Thanks for all your votes. I've made a new blog to highlight the fundraising process for building the second house.
Go to http://becausewedare.blogspot.com/
See you there.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
We need your vote!
April 28, 2007 A Message from Dayna
We need your vote! Copy & send to friends!
The Sunshine Coast's CanaDares Society helps children in Tanzania.
CanaDares needs your 'yes' vote for a project proposal (building a second house) at Vijaliwa Vingi.
To read the proposal and vote, please click on the link below:
We need 100 'yes' votes by May 17 to qualify.
Once we qualify on this Vancouver's givemeaning website; many people around the world who now visit this site will have the chance to see our project and help.
This is microphilanthropy and group fundraising online!
Many thanks again!
Dayna White, (yep, that's my profile & that's Howe Sound).
Gibsons, B.C. Canada.
(canadares board member, habitat for humanity volunteer).
“With a heavy heart”
April 27, 2007 Letter from Lynda
“With a heavy heart”
My dear friends:
It’s with a heavy heart that I’m writing you this month. I’ve long had a policy of not writing when I was down, but hey! Sorry for that, as we say in Tanzania.
I last wrote that I was heading to Canada. I had to leave earlier than expected when I learned that my dad was in hospital for his heart.
Dad had open-heart surgery on 26th March. I arrived in Vancouver as he was rolled into recovery. His first 7 days saw him up and around, giving his nurses a run for their money. But then, he fell ill with pneumonia, which led to organ failure and other infections. He fought a tough battle for 22 days in ICU on life support.
Monday morning, the 23rd of April, Dad lost the battle to a heart attack.
It’s been a difficult thing.
We’ve had a huge blanket of love and support thrown over us – thanks to many of you for that. My mom is doing remarkably well, and I’m given the gift of being with her in faith; in sorrow and in hope. My two sisters and brother have been, and will be with us, for the service next week.
Oh, the memories…!!! I’m realizing that of all the memories I hold of my dad, it’s been those of the last six years that I find the dearest. We really got to know each other (finally!) through working together on the CanaDares/Vijaliwa project. And so, there’s a resurgence of new and positive energy that I will take home to Tanzania with me in June.
In his professional life, Ken Gunning worked tirelessly at improving the standards of accounting, not only in several capacities for the CICA and the Canadian government, but also for the international accounting community. My dad fought hard to establish a standard of excellence for our little project. It hasn’t been easy! We intend to continue that fight on his behalf.
Excellence is a tricky destination, and of course, an impossible goal. After all, we are dealing with children coming from difficult circumstances (read that - human beings living in or emerging from extreme poverty). But, when dealing with cultural difference and numerous other structural barriers, holding that high standard as a beacon has seen us through some troubles that have certainly ended many such fledgling (and even more established) projects.
Meanwhile, Stephen has been doing an amazing job of holding the fort at the house in Msongola. Hopefully, he will be able to send some recent photos, and we will get them posted on this website. He tells me that since my departure, there is a brand new big chicken coop, some ducks, a goat stable (not sure if it has residents yet!) and a 175 meter 3 foot-deep trench for the plumbing from our well to the house, eagerly awaiting the generator and pump.
Well, I think that’s all for now. Again, I have to thank you all for your prayers and support. They are felt and much appreciated.
Blessings,
Lynda Kearns
Vijaliwa Vingi Society
http://www.canadares.ca
“With a heavy heart”
My dear friends:
It’s with a heavy heart that I’m writing you this month. I’ve long had a policy of not writing when I was down, but hey! Sorry for that, as we say in Tanzania.
I last wrote that I was heading to Canada. I had to leave earlier than expected when I learned that my dad was in hospital for his heart.
Dad had open-heart surgery on 26th March. I arrived in Vancouver as he was rolled into recovery. His first 7 days saw him up and around, giving his nurses a run for their money. But then, he fell ill with pneumonia, which led to organ failure and other infections. He fought a tough battle for 22 days in ICU on life support.
Monday morning, the 23rd of April, Dad lost the battle to a heart attack.
It’s been a difficult thing.
We’ve had a huge blanket of love and support thrown over us – thanks to many of you for that. My mom is doing remarkably well, and I’m given the gift of being with her in faith; in sorrow and in hope. My two sisters and brother have been, and will be with us, for the service next week.
Oh, the memories…!!! I’m realizing that of all the memories I hold of my dad, it’s been those of the last six years that I find the dearest. We really got to know each other (finally!) through working together on the CanaDares/Vijaliwa project. And so, there’s a resurgence of new and positive energy that I will take home to Tanzania with me in June.
In his professional life, Ken Gunning worked tirelessly at improving the standards of accounting, not only in several capacities for the CICA and the Canadian government, but also for the international accounting community. My dad fought hard to establish a standard of excellence for our little project. It hasn’t been easy! We intend to continue that fight on his behalf.
Excellence is a tricky destination, and of course, an impossible goal. After all, we are dealing with children coming from difficult circumstances (read that - human beings living in or emerging from extreme poverty). But, when dealing with cultural difference and numerous other structural barriers, holding that high standard as a beacon has seen us through some troubles that have certainly ended many such fledgling (and even more established) projects.
Meanwhile, Stephen has been doing an amazing job of holding the fort at the house in Msongola. Hopefully, he will be able to send some recent photos, and we will get them posted on this website. He tells me that since my departure, there is a brand new big chicken coop, some ducks, a goat stable (not sure if it has residents yet!) and a 175 meter 3 foot-deep trench for the plumbing from our well to the house, eagerly awaiting the generator and pump.
Well, I think that’s all for now. Again, I have to thank you all for your prayers and support. They are felt and much appreciated.
Blessings,
Lynda Kearns
Vijaliwa Vingi Society
http://www.canadares.ca
Stephen: Project manager & English teacher
March 16, 2007 Stephen: Project manager & English teacher
Stephen has been doing an amazing job of holding the fort at the house in Msongola. Hopefully, he will be able to send some recent photos, and we will get them posted on this website. He tells me that since my departure, there is a brand new big chicken coop, some ducks, a goat stable (not sure if it has residents yet!) and a 175 meter 3 foot-deep trench for the plumbing from our well to the house, eagerly awaiting the generator and pump.
