Saturday, September 4, 2010

Livingstone Mountains Here We Come!



Lisa Hardel and I are heading out next Saturday to visit the Livingstone Mountains in South Western Tanzania, Africa. We are excited to be visiting the 4 communities and woman’s group “Lukamenda” to see how the progress is coming on the orphan uniforms and the pork project.

My last visit was in November, and the villages were just beginning to construct their individual pork centers where widows will learn how to feed, vaccinate, breed and farrow the pigs. Then, through an application process, pigs are awarded to widows. When their pig has babies, they will keep 3 and give the rest back to the pork center, who will then distribute more pigs.

We will also be meeting with the tailors that have been making orphan uniforms to get a progress report.

There is a high possibility of a nurse traveling next summer to do a 3 month internship in the mountains, so Lisa and I will be visiting a couple hospitals.

We are also taking a sample solar oven to explore the feasibility of its use. Women travel 1-3 miles each day to gather needed firewood and there is an issue with the wood supply. All meal preparation is done with firewood, sometimes inside homes. This creates respiratory issues.

This trip is sure to be educational as well as heartwarming as we rekindle old friendships. I can’t wait!!

2 comments:

Katie Mead said...

I think the solar ovens are a great idea...Here is what another group is doing with solar http://www.self.org/

Brenda C. said...

My dear sweet sister...I will be and have been praying for you. I will always treasure the time I spent with you and Buttons while in the beautiful Livingstone Mts. My heart as well as my prayers go with you, give Tupo, mama maria, all the ladies and kids my love and hugs. I will hopefully make the next trip! :) and find out how Oscar is doing in school. Go with God. <><