Happy New Years!

Being the last day of 2011 - today makes me think of how much we have acomplished so far with TheSmallthings. We have reached so many important goals which has motivated us to set many new ones. With all the support and interest TheSmallThings we have experienced I am confident that 2012 will be a great year as well.

Speaking of all the support and interest TheSmallThings have met, I want to mention a recent donation we were given. I recently received a package in the mail, which turned out to be 12,5 kg worth of amazingly good quality clothes, towels, baby bibsand toys for all of the children of Nkoaranga! All of this was kindly sponsored by a Danish children clothing company called Fredsworld, who produce very environmentally friendly, fashionable and colorful products. There is no doubt that this donation will be greatly appreciated by all of the children - and the mamas - of Nkoaranga Orphanage; especially because there are so many different sizes, so all of the children will be able to fit some!

So here goes a big and bold thank you to FredsWorld for this amazing donation, and a big thank you to everyone who have supported is this wonderful first year of TheSmallThings - we are all looking forward to starting new projects in 2012, and let you know about how you can support us in the future.

Thank you and Happy New Years!

Marie

Check out FredsWorld website at www.fredsworld.dk or their Facebook page here.

Returning home

I am now officially back in Africa, and I couldn't be happier. It honestly feels like I've come home. There's something about this country that makes you so relaxed and happy. I can't really explain it, but everyone is just so happy here, it's really lovely.

Sweet (and huge!) Ebenezer

Seeing the kids was the best Christmas present I could have ever asked for; it was so nice to see them running up to me and screaming my name out before they jumped on top of me. I can't believe how much they have all grown- it's crazy. The babies have all been moved into the toddler's cots because they're too big for their old cots now, so it's really strange to walk into the toddler room and see the children that I saw learning to crawl and sit up, now able to stand and try to say my name. It's such a relief to see how big Ebenezer has gotten now, we were really worried about him when I was here before because he was so ill, but now he's sat up, crawling about, even attempting to stand sometimes. Here are some Christmas highlights from the other kids.

Stevie enjoying his cake

Christmas havoc! 

Andrea and Pray considering their Christmas presents

Zawadi holding a much healthier
(if a little concerned) baby Peace

Little Peace looks like he has put on some weight since the pictures I saw a few months ago, which is good to see. He's still unbelievably tiny, but the fact he is actually putting on weight now means he is growing and progressing, so the Mamas have done a wonderful job ensuring he is cared for sufficiently.

It was really funny seeing all of the Mamas again, because they all looked so shocked but happy to see me at the same time. It was really nice to know that they remembered me too, and were happy to see me again, as they all gave me a massive hug hello.

The children keep asking after the other volunteers I lived with (Wapi Jasmine, na Emma, na Megan, na Bosk, na Andre, na Charlotte?), and we've all told them that the volunteers love them very much but sadly couldn't come back to the orphanage this time, and they said that they love and miss them too. So, don't worry guys, they still know you care for them and they still love you to bits.

Words cannot describe how nice it is to be back with the children. It has really reminded me of how special they are to me, and how much I want to ensure that I am always a part of their lives. They are all such loving, caring and lively individuals- even at 6 o'clock in the morning! Being back at the orphanage is the best feeling in the world, even when I'm exhausted. I know that I am there to help the kids and that encourages me to work harder. I wish my visit could be longer, but unfortunately I'm only here for two weeks. I will just have to make the most of my time whilst I am here. I honestly cannot describe how amazing it is to be back with all of them- it's like I never even left.

I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and have a lovely New Year. I am now going to go and change about 100 nappies, be mauled by 30 kids and sing Bob the Builder a countless number of times and I couldn't be happier!

My African Homecoming

So, I'm back!

I can't describe how amazing it feels to be walking into the orphanage at 6 each morning again, because, in all honesty, it feels like I never left. I feel like I'm 'home,' just with extra big babies and kids around me that seem to have grown overnight!

They are absolutely awesome. I didn't think they could get more beautiful or funny or wonderful but they've certainly grown up and are maturing and outshining anything I could have imagined. The Mamas are, of course, still doing a fantastic job of caring for these individuals and truly deserve more praise!

One person I would really like to mention that doesn't get heard about so much is big Franky - an amazing role model for the children who, despite being deaf, works tremendously hard for the kids, is so reliable, always there to help out, blowing up balloons for the Christmas tree, caring for any crying children and cheering them up in no time, making us volunteers laugh just as much! He really is a fantastic, selfless human being. I can't think of enough words of praise to give to all of these people!

