Hair goes to Locks of Love in preparation for Africa

Before pic

Wow!!! All of my hair in a ponytail

Sara Hunt and I after she cut my hair off

After pic

In preparation for Africa I felt compelled to make a big change in my life.  I decided to chop off my hair.  I felt nervous and excited all at the same time.  I have had long hair for the last 5 years and I knew it would be quite a change.  I had so much hair that I was able to donate it to Locks of Love, an organization that makes wigs for children that have lost their hair to chemo and other illnesses.  What a wonderful day!  Now I will have less hair to take care of while I am in Africa.  While we will have showers where we are staying there is a chance of not having water on some of those days.  There were several days last year in Uganda that we didn't have enough water to wash our hair or take showers.  Having short hair will be a lot easier to manage.  So this decision became a win/win for a child in need of a wig and for my hair not to become one big dread lock while traveling in Africa.  Yay!!!

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS

Locks of Love is devoted to helping every child suffering from medical hair loss, thus we do not discriminate as to the cause of hair loss. We list the following information in an attempt to explain types of hair loss and specific needs of individual recipients.

	Alopecia Our largest number of children live with alopecia. Alopecia is an auto-immune disorder that causes the hair follicles to shut down. This disease has varying degrees and affects 4.7 million people in the United States alone. Alopecia areata affects both sexes equally and may, but does not always, progress to significant hair loss. Currently, there is no known cause or cure for alopecia. The degrees of alopecia are as follows: Alopecia Areata Ophiasis-loss in bands along the scalp margins Alopecia Areata Sisaipho-loss of all scalp hair except along the scalp margins Alopecia Totalis-loss of all scalp hair Alopecia Universalis-loss of all scalp and body hair Cancer Cancer constitutes the second highest percentage of our recipients. Every year approximately 2,200 children under age 20 are diagnosed with brain tumors. Radiation treatment to the brain stem as a treatment for cancer can cause permanent hair loss. Chemotherapy may also cause hair loss to be long-term depending on the length of treatment needed. Other causes of hair loss account for a small percentage of our recipients. Ectodermal Dysplasia-A heritable disorder that affects the formation of the ectoderm. Extremely sparse hair can be a result of ectoderm abnormality. Loose Anagen Syndrome-An abnormality where hair is thin and normally does not grow beyond the nape of the neck. Trichotillomania-Compulsive and repetitive hair pulling. Telogen Effluvium-Diffuse but excessive shedding related to sudden stress. Trauma-burns, accidents, dog attacks, etc.  For more info go to locksoflove.org

Uganda, Africa Update

THANKS TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED OUR UGANDA PROJECT LAST YEAR.  THIS WAS AN ENCOURAGING STORY THAT WE RECEIVED FROM OUR PARTNERS (MAP) IN UGANDA.
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Most Significant Change; MSC Story

As a grandmother living in Kanameriongor village with 4 children all bellow the ages of 5 years, Itao Anna had no choice but to use dirty water for her family. The sole water supply in her community during rainy season caused diarrheal diseases including dysentery and typhoid.  This often prevented Itao’s four grandchildren from attending school, and much of her meager income was spent on treatments for these preventable diseases.

When MAP International through For One Another Foundation offered water filters to the village, Napeyok learned about the benefits of drinking clean water and maintaining good health in her home through sanitation and hygiene.

After receiving the water filter and have it installed in her household, she was amazed at the difference between the dirty water poured into the filter and the clean water that flowed out.

"Without the water filter, people would have died one by one due to drinking and using dirty water all the time," she said. Napeyok has seen a noticeable improvement in her family's health. "I can now save more money than when I had to buy drugs often. My grandchildren now attend school regularly."Thanks to donations from For One Another Foundation, Brenda and the Team also experienced the life -changing effects of the Water Filter project in Kacheri project area. During the field visits one husband -and - wife worked hard in their gardens to provide for their seven children, but were forced to spend money treating water-related diseases.

The burden of chopping and burning endless firewood to boil polluted, dirty water did not free their family from disease, because utensils washed in dirty water often negated all their efforts. Even their clothing could not be thoroughly cleaned because of the dirty water.

They were amazed at the transformation in his family's health after receiving a Water Filter."[Having clean water] was only a dream 
 before," he said.

Clean Water Project Continues in Haiti

Kiddos drinking clean water at the orphanage in Haiti

UPDATE FROM HAITI: 120 Kids at the orphanage are drinking clean water and as a result are feeling better.  Check out these new pictures!!! Thanks to all who were a part of this project.  Over 1.5 years later the kids are still enjoying clean, filtered water.  This is wonderful!