Blessings,
Lynda Kearns
Moving back to Mlandizi & Sad News
March 6, 2007
Letter from Lynda:
Moving back to Mlandizi & Sad News
Dear Friends:
Hi from here. It’s been a busy month for me: finishing my physio, getting my “walking papers” from the surgeon, signing a lease for new premises in Mlandizi, receiving visits from not one, but two Canadians – two of our Angels in fact!
During my stay in this guesthouse, recovering from my surgery, I made the decision to not actually live at the Vijaliwa Vingi home. Stephen, our manager, has managed the VV home so very well in my long absence due to my injury and lengthy recovery.
The VV Society had already made the recommendation that I find a place to live in Mlandizi, a village only a few kilometers from Vijaliwa Vingi so that I would have some privacy. And now, with my less than stable ankle, it will be much more practical. The place in Mlandizi will be big enough to also serve as an office, with room to spare for our sewing machines so we can finally start to offer sewing lessons to some of our participants.
I realized that I really would be foolish to go and physically take part in the two-part move into the new place in Mlandizi. My leg is not strong enough, and I know myself well enough to admit that I would overdo it. So Stephen (bless him) is moving the office today and later in the week I will go and supervise the packing/moving of my room to make my living space in the house in Mlandizi my “home”.
Our newest volunteer, Elizabeth, arrived on Sunday. She will be my housekeeper, and also will be at the Vijaliwa Vingi home for a number of hours during the week to help with the kids. Yesterday, she cleaned the new place and packed some things at the old office. Vincent, (our Programme Coordinator for outreach), has, I hope, already packed most of the office because he has to leave today for two weeks.
This is Vincent’s truly sad story of yesterday:
At 6:30 am Vincent called to tell me that his two-year old daughter had just died. He had only mentioned two nights before in a phone message, that she was sick. To say that the news upset me is an understatement.
By rights, I should have got in a taxi and made the trip to Mlandizi. But, I just couldn't. Thank God for Stephen - he went on my behalf. The correct procedure following a death here is still gut-wrenching for me: Stephen (among others) went first to the hospital, then to the house of the family, then to the church where they did a service in the evening. Vincent will leave with his wife and two older children to his village in Morogoro Region for the burial today.
The little girl’s name is Charity. And, as the child of one of our staff, she was under the scope of my responsibility. But, I didn't go because I would surely have collapsed.
When I told my Dad, he asked me the cause of death, and I realized that I must be getting closer to this culture. No one asks that question here. Does it matter how, or why? God has God’s reasons, and we are not necessarily privy to them.
In this part of the world, one in five children under the age of six dies. And, a child dies every five minutes of malaria. This is one of the reasons that our outreach work is so important because most people here are not aware of proper prevention, or nutrition, or sanitation. “Capacity Building” is such an ambiguous term. But in it lays the hope of change….
Oh, I am so looking forward to my annual trip home to Canada! It has been a difficult few months. It will be good to get back to the crisp spring air of the B.C. coast. The trip will be tough, with my ankle and all, but I do intend to take a few weeks to rest up this time, and hope to take as much chicken soup and grilled cheese sandwiches as palatably possible – retroactive for the healing process of course. I got confirmation of my flights and should arrive in Vancouver on the 16th April.
God does have such an amazing way of working. Yesterday, in my effort to regain my composure, I had the television on to keep me distracted. There are two channels, and for some reason it was on the "young" station. I was not paying particular attention, because I still really don't appreciate rap. But I happened to look up half way through a video - the song was called "Footprints". And sure enough, when the constant string of words faded away, a deep comforting voice came on, and the video showed the beach and yes, one set of prints. And the voice read "...those were the times that I was carrying you..."
Thank you all for holding me in your prayers, Lynda
Lynda Kearns
Letter from Lynda:
Moving back to Mlandizi & Sad News
Dear Friends:
Hi from here. It’s been a busy month for me: finishing my physio, getting my “walking papers” from the surgeon, signing a lease for new premises in Mlandizi, receiving visits from not one, but two Canadians – two of our Angels in fact!
During my stay in this guesthouse, recovering from my surgery, I made the decision to not actually live at the Vijaliwa Vingi home. Stephen, our manager, has managed the VV home so very well in my long absence due to my injury and lengthy recovery.
The VV Society had already made the recommendation that I find a place to live in Mlandizi, a village only a few kilometers from Vijaliwa Vingi so that I would have some privacy. And now, with my less than stable ankle, it will be much more practical. The place in Mlandizi will be big enough to also serve as an office, with room to spare for our sewing machines so we can finally start to offer sewing lessons to some of our participants.
I realized that I really would be foolish to go and physically take part in the two-part move into the new place in Mlandizi. My leg is not strong enough, and I know myself well enough to admit that I would overdo it. So Stephen (bless him) is moving the office today and later in the week I will go and supervise the packing/moving of my room to make my living space in the house in Mlandizi my “home”.
Our newest volunteer, Elizabeth, arrived on Sunday. She will be my housekeeper, and also will be at the Vijaliwa Vingi home for a number of hours during the week to help with the kids. Yesterday, she cleaned the new place and packed some things at the old office. Vincent, (our Programme Coordinator for outreach), has, I hope, already packed most of the office because he has to leave today for two weeks.
This is Vincent’s truly sad story of yesterday:
At 6:30 am Vincent called to tell me that his two-year old daughter had just died. He had only mentioned two nights before in a phone message, that she was sick. To say that the news upset me is an understatement.
By rights, I should have got in a taxi and made the trip to Mlandizi. But, I just couldn't. Thank God for Stephen - he went on my behalf. The correct procedure following a death here is still gut-wrenching for me: Stephen (among others) went first to the hospital, then to the house of the family, then to the church where they did a service in the evening. Vincent will leave with his wife and two older children to his village in Morogoro Region for the burial today.
The little girl’s name is Charity. And, as the child of one of our staff, she was under the scope of my responsibility. But, I didn't go because I would surely have collapsed.
When I told my Dad, he asked me the cause of death, and I realized that I must be getting closer to this culture. No one asks that question here. Does it matter how, or why? God has God’s reasons, and we are not necessarily privy to them.