Baby Peace in a Christmas hat

So, after a very tiring 10 hour bus journey from Dar, it was all made worth it to hear the calls of "Bessan!" as I arrived at the door to the orphanage. I was greeted by a massive hug from Eman Ndogo which was such a lovely surprise. Seeing all of the toddlers up and running, the babies crawling and our two beautiful newbies; Peace and Shudja. So gorgeous and precious and extremely smiley.

As for yesterday, wow, what a very dazed group of children as they awoke to find Baba Christmas out in the garden! All very sleepy and not really knowing what was going on, they soon hyped up to play with the masses of new toys and books that had very kindly been donated by Tracey, Wendy, Anna and Rebecca Woolf - so a big thank you to you all for your generosity and for making this Christmas extra special for the children.

So with lots of balloons, photos, presents, food, soda, cake, fake snow, the Nkoaranga Christmas party went very well. Lots of messy, sticky, smiley laughing, children; what a perfect way to spend my christmas.

Abdulli with a Christmas toy

As for the general welfare of the orphanage, it is going wonderfully. The play area is great and much safer and enjoyable for the children (and I might well brave the adapted slide now it no longer resembles a vertical drop!) The chickens are all healthy, growing, laying, clucking and doing everything chickens do! Everyone is doing a great job and I have never seen the children so happy and developing so well.

In particular I would like to mention what a huge change I have seen in Abdulli. He's developed much better socially and is so interacting with the other children lots more, playing games rather than sitting alone and is also more verbal. Very pleased with him so lets hope he can keep it up!

More updates to come on the children's development. To all of you lovely readers, thank you for your support and love for the children, a very merry christmas to you all.

Hannukah and Piki Pikis

Bethan and Maureeni, cheesing for the camera

Happy Hannukah from Tanzania! Not a phrase that's uttered PARTICULARLY regularly, but I've always been a tad unconventional. To the kids, though, it's Christmas, Christmas, Christmas. Tomorrow we're having a Christmas party, which Baba Christmasi HIMSELF will be attending (in the person of Kelvin from KATZ volunteers). Each kid will also get a full new set of clothes and pair of shoes, plus a present from our grab bag of fun, all donated by you amazing people. They will be so excited!

A very sleepy Ester

This week has been incredibly busy, and made even busier and more fun by the addition of Bethan and her sister Vicky to the mix. The kids took to Vicky like a duck to water, and she's already got most of their names down like a champ - no small feat with nearly thirty children currently home. The kids are all fantastic, although Miriam and Ester currently have malaria, poor little scraps - Ester fell asleep into her dinner yesterday, she was so worn out! Miriam hasn't been much like herself, but with lots of cuddles from Vicky, who is her new best friend, and the aid of antimalarial medication, she should be as good as new in a few days. Still, what a way to spend Christmas!

The highlight of the past week for the kids was a visit from a friend of one of the mamas, who let them all pile onto his piki piki - NOT that I was going to let them go anywhere on it, but they were just as psyched to climb all over it. He then revved the engine, thrilling all of them except Zawadi, who promptly burst into hysterical tears and took half an hour of cuddling before she forgave me my burst of laughter at the look on her face. I'm an awful mother already, clearly.

It's funny seeing how relationships change over time. When we left last time, the babies were too small to have friendships within their little group. Since then, Filipo and Frankie have emerged as a constant pair - but not of best buddies, or not quite. Rather, no matter how often they're plopped on opposite ends of the playroom, they always seem to manage to reunite - almost always fighting over a toy. Which toy changes constantly, the only rule seeming to be that if the other has it, the first wants it, and vice versa. In this particular photo, despite a plethora of fantastic toys, they were fighting over the mop. They're a funny, funny pair!

Our other goal in the next week is to get the climbing frame up, or at least started. That said, they are so thrilled with their current playground, I'm not in such a rush! The toddlers are now able to use the slide, for the first time, and they absolutely adore it. No more death slide, hip hip hooray!

Lots of love from the three of us, all the mamas, and the kids - and come back Saturday or Sunday for Christmas updates.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah from Pray, who really needs a new shirt since he's destroyed this one!

Tanzania, here I come!!

I'm finally completely packed for Tanzania and I'm knackered already!- I haven't even made it to the Orphanage yet and I feel as though I could sleep for 1000 years. However, there will be no sleeping for me over the next few weeks, and I couldn't care less, if it means I get to celebrate Christmas and New Year with our beautiful babies.