After school line up for clean water.

Rosena learning how to clean filter

FLOW FOR WATER

FLOW FOR WATER YOGA FUNDRAISER

Tess Conrad and Shannon Tobin

Shannon, Tess and Jeff getting the class started.

On December 1st 2012 Shannon Tobin and Tess Conrad hosted another Flow for Water fundraiser.  We rented out the Rocklin Community Center which was a beautiful location to have the event.  It was a rainy day but that did not stop our supporters from coming out and enjoying a wonderful yoga class and silent auction.  Shannon and Tess led a 90 minute class where Jeff Conway assisted and DJ Nate Spross provided the awesome music.  

DJ Nate Spross

Closing Circle

Silent Auction

We were able to raise enough money to help over 250 people receive clean water in Uganda, Africa.  It was such an amazing process to see so many people come together to make this event possible.  Thanks again to all of our sponsors, volunteers, donators and attenders that made this day so beautiful.  Thanks for your love and support for this cause. You are making beautiful change.

Jamba Juice for all!!!

Pictures by Jeff Conway and Ceci Robles

CUPA COMMUNITY UPDATE AND THE JONATHAN STORY

Elham, Maria, Tatiana & Matt

Walking from house to house - Follow up on filters

We arrived in Ecuador on November 1st where I met our other two team members and also very good friends of mine Elham and Matt Watson.  My Spanish speaking had to jump into full gear once we could not locate Matt and Elham´s luggage.  We got through the little mix up within about an hour ha and then we were on our way to our hostel.  It was a little more sketchy than I would´ve liked to greet our new FOA members but they handled it well.  We got a few hours a sleep and early the next morning we were on our way to the coast to stay with the Cupa Community.  We had such a lovely welcome there.  The people are so kind and generous even while living in extreme poverty.  We managed without a shower for 2 days as many houses are without bathrooms altogether.  We were able to check up on the families that received filters and it was so encouraging to see them continue to use them and filter clean water after 9 months.

These girls are showing us how it is done. Too fun! With music blasting of course.

Matt & Elham hanging with the kids in Cupa.

On our travels back to Quito I asked our taxi driver to stop for a few minutes at the kids orphanage that I used to work in.  I just couldn´t wait another second to see them.  It was growing dark and we had been traveling for 5 hours but he kindly agreed.  On futher note I found out that Johnathan (the little love of my life) along with Stephania had been moved to another home.  Ohhhhh! I knew it would happen some day because he is getting older but I wasn´t wanting to hear that.  I´ve known Jonathan since he was 2 and Stefania since she was 3. The director was busy and couldn´t speak to me so I had to spend the night wondering if I would get a chance to see him again.  Where was he? Would they give me his new information? Was he ok?  I know how scared he can get with change and Stefania too. Were they being taken care of? OH my heart was aching. So did I sleep last night? The answer is no. 
So first thing this morning I got on the phone.  The nice man at our hotel let me use the front desk phone.  My Spanish speaking over the phone is quite difficult for me but I managed.  I called the orphanage.  They gave me his new info.  I wanted to jump over the moon with excitement.  I called the new home.  They gave me the address and after a few calls, transfers etc they found out that indeed him and Stefania were there.  I had an address in my hand and confirmation that he was there.  Now only to see it with my own eyes.  The home was nearly 45 minutes to the south of Quito.  It is not the safest place here that´s for sure.  I let our team know that but they insisted that they come along.  We packed new shoes, socks and yummy bananas from the coast and we were off.

Jonathan flinging his arms around me when he first saw me.

We arrived right when it started to rain.  I was nervous and my Spanish only gets worse when I can´t think straight.  But I spoke to the ladies in the office and they said that the kids were just finishing up lunch and then they would come see me.  None of these social workers know me.  I was nervous and a little shaky and we had to wait nearly 30 minutes.  Then through the door they came.  Just as handsome and pretty as ever.  Jonathon y Stefania.  Oh how I love them.  They ran to me and I hugged and kissed them a thousand times.  They also greeted Elham, Matt and Mick with warm hugs and lots of love.  Then a thousand questions. Ha! How are you doing? How have you been? Do you like your new house? Do you like your new school?  Do you have friends at school? Are you studying well? You are so big and handsome and beautiful!

Little Stefania is beyond happy and so am I.

Trying on shoes. Yay!!!

