W.A.L.K.

A Couple of Updates

2011-10-16T22:16:00.001-07:00

So things have been crazy around here lately and blogging has been slow. I am finally settling in to a new routine. I have taken a full- time teaching assistant position for special needs children at our local public school system and I still have my part-time driving job as well. With a large family wanting/needing my attention on the after school hours, life can be kinda crazy! And though things have been quiet on the blogging end, we have been busy with getting our kids enrolled again this year, collecting the end of year report cards, switching some kids to new schools, etc. etc. Stephen is back at it again, working towards updates for our sponsor families and we will be updating each one of you. I just want to take this time here to mention that the last time I spoke with Stephen he wanted me to share with you the thankfulness from each family. Some have expressed how much stress has been taken from them knowing that their child is in school and fees are paid, now they can focus on how to feed their children without the added pressure of paying for school.

If you've followed the blog before, you know that Stephen's sister had passed away leaving two babies behind. They have been sponsored by a family here in the US and the babies are doing fabulously! They are growing by leaps and bounds and have remained healthy since birth. Such a blessing! AND, Rebecca gave birth to a healthy baby girl just recently and they named her Monconjay. She is totally adorable. I cannot wait to see her. Stephen and Rebecca have alot going on and I would ask that you cover them in prayer.

On another note, Donna will be taking a trip to Liberia in November. At this time we are sending over the previous letters and items that some of you have sent a few months back. Differing circumstances had made the past trips needing to be re-scheduled. So, if you have not heard back, you will next month when Donna comes back from the trip. I am hoping that all of you received your letters and/or drums from Liberia from the last trip. If something was missed please let me know! I am working on a return trip to Liberia during the beginning or ending of this coming summer. My date has not been planned yet because we have a graduation and a wedding within a month of each other. I will keep you updated on that as the plans unfold. (Keep it in the back of your mind and if there is something you would like me to do while I am there please email me.) If you wish to send another package or have not yet been able to and want to, this would be a great time to get something to me. By the end of October I will be sending everything to Donna to take with her.

One more quick update...Global Orphan Outreach has been working hard to make the website easier to navigate and understand. Go here to see our changes that we are making. Now on to some pictures for you.

The twins.

Such little cuties. We are having fun watching them grow!

Yonjay is off to school this year. Look at his cuteness in his uniform.

And after a very long wait the arrival on Monconjay finally came. This is her dedication.

2011-09-23T18:14:00.001-07:00

What sculpture is to a block of marble,education is to the human soul.~Joseph Addison~

2011-07-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

I will be doing some posting on our walk with some more pictures soon. For now, here is a group picture of those who attended minus a few people, including our speaker.

He Had A Dream

2011-07-15T22:33:00.000-07:00

"I have a dream that one day little black boys and girls will be holding hands with little white boys and girls."
Martin Luther King Jr. (I Have A Dream)

2011-07-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

The function of education is to teach one to think
intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

A Message From Frank G. Traub

2011-06-28T00:34:00.001-07:00

I first heard about Global in January of this year when I was invited by a friend to accompany her to a workshop being hosted by the organization. When I returned home I immediately got in touch with Pastor Ben and told him that there was something very different about Global. As a Liberia I’ve seen the workings of humanitarian organizations in my country; and believe me when I tell you, a lot of them do not account for much. It saddens my heart to see people pushing their own agenda under the guise of helping the needy. However, with Global there was just something different. As I looked into the faces of couples present and heard them talk about my people with so much passion, I knew that these people, while not the wealthiest donors, where making the most sacrifices. I saw and talked to husbands who stayed home as their wives did what their hearts told them was right.

Fast forward to June and I’m invited to speak at a walkathon planned by Global. The objective: that people here in America (especially their children) will have an idea about how most children in Liberia walk to and from school (and many a times on empty stomachs). If I was surprised in January, I was blown out of my mind on Saturday, the 25^th. I saw kids who were so enthusiastic about what their parents were involved in. I saw families of the organizers rally around them in support. But more than that, I saw Liberian kids who had been brought over to America either for medical care or to be placed in proper homes with love and care. In any case, these kids were being given the opportunity to dream again- the opportunity to have hope in a world that they’d given up on.

My only regret was that it was held so far in Wisconsin where not many Liberians are; and I thought a lot of Liberians should have the opportunity to see what’s really being done to help us as a nation. So if there is a possibility of a program being held in Minnesota, I would gladly welcome the idea. The hearts and the motive of the people involved are too pure to not be allowed to touch and encourage others. So on behalf of the Liberian people, I say a big THANK YOU! And may God continue to bless the works of your hands!!!

Yours truly, Frank Glenn

The Big Day is Here (and now over)

2011-06-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

A brief update on our walk today......
We had amazingly beautiful weather and a really great time! I will be downloading pics and finishing up final details of the walk. Thank you to all who helped this day be a success!

Meet the Speaker

2011-06-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Last year we had the privilege of hearing Pastor Ben Kangar speak at the walk. Ben is originally from Liberia, West Africa but now resides in the U.S. with his wife and children. We enjoyed our time and Ben did an excellent job speaking about school in Liberia and his experiences growing up there.

This year I invited Frank Glenn Traub to come speak for us. He is also from West Africa. Glenn has authored a book called "And It Shall Come To Pass." You can find the link to his book at Amazon. This book was written during his teen and young adult years while he was growing up during the Liberian war. Glenn will be speaking about the war and its affect on Liberia's school children. Glenn is bringing his book to sell at the walk and will be selling it for $20.00. If you are interested in a book and cannot attend the walk, send me an email and I can grab one for you while he is here with us.