I don't think it could be possible for my bag to be any more jam packed- the majority of my stuff is presents for the kids, as well as university work...I'm taking almost no clothes. Most of the clothes I am taking are going in my carry on bag. Wrestling my way through the London tube system on CHRISTMAS EVE with two extremely heavy bags is going to be very fun- I cannot wait!

I just wanted to say 'kwa heri!' (goodbye) and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I hope that 2012 is the best you've all had yet. Thank you so much for all of the love and support you have given us in setting up The Small Things; you are truly amazing.

The skydive was genuinely one of the scariest experiences of my life, and I would do it again and again, if it meant we were going to be raising money for our incredible kids. Thank you so much for anyone who sponsored us, you are the reason our children are safe and happy.

And finally, to my family and friends:

You are the most incredible, loving and wonderful people I have ever met and I count myself as the luckiest person alive to be able to have you in my life. Thank you for always being there for me and for supporting me. Thank you for understanding why I'm spending Christmas with the children and for helping me to get there. It is something that is really important to me and you have done nothing but encourage and support me 100% of the way, so thank you. Thank you for being such beautiful, caring people. Thank you for being you.

I love you. I always will.

So, this is me, saying, 'see you all in 2012'. Have a fabulous Christmas- I hope you all get what you want this holiday. Make sure you eat lots of food, play lots of games and get nice and 'merry'. I will give all of the children a massive hug from all of you beautiful people.

Enjoy your holidays. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tutuonana badaaye (see you later!).

Portrait of a birthday

 This is my second consecutive birthday at the orphanage - what a blessing. Zawadi's name itself means gift - and she's the best one I could ask for. They've changed so much since last year, though! This was my happy birthday reception from them last year - although the video was taken two weeks after the birthday itself, they didn't quite understand the concept and just thought it kept going on and on. Very sweet!

Here is the kids this morning, all saying hi, and then singing the "Nakpenda (I love you)" song that I made up to sing to them last year. Usually one of their names goes in the middle - they put mine in. They are my heart.

The computer seems to be cooperating with me, at least for now, so I'm going to hurry up and upload some pictures before I lose everything. So without further ado, the kids.

Mama Andrew and Shugya, 4 months and thriving

From right, Loveness, Andrea, Neema, Miriam, Mauren and Dainess playing on the new see saw

Little Peace - doubled in size and doing really well!

Little Froggy Frankie all grown up and chunky as ever

Beautiful Loveness with flowers in her hair

Mama Pendo helping Neema to brush her teeth

Mama Pendo brushing Zawadi's teeth - she's wearing one of the mama's headscarves!

A volunteer holding little Maureen, while big Maureen  holds Shugya. She loves helping!

The sisters - Pendo (left) and Zawadi (still in her mama headgear). They look more alike every day!

Me and my little man Simoni - guess who is who?

The playground is looking fantastic - we lucked out, and a local small volunteer organization has had two of their volunteers raising funds to redo it as well. It's actually almost done - but we're going to add a few finishing touches, including a huge climbing frame (the kids climb on EVERYTHING so it'll be good to have something designed to withstand it!). The kids are loving it, and I'm loving seeing them playing together - it's such an important part of what makes this place special, the relationships they develop.

I met with the electrician and solar expert yesterday - it was really useful, and we're close to finalizing plans for redoing the dangerous orphanage electrical system (which caused the fire a few years ago which seriously injured Pray and David Kubwa), putting in solar lighting for when the power is out (see Emily's rendition of In the Jungle for alternative coping strategies), and possibly expanding even further - I'll explain more when we've made final decisions!

As many of you know, Pendo has a little bit of a rough history - and it meant until we were able to track down some extended family a few weeks ago, we weren't sure exactly how old she was. We were under the impression that she was four. However, it turns out that she just had her FIFTH birthday - and after talking to the orphanage teacher, it sounds like she's actually all ready for school. We already have 3/4 of her sponsorship secured - is there any chance that someone out there was planning on doing another quarter sponsorship and just hasn't decided yet? This gorgeous girl could use your help.

I'm so grateful for all the support we've received - Thank you especially to my amazing family, who have poured in from all over the world to help the kids. To everyone else, I can't wait for you to see the looks on the kids' faces when Christmas comes!