In this part of the world, one in five children under the age of six dies. And, a child dies every five minutes of malaria. This is one of the reasons that our outreach work is so important because most people here are not aware of proper prevention, or nutrition, or sanitation. “Capacity Building” is such an ambiguous term. But in it lays the hope of change….
Oh, I am so looking forward to my annual trip home to Canada! It has been a difficult few months. It will be good to get back to the crisp spring air of the B.C. coast. The trip will be tough, with my ankle and all, but I do intend to take a few weeks to rest up this time, and hope to take as much chicken soup and grilled cheese sandwiches as palatably possible – retroactive for the healing process of course. I got confirmation of my flights and should arrive in Vancouver on the 16th April.
God does have such an amazing way of working. Yesterday, in my effort to regain my composure, I had the television on to keep me distracted. There are two channels, and for some reason it was on the "young" station. I was not paying particular attention, because I still really don't appreciate rap. But I happened to look up half way through a video - the song was called "Footprints". And sure enough, when the constant string of words faded away, a deep comforting voice came on, and the video showed the beach and yes, one set of prints. And the voice read "...those were the times that I was carrying you..."
Thank you all for holding me in your prayers, Lynda
Lynda Kearns
February 8, 2007
Letter from Lynda
"What Happened to Me"
My dear friends:
Hi there! Yes, it’s me, FINALLY! Some of you may be wondering whether I fell off the end of the earth or not! The answer is yes. For those of you who may not have ventured onto our website in the past three months; here is what happened to me.
On November 22, 2006, I stepped into an uncovered sewer hole while navigating away from a daladala (a local bus). My left ankle was badly broken: the big bone where it holds the ankle joint broke in two places, and the small bone shattered. The joint was severely dislocated, and I screamed shamelessly for the better part of four hours, until the surgeon administered strong enough painkillers.
Thirty hours later, I went under the surgeon’s knife. No one told me that they now replace plaster casts with surgically implanted metal braces! But, in this heat, I suppose it’s a blessing.
For me, my recovery has been slow because I’ve had to be away from Vijaliwa Vingi. I’ve been staying in the city (Dar es Salaam) at a small hotel (guesthouse), since I was discharged from the hospital on Nov. 28th. In Canada, the idea that a broken leg could keep you away from home for so long is a foreign one. But, staying at our place in the country (Vijaliwa Vingi) was just not a safe option. Unfortunately, VV has no electricity yet, for fans to chase away the summer heat, no level ground for hobbling around on using my crutches, no privacy (in a house with 9 kids!), and particularly, no car to get to physiotherapy or to see the surgeon for follow-up exams of my leg.
Although I think that my recovery is slow, my surgeon says no, that I’ve made excellent progress. In two weeks I’ll have a third set of x-rays, and then I’ll probably be able to put away one of my crutches. But, for me, having to stay put in this guesthouse has been kind of a prison sentence. Oh, they treat me nicely here, and Stephen has done a wonderful job of managing the VV house. But, I’ve been miserable. Struggling with depression, malaria and bronchitis have been the major battles! The malaria caused the ankle to be infected, which was awful.
But, God is good. Clearly, I was forced to spend the time in bed so that I could readjust my thinking on several issues, one being where I should be living. We’ve known for the past two years that I should have a place of my own, instead of living at the house at Vijaliwa Vingi, but the financing was not in place for me to move. Given my present situation, we have now rented a house in the village of Mlandizi (4 km from the home), and I will stay there. We will move my tiny office into the house as well, which is large enough to hold small group meetings, and also set up our sewing centre for training beneficiaries.
Hopefully, this will happen next week. I can hardly wait!!! Remember that I’ve been on my bike for over a year, riding back and forth from Vijaliwa Vingi to my office in Mlandizi each day. (Thank heavens for that, though, because I’ve been grateful for the strength in my right leg as I deal with these crutches.)
Our Vijaliwa Vingi home in Msongola will continue to grow and serve the community. Our program continues: Stephen and Lucas have initiated a thriving football (soccer) game with our kids at the house and the kids from the village. They play every day.
And, our drum and dance program is also underway. We’ve found a teacher who will come on Saturdays, and the drums are being re-skinned, actually, as I write! We’ve also got funds for starting a herd of goats and increasing our poultry production.
Many Thanks to those of you who contributed to these and other projects through our Christmas Wishlist Campaign.
The main reason I haven’t been in touch with you all is that I’ve been unable to go to the Internet. But, thanks to the generosity of a couple of our special angels, I’m now writing to you on my new laptop, which I am able to plug into the guesthouse owner’s modem! Oh, the joys of modern technology! Thanks, Angels!
Well, I think that’s all for now. I’ll go bug the boss now – the owner of the guesthouse, that is, to see if I can plug in. Take care, all of you. Your continued interest and generous support is greatly appreciated.
And thanks for your prayers. Lynda.
Letter from Lynda
"What Happened to Me"
My dear friends:
Hi there! Yes, it’s me, FINALLY! Some of you may be wondering whether I fell off the end of the earth or not! The answer is yes. For those of you who may not have ventured onto our website in the past three months; here is what happened to me.
On November 22, 2006, I stepped into an uncovered sewer hole while navigating away from a daladala (a local bus). My left ankle was badly broken: the big bone where it holds the ankle joint broke in two places, and the small bone shattered. The joint was severely dislocated, and I screamed shamelessly for the better part of four hours, until the surgeon administered strong enough painkillers.
Thirty hours later, I went under the surgeon’s knife. No one told me that they now replace plaster casts with surgically implanted metal braces! But, in this heat, I suppose it’s a blessing.
For me, my recovery has been slow because I’ve had to be away from Vijaliwa Vingi. I’ve been staying in the city (Dar es Salaam) at a small hotel (guesthouse), since I was discharged from the hospital on Nov. 28th. In Canada, the idea that a broken leg could keep you away from home for so long is a foreign one. But, staying at our place in the country (Vijaliwa Vingi) was just not a safe option. Unfortunately, VV has no electricity yet, for fans to chase away the summer heat, no level ground for hobbling around on using my crutches, no privacy (in a house with 9 kids!), and particularly, no car to get to physiotherapy or to see the surgeon for follow-up exams of my leg.