Hope to see you there!

Victoria Has Graduated

2011-06-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

On June 12th we had our first graduate. Victoria graduated from the class of K-11 from Fullness Apostolic Foundation Elementary School. She has been a student with us for a couple of years and is doing well. In order to partake in the graduation ceremony it is required that you wear the proper attire. They need shoes and a dress (which costs around $15.00). The graduation ceremony itself costs around $16 USD. This is no small matter for our kids. Another reason why we do the W.A.L.K.

This is the program for the graduating students. Victoria is number 25...the very last one.

Kids in line for graduation.

Victoria in the middle.

The family and friends are gathered....

Some celebration singing...

Victoria's grandmother Annie in the middle here.

The principal making his remarks....

Almost done, Victoria!

Victoria with her family.

Congrats, Miss Victoria! We are proud of you! Keep studying hard!

Her Blessings are Blessing Others

2011-06-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

It has been so much fun seeing other children participate in school sponsorship! Here is another family who is teaching their children what it means to invest in someone else. What a gift they are giving to their children! You can check out their family blog here. This is a post they did on W.A.L.K. And, below are her two boys who are her greatest blessings...

Seriously, don't you just love those huge smiles? They are already starting to get into writing their new friend some letters. Hmmm, I might just have to post some really cute pictures for you of kids in Liberia writing letters to their new sponsors! :)

Want Last Year's Shirt?

2011-05-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

These are last year's walk-a-thon t-shirts. They have the same quote on the back of them as this year's shirts. (click to enlarge to read it) I would like to sell them as part of the Memorial Day to Labor Day Challenge. I have one small, 4 medium and ~~one large~~ in adult sizes. I have an xl in adult but it looks like the size is incorrect on it. It looks more like an adult large. If you would like one, I will sell them for $5.00+shipping. If interested, leave a comment or email me from the contact page.

Memorial Day to Labor Day Challenge

2011-05-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to update everyone on behalf of our kids. Every child has been sponsored! You have been gracious to the children of Liberia and you have honored HIM! Thank you!

I have a pastor friend who did a challenge on facebook. His challenge was to set a goal between Memorial Day and Labor Day. My mind immediately went to what I could give up in order to give back. It seems to be a common theme among organizations lately...."give up your soda, your coffee, a meal, etc. etc. and give that money to the needy, the orphan, the widow. And, though you've probably heard it a million times and maybe even tried it before, can I encourage one person or maybe even two to give up something for this challenge? But, what is that challenge $ going to be used for?

This is the picture of Stephen and his wife, Rebecca that is on the side bar of this blog. I have many pictures of them but since this is my all-time favorite one I am posting this one. again. :) Stephen is the guy who does all the work for the LLP. (Liberian Literacy Program) And, by "all the work", I mean ALL THE WORK! From going to each school to do student profiles, taking pictures, meeting with all the families, setting up meetings, doing the meetings,working with school principals, distributing funds, buying supplies and uniforms and meeting with the Ministry of Health, this guy is truly busy. Now imagine this. He already has a full-time job outside of working for the LLP. He has a wife and son that he adores and needs his time. ( BTW, Rebecca is pregnant and is due during the upcoming weeks!! Yay! I really can't wait and wish I was going to be there!) He has been taking care of newborn twins for weeks since the passing of his sister. He is involved in church. He helps out his family and friends whenever he can. That's Stephen.

But now imagine this...His full-time job outside of LLP barely gives him enough money to live on. In Liberia they call that living "hand to mouth", meaning that there is not enough to go around. He has taken in a couple different kids for the past year and fed them and given them a place to stay, even when he does not have much himself. And the hardest part for me to type....last year from the LLP he received $250.00 for the year!! Not much. Really not a lot when you take out expenses for all of the above!

Stephen came into our program as a volunteer, just like the rest of us. He knew we couldn't pay him when we started. He still insists on volunteering. His heart is in this program. Since our program is growing and his workload is getting heavier, I would like to give him something extra. So, what I have decided to do is find things to give up during the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day and give that money to Stephen. My personal challenge will be $25.00/month for those 3 months. As I am looking at ways to fund another $25.00/month into our already taxed budget, I know that if I give up some of those unnecessary purchases (like the occasional pop from the gas station when filling up) it will add up quickly. The kids have all given some clothes for a consignment store and my mother-in-law is donating aluminum cans from the place she is working. We are cashing in our brakes that we had replaced, to a scrap company. I am going to Craigslist some items from home. And, I am asking if any of you will join me. Will you commit to this challenge with me from Memorial Day to Labor Day? It doesn't have to be $25.00. It can be $1.00, $5.00 or $10.00. Anything will help. Stephen is such a huge part of this program! Please consider how you could bless him in his efforts in Liberia.

2011-05-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

"When you educate a girl,
you educate an entire nation"
~African Proverb

Walkathon Registrations are Ready!

2011-05-26T20:05:00.000-07:00

Please check out our walkathon registration page. We have finally added the form and it is ready for you to download and print. Register soon to guarantee a t-shirt at event. We are looking forward to seeing you there!

2011-05-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

Education is the most
powerful weapon which
you can use to change
the world.
~Nelson Mandela~

Do You Like My Hat?

2011-05-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

So here's our update on our Hat Day at school. The idea was, "bring a $1.00, wear your favorite hat to school."

Throwing a bit of Dr. Suess in there because that is what I am thinking about right about now.

So we decided to catch a few of those.....ummm, interesting hats. This one definitely qualified for the "interesting" kind of hat.

We had normal hats...

and sort of "green bay packerish" hats...

We even had bicycle helmets. Yep, they count.

We had really Goofy hats,

pink hair, yellow headband hats,

Uh, we interrupt our hat show to give you my ~~hyper~~ active son's "Mom, look at me!" pic. Sorry. We are working on not interrupting...

Oh, not finished interrupting yet? Nope, "Mom, look at what I made in school today!" We'll keep working hard on this area...

Back to our hats, we had Tigger hats, too.

Bus 5 ~ We had very cool hats.

Bus 10 ~ Looks like a cowboy theme going on here.

The kids in Teddy's class showing off their hats.

More of Teddy's class.

A representative from each class.

So, there you have it. An updated version of Hat Day. We think the day was a big success! We were able to raise $222.00 for our Liberian school children!! Our kids are making a difference! A great big THANK YOU goes out to everyone who helped and contributed.

Letters

2011-05-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

For those of you that have sent letters to me......they are on the way to Liberia to your sponsor kids. I know the kids will be delighted to hear from you, see your pictures and write back!

Walkathon Shirts

2011-05-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

For those of you going to go on the walkathon, your shirt is covered in the cost of attending. For those of you who just like the shirt and would like to order one (or more), this is what they will look like: (click on shirt for a larger view of shirt)

The cost for the adult shirts is $20.00 + shipping. I will be updating with all the shirt prices, including children's sizes. Leave me a comment if you think you are interested. Thanks!

We Are Almost There!

2011-05-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

WE ONLY HAVE ~~4 3~~ 2 STUDENTS LEFT TO SPONSOR!

~~LeRoyd, who is $10.00/month~~ LeRoy has been sponsored!!
~~Annie, who is $10.00/month~~ Annie has been sponsored!!
~~Rachel, who is $10.00/month~~ Rachel has been sponsored!!
~~Rebecca, who is $10.00/month~~ Rebecca has been sponsored!!

We are so close to having tuition paid for ALL our students in the program this year.

If you choose to be a sponsor of one of the above children, Stephen, our country director, will send you this!

Ok, maybe not this particular one, but one like it. And although it is not a big djembe drum, it is a nifty (did I just say that? I haven't said "nifty" in a long time, maybe ages!) little item to have in your home......just because it is from Liberia.

*And for those of you who just may want one just for fun~contact me and for $15.00 we will get you one too! Shipping space is limited so it will be a first-come, first-served basis. This offer ends this Saturday. Thanks!

Success

2011-05-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

Success is a 6 year old boy who is in need of a sponsorship to attend his second year of school. His mother is also a student at the University of Liberia. She sells candy on the campus to support her and her son. Success' school tuition is $50.00 for the year. We would love to see him have a sponsor who will write to him and encourage him in his education. If you feel you would like to sponsor Success, please email me at the above "contact me" page and you can immediately start a relationship with him.

2011-05-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

ALL THE CHILDREN THAT WE PUT ON THE SPONSORSHIP PAGE HAVE BEEN SPONSORED!
THANK YOU,
THANK YOU,
THANK YOU,
AND
THANK YOU AGAIN!

WE WILL POST THE REMAINING CHILDREN SOON.

President Ellen J. Sirleaf Talks on Education

2011-05-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

Stratford Elementary Hat Day

2011-05-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hats off to Ingrid, one of the fifth graders (who happens to be my niece) who is organizing this HAT DAY fundraiser. A note went home with elementary students this week. Bring $1 to school on May 12 and you can wear your favorite hat all day.

I will let you know how it turns out. Thanks goes out to Ingrid Bender who is a mighty force (even at 11 years old) for Liberia's kids!

Garage Sale for Liberia

2011-05-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

Friday and Saturday we held a garage sale to benefit the Liberian Literacy Program. It was a success and we sold just about everything we had. The remaining clothes and small things will now go to a consignment store to be sold.

Even the REALLY, REALLY, OLD, OUTDATED items sold! (Like the brass end table with glass top)

In the end we sold $220.00 for Liberia! Not bad, considering we sold most items at 25-50 cents! Time to change the thermometer again. :)

Six More Kids Making a Difference!

2011-05-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post 6 more amazing kids who have decided to sponsor Christian for his next year of school. These kids have a heart for helping. J and G are from Liberia too so this project is close at heart for them. It is a joy seeing children/families give back to the culture their children are from. The children in Liberia get especially excited to have relationships with other children through pictures, letter writing and sometimes through actual trips to Liberia.

Here is Christian. He will be finding out that he has a sponsor family for his schooling for this next fall. He will also be getting pictures and letters from his sponsoring family. I wish I could see his face when he receives that! Donna will be traveling to Liberia soon and will be bringing back letters from the children for their families here. If you want to be a part of sponsoring one of these kids, it's not too late! We still have 3 children on the sponsorship page that are from Light Stream Academy, which means that their tuition is only 25.00!! Take a peek and help us send them back to school in the fall. And, then click over here and enjoy the Basten family blog and be blessed!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-07T22:43:00.000-07:00

My 12 year old couldn't wait to share her Mother's Day card with me. She wanted something special and from the heart. Here is the front:

and check out what she put together for the inside. LOVE!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2011-05-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Three new Light Stream Students are on the Sponsor A Child page. Their tuition is only $25.00 for the year. Could you be there sponsor this year?

His Hands, His Feet Blog Post

2011-05-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

Walk With Us!?

I recently learned of an organization called Walk Alongside Liberian Kids (WALK). They have a sponsorship program in Liberia where, for $25 a year, you can send a Liberian child to school (tuition). There are additional schools which cost a little more as well (this particular school is backed by a church which helps with books, uniform, etc).

$25
A.
YEAR.

Americans spend that much on a pair of jeans, shoes, or a meal out. Stuff that is 'gone' in 6 months or even 20 minutes!

So... we decided to sponsor SIX KIDS and send them to school! Which, having been to Liberia myself, know that that's their only way out of poverty. Ben recently got a profit sharing check (first time ever in 9 years with this company) and so after we tithed off it it, we contemplated what to do with the rest after putting some in savings. Our heads said, "we need a vacation of some sort so bad!" (it's been 2 years!) ... but our hearts said, "you need to invest in others with it"... so... that's what we did!

An education for six kids who otherwise wouldn't have one!
Three boys and three girls!

We decided on the number "6" because our oldest six kids are able to write and draw pictures. You see, this program is unique in that fact that not only can you send a child to school- but you have the opportunity to form a *relationship* with your sponsored child!

We are all about relationships in this family!

Our six kids will be able to write letters and draw pictures to their corresponding friend in Liberia! They will also receive pictures, updates and report cards on their new buddy! The amount of pictures and info they sent us about each child was quite impressive for Liberia! lol! The letters are hand delivered by team members and so that will be fun as well to hear about their reactions :).

So not only will these six kids be able to go to school, but the blessing is a two-way one. Our children will learn greater compassion and develop a relationship with another child on the other side of the world. They will see first hand what is "a little bit of money" to us in the U.S. ($25), can do on the other side of the world. As adoptive parents, this is also a great way to bring two of our kid's birth countries into their lives in a positive/life changing way (you know... social workers always ask you that question! lol!). We are excited to see what fruit this brings that we can't even anticipate yet!

So... will you WALK WITH US?

Click here to check out the program and pray about how many kids you will sponsor?
http://walkalongsideliberiaskids.blogspot.com/

Attached are a few of the kids whose lives our kids are investing in ... we invite you to do the same!

fatumattu and bintu (twins!)

Samuel

One Family Making a Difference for Six Families!!

2011-04-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but as a mom I certainly want to teach my kids compassion, how to serve others, help bring awareness of the world around them and how to work that into their lives. I want to encourage them to reach out and realize that they are the future. The more action they take, the better our world will be in the future. I believe most of these values are taught within our homes when our children are still young.

I want to show you a family who is making a difference. These 6 children are reaching out to another 6 children through school sponsorship. Their sponsorship enables these Liberian children access to an education and through this education is how these children will be able to change their futures, not only for themselves but for their families as well. So, not only will they be having a huge impact on 6 children but for multiple people in Liberia!

It is such a blessing to give! And the education our children receive back is not what you can find in a textbook. It is the joy that grows deep within their souls. I really believe that children like to give, we just need to help direct them to a resource and guide them.

Meet the 6 (yes, they are blessed with more) Green children who we are excited to help walk through the sponsorship program with. We think they are going to truly enjoy building a relationship through letters and pictures, etc.

This verse is on each email that I receive from the Green family. I thought it was great and so I wanted to post it here for you.

2 Cor 5:13-14a (NLT)
"If it seems that we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. Whatever we do, it is because Christ's love controls us"

Take a stroll on over to this fun family blog to learn more about them!

Want to join in on the fun and change a life? Email me and I would be happy to talk with you.

Did you know?

2011-04-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

Did you know that you can sponsor one of our Liberian school children and receive pictures, report cards and have contact with them through writing letters?

Did you know that you can change their life with as little as 25 dollars? If you sponsor a child from Light Stream Academy for 25 dollars, you will enable them to attend the 2011-12 school year?

Did you know that when you sponsor a child, not only are you giving them a year of education but you are giving them HOPE. JOY. PEACE IN THE FACT THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

Did you know that when you sponsor a child YOU will be blessed, you will feel joy and peace and begin a journey of hope alongside them?

Did you know that our Liberian kids love it when another child their age writes letters to them? Yes, even kids can sponsor kids!

Take a peek at some children on our SPONSOR A CHILD page. Pick a child that you can sponsor, email me and start getting pictures, report cards and information! Sponsor a child, your child, today!

*$25.00 covers cost of tuition only at Light Stream Academy*

Update on Twins

2011-04-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

I would just like to thank all of you who have contacted us wanting to sponsor the twins. It is wonderful to see people step forward and be willing to help! We do have a sponsor for them now and are so thankful that their daily needs will be met. We pray they will grow to be strong and healthy. Thank you all for your interest and love for these little ones across the world.

~Julie

Sometimes You have to Wander Off the Path

2011-04-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

This blog is about kids. It's about school. It's about sending kids to school in Liberia. I am passionate about this cause for sure, but sometimes you have to wander off of the path.....Tonite I am wandering just for a bit to bring your attention to another important matter.

Stephen is my program director in Liberia. His wife is expecting a baby and we are so excited for baby Johnson to come! BUT, this pregnancy has not been easy on her. We have been keeping in contact with doctors to make sure things are coming along nicely. They recently have had a tragedy in their family. It is with great sorrow we tell you that Stephen's sister has died exactly one week ago today giving birth to her beautiful twin children. She delivered a baby boy and a baby girl! This is their picture at one week old. Left, baby girl and Right, baby boy.

The babies were taken to an orphanage. This orphanage is overcrowded with too many children. It is not a place where these babies can grow and be healthy. Mercy is the woman in yellow. She is the founder of this orphanage and has agreed to take the babies in and feed them for 2 weeks. This coming Wednesday will be the last day she will care for them.

As you can see in this picture the babies are on the ground on an old foam mattress.

We have asked Stephen to go get the children. That is where we are hoping you or someone you know comes in. We are ~~hoping,~~ praying that we can find these children a sponsor quickly! They will need food and necessities to take care of them in their foster placement. Stephen and Rebecca cannot do this alone. They do not have the financial means.

Here is a sweet picture of baby boy.

And a precious one of baby girl.

You or someone you know could help. You can be their sponsor family. And, they are letting sponsor family choose names for these two. We don't know what mom was planning on naming them and so Stephen has expressed that he would like the sponsor family to choose. Please consider giving these two a good chance at a long and healthy life! That is a great gift to a Liberian child! Infant mortality in Liberia is very high.

If you feel led to inquire more about these two you can contact me through email above or Donna Barber @ 715-415-4401.

Blessings!
Julie

Meetings on Both Sides of the World

2011-03-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

The blog has been pretty quiet lately. That is not from lack of material to post, we definitely have that. We're just doing some 'behind the scenes' type of stuff. Like planning meetings for our literacy program. We have meetings going on from both sides! This is the group of people planning the 2nd annual walkathon. Well, minus two or three. We had a very productive meeting with a lot of input and discussion on ways to make our walk even better this year. I was really impressed with our kids who showed up and offered their help! They came up with brilliant ideas! I love 1 Timothy 4:12... Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. These kids are a shining example of living out their faith.

Then, across the ocean, our program director in Liberia is holding another meeting. He is bringing parents together to discuss how the children are doing in school and making plans to help ensure they succeed in their classes. Also discussed were work related issues addressed to the school and how families can volunteer time, which, in turn, makes our families and schools stronger.

Here's a picture of Stephen with some of our parents of school children. I want to add here that Stephen is an amazing director. He is the core of what we are doing there. He keeps the program going in an organized, efficient manner. This program could not have been blessed with a better person for the job!

I believe this is an exciting time for the Liberian Literacy Program! We invite you to ask questions or better yet, come get involved with us, the rewards are priceless!

My Son's First School

2011-02-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

Name of School: Catherine Reese Preparatory School
Location of School: Du-Port Rd., Paynesville Community
Year of Establishment: 1997
Principal: Gbalee Nyogbe

While Catherine Reese Preparatory School is not a school we are currently working with, it is an important school to our family. This school is my son's first school. This is a part of him and a time in his life that we did not share with him. These are the pictures we will put in his Lifebook.

This is where my son used to walk to school every day. It is the building and the people that gave him his first glimpse of the world around him.

This is the group of children that attend this school. Some of these children went to school with my son. He played with them and I am sure fought with them and learned alongside of them.

His day would start with lining up like this for morning devotions,

and the pledge to their flag. Probably a song or two (or three, knowing the culture of Liberia).

He would have played a game of soccer (or football in Liberia) for sure with these guys. His competitive little 5 or 6 year old self would have hated to quit the game in order to go back to study.

I can picture his cute little face sitting in the room learning his ABC's and how to spell Teddy.

And another break for Phy-Ed class. Oh this would have been at the top of his list too!

Students heading back to class with Principal Nyogbe close behind.

I don't know if these are all the same teachers that were there when Teddy was there but most likely some of them taught my son. And although we will never know all of Teddy's history, we know that the people that invested into his life when he was in Liberia have shaped who he is today. I am thankful.

Teddy with his teacher now. She is an awesome teacher and Teddy loves her class!

Christian

2011-02-21T13:35:00.000-08:00

This is 6 year old Christian. He is also a student at Light Stream Academy. He is one of 5 members in his family and he lives in Pagos Island, Congo Town, Monrovia. In this picture he is standing outside his home area. What a cutie!

Christian is in the K1 class this year. Here he is standing in his class. He says that someday he would love to be a pastor.

This is a picture of Christian with his teacher. Christian is a good speller and Spelling is his favorite subject in school.

As with most of the children you have seen so far, Christian studies at home. This is how most kids will study because there is not an adequate area for studying properly. Also, kids will study outside to get the light they need to see. Once it gets dark, studying has to be over.

Christian with his two brothers, Arthur and Archibald. This will be their shared dinner for tonight.

And just another picture of the boys enjoying their rice.

Christian standing out in the yard next to his classroom at Light Stream. Christian is struggling with with raising his grades although he does okay. He is doing very well at physical education, which means he is probably a good soccer player. :)

Christian with mom Beatrice, brothers Arthur and Archibald. Dad was not in the picture today. This family is desiring to work in a business together so they can get on their feet. The family asked us to thank you for sharing your resources with them so Christian can attend Light Stream. They are extremely grateful for your generosity!

Christian's Family Photo

2011-02-10T20:15:00.000-08:00

So, as I was working on Christian's school profile for the blog, I noticed these pictures of the family getting ready to have their family picture taken. They were so cute! It is so much of what happens around here when we are all trying to get ready for a photo....someone has the wrong shirt or pants, kids are goofing around, etc. Since I am getting a kick out of these family photos, maybe you will too!

Here's how I am picturing the scene in my head...Mom reminds junior here to "go get your shirt, it's time for our picture." Both brothers are acting like nothing is going on...

"Okay mom, almost done!" Boys still uninterested and thinking of what they are going to say to junior to pick on him for not being ready. haha

Boys: "It's about time, how come you are never ready?" teasing now.

"Get ready now."

"Christian, put your leg down."

"Okay, that's good!"

Probably wasn't anything like I am picturing it but for some reason, looks so familiar~

Patience

2011-02-05T22:26:00.000-08:00

I have been very blessed to have Stephen working for this program. He is a hard worker and so dedicated to this program. He has been faithfully filling my email box with all the updates of our students.
Meet Patience!
Patience lives with her mother Catharine and sister Blessing in Pagos Island, Congo Town, Monrovia. She also attends Light Stream Academy.

This is Patience standing in an area that is outside of her home.

Patience is working hard and although she is 9 years old, she is just in the beginning of her school years. After school is out this is where she goes to study.

And here she is standing in her classroom. I smiled when I saw the child down from her sleeping!

Patience favorite subject is Reading. She is reciting the alphabet well and is still having some difficulty in mastering the recognition of the alphabet. She is doing well with Writing, English, and counting her numbers. She is doing very well in her Phy-ed as well.

Life has been difficult for this family. Patience would not be receiving her education without your help. I am rejoicing for this little one to be in school!

Patience standing in her school yard.

Catherine and Patience want to say thank you for the payment of her tuition and the other things...uniform, etc.

Solomon

2011-02-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

This is Solomon. He is 8 years old and in the K-1 class at Light Stream Academy.

Solomon lives in Pagos Island, Congo Town, Monrovia with his little brother Quemue, his father Daniel and his mother Kaida.

This is Solomon's home. This is where he spends most of his time after school.

Solomon likes school and he likes to study outside of school, even without having somewhere to actually study. Sitting on the ground is how Solomon studies at home.

Solomon standing outside of Light Stream Academy. What a handsome young fella if I may say so!

Solomon is standing here with his teacher. Although they were studying Science here, Solomon says his favorite subject is Math class.

One day Solomon says he thinks he would like to be an administrator.

Daniel, Kaida, Solomon and Quemue said living in Liberia is difficult and they want to send their thanks to you for your role in their son's education!

Ezekiel

2011-02-02T16:25:00.000-08:00

Ezekiel is 11 years old and is in the second grade. He lives in Pagos Island, Congo Town, Monrovia.

   With seven people in the family it is really tough for Ezekiel to attend school.

Ezekiel is happy to be able to study at Light Stream Academy and is doing well. This is how he studies after school. (Notice the little puppy in the back-ground? I did not see him at first look.)

Ezekiel's favorite subject in school is reading and his grades are the best in this subject. He wishes to be a driver when he is older. Being a driver in Liberia allows them a small income but is always needed.

I love the smile on his face here. Every time I see the smile on the kids' faces it makes the work of the program so worthwhile! Kids in Liberia LOVE education. They have been taught since they are small that having an education is very important, and since many children don't go to school, the ones that do usually don't take it for granted.

Standing outside of his second grade classroom at the Academy. The Tamba family wish their sponsors to know that they are very grateful for the payment of his tuition and they pray for blessing on the program.

A Closer Look at the Walls of W.H.H.S.

2011-02-01T09:45:00.000-08:00

Meeting the Staff at Wallace

2011-01-24T07:09:00.000-08:00

Talking with the administrators of Wallace Helping Hands School.

Meet Kula's Family

2011-01-17T12:11:00.000-08:00

Meet Kula. She is a beautiful five year old attending Child Foundation Academy. She dreams of becoming a doctor someday and with Science being her favorite subject, she just might be! This was not always the case for Kula. You see, Kula is one of the thousands of girls in Liberia whose family finds school tuition very difficult. Even though Momo, (Kula's father) works a job he still earns less than $2 USD a day. This income makes school tuition take a "backseat" to the importance of feeding his family this month. Yet, we know that in a war-torn country such as Liberia the way forward is education.

Kula is the reason the Liberian Literacy Program was started. You see, I made a promise to Momo that I would find a way to see that Kula did indeed receive an education. What started as a promise to a little girl and her father has turned into a program that currently has almost 30 students being educated! I want to see Kula graduate someday...in spite of poverty and family obligations. I want to see her life changed so she can influence and inspire other girls. Did you know that of the children who actually attend school in Liberia, only around 30-47% are girls? We need to change that statistic.

This is Kula's family. Kebbeh(mother), Momo(father) Kula, and Momo Jr.(brother). They are standing outside of their family home in Congo Town.

This is Kula with her teacher. This is what Kula's teacher says about her. "Kula is always regular in school and participates in class. She is doing well in school and is an honor roll student." She also mentioned that she is proud of the whole family for their involvement in Kula's education.

A couple of pictures of Kula being her sweet, cute ol' self in class.

And these last couple of pictures show Kula at home. This is how she studies during after school hours. Studying at night always poses a challenge for the kids. With this program we are striving to change the lives of a couple hundred students. With your help we can make this happen!

The parents of Kula wish to express their appreciation to you for helping them in reaching the goal of education in their family. They said things are going along nicely with school and pray that you will continue to support the program so they can see her continue in school.

Wallace Helping Hands School

2011-01-11T19:58:00.000-08:00

The School was founded in September 2007 by Madame Mary G. Jabbah. The purpose of opening the school was to help children who were out of school due to financial constraints. Also, to help disabled children who needed to be included into the activities of all the children in the nation, Liberia. The school program is extended to children who are disabled, orphans, and way war. The school currently has 67 students, including 6 disabled, and 10 orphans. There are also 7 teachers and the number of teachers is expected to increase. Challenges/Needs: The school has an 11-classroom building under construction as funds allow. There are no text books, sitting capacity for students, feeding for orphans and disabled, registration of the school with national government, etc. The need is great.

The above is a paragraph describing the school from our Liberian program director. This is just a portion of the email but definitely worth sharing with you. The need at this school IS great! The really neat thing though is they can someday build a school here because they already have the land.

And here are the children that attend the school. I love this picture! These kids are amazing kids, really. They are coming to school without desks, textbooks or having a daily meal they can count on. And the crowding?? Talk about spreading the cold and flu quickly! I try to put myself there as a child and wonder what I would have been like...

The staff at this school bring the disabled school children with them. Every day. This is what it means to be "the hands and feet of Jesus." Thank you Liberia staff for your dedication and loving your kids this much!

Noah's Ark is Sold

2011-01-05T12:20:00.000-08:00

There has been some interest in Liberian carvings of this type expressed through email. I am willing to order them and distribute them when our team has come back from a trip. Anyone interested can email me through the link at the top of the page.

2011-01-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

This is the Noah's Ark that I mentioned previously. ALL the sets that we ordered only had 5 animals and for some reason they did not have two of each animal. This is my last set. I will be bringing more items back from Liberia on my next trip.

Sold!

2011-01-04T18:23:00.000-08:00

The nativity has now found a new home. To the interested families who wanted the nativity, thanks for your interest. I do have a Noah's Ark from Liberia and may be interested in selling that one too. I will check it out and possibly post a picture of it here if you want to see it. Thanks!

Liberian Nativity Scene

2011-01-03T19:59:00.000-08:00

An important part of our Christmas decorating every year is to put up our Liberian nativity set. I love setting it up. It is one of my favorite carvings brought back from Liberia. As I was getting ready to wrap it up and put it away for another year I got to thinking...I also have this one..

This particular set was shipped from Liberia and the staff was broken when it arrived. We glued it back together with wood glue and tucked all the pieces away and left it in a box. So, I thought instead of storing it longer maybe I should offer it here. So here's my offer..if you make a donation for a child to go to school (25.00 would cover the cost of one child to attend Lightstream Academy) then I will send you this nativity set. If there is anyone out there who might like this as a keepsake from Liberia, leave me a comment and donation and I will send it to you! Thanks!

Wallace Helping Hands School

2010-12-19T18:42:00.000-08:00

The next school I would like to show you is Wallace Helping Hands. This is a school that, despite it's lack of a proper school building, is pressing forward with the education of their children. They realize that the children need an education in order to have a better future to look forward to. They set up a school here and go day by day. Every child is asked to bring their own school desk. They are cramped in this hot, run-down school with 67 students, however, their spirit triumphs! I would also like to mention here that the staff at this school brings a child in a wheelchair to school with them. They go to her house, pick her up and push her to school everyday! What a dedicated, caring staff. Here is a very short video that quickly introduces you to the atmosphere of the school. More to come....

2010-12-13T10:24:00.000-08:00

If you are stopping by and visiting our blog, would you take a second to click on yes, no or maybe to let us know of your interest in the next walk? Thanks!

Handing out Girl Scout Cookies

2010-12-13T10:04:00.000-08:00

Quite possibly the only food some of these children received today.

Lightstream Buildings

2010-12-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

This is the Lightstream Academy school building.

Here we have the bathroom. Actually one of the nicer bathrooms I have seen.

Teaching at Lightstream Academy

2010-12-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

These are the Lightstream kids that we were able to give scholarships to from our first walk. We will show you the others as we cover the different schools they are in.

Just goofing around and posing for the camera.

And one more shot of the inside of the school. Classes are separated by these dividers.

I added this video of one of the teachers instructing the students on proper letter writing. The kids were excited to have visitors and you can hear all the chatting but you can grasp what he is trying to teach them.

Backpacks for Lightstream Academy

2010-12-07T12:17:00.000-08:00

Take a look at the kids in our program. NONE of these kids would have had this opportunity if you did not walk last June! Stratford Girl Scouts also donated the school supplies inside each one. Seeing the children attend school makes it all worth it!

Lightstream Academy Video

2010-12-07T11:13:00.001-08:00

This video takes a look into the classrooms at Lightstream Academy. Stephen Johnson will talk a bit about bringing backpacks, our program, and the need to get people involved. There is alot of background noise but I found it helpful to adjust the volume.

Lightstream Academy

2010-12-04T23:22:00.000-08:00

This post is to introduce you to one of the schools that we are able to send some of our sponsored students to. This school is accredited by the Ministry of Education (which is important in Liberia) and has also had a church in Wisconsin help with funding of their school building project. Currently, they are educating around 400 students. There are many needs here but the school is under great leadership. I am hoping to see this school grow even more.

These are children that are gathered for morning prayers.

This is another picture of the students doing morning
devotions. In Liberia, praying and worshipping are still a part of daily school activity.

This is the first grade class.

One of the older classes.

The children's water source during recess break.

This is the principal of Lightstream Academy, David Fatorma and his family. David has visited the U.S. on a few occasions and I think he brings a well rounded perspective on education. Global Orphan Outreach is proud to be working with them.

In the next few postings I will post some pics of the last trip to Liberia where we handed out backpacks and school supplies to our sponsored kids. A great big thank you goes out to the Stratford Girl Scout troops for donating the school supplies and also to some individual donors who sent us the backpacks. We appreciate your generosity!

Back To School

2010-12-03T23:49:00.001-08:00

Once again summer has flown right by. Another school year has come. We have packed our backpacks and taken the "First Day of School" pictures by the bus and sitting at their desks with their teachers by their side. The kids are excited. The first day of school one of them came home and said, "We have the best teachers in the whole world!" Indeed, they do. Kids that attend school in America are truly blessed.

In another small country just across the ocean, school is starting for them as well. There is excitement buzzing around for our new students. They truly appreciate the opportunity given them this year! This year we launch our school scholarship program. We started by raising funds from our walkathon. With the help from generous supporters we were able to get our program up and running. I am excited each time I receive an application with a picture of our children attached. I am praying for each student according to their needs. I know that God has a plan for each of them and it is my joy to be a part of their lives! I hope to update you with new pictures of them in their desks too!

I wanted to update you with a couple of praises:
1. We are enrolling more students than previously thought,
2. We found a school to work with who is working alongside the Ministry of Education and also accredited with them for 50USD per school year! The kids will have uniforms, shoes and tuition! Did you know that most schools will cost 100+USD per year in Liberia?
3. This week our local Girl Scout Troops donated enough school supplies for 15 students! It looks like our students are prepared......ALMOST.

HOW YOU CAN STILL HELP:
We would love to be able to give each student a backpack for their supplies. They were blessed with crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, rulers, glue, etc. We currently don't have backpacks to enable them to carry their things. Our students do ALOT of walking to and from school. I know of one child who walks 4 miles! With school supplies being clearanced now, it is a great time to purchase one for a very reasonable price. If you would be willing to send one (or 3 or 4), we would sure appreciate it. They are needed this month so that we can meet the trip deadline in the beginning of October. We would take gift cards or cash donations to buy them here ourselves if you prefer.
*Note: We will take used ones IF they are clean and not ripped.

Please send your donation to:
Julie Redman
611 South Ridge Drive
Stratford, Wisconsin
54484

any questions? call 715-687-4474 or 651-491-0158

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

We Did It!

2010-12-03T23:44:00.001-08:00

Well, we DID IT! We managed to walk 5 miles (and burn ourselves in the process) for Liberia. We had a nice group show up for our very first walk. The goal of this walk was to bring awareness to the needs of school children in Liberia. The other goal, of course was to raise a little cash to actually SEND some of those kids to school. We did raise some...$1,000.00!!! Not bad for starting this just WEEKS before the actual walk! Next year I will start much earlier! This is a picture of all of us before the walk started.

Not long into our walk (say a block!) we had some that needed a potty break. So, just a picture of all of us standing around waiting.

Donna's girl, Gracie. Gorgeous as always!

Letting the teens lead us?? Hmm, I jumped in front. Seriously, we had a nice group of teens show up and how cool that we see young people caring about others!

Some walkers taking a break after the long 5 miles. We did not hear ONE complaint all the way there. Awesome.

A few of the teens relaxing after the walk.

Bryan and Ben Kangar probably glad they are done.

Ben is from Liberia. He now lives in the states but knows well what it is like to be educated in Liberia. He spoke for us and did an amazing job! He is currently pastoring a Calvary Chapel church and the church body there is looking forward to what the future holds for supporting Liberia. Ben has been wonderful in helping people "catch the vision". Thanks Ben, for joining us and making the walk successful! Side note* Do you see any resemblance to Bill Cosby here??

Just had to add this picture of Teddy here. Curious George is what I was thinking as I took this picture. He loves his big brother Joe!

Here we are soaking in all that Ben had to say. I can't speak for everybody but I was brought to a new reality of how blessed we were to have an American education. One of the punishments he talked of was that if you showed up late to school you were to put your fingers all together and then the teacher would slap you with something on the tops of them. He also talked about the corruption of having to "buy a grade" or "buy another test". There are so many ways in which Liberia is different than our school systems. One of the great things about theirs is that they have to teach Bible there. I love the fact the children are learning about God's love for them. They are blessed with that freedom still.

Our local public school system donated the school bus to drive everyone back into town. Another great point that Ben brought mention to was that in Liberia the kids don't take a bus, they walk. Thus, the reason for all of us to walk.

another bus shot...

After the walk we opened our home (and firepit) to anyone who just wanted to hang out for awhile. So glad we did as the fellowship among us was a great time.

I am really glad we took this opportunity to reach out in our community and draw attention to Liberia. We know first hand what the children in Liberia (and so many other countries) are enduring because we have been there. I want others to know that if we band together we can and will make a difference for the kids. Even if only on a small scale. If we can touch a handful, how many will that handful touch? I hope one day to take a trip with a person from our community. It could, should and would be life-changing for them.

Through this walk we have 10 children that can attend school for a year!!! That is such great news! I want to thank you all for helping us to reach this goal. Without your help none of these kids could attend. Most have never, ever attended school. It was alot of fun putting this together but the most fun I will have is to see their faces and take their pictures when they get enrolled this year. And to add to that our local Girl Scout club is taking on a school supply fund-raiser so these kids will be ready to go!

If you want to contribute, send a child to school or send supplies for school it is not too late. Please contact me or leave a comment. Can't wait for August!