How can we help? Kim, I have been following your every blog. I find them so very educational. The number one question that comes to my mind is "how can we help these people?" Thank you so very much for being our eyes.
Love ya lots,
Tricia
I agree I agree with Kim in the fact that even two people coming together to make a difference can become a group of thousands. I'm glad others are interested in making a difference too.
"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth"
Valarie in TX
YOU ARE SET!! G'day Kim!! I've found the hardest part of overseas travel is getting out of dodge!! :) I look forward to reading your adventures! I hold you safely in my prayers. Godspeed ~ kristine (Cathy Mowery's friend)
African children Kim,
I am a friend of Kelly Jo who invited our whole mom's group to read this blog, and I am thankfull for the chance to read about your amazing trip. It's hard to read some things and imagine that this is a real ,everyday life to someone. And the hardest for me is to read about those children having so little, fighting for PENS! As a mother, my heart go out to those kids. And I could just imagine how hard it is to be a mother in Africa, watching your kids get sick, get hungry... and you are so powerless to do anything about it. How lucky out children are , growing up in USA.
1000 words We all know the phrase, "a picture is worth a thousand words....." That being said, I should have much to say, but I can't because of the lump in my throat and the tears in my eyes. Love-Cathy
Pretty Amazing Adventures Cathy passed this on to us so only got to read a little bit since at work. Wow is all I got to say! Definately makes you feel blessed with what we have in our lives. (By the way, YES your house is still standing!)
Beautiful Wow this looks like a beautiful place too. Everyday I hear from another friend to whom I have passed on the blog to who was moved by your words. I think you should think seriously about a book, your outlook is unique and refreshing. I read an article in The Nation magazine about Africa and her natural resources. About how due to economic deals cut with the governments (including ours) is and has stripped African countries of their natural resources (ie. oil, nickel etc...), leaving the people who live there impoverished and the countryside polluted. She contends that with saner and freindlier economic deals that it would help the people of Africa a good deal more than increasing aid (not that I am against increased aid). Not that that it going to happen anytime soon as the agreements are too friendly for the governing bodies to turn down. Just a thought to put out there to the community following your journey. A talking point, if you will. Ok, all my love as always. I will be waiting impatiently for your next entry. Take good care of yourself my friend.
Peace, Kelly Jo
Found your Noble Purpose How deeply, truly extraordinary! Sad. Horrible, as said above. But deeply inspiring as well. And to see these children and families as models for us who have everything safe and set is transformational. Not to pity them. But to learn from them. You have found your Noble Purpose, Kim. And thank you for sharing this real time with us. Love, Jim
Many more are listening than you know. Hello my friend! I have passed on your blog to my mom group and many of them have been reading. It has been great to be able to talk about something more than potty training and discipline. I have encouraged them to leave comments but I think they are a bit shy since they have not met you. I passed on an e-mail to you from one in particular who was very touched. Ironically, there is a woman from Ethopia who just started coming to our play group. I didn't get much of a chance to talk to her but I can't wait to sit down and get to know her. I told her about you and she seemed surprised. Keep em coming. All my love and blessings to you my dear friend.
Love, KJ
WOW! Hi Kim, Your stories and pictures are touching and moving beyond belief. I'm sure you're having the same affect on so many of the people you're meeting everyday in Africa as well. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us every step of the way. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please take good care of yourself. Love, Jackie
Your trip Kim - it is impossible to tell you how your writings are telling a story that's needed to be told for so long - I'm posting your comments on our "church prayer/comment board and I can't tell you how the people are appreciating the opportunity of reading your story. Thanks so much Ruth
What a Trip! Kim--Having been to both Ethiopia and Zimbabwe many, many years ago, your blogs are fascinating for me. I suspect there is an assembly presentation or two in you. The heroism of those you are meeting is inspiring. I am so pleased that you are blogging. It is important for all of us to hear about that world.
Keith
Hey from arlene Hey girl - I am praying for you. The Lord put you there for many reasons, I'm sure - but I think one of them is to remind all of us to see how blessed we are and as a result reach out to others less fortunate. On a lighter note, I am trying very hard to get to work and my short peek onto your travelblog site took over my last hour!! All my love, arlene
prayers Hi Kim! You are so right to ask for us to pray for all those people that live in such impoverished conditions...and the children - it breaks my heart to read and see through your eyes the suffering. It is truly sobering - we should be grateful for what we have. Keeping you and all those less fortunate in my prayers. love, arlene
Following along Kim, I have been following each entry - and so has my mom! We are praying with you on this incredible journey. My students have always loved you as a speaker (you make me look good) and now they will benefit from hearing about HIV/AIDS in Africa. Stay well, be safe, drink deeply of each experience.
Many Blessings! Kim i am sitting here reading your journal to my mother wishing i was with you to experience this part of life,but i want you to stay healthy and go towards your dreams.....and rememember no God-no Peace....Know God...Know Peace,love Fay
Proud Husband If I were someone who had never met you, I would truly be impressed with what you're doing. As I am not...I am simply extremely proud to be your husband.
Love,
Me
ps
"I got TV in my cave" :-)
Once again...speechless I don't know what to say about this entry. It was beautiful and horrible. I just wanted to let you know that I am still here and have been deeply touched by your story.
Love, KJ
Thanks so much Hey Kim,
Thanks so much for sharing your incredible trip like this. I'll bet those folks that have dedicated their lives to helping bring some small hope to the lives of the poor and sick children of Ethiopia and now Zimbabwe are as inspiring as you describe. I am especially struck by the contrasts that exist side by side. Anyway, I will check again on your old man and make sure the kids haven't stuffed him in a box in the basement or something like that. God Bless you as you continue your travel. You have probably already helped more of those children than you will ever know. Have fun! Mark
I haven't blog in years, but I have not stopped traveling! Along with Africa, I have been to South America, Central America and Europe, since I have last blogged. But I am really going to try to blog this next trip because it is special. Heading back to Ethiopia to work on my hospital project with my little non-profit, Medical Facility Aid. www.medicalfacilityaid.org I started this non-profit to provide infrastructure support for little poor rural hospitals in the developing world. This trip is to document my project and to help provide good basic care to some of the poorest people in t... full info
Erika Russina
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Fascinating Journey
Hi, Kim. I've been following along with your travels and the history is fascinating (but sad, of course). Thank you for sharing this experience (and I'm so proud of what you are doing!) and educating us all in the process. Take care of yourself! - Erika