Although I think that my recovery is slow, my surgeon says no, that I’ve made excellent progress. In two weeks I’ll have a third set of x-rays, and then I’ll probably be able to put away one of my crutches. But, for me, having to stay put in this guesthouse has been kind of a prison sentence. Oh, they treat me nicely here, and Stephen has done a wonderful job of managing the VV house. But, I’ve been miserable. Struggling with depression, malaria and bronchitis have been the major battles! The malaria caused the ankle to be infected, which was awful.
But, God is good. Clearly, I was forced to spend the time in bed so that I could readjust my thinking on several issues, one being where I should be living. We’ve known for the past two years that I should have a place of my own, instead of living at the house at Vijaliwa Vingi, but the financing was not in place for me to move. Given my present situation, we have now rented a house in the village of Mlandizi (4 km from the home), and I will stay there. We will move my tiny office into the house as well, which is large enough to hold small group meetings, and also set up our sewing centre for training beneficiaries.
Hopefully, this will happen next week. I can hardly wait!!! Remember that I’ve been on my bike for over a year, riding back and forth from Vijaliwa Vingi to my office in Mlandizi each day. (Thank heavens for that, though, because I’ve been grateful for the strength in my right leg as I deal with these crutches.)
Our Vijaliwa Vingi home in Msongola will continue to grow and serve the community. Our program continues: Stephen and Lucas have initiated a thriving football (soccer) game with our kids at the house and the kids from the village. They play every day.
And, our drum and dance program is also underway. We’ve found a teacher who will come on Saturdays, and the drums are being re-skinned, actually, as I write! We’ve also got funds for starting a herd of goats and increasing our poultry production.
Many Thanks to those of you who contributed to these and other projects through our Christmas Wishlist Campaign.
The main reason I haven’t been in touch with you all is that I’ve been unable to go to the Internet. But, thanks to the generosity of a couple of our special angels, I’m now writing to you on my new laptop, which I am able to plug into the guesthouse owner’s modem! Oh, the joys of modern technology! Thanks, Angels!
Well, I think that’s all for now. I’ll go bug the boss now – the owner of the guesthouse, that is, to see if I can plug in. Take care, all of you. Your continued interest and generous support is greatly appreciated.
And thanks for your prayers. Lynda.
A Fractured Leg
Nov. 29 .06 Letter from Lynda
A Space Between My Toes!
Hi Dayna! Ok! Go ahead and put up my letters about the accident and surgery, or at least the ones that aren’t too cranky. My new digs (at the Guest Room) are good, but there’s no air-conditioning and, during the day, no power so no fan. The advantage is the shared, open sitting room that does get the breeze.
Great news... Today I can see space between my toes! This is really amazing. I was doing alot of exercise yesterday, be the calf muscle really hurts, but clearly the swelling is down. I’m so excited! Ta!
From Lynda.
Passed My Crutches Driving Test
It will be such a relief to be discharged from the hospital. I’m not sleeping here very well. The surgeon is pleased with the incisions, and even that I caused the discoloring and swelling from too much exercise yesterday. I passed my crutches driving test by specifying verbally the two most important
principles... Don’t hop and don’t hang on the crutches.
I have to do bedrest for 10 days with exercise, then back to the hospital to remove stitches- only 12 and 7 - then real physio. Now, I’m exhausted from all the excitement.
Please, can someone go today to the drug store and buy an elastoplast ankle support. These are not available in Tanzania. The surgeon was impressed and said that an ankle support such as this would be my best friend. Lucas is coming and will deal with the hospital bill and go to the bank. Now, I have to sleep. Ta, Lynda.
Nov. 26/06 Letters from Lynda
A Very Bruised & Swollen Leg
I was glad to talk to mom and dad this morning! Hang in you guys. I’ll mend. Lucas came with Mgeni and Musa (two children from Vijaliwa) who won a draw to come visit me in the hospital. It’s an all day trip for them to get here! Both children were shocked at the luxury here (in the hospital).
Air-conditioning, tv, and a private bathroom, and the kids were wowed when the orderly brought my lunch. Lucas took them to the cafeteria to eat. Big treat for them!
This morning a doctor came to inspect and change the dressing. I got brave and looked. No wonder Stephen fainted yesterday! But, the wound is clean. No infection. But, gone is my dainty ankle! There are 6 to 8 stitches on one side of my ankle and at least 15 on the other plus the drain holes. Ugly! It is very swollen and bruised.
I’m realizing a lot of things. I can’t live at the Vijaliwa house until we get a car. And, a goat for milk. I can’t use the buses while I’m in town. I’ll pretty much have to be escorted when I travel because I can’t put weight on my injured leg.
Tiffany called tonight and I talked with all my grandkids. Big tears.
Nov. 25 /06 Letter from Lynda
Surgery was Successful
Breaking News! (Sorry for the pun!),
Hi all. I’m resting. So, I know you’re all wondering what we’re going to do. But, please! I’m not the project, and the kids are fine. I have great confidence in Stephen (house manager) and Lucas is there.
My leg is swollen and ugly. And, I’m here in the hospital until at least tomorrow to start physio. I’ll be staying at a guest house (like an inexpensive hostel) when I leave the hospital.
If we can find or afford a car, I’ll be moving back to the Vijaliwa house. The surgery was successful. I don’t have a cast, but I can’t put any weight on my leg for 3 months.
They took out the drainage tubes yesterday. So, I’m on the
road to recovery.
Thanks for your prayers and love, Lynda.
Nov. 23. Letter from Lynda
An Operation Needed
The surgeon showed us the fractures in my leg. All 3 are at the ankle joint. The 2 on the big bone need screws and the shattered smaller bone needs a plate.
Surgery will be sometime this afternoon between 2 and 4.
I’ve seen the anesthetist. I can have pain-killers but no food.
I hate not knowing what to do later! I may ask at the guest house for a monthly rate or something. I can’t stay in the village for sure, unless we buy a car. I just like to have a plan in place and there’s none now.
Please tell Tiffany my daughter that I got her card yesterday, and expect her letter soon. That’s all for now. Thanks for prayers, Lynda.
Nov. 22 /06 Letters from Lynda
A Fractured Leg
Hi. My day went worse. Into the sewer in fact. Getting out of a crowded daladala (bus in Tanzania) my left foot didn’t find pavement. Instead, my foot found an open storm drain.
So, now I’m in the Aga Khan Hospital with a badly broken and dislocated leg. They want to operate today. I’m expecting the surgeon to see me soon. Both of my leg’s big bones above the ankle are broken. And never have I had so much pain!
Lucas is with me. Stephen is managing the house. The doctor said it would be 3 months to heal! And no bike riding, so I don’t know how I’ll get around!
So?! What can I do but pray? The good news is I think I’m over malaria...
(This letter was written by Lynda by text-messaging on her cell phone. We all pray for a complete and speedy recovery for her - Dayna).
A Space Between My Toes!
Hi Dayna! Ok! Go ahead and put up my letters about the accident and surgery, or at least the ones that aren’t too cranky. My new digs (at the Guest Room) are good, but there’s no air-conditioning and, during the day, no power so no fan. The advantage is the shared, open sitting room that does get the breeze.
Great news... Today I can see space between my toes! This is really amazing. I was doing alot of exercise yesterday, be the calf muscle really hurts, but clearly the swelling is down. I’m so excited! Ta!
From Lynda.
Passed My Crutches Driving Test
It will be such a relief to be discharged from the hospital. I’m not sleeping here very well. The surgeon is pleased with the incisions, and even that I caused the discoloring and swelling from too much exercise yesterday. I passed my crutches driving test by specifying verbally the two most important
principles... Don’t hop and don’t hang on the crutches.
I have to do bedrest for 10 days with exercise, then back to the hospital to remove stitches- only 12 and 7 - then real physio. Now, I’m exhausted from all the excitement.
Please, can someone go today to the drug store and buy an elastoplast ankle support. These are not available in Tanzania. The surgeon was impressed and said that an ankle support such as this would be my best friend. Lucas is coming and will deal with the hospital bill and go to the bank. Now, I have to sleep. Ta, Lynda.
Nov. 26/06 Letters from Lynda
A Very Bruised & Swollen Leg
I was glad to talk to mom and dad this morning! Hang in you guys. I’ll mend. Lucas came with Mgeni and Musa (two children from Vijaliwa) who won a draw to come visit me in the hospital. It’s an all day trip for them to get here! Both children were shocked at the luxury here (in the hospital).
Air-conditioning, tv, and a private bathroom, and the kids were wowed when the orderly brought my lunch. Lucas took them to the cafeteria to eat. Big treat for them!
This morning a doctor came to inspect and change the dressing. I got brave and looked. No wonder Stephen fainted yesterday! But, the wound is clean. No infection. But, gone is my dainty ankle! There are 6 to 8 stitches on one side of my ankle and at least 15 on the other plus the drain holes. Ugly! It is very swollen and bruised.
I’m realizing a lot of things. I can’t live at the Vijaliwa house until we get a car. And, a goat for milk. I can’t use the buses while I’m in town. I’ll pretty much have to be escorted when I travel because I can’t put weight on my injured leg.
Tiffany called tonight and I talked with all my grandkids. Big tears.
Nov. 25 /06 Letter from Lynda
Surgery was Successful
Breaking News! (Sorry for the pun!),
Hi all. I’m resting. So, I know you’re all wondering what we’re going to do. But, please! I’m not the project, and the kids are fine. I have great confidence in Stephen (house manager) and Lucas is there.
My leg is swollen and ugly. And, I’m here in the hospital until at least tomorrow to start physio. I’ll be staying at a guest house (like an inexpensive hostel) when I leave the hospital.
If we can find or afford a car, I’ll be moving back to the Vijaliwa house. The surgery was successful. I don’t have a cast, but I can’t put any weight on my leg for 3 months.
They took out the drainage tubes yesterday. So, I’m on the
road to recovery.
Thanks for your prayers and love, Lynda.
Nov. 23. Letter from Lynda
An Operation Needed
The surgeon showed us the fractures in my leg. All 3 are at the ankle joint. The 2 on the big bone need screws and the shattered smaller bone needs a plate.
Surgery will be sometime this afternoon between 2 and 4.
I’ve seen the anesthetist. I can have pain-killers but no food.
I hate not knowing what to do later! I may ask at the guest house for a monthly rate or something. I can’t stay in the village for sure, unless we buy a car. I just like to have a plan in place and there’s none now.
Please tell Tiffany my daughter that I got her card yesterday, and expect her letter soon. That’s all for now. Thanks for prayers, Lynda.
Nov. 22 /06 Letters from Lynda
A Fractured Leg
Hi. My day went worse. Into the sewer in fact. Getting out of a crowded daladala (bus in Tanzania) my left foot didn’t find pavement. Instead, my foot found an open storm drain.
So, now I’m in the Aga Khan Hospital with a badly broken and dislocated leg. They want to operate today. I’m expecting the surgeon to see me soon. Both of my leg’s big bones above the ankle are broken. And never have I had so much pain!
Lucas is with me. Stephen is managing the house. The doctor said it would be 3 months to heal! And no bike riding, so I don’t know how I’ll get around!
So?! What can I do but pray? The good news is I think I’m over malaria...
(This letter was written by Lynda by text-messaging on her cell phone. We all pray for a complete and speedy recovery for her - Dayna).
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Lynda's Oct./06 Letters from Tanzania
Lynda Kearns with two of the children, Sophia and Mousa. Read their stories on the website: www.canadares.ca
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Lynda Kearns, Lucas Sirigwi
Lunch is usually rice and beans, sometimes fish, and tea. Photo of children and cook/caregiver.
Vijaliwa Vingi Home
10 children live here with the
caregivers and manager.
October 27, 2006- Letter from Lynda
Many greetings to my friends and family:
Well yet another month has sped by! One reason that time seems to slip away here is that as the heat increases (it was 37*C yesterday at 2:30pm in Dar) so does my down time! I still suffer from heat exhaustion, and if I'm not very careful - to put on my extra fan at the office, to drink 2 or more litres of water during the day, to pull out my Chinese folding fan in the daladala (the bus) - then I tend to collapse, and literally can't work. Worse yet, can't explain to my African friends my very strange behaviour. Folks shake their heads and wonder how I'm drunk, when I don't drink alcohol!