I gave them both bananas from our goodie bag.  I swear they gulped them down in 3 seconds. Elham and I helped try on their new shoes.  Jonathan was making me laugh so hard because he wanted the ugly dinosour light up shoes so every other shoe he would say "It doesn´t fit" until of course I got to the dinosaur light ups. Those were his favs. 

Jonathan making me laugh so hard.  He has got quite the personailty.

Matt & Mick hanging out with the kiddos

Sadly no shoes fit Stefania as she is growing so fast.  Matt, Elham, Mick and I will be shopping for the kids and buying them clothes, shoes for Stefania (pink) and school stuff. They worked their way right into our whole teams heart´s. We walked to view their new home and I was so relieved to see that it was a home with 8 kids, 1 dog and 2 ladies.  It seemed like a great place for them.  They do not have clean water for their kitchen and bathroom so we will be providing them with a filter. Yay!!!



Also and the very best part of all.  I have asked the social workers for permission to take Jonathan and Stefania for a little day away. Jonathan kept asking me to go in and ask them to let him go with me today. Ahhh! I bravly have to explain that hopefully they will let me take him for one day but probably not till Saturday.  We left with big hugs and kisses.  Pure happiness.  Our team was chattering about the visit the whole way back to our hostel. Truly one of the best days of my life.

The kids leading the way showing us their home.



LOVE

On September 9th I had the opportunity to speak about FOA at Homebuilders Sunday School in Tulare, Ca.  Thanks to Karen Grant and Shauna Horsting for getting everyone together to support this cause.  The class was so friendly and receptive to the water projects that we are doing world wide.  I was honored to be there and share the love for the work that we do.  Thanks again for the beautiful time and we hope to be back again soon to share again.

Staci and Felicia

A word from Pam on John's Condition in Kenya

Pam speaking to John and getting ready to clean his wound.

Pam is a lady I had the opportunity to work with in my recent trip to Kenya.  I am working with her, Dr. Just and Pastor David Chu Chu to implement water programs all over Kenya.  She is a nurse and Deaconess with such an amazing heart to serve those in need.  Here is a follow up on the condition of John.  She was able to see him a third time before she left Kenya.  Here is the writing from her blog.

Last night Dr. Just, Deaconess Agnes and I revisited John, the man with breast cancer.  We wanted to follow up on his pain and the effectiveness of the pain medicine we purchased for him.  Unfortunately, his pain level was still very high and he expressed such frustration with the local clinic “doctors” who tell him all that is wrong is that he has a wound on his chest.  His left arm is so swollen that it is painful to even look at.  He said to us, “I am lying on this couch dying.”
“I am in so much pain and am so weak.”

Knowing that John is likely dying from breast cancer, and recognizing that nothing is being done to help him, we decided to again utilize the services of Pastor David Chuchu and arrange for John to see a private doctor.  Will this save his life? Not likely. Will it give him comfort in knowing the truth and getting comfort care at the end of his days?  Well, that is our hope.

As we were saying our good-byes, John prayed for our safe journey home.  He held our hands and said, “Thank you, sister. Thank you, pastor.”  We said, “Thank you for allowing us to come into your home and be a part of your life. Thank you for showing us Christ in your suffering.  Be blessed. Be at peace.”

Now, the other great, wonderful news about this family is this—Carrie Beth had decided this family should have a water filtration system and we delivered one before she left Kenya.  We were able to talk to them about how it is working.  They brought it out for us to see. They treat it like it is gold. After using it at night---for John’s shower and wound care and drinking water—they wrap it carefully in clean bags so it won’t get dirty.  They are cleaning the filter every day and recognize the gift of having clean water. They were so proud of this filter and so grateful. 


So, once again, in the midst of sorrow there is great joy.  - Pamela Boehle-Silva

Showing John and his son how the water filter works.

Writings from Carrie's Personal Diary in Uganda

Julie walking off the plane in Entebbe, Uganda

The beautiful rainbow is behind us just as we stepped off the plane.

Driving in Kampala. Lots of water being carried by bike.

6/17/2012  We arrived early this morning in Uganda after a 10 hour layover in London.  We walked off the plane to find a huge rainbow greeting us after a short shower of rain.  Our names were written on a small white piece of paper from a man who was waiting to pick us up.  Julie Stephen and I went in 1 cab and Steph and Dave went into the other.  It was an eventful 1 hour ride passing thru traffic on 1 lane roads with cars, bicycles, carts, people walking and crossing the street.  Our taxi driver would pass on a one lane road going up a hill.  Crazy!  It is green in Kampala.  Beautiful trees and plants! Can't wait to try the fruit.
When we got to our hotel outside the gate we had to wait for security to check the car.  He held a mirror on a long stick and searched underneath the whole entire vehicle. For bombs I'm assuming as they have had an increase of terrorist threats in the area.
We all came in and slept and then met later for dinner.  Our group gets along great and we are starting to gain our energy back from the long flights and travel.
The people here are quiet, humble and very welcoming.  I hope to show as much kindness to them as they show to us.
I am feeling blessed to be here.  I love this work and I am excited to get started.  Tomorrow we head to Gulu which is about a 6 hour drive.

View out of hotel room in Gulu.

Our FOA group along with Brenda at Map International's office in Gulu.

6/20 So we arrived in Gulu where we had lunch and stayed for the night.  The next day we went into the city to go exchange money at the bank.  I had to exchange $1000 US dollars.  They wouldn't take some of the bills if they were ripped or marked with ink.  The lady kept flashing our money everywhere and there was a big line behind us. They exchanged $450. They handed me a huge stash of shillings which was so nerve racking with everyone watching.  Then we went to Western Union to exchange the rest. Also, a bit nerve racking.  Then with our money stashed away we went to the store, the MAP office and then we were off.  The road was immediately bumpy not missing a pot hole every few seconds.  And, yes that was our next 6 hours.  The terrain was gorgeous.  Some of the most beautiful sights I'd ever seen.  We finally arrived!

Road that we traveled on to Kotido. 6 hours!

Kotido, We checked into our questhouse and went to dinner. Oh, on the way to Kotido, Brenda our guide showed us where Kony lived and went to school.  She was almost abducted by Kony in 1996.  She was 15 years old and at school in Gulu.  He came with his rebel soldiers to capture her and the girls.  The Uganda soldiers were able to fight them off and she fled to Kampala where she finished her schooling there.  Brenda has been so amazing to work with so far.  She is so kind.

Our first water filter presentation!

After Filtering the water from their water hole I drank it in front of the crowd.

So today we went to 3 villages and handed out 33 filters at each one.  The people are happy but live in extreme poverty.  These water filters will be so amazing to them.  They were so accepting and ready to learn and understand them.  They understood that the water they have been drinking is making them sick.  They see the value of the filters.  It was a very successful day!

Julie helping put together a water filter for a family.

Going over the water filter set up individually with each family.

Drinking the filtered water out of anything they had to store it.

Presentation by the water hole. Notice the cattle using it also.

6/21 Last night I was so tired that I fell asleep writing in my journal.  This morning we went to the Map office in Kotido.  We drilled holes in the last of the buckets.  We headed to a new village in the Karamoja region where we did a demonstration.  We then walked to their water source(about 2 miles) to show them how to clean and use the filters.  As we walked back I was speaking to our leader and interpreter and a lady told me that she wanted to give me her child.  Oh my! I know they just want their babies to be taken care of but I just told her that I couldn't take him but that I would gladly hold him for her.  Everyone was so thankful for the filters.  They say the clean water is sweet and tasty and I have to agree.

Showing the crowd how to put together the filter.

 6/24 Okay so yesterday turned out to be a different adventure.  We woke up at 6 to leave by 6:30.  After 3 hours of bumpy driving we came across a fallen down bridge.  There were crews working on a new bridge but it was too muddy and deep for us to cross.  So sadly we turned around and headed back to home.  On the way back the rains began.  Our car (van) got very slippery on the road.  I decided to take a little snooze.  All I remember is feeling the car go out of control and I grabbed onto the seat in front of us as we went straight into a ditch head first and then the left side of our van followed. Holy crap! We were able to reverse out of it but this did happen a second time.  To say the least it was a bit intense in the car.  Jeffery our driver just turned up the happy music to ease the silent intensity.  We got back safe. :)

6/29 I am sitting at the Nairobi, Kenya airport.  Everything went so well on our trip to Uganda.  We were able to go back and visit the people in their villages and see them using their filters in their homes.  It was awesome!  They knew how to clean them and some were already storing their filtered water for use.  It was wonderful spending time with the families.  I feel so grateful to everyone who helped get these families and their beautiful children clean water to drink.  It will be life changing.

The last day we traveled 15 hours in the van.  Everyone was tired.
This morning I saw everyone in our group off to the states.  That was a great feeling.  I am exhausted but happy.  I am excited to see what new adventures await me here in Kenya! - Carrie