I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to help

Dear Friends May 22, 2007

Yet, again, I am using the wisdom of another’s words as my blog:
I will share the two emails I received from Eleanor Lambert, a 12 year old girl who makes me proud to say I am an American. That has not come too easily the last few years
Following them will be my response.

To: Marie
Wait till you read this! I meant to tell you about this when we spoke today. Eleanor is so precious. She & her brothers make their Confirmation the Sunday of Memorial W/end. I have sent her your e-mail address. Loveyou! -clw (Carolyn Williams)

Dear Mrs. Carolyn. Hi! Did my mom tell you I wanted to work with the kids in Africa?I think it would be fun!My mom took me to this blog about your friend Maria and i would REALLY like to email her.But I can't find her email address on her blog.Could you send me her email address so I can help.I keep seeing on TV about these kids and families and one said that about 28,000 kids will die tomorrow I think because of malaria or something and I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to give money to help find a cure or something that will help the kids that are orphaned,sick, dying or don't have a lot to eat. I have $100 saved up(or by the time you get this I may have more)and it is for those kids! By the way I was exploring her blog and there was a picture of her and some friends,a cute dog ,and you she was saying “thanks”. I hope on some of those pictures of kids they will be happy and healthy because of all the people that are helping.Love,Elliep.s. I am running in a track meet tomorrow so wish me luck! To MarieHey this is Ellie,Mrs.Carolyn's friend, I am only 12 but would really really REALLY like to help I have saved over $100 and could send it to you by mail? Anyhow on your blog it says your b-day was a little while ago happy late b day!Just tell me how to get the $ to you and I will send it.I will still be saving up.Do you think I should reach a total then send the $ to you or send it whenever I get some? I will save up and keep the kids and you in my prayers. Bye Ellie P.S my real name is Eleanor(you most likely knew that)but everyone calls me Ellie P.S.S I just thought of this: you know those socks, the woolly real comfy ones they are like $5 they fit any size If any kids need socks I can use some of the $ and buy some of those and send the $ and the socks, unless there is a store that sells them there!

Dear Ellie May 19, 2007
What a nice email and wonderful idea.! Of course, I know who Eleanor is (Carolyn speaks of you frequently) but now you will be “Ellie” to me.
It is nice to see a young lady be so thoughtful of children across the continent from herself.
The children here in East Africa (Uganda) are wonderful and fun and very kind to each other, although most of them have lost one or both parents from AIDS. Some live with their grandparent, but most live on their own, with some support from their community. That is what St. Francis Hospital- Mutolere does: helps support these children and educate them, so they may have a better future then they have now.
I spoke with my Supervisor, Sr. Justine (you read about her and her adorable daughter Olivia in my Easter blog) and she was very moved by your kindness. We have been discussing different ideas but no decision has been reached, perhaps you can help us. Suggestions are (1) mosquito nets for the new Paediatric (yep, that is how they spell it here) Building which is to open in August.We all use mosquito nets at night to prevent the mosquito’s from biting us as some carry the malaria bug. (2) For the AIDS Orphans; we thought perhaps some sweets ( they never get candy, cake or soda or even chips ) . I have even considered having a party for them after lunch some Saturday. We could name it the”Ellie Party” and have balloons and music and cupcakes and soda pop. What do you think of that idea?
There are 90 children weekly so that would leave about $1 to spend per child ….Although I sometimes wear socks, rarely do I see the children wear them or even shoes for that matter. It is a warm climate and even when they may have a sweater on in the morning, they still have bare feet.
(3) Another idea is to sponsor a childs school fees: Just yesterday I accompanied Agnes, a co-worker, to visit a 13 yr old boy named Emmanuel because he has not been coming on Saturdays to the program, or attending school. He is a double AIDS Orphan (meaning he has lost both his parents to AIDS). He said he would like to attend boarding school but did not have the money or clothes (they must wear uniforms ).It cost about 210,000 shillings ($100.00) plus uniforms a full year.. Emmanuel lives in a one room shack with his older brother, who was not at home when I was there. He seemed a very nice boy and spoke to me in English when I ask his name in his local language Rufumbria I said “Witwande?” and he responded ”My name is Emmanuel, how are you?” I responded “Meza neza wakoze , Umaze Ute? “ which means “Very well thank you, how are you?” I then asked Agnes to tell him that I would really like to see him at the program and that I had come all the way from America to meet him. He looked up at me for the first time (up to this point he was looking down as he knew he was in trouble) and said ”Yes, I will come tomorrow”
I am pleased to say he did come today. Perhaps this is the start of a better future for Emmanuel, just one of many AIDS Orphans in Africa.
Boarding schools are popular here and education a privilege and the only real opportunity for a better life. The children take their studies very seriously.
Well, Ellie, I have gone on and on about Emmanuel because I just met him yesterday and already feel a connection with him. and you, as you are close in age.
Today the children have taught me many new words in Rufumbria , as well as lessons in basket weaving(after they braided my hair with straw-smile) . I served the children breakfast ( a liquid porridge) and lunch of beans, potatoes, cabbage and pumpkin( looks more like what we would call squash) . We sang songs ( they teach me one, then I teach them one-smile). Anyone who has known me for very long will recognize that I was teaching the children ”I believe in the Sun” in the above photo.
I then taught them the Mexican Hat Dance (wore me out!!) and they performed some local dances for me. It was a full, fun day, but---- I was able to walk ¼ of a mile to my very comfortable dwelling while they walked several miles to a one room shanty with no electricity or plumbing. Worse than that; often no one to welcome them home.
I am humbled and touched by their beautiful smiles and jubilant spirits amidst such poverty and loss.
Well, dear Ellie, I believe this letter has turned into a blog, so I hope you won’t mind if I publish your wonderful offer to help the children
Let me know what you think of my ideas and we will come up with the perfect way to use your $100.00 to help the children of Africa.
Thank you and may God bless you and your family
Marie