It's been a busy month. I'm kept occupied with weekly trips to the city, pursuing several important tasks, including preparations for a local fundraising event, the next proposal for our outreach programme, and chasing down our generator and pump for the water system that we are so close to getting…
Plus, we've had lots of public relations activities on-going. I hope you've all visited our website: www.canadares.ca http://www.canadares.ca/ and seen the photos and stories about Mwenge ya Uhuru and the Tanzanian Revenue Association (TRA) tenth anniversary celebration. Consequently, we've had several interested parties coming to visit both the office and the house.
One was the District Commissioner. He's basically the boss of our District, Kibaha. He was the guest of honour at the TRA day, and did come back to the house (unannounced) with his wife with their gift of 70kg of paddy rice! This has been a huge help to our food budget, and is frankly delicious! There are many different varieties of rice available here, and we generally buy a lower quality, being budget conscious. We particularly appreciate this generous gift.
Another thing that has come to light has been our affiliation with the Regional government - which has not been very active to date. We've been busy with the local and the district governments, and so it came as a welcome surprise to learn that we might expect some support from the Regional level. Not financial, mind you, but I'm learning that moral and political support are also critical for the smooth operation of the project.
And most recently, there was a big holiday here: Idd el Fitra which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadhani. (read about this on the website). It put quite a damper on my managerial activities, not unlike the work slow down at Christmas time. But, the kids had fun, and really enjoyed it. Stephen and I have started discussing how we will tackle Christmas this year - last year, we only had 3 kids, and this year there are 10!
One kind soul from Sechelt has asked me to write up a wish list for Christmas. This would be a list of things we might need or fantasize about for the project. I've promised to complete this list, so that she might choose from it actual gifts for which she and her husband will donate, and let their (oldish) kids know what they got for Christmas. I hope we can do better that that! I hope that I can take photos (of a goat, a length of water pipe, a bag of cement…) and post them to the website to go with the list, then send off acknowledgments via email to the families who donate.
I guess what I'd like to stress here is that I hope you are all visiting our site on a regular basis, as I can post updated stories and photos there, much easier than through this mailing. Plus I think this letter gets posted too, or at least parts of it do. And I'd like to ask that all of you pass it on to friends of yours who might be interested in viewing our project. We can use all the help we can get here!!!
And we do (especially but not exclusively me!) appreciate all of the support you've been over these past 5 years. We've accomplished much together, and I'm grateful for the trust you've put in me to play my part. Here on the ground, in the village, in the heat…!!!
Many blessings to all,
Lynda
October 11, 2006
Hi Dayna and all!
All is quite well. The Tanzania Revenue Authority day went very well, and we did receive 200,000/ Tsh in cash. But it did cost 50,000/ Tsh so there you go. Plus, we have had some repairs to the house that I hired someone to do - total cost just around another 50,000/Tsh - rain gutters (as we are expecting the short rains anytime now) and a floor for the kitchen, plus repairs to the roof and a cement sign for the road. I painted a really nice sign on a piece of 1 x 10 about 6 ft long. It looked great for the big day. However, I've been told that it will not last the week, as someone will surely come and steal it to build with.
I don't know what a blog is. but if you think we need to link up to one, go for it! I'm fearless!! I live in Africa!!!!!!
Fearless maybe (HA!!) but not invincible. Vincent has had to pack me into a taxi twice this week due to heat stroke. And it's not a good solution, as there's no fan at home, or even a fridge. He's now telling me we have to buy a used AC unit and I think he may be right. There's no hotel with AC in Mlandizi, and during the weekdays, there's no electricity in any hotel I can afford to flake out in Dar. due to power rationing.
I really think that I need a room in Mlandizi. With 10 kids, it's now not suitable for me to be sick in my bed.
Or maybe ask Elton (John) to build a manager's residence, with solar and AC!!!
I've taken the phone number of the director of the Mango Tree. They are close to where Lucas is studying - not close! But I'm going to phone him anyway. Sounds like we are doing similar things, and it makes sense to team up.
Anyway, maybe it's not bad to put my email online. Then if I get too much stuff, I can forward to you. Or let's say, I'll forward everything to you, and let you know what I've taken care of. I think we should give it a try. What do you think? It might encourage people here to contact me where they might not otherwise.
Anyway, I'm off now. Thank-you, everyone, for all your donations and prayers.
Blessings,
Lynda
October 4, 2006
Many Greetings, friends and family:
Well, things are still humming right along here!
We had an excellent day on the 23rd of September when the Mwenge wa Uhuru came. Thankfully, the committee in its wisdom, decided that everyone at the Vijaliwa Vingi house should come to them instead of everyone coming out to our place. So, we all converged on a public school in the center of town.
What an event! First the drums started to alert the community. Dancers performed for the gathering crowd. A brass band and loudspeaker system added to the cheerful chaos. Then the word spread: " They're coming!"
A convoy of 4x4s broke through the crowd, the last carrying the Torch. Official looking dudes in quasi army garb brought it down from the truck and set it into a wooden holder, then stood guard, while the MC, the District Commissioner, made brief introductions then called for our kids.
This whole time, I'm getting more and more nervous! But when the kids did such a great job of singing the song that Stephen and Vincent had written, (to welcome the Torch, about being orphaned, and how AIDS is still making more orphans, and how Vijaliwa Vingi is trying to help), how could I let them down? It was my turn. I read the report that Stephen and Vincent had prepared summarizing our work. It wasn't so bad! The thing I'd feared most was stumbling over a word, and not being able to say it properly. It only happened once, and the crowd corrected me, which was very ok. Then I lightened up, and finished with pizazz.
Then Mwenge committee had their turn - they spoke on community development, and particularly AIDS. It was good. Then we were invited for lunch - just our kids, Vincent, Stephen and the two caregivers and myself, along with the other invited local officials. The only problem was that I was segregated and stuck with all the big wigs, so found myself schmoozing in Swahili! To see the pictures to go with this little story, please go to the Special Events button.
Actually, this is a good time to mention our new website - our kind and generous webmaster Bob has been working so hard, and we are all very grateful for the time and hard work that he has donated to our site.
Update on the Home front: we have a second caregiver, Aziza, living with us, so have increased in number (now 14 around the table plus two guards outside). Aziza is one of our beneficiaries in the outreach programme - a single mother struggling to feed her kids. Well, we needed the help, and so did she, so now we have a tenth child, her son Alfun, aged 7. He and Masini became immediate best buddies, and they share a bunk in the boys' room. They are both in the first grade with Sophia. You can see them in the Mwenge photos - they're the short cute ones in white t-shirts.
Rajabu wrote his Standard 7 national exams 10 days ago, and is now off school pending results in January. He's kept busy helping at home, and resting up after the stressful time he's had.
One of the reasons we changed the date is because the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan has just begun, and will be just concluding at the end of October. In this month, most practicing Moslems fast during daylight hours, drinking only water from dawn to dusk, and attending the mosque many times a day. In town, so many of the shops and restaurants are closed for the month, including my favourite kiosk that normally makes fresh squeezed sugarcane and lime juice. At the conclusion of the holy month, there's a three-day feasting celebration. But that begins only when the religious leaders in Mecca have seen the moon in its proper perspective.
Tanzania, as I'm sure I've mentioned before, is one country with two official languages, around 120 tribes, each with their own local language, and two major religions: Christianity and Islam. With all of the conflict worldwide nowadays, particularly pertaining to these two seemingly opposing groups, it's really quite an honour to be living in a country that enjoys peace in the presence of so many differences. And that's quite reflective of the marriage that Lucas and I are enjoying! I've been given the honour of living God's promise delivered by Christ - that with Love and in Love, anything is possible, even world peace.
This is not quite, but almost a direct quote from our new Patron.
"New Patron?" you ask. Yes. ArchBishop Desmond Tutu has agreed to be the Patron for Vijaliwa Vingi.
I'm sure that there's a story about the miracle of our meeting somewhere on the website. And I had long wondered why that gift had been given to us. Now we know! God certainly has everything well in hand. Thank heavens!
OK, that's enough preaching for at least another month. Seriously though, and without a joke, it's by and through God's grace that we are here, doing what we can to make the world a little better. Thanks a million for your continued prayers and support.
Lynda
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Lynda Kearns, Lucas Sirigwi
Lunch is usually rice and beans, sometimes fish, and tea. Photo of children and cook/caregiver.
Vijaliwa Vingi Home
10 children live here with the
caregivers and manager.
October 27, 2006- Letter from Lynda
Many greetings to my friends and family:
Well yet another month has sped by! One reason that time seems to slip away here is that as the heat increases (it was 37*C yesterday at 2:30pm in Dar) so does my down time! I still suffer from heat exhaustion, and if I'm not very careful - to put on my extra fan at the office, to drink 2 or more litres of water during the day, to pull out my Chinese folding fan in the daladala (the bus) - then I tend to collapse, and literally can't work. Worse yet, can't explain to my African friends my very strange behaviour. Folks shake their heads and wonder how I'm drunk, when I don't drink alcohol!
It's been a busy month. I'm kept occupied with weekly trips to the city, pursuing several important tasks, including preparations for a local fundraising event, the next proposal for our outreach programme, and chasing down our generator and pump for the water system that we are so close to getting…
Plus, we've had lots of public relations activities on-going. I hope you've all visited our website: www.canadares.ca http://www.canadares.ca/ and seen the photos and stories about Mwenge ya Uhuru and the Tanzanian Revenue Association (TRA) tenth anniversary celebration. Consequently, we've had several interested parties coming to visit both the office and the house.
One was the District Commissioner. He's basically the boss of our District, Kibaha. He was the guest of honour at the TRA day, and did come back to the house (unannounced) with his wife with their gift of 70kg of paddy rice! This has been a huge help to our food budget, and is frankly delicious! There are many different varieties of rice available here, and we generally buy a lower quality, being budget conscious. We particularly appreciate this generous gift.
Another thing that has come to light has been our affiliation with the Regional government - which has not been very active to date. We've been busy with the local and the district governments, and so it came as a welcome surprise to learn that we might expect some support from the Regional level. Not financial, mind you, but I'm learning that moral and political support are also critical for the smooth operation of the project.
And most recently, there was a big holiday here: Idd el Fitra which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadhani. (read about this on the website). It put quite a damper on my managerial activities, not unlike the work slow down at Christmas time. But, the kids had fun, and really enjoyed it. Stephen and I have started discussing how we will tackle Christmas this year - last year, we only had 3 kids, and this year there are 10!
One kind soul from Sechelt has asked me to write up a wish list for Christmas. This would be a list of things we might need or fantasize about for the project. I've promised to complete this list, so that she might choose from it actual gifts for which she and her husband will donate, and let their (oldish) kids know what they got for Christmas. I hope we can do better that that! I hope that I can take photos (of a goat, a length of water pipe, a bag of cement…) and post them to the website to go with the list, then send off acknowledgments via email to the families who donate.
I guess what I'd like to stress here is that I hope you are all visiting our site on a regular basis, as I can post updated stories and photos there, much easier than through this mailing. Plus I think this letter gets posted too, or at least parts of it do. And I'd like to ask that all of you pass it on to friends of yours who might be interested in viewing our project. We can use all the help we can get here!!!
And we do (especially but not exclusively me!) appreciate all of the support you've been over these past 5 years. We've accomplished much together, and I'm grateful for the trust you've put in me to play my part. Here on the ground, in the village, in the heat…!!!
Many blessings to all,
Lynda
October 11, 2006
Hi Dayna and all!
All is quite well. The Tanzania Revenue Authority day went very well, and we did receive 200,000/ Tsh in cash. But it did cost 50,000/ Tsh so there you go. Plus, we have had some repairs to the house that I hired someone to do - total cost just around another 50,000/Tsh - rain gutters (as we are expecting the short rains anytime now) and a floor for the kitchen, plus repairs to the roof and a cement sign for the road. I painted a really nice sign on a piece of 1 x 10 about 6 ft long. It looked great for the big day. However, I've been told that it will not last the week, as someone will surely come and steal it to build with.
I don't know what a blog is. but if you think we need to link up to one, go for it! I'm fearless!! I live in Africa!!!!!!
Fearless maybe (HA!!) but not invincible. Vincent has had to pack me into a taxi twice this week due to heat stroke. And it's not a good solution, as there's no fan at home, or even a fridge. He's now telling me we have to buy a used AC unit and I think he may be right. There's no hotel with AC in Mlandizi, and during the weekdays, there's no electricity in any hotel I can afford to flake out in Dar. due to power rationing.
I really think that I need a room in Mlandizi. With 10 kids, it's now not suitable for me to be sick in my bed.
Or maybe ask Elton (John) to build a manager's residence, with solar and AC!!!
I've taken the phone number of the director of the Mango Tree. They are close to where Lucas is studying - not close! But I'm going to phone him anyway. Sounds like we are doing similar things, and it makes sense to team up.
Anyway, maybe it's not bad to put my email online. Then if I get too much stuff, I can forward to you. Or let's say, I'll forward everything to you, and let you know what I've taken care of. I think we should give it a try. What do you think? It might encourage people here to contact me where they might not otherwise.
Anyway, I'm off now. Thank-you, everyone, for all your donations and prayers.
Blessings,
Lynda
October 4, 2006
Many Greetings, friends and family:
Well, things are still humming right along here!
We had an excellent day on the 23rd of September when the Mwenge wa Uhuru came. Thankfully, the committee in its wisdom, decided that everyone at the Vijaliwa Vingi house should come to them instead of everyone coming out to our place. So, we all converged on a public school in the center of town.
What an event! First the drums started to alert the community. Dancers performed for the gathering crowd. A brass band and loudspeaker system added to the cheerful chaos. Then the word spread: " They're coming!"
A convoy of 4x4s broke through the crowd, the last carrying the Torch. Official looking dudes in quasi army garb brought it down from the truck and set it into a wooden holder, then stood guard, while the MC, the District Commissioner, made brief introductions then called for our kids.
This whole time, I'm getting more and more nervous! But when the kids did such a great job of singing the song that Stephen and Vincent had written, (to welcome the Torch, about being orphaned, and how AIDS is still making more orphans, and how Vijaliwa Vingi is trying to help), how could I let them down? It was my turn. I read the report that Stephen and Vincent had prepared summarizing our work. It wasn't so bad! The thing I'd feared most was stumbling over a word, and not being able to say it properly. It only happened once, and the crowd corrected me, which was very ok. Then I lightened up, and finished with pizazz.
Then Mwenge committee had their turn - they spoke on community development, and particularly AIDS. It was good. Then we were invited for lunch - just our kids, Vincent, Stephen and the two caregivers and myself, along with the other invited local officials. The only problem was that I was segregated and stuck with all the big wigs, so found myself schmoozing in Swahili! To see the pictures to go with this little story, please go to the Special Events button.
Actually, this is a good time to mention our new website - our kind and generous webmaster Bob has been working so hard, and we are all very grateful for the time and hard work that he has donated to our site.
Update on the Home front: we have a second caregiver, Aziza, living with us, so have increased in number (now 14 around the table plus two guards outside). Aziza is one of our beneficiaries in the outreach programme - a single mother struggling to feed her kids. Well, we needed the help, and so did she, so now we have a tenth child, her son Alfun, aged 7. He and Masini became immediate best buddies, and they share a bunk in the boys' room. They are both in the first grade with Sophia. You can see them in the Mwenge photos - they're the short cute ones in white t-shirts.
Rajabu wrote his Standard 7 national exams 10 days ago, and is now off school pending results in January. He's kept busy helping at home, and resting up after the stressful time he's had.
One of the reasons we changed the date is because the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan has just begun, and will be just concluding at the end of October. In this month, most practicing Moslems fast during daylight hours, drinking only water from dawn to dusk, and attending the mosque many times a day. In town, so many of the shops and restaurants are closed for the month, including my favourite kiosk that normally makes fresh squeezed sugarcane and lime juice. At the conclusion of the holy month, there's a three-day feasting celebration. But that begins only when the religious leaders in Mecca have seen the moon in its proper perspective.
Tanzania, as I'm sure I've mentioned before, is one country with two official languages, around 120 tribes, each with their own local language, and two major religions: Christianity and Islam. With all of the conflict worldwide nowadays, particularly pertaining to these two seemingly opposing groups, it's really quite an honour to be living in a country that enjoys peace in the presence of so many differences. And that's quite reflective of the marriage that Lucas and I are enjoying! I've been given the honour of living God's promise delivered by Christ - that with Love and in Love, anything is possible, even world peace.
This is not quite, but almost a direct quote from our new Patron.
"New Patron?" you ask. Yes. ArchBishop Desmond Tutu has agreed to be the Patron for Vijaliwa Vingi.
I'm sure that there's a story about the miracle of our meeting somewhere on the website. And I had long wondered why that gift had been given to us. Now we know! God certainly has everything well in hand. Thank heavens!
OK, that's enough preaching for at least another month. Seriously though, and without a joke, it's by and through God's grace that we are here, doing what we can to make the world a little better. Thanks a million for your continued prayers and support.
Lynda
The Beginning
(see Website @ www.canadares.ca)
History of CanaDares Society for Street Children in Tanzania
The CanaDares society began as Lynda's vision after she spent 3 months at a facility for youth in Tanzania. She learned how thousands of children lived on the streets of Dar es Salaam and how few of these children went to school.
Lynda returned to Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada and announced that she was going to create a society to help as many children as she could. She asked friends and family to help and CanaDares was formed.
The first meeting of people interested in the 'yet to be formed' society took place in January, 2002, in Sechelt. Plans were made to write a constitution and apply for registration as a Canadian charitable organization. At the next few meetings, the name 'CanaDares' was accepted and Board Members were named.
Funds were first raised by garage sales, raffles, church pot luck suppers, musical and theatrical performances. A database of contributors has been growing and many people donated services and craft items to raise money.
Lynda Kearns donated $5000 of her personal funds to ensure her return to Tanzania where she began the task of forming a 'sister' board in Tanzania, applying for residency status and approval for creating a home for children and youth in need.
At the May, 2002, meeting of CanaDares, it was announced that the registration of the CanaDares Society was successful.
The CanaDares Board decided that any person donating to the charity could be a member. Persons who provided addresses were sent tax receipts and invited to the society's annual general meeting.
Since the incorporation of CanaDares, Lynda has returned from Tanzania several times for fundraising at speaking engagements, television and newspaper interviews. She has worked hard and remains devoted to making her vision a reality. (read her field notes to see how her project has progressed).
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