Homecoming

I cannot possibly express how thrilled I am to be back here with these gorgeous little faces. The pictures would help, but my card reader is acting up, so words will have to suffice for today! After leaving my apartment in London at 5 am, I arrived in Tanzania on Sunday at midnight, only to find that my bags had decided they'd rather take a quick break in Nairobi before joining me. Only slightly daunted, I was picked up by wonderful Tanzanian friends and was in bed in my house next to the hospital by 2 am.

And up at 6 am. Because I am a crazy person, and missed those kids so much that my body couldn't handle the idea of sleeping until a reasonable hour when they were SO CLOSE. I think I completely shocked the mama working that morning - apparently word hadn't fully made its way around the staff that I was coming back! -  but I got the warmest welcome anyone could possibly wish for. I was jumped on immediately by six toddlers and thirteen "big kids" from 3-5 years old, all chanting my name. At least, they were excited to see me for a few minutes, before they immediately started asking, "Wapi (where is) Mama Bekka? Wapi Baba Bekka? Wapi Bethan? Wapi Jasmine? Wapi Emily? Wapi Megan?" and so on.  They were thrilled to bits to hear that Bethan and Emily are making their way out in the next few weeks!

Zi started yelling my name right away, and within a few minutes was singing "Nakupenda, nakupenda, Bekka Bekka Bekka nakupenda" - which means "I love you," and made my heart nearly burst. All the kids look fantastic - Zawadi is running all over the place, although her big old bow-legs are pretty silly looking, she's an absolute superstar!

Peace is looking much healthier, and I was thrilled to meet the woman who has been hired using our funding to stay with him every day - she hasn't taken a single day off for three weeks, until yesterday Mama Pendo made her take a break! It's looking like she will be the next permanent hire, which is very exciting - we're honored to get to be a part of it.

The big babies are still struggling, although some are doing better than others. Gracie is at most a few weeks from walking on her own. Vicki loves walking with help, and can't stop giggling whenever she's standing upright - apparently the world is much funnier from another few inches off the floor! Filipo and Maureen are getting some good practice in, standing and walking with help, but they still need a lot more work. Ebenezer is doing fantastically well, given how tiny he was at birth (and for several months afterwards) - he's now a year and crawling well. Our gorgeous little frog Frankie, however, is struggling more than I'd like - he was quite sick with resistant malaria for several months when he was younger, and although he's well over a year now, he's only just crawling and refuses to put any weight on his legs. He's quite a chunker, but weak - we think he just needs some practice and encouragement to build up his muscles. In the meantime, it's hard to resist his desire to stay permanently cuddled on any convenient chest - but it's for his own good!

When my bags finally arrived yesterday (after three days traveling and working in the orphanage in the same clothes, I was definitely ready for a change, as was everyone else around me!), Mama Pendo and I started to sort through the amazing donations. Toys are being saved for Christmas - so pictures of their thrilled faces will definitely be coming, but not quite yet! The nappies from Real Nappies blew the mamas away - they're so much stronger and better made than anything we have currently. Half went out for use immediately, while another half are stashed away in the back office until they're needed! They're also already using the Mahu nappy cream and wash donated by Real Nappies, and I can report that they are definitely gorgeous smelling, soft babies - although I can't guarantee all of that is from the Mahu, it definitely seems to help! Slings are coming over with Bethan next week, so no reaction on those yet - however, they were so excited for the baby liquid vitamins and special formula for preemies (donated by Rebecca Woolf of Girls Gone Child), both of which will help keep the kids healthy and strong.

We also put together a DVD from many of the former volunteers, sending our love via video for all the times when we can't be there - and the kids went crazy for it, blowing kisses at the TV, and watched it literally six times in a row before I could convince them to turn it off! They were so excited to see pictures and videos from Emma, Marie, Kristina, the Underhill family, Jasmine, Peter, and everyone else. So much fun to see their reactions!

Things have been a little rough lately at the orphanage - the overloaded electrical system has blown in the laundry room, so the mamas are doing all the laundry by hand. I hate doing just my own laundry by hand when I'm here - they're doing the laundry for 30 very messy children! It makes it very difficult for them to spend any time with the kids. However, we're setting up a consultation with an excellent electrician who specializes in solar panels, who will be doing a full audit for us and helping to develop a plan of action to help them out. More details pending!

I'll track down a functioning card reader soon and get some pictures and videos up - in the meantime, please know that your dollars are doing so much good here, and I can't think of anywhere in the world I'd rather be than curled up on the floor in three-day-dirty-clothes under a pile of these amazing kids.

On my way!

Publishing might be a bit sparse for the next week or so, but for excellent reason, as in just 10 hours I will be taking off to Tanzania, to be reunited with my beautiful babies! I've been counting down the days for months and the hours for days - I could not possibly be more excited to see their beautiful faces. So tonight, just something simple - a video from just after I left, of Zawadi's strange little habit of wearing shoes on her hands. I can't wait to see my girl, and what weird little quirks she's picked up since last time.

Thank you again for all the incredible donations - I have literally 2 pairs of pants and 5 t shirts, the rest of my two LARGE bags are filled with donations for the kids - it will make a huge difference in the lives of the children AND the mamas. Wish me luck! 

SKYDIVE SUCCESS!!

So, we did it!

Not only did we all jump out of a plane for the children and staff of Nkoaranga, we raised a fantastic sum of around £2,500....and donations are still coming in! Myself, Emily, Jasmine, Charlotte and Sorcha are so thankful to you for the help and amazing support you have given us and the motivation it provided us with in order to achieve this ‘dare-devil’ experience.

After an issue with the high winds that were over the limits in the morning, the disappointment that we felt when we were told we wouldn’t be able to jump at that point, highlighted for all of us how much we actually wanted to do this, not only for the children, but for ourselves and for you.

Travelling up to the Airfield went very smoothly. I was expecting something to go wrong at some point, that’s just ‘Murphy's law,’ right? But all went perfectly. We all met at the station, with the exception of Charlotte, who was at the airfield already with her mum and sister, arrived in March, taxied over to our accommodation where we stayed – the ‘rough and ready’ bunk cabin. Okay, so the level of comfort resembled something of that we received in Africa on occasion, but we were together. And doing this.

As much as we, and our amazing support crew and spectators on the ground, endured a 7 hour wait, my god, it was totally worth it!

This was one of the scariest experiences of my life so far but also one of the most spectacular. I was so full of emotion, frightened, happy and excited all at the same time.

As I sat on the edge of the door waiting to jump, my smile grew bigger and bigger. I could see the English countryside far off below me, the sky was magical, and probably one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. We were above the clouds and my thoughts were in Africa.

My instructor counted to three and we fell. It was surreal. As we were freefalling I looked up at the plane and couldn’t believe that I had actually jumped, willingly, happily from somewhere safe into oblivion. I must be nuts!!

The feeling of free falling is totally unexplainable, realising what in fact you are doing seems pretty crazy but it’s so relaxing and adrenaline pumping all at the same time.

The classic line; once I got to the bottom, I just wanted to go up and do it all over again....

Here, Emily explains the day’s events and her skydive experience.

On the train, as I sat there on my own, excited at the thought that I would be seeing everyone again in about half an hour, it started to hit me that I was going to be jumping out of a plane in less than 24 hours. This is when the nervous breakdown started. OK, so it wasn’t a real nervous breakdown, just a mini one. I started fidgeting, and shaking. I just couldn’t sit still or concentrate. My breathing had increased to a crazy amount and I started to feel really claustrophobic. So, I got up and stood by the doors, waiting for the train to pull into the station- I must have looked really eager as I stood there for about 20 minutes waiting.

We arrived at the bunk house. The whole situation felt like something out of a horror movie- it was pitch black, freezing cold and we kept hearing terrifying noises. We stayed in the ‘rough and ready’ bunkhouse and boy was it cold!! A combination of nerves, fear and coldness kept us tossing and turning all night, so when the alarm went off at 6:30 we weren’t feeling too peachy.

After getting registered for the jump the next morning and completing the training we sat waiting for our turn to skydive. Then the dreaded moment came, mine and Bethan’s names were called into the office and we knew this was it; it was time to jump out of a plane. We got all kitted up looking extremely cool in our jumpsuits, then Charlotte, Jasmine and Sorcha were called through- they were going to be on the flight after us.

Bethan and I started walking towards the plane with our instructors whilst everyone in the crowd cheered and waved us off. It was one of the single most terrifying moments of my life. We sat on the plane, hearts racing, breath short and fast, hands shaking. Then the plane started to move. We went to the end of the run way and I thought ‘Yeah, I think I can do this’, then the worst thing happened, the pilot shook his head. The wind had shot up to 30 miles per hour (way over the limit for skydiving) and we had to turn around and go back. Well, it’s fair to say that we were more than disappointed.

For the next 7 hours we sat around waiting and hoping that the wind would start to drop. More and more people decided to give up and go home and it was looking like all hope was lost. Then we overheard one of the instructors tell another one that “we were going”. We all jumped up excitedly; was this it? Were we actually going to get the chance to skydive? Or was he just telling his friend that he was going home?

The next thing we knew all of our names were being announced over the speaker system and we were heading to the office. Jumping with excitement, we filled out the final forms and got kitted up again. It turned out we were all going to be on the same flight, which was amazing because it meant we were going to be able to jump all together!

So, there we were, back at the beginning, making our way to the plane. Before we knew what was going on, we were sat on the plane and this time, we were actually taking off! Unfortunately for me, I was sat at the front, which meant I would be the first to jump- words cannot describe how petrified I was. I just kept saying to myself, ‘just think of the kids, it’s all for the kids.’ As they opened the hanger door I thought of the kids beautiful faces, their cheeky grins smiling at me and I knew I could do this. The next thing I knew, I was hanging out of the edge of the plane attached to an instructor, faced with a beautiful sky as the sun was beginning to set. Then we dropped.

As we were falling through the sky we turned and looked at the plane and it was the best feeling in the world; knowing that I had just jumped out of that plane despite my horrific fear of heights was incredible, and as I looked out at the sky around me I couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear.

Once we had landed and were all back on the ground we were absolutely buzzing. Bethan and I ran up to one another and enveloped each other in a big hug and cheers of joy. When everyone was back together, I looked around the circle and just couldn’t stop grinning. I’m so proud of every single one of those people that jumped out of that plane. Bethan, Jasmine, Charlotte and Sorcha, you are my heroes and I feel honoured to know you. My Dad, Megan and Bekka were incredible as they braced the cold and 7 hour wait to support us throughout the day, so thank you, I am eternally grateful.

The sponsored skydive was, hands down, one of the greatest and most terrifying experiences of my life, and I would do it a million times over again. Never would I have imagined that we would get such a huge amount of support, so from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

Here's our lovely Jasmine with her ecstatic feelings on the jump!

We did it; we actually did it! After months and months, and then hours and hours (on the actual day) of waiting, we actually did it! WE SKYDIVED; and all for our babies! During the many hours that led up to our delayed dive, I remember having to, frequently, calm myself; I felt instant calm just by reminding myself of all the special little things about each child, such as: Maureeni's little kisses, Baracka's laugh/smile, little David's hysterical laugh, Ericki's hugs, Stevie's MASSIVE grin, Simoni's "NDIZI", Vickys cute smile, little Maureens chatter to herself and all of the other amazingly unique special things about each of them.By the time I was actually jumping I felt pretty at ease, by just remembering why I was doing this crazy dive.I want to say a massive thank you to all sponsors; your help is so massively appreciated and will make such a difference to the kids' lives.

On behalf of Emily, Sorcha, Charlotte, Jasmine and myself, I think it’s safe to say that one of the best feelings about doing this jump was for the amazing cause we did it for. As much as the children probably won’t understand right now, that we recently just jumped from around 13,000 ft out of the sky for them! – There is no better reason for why we did it. The children and the mamas are such beautiful, loving individuals – all so different, unique and wonderful. They inspire us.
Emily states how proud she is of everything we have achieved over the past few weeks. We are so excited to be going back over for Christmas!



We thank you everyone, for being such wonderful inspirations and for helping us to achieve such incredible work. You are the reason that Stevie, Eriki and Dainessi are going to school next year. You are the reason that we are able to hire another Mama to care for our beautiful children. You are the reason the children of Nkoaranga are safe, so thank you.

We also want to wish a special happy birthday to Ebenezer - little man was so tiny and sick when he arrived, and is such a gorgeous, healthy little boy now. We are so proud of you, and so grateful to everyone who has helped us to support the orphanage and the kids!

Only Two Days To Go!

In two days time myself and 4 wonderful people will be jumping out of a plane in order to raise money for our beautiful children at Nkoaranga Orphanage.

Words cannot describe how absolutely TERRIFIED we all are!

Even just the thought of jumping out of a plane makes my heart pound. Personally, the thing that scares me the most is the actual landing, mostly because I'm worried I'm going to face plant into the ground and break my nose- it's the kind of clumsy thing I would do. But then, saying this, the idea of jumping out of the plane scares me just as much, though I feel that when it actually gets to that point, someone will probably have to push me- Maybe one of my fellow skydivers will do the honour?

Anyway, I just wanted to thank everyone for all of the wonderful support we have received and for the incredible people who have sponsored us.

Thanks to you we are able to send three beautiful children to school, hire another Mama to help care for the children of Nkoaranga Orphanage and even get started on the fund for next year's 'Project Education'.

We never imagined we would receive such a huge amount of encouragement and support, so from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.

The children at Nkoaranga are beautiful, funny and loving individuals, who deserve to be loved more than I could ever express in this blog. So, please just know, that they are amazing and the money you have donated couldn't go to a better cause.

These beautiful children are the reason we are about to jump out of a plane and we couldn't think of a better reason to face our fears and take the plunge:

Fun and games at dinner

Pray's infectious laugh

'Sema Ndezi!'- meaning 'say banana!'

Big David teaching Andy (a fellow volunteer) the 'a b c'

The children dancing to their favourite song-

'I like to move it move it'

To find out more about 'Project Skydive' or to sponsor us then please click here.

Thank you so much to all those wonderful people who have sponsored us.

We are eternally grateful!

A day full of love and cherished memories

Though I never met Reziki my heart still aches at the thought that he is no longer with us. Hearing everyone's kind words about him is so special as it means that his memory will still live on. I wish that I could have had the chance to know that beautiful little boy and to love him as he deserved to be loved.

Yesterday, on November the 29th, on the day that would have been Reziki's 1st birthday, my cousin gave birth to a beautiful little boy. A boy who will be loved and cared for more than words could describe- just as Reziki would be if he was still here.

So, even though little Reziki is no longer with us, I feel we should still celebrate the sweet boy that he was. Remember him fondly and use his memory as inspiration for us to work as hard as we can to ensure our children are safe and happy. From now on I will use November the 29th to celebrate the birthday of my gorgeous new baby cousin and to remember that beautiful boy who is no longer here.

We, at The Small Things, strive to ensure that our children are safe. We are working in the memory of our beautiful Reziki, a boy who fought so hard to stay alive.If you ever get the chance, then take a second to remember those we have lost, and to celebrate those we have around us. There is nothing more valuable in this world than your family. Whether it is the caring family my baby cousin has come in to, or the loving family that is Nkoaranga orphanage and The Small Things- they all share a love that cannot be measured.

So, even though I never knew you Reziki, please know that you still hold a special place in my heart, and I promise to love my new cousin as much as you are loved even though you are no longer with us.

Sleep peacefully little man.

Bittersweet milestones - three first birthdays

This is a happy and a sad week - it's been one year since three fantastic kids came into the world.

Vicky, November 26th

Filipo, November 28th

And today would have been Reziki's first birthday, November 29th. I can't do better than Amy's beautiful post about his short life, here. All I can say is that we love and miss you, and you are not forgotten.

As part of honoring his memory, we're doing everything we can to keep Peace, our newest little preemie, healthy and strong. As of this morning, he is 3.25 kilos - which means he's gained a half kilo in the last week, which is FANTASTIC news. We hope that our providing the funds to have one mama caring for him exclusively has helped, and we look forward to him being a happy, healthy member of the Nkoaranga family.

Our Christmas Tradition - Why does my family give?

I'm Kristina Alexander, the latest board member at The Small Things. I'm currently studying social work in Canada - and counting the days until I return to Tanzania next summer!

Multitasking with David (left) and Ester - look how much
they've grown!

As far back as I can remember I have always wanted to go to Africa. My parents would maybe even tell you that at certain times in my life it was all I talked about. I know this to be true as the months that led up to my trip there I researched, I read, I packed, I repacked to fit more into my suitcases, and in a last ditch effort to take everything I wanted to donate to the orphanage I vacuum packed a suitcase! My family and friends gathered for a farewell dinner where they showered me with love, encouragement, and donations to take with me. What started off as my dream became my reality when I boarded the plane from Victoria, BC, Canada and flew for 22 hours to Tanzania in August 2010. My mom’s last words were “I love you”, and my dad’s were “go live your dream.” And that’s what I did.

I was fortunate enough to live with a local family in a small village not too far from Nkoaranga. They accepted me as their own and taught me the customs and cultural traditions in a country that I was unfamiliar with. In the evenings I would have Swahili lessons with the children in my new family, and my room mate and I would lay under our mosquito nets and talk about our days and this crazy place that we were calling “home”.

Cuddling my "bean," Ester

I still remember the day I arrived at Nkoaranga and was greeted with an abundance of bright smiles, hugs and kisses from the school children, and open arms from Mama Pendo. Instantly you fall in love with this place, you can’t help it. Mama Pendo is an amazing woman and I have never met anyone quite like her. She has been at the orphanage for 22+ years and has seen some of the children arrive as babies and graduate from school 18 years later. She remembers everything about the day a child arrived, why they are there and who comes to visit them and when. She is a support system for the mamas that work there, the volunteers that come and go, and a true servant. She is full of enthusiasm, can cook, clean, mend a scrape on a knee, feed the children, laugh with them, change them, fold laundry, tend to administration work and sing like an angel; the list goes on. She was truly a mentor for me when I was there.

As my days turned into weeks, and my weeks into months Christmas was on the horizon. With Christmas coming it was time to decide what my family would sponsor this year. Without hesitation my sister’s suggested Nkoaranga. What more could I ask for then to carry out our Christmas tradition in a place that I loved, and my family was growing to love through my emails and photos I was sending home. It’s a whole different experience when you get to see your donations in motion. Our Christmas tradition started in 2002 when my Grandma Margery Scanlon passed away.

My nephew holding a "Project MAJI"
bottle and a picture of Stevie that I
gave him to help him understand that I'd
made a donation to "Auntie Kristina's African
babies" in his honor.

Growing up my Grandma was always an important part of my life. As far back as I can remember she was always there for me. Her constant flow of encouragement to try harder in school, set my goals in life high, and become a better person was evident; after all she was a teacher. She taught me that sand stayed at the park so empty your shoes before you leave. She taught me how to eat chocolate wagon wheels, and hide my smarties from my Grandpa. She taught me how to pick raspberries from the bushes in her backyard. She even assisted me with my school work, and sibling rivalry. But, perhaps the greatest lesson that I learnt was to put others before myself, to help those less fortunate than I was, and be generous in everything I do.

For over 25 years my Grandma sponsored children through World Vision. At any given time she had multiple children on the go. She proudly displayed their photos and sent them little presents in the mail. I was always intrigued by this. When she passed away my parents sponsored her children along with the ones they already had. And it was that Christmas my sister’s and I started a new Christmas tradition. We wanted our Grandma’s legacy to continue and the generosity that she shared with others to not be forgotten. Each year since then we have sponsored children in the field of education in a third world county. I just never imagined that last year I would get to give our families donation to Nkoaranga and see our donation make such an incredible difference for the children there. For that I am truly thankful.

This year will mark the tenth Christmas that our family will celebrate without my Grandma. However, when my mom opens up the gold present under the tree in my Grandma’s memory, and the tears flow, we will feel her there. The gold present simply contains a page of written words put together by three sisters and their families to remind my parents that Grandma will never be forgotten. She lives on in the gifts we give to others, the moments and memories we share as a family, and “the small things” that we do. I never imagined that my families' Christmas tradition would ever make it hand delivered to Africa, but I’m so thrilled it did.

However your family chooses to celebrate the holidays this year I would encourage you to create a new tradition. A tradition of sponsorship for the lives and education of the children at Nkoaranga. A tradition that will make the difference between a child attending school or not. A tradition that you will always remember, and will be a gift that the children will never forget - ever. You may never have the opportunity to meet them in person, and may only hear the stories and see the pictures through The Small Things, but I can tell you first hand these children are the future for their country. They will become the voices of change, the movers and shakers, but they need our support to get there, so this holiday season please give.

In Memory of our Grandma Margery Scanlon 1913 - 2002


Please consider starting your own family tradition of charitable giving - we're grateful for anything you can give.

Thankful

We're an international crew here at The Small Things, but today is as good a day as any to reflect a little on the past year and the (many, many) things we're thankful for. So without further ado, a bit from each of us former volunteers about what we're most grateful for from the last year.

Stevie, Emily and Dainess

Emily Butler: Amongst many things, I would say one of the things that I'm thankful for is the fact that I was ever able to know and be loved by those beautiful children - that I was able to experience them running up to me, shouting my name and jumping on top of me the second I walked into the orphanage.

Emily and Mama Vicky

I'm thankful for all the support The Small Things has received and the fact that over the past few months between us, we've raised enough money to put in water filters, hire another mama, send three beautiful children to school and get started on the fund for next years schooling already. I'm so grateful to know that our wonderful children are being looked after by such loving and caring women- it gives me piece of mind to know that, even though we are all so far away from them, they are safe and happy. And I'm grateful for all the brilliant people who are helping to support the children and mama's - including my fellow board members!

Dorothy with Dainess

Dorