 |
| Volunteering at Our Own Home |
There are a LOT of friends and donors out there who deserve a great BIG thank you from all of us at Dream of a Better World! And, as my dad always says, the best way to thank someone is to share the results! So while my dad and I are still in Africa, I want you to share in the joy of seeing what can be done in only 3 1/2 years, with YOUR help... and a great partner like Our Own Home!
 |
| Me & Moses |
It all started four years ago when Carly was volunteering in a baby orphanage in Uganda. She noticed a small, somewhat sick looking boy named Moses that wasn't getting as much attention as the other kids because he was HIV+ and sick with tuberculosis. Eventually he was taken in by an all HIV/AIDs orphanage called Our Own Home where he was held and loved, and got the proper medicine and care. As we began to help out, we learned that Our Own Home needed just about everything! That's where we ALL came in.
 |
| In 2010, cookies for sale. Yummy! |
We started raising money in 2010 with bake sales, garage sales, letter writing and going door to door. We were struck by their desperate needs, but also by how well the kids there were doing. Since then, we have raised money for a van to get them to school and to doctors visits, for 4 acres of land, for a dormitory and a new home where they can run and shout and play... and feel loved by God and by "Mommy Holly" and "Daddy William." A lot of friends, classmates and neighbors have joined us, as well as some other businesses and non-profits! There are many people to thank, people we have never met and don't really know. But, we do know what kind of people you are... people who care and want to make the world a better place.
 |
| A favorite photo... pure fun with Gloria, Mullikidi & Micah |
One of my mom's favorite sayings is that "we need to show up... and finish well." I think that's what we are ALL doing together. So, here are some more "results" photos that I hope will encourage you as our way of saying THANK YOU on behalf of all of Dream of a Better World!
 |
| 4 Acres fertile land - Mar 2010 |
 |
| Immediately planted with potatoes & Maize |
 |
| 1st harvest as building starts! |
 |
| Celebrating foundation with Jack & Dad |
The first dormitory plus Holly & William's main house moved into in June 2012. There are currently 62 in the dormitory (52 are sponsored) and Holly & William's house is also the guesthouse, volunteer housing and meeting place for nightly devotions. The kids spend a lot of time in here playing and being a "family."
 |
| Dormitory finished June 2012 |
 |
| Main house & guest house finished |
 |
| Laundry facilities... yep, very important! |
 |
| Just one day's laundry! |
 |
| Housing left & med. wing right. |
The medical clinic/volunteer housing is on hold at the moment, but will have a nurses office and pharmacy, housing for the nurse, housing for other volunteers, a kitchen and common area. We have about $17,000 left on the building and $3,000 in needed supplies still to be funded. It will be finished when the money is raised.
 |
| Some kids arrive VERY, VERY sick. |
 |
| Nurse Lindsey in current makeshift clinic. |
But, it doesn't take long for most kids to bounce back and become well. Everyone who visits is amazed at how happy and healthy the kids are at Our Own Home. And on a personal note, my family's lives have been changed forever by this place and by seeing how these kids are so happy and so grateful with so little. Again, thank you so much! - Hannah & all of Dream of a Better World.
 |
| Happy Baby Nicholas! |
Here are some more "thank you" photos!
 |
| Gordon, getting better. |
 |
| Me and the gang! |
 |
| JUMP! |
 |
| Elijah |
 |
| Alagaya |
 |
| Jude, the best smile ever! |
 |
| Lunch is beans & posho |
 |
| Fred |
 |
| Dad and his gang! |
 |
Ms Personality - Rachell
|
 |
| Fun with pipe cleaners! |
 |
| Me taking Jackie to the clinic in town. |
 |
| Amazing OOH Founders William & Holly with son, Israel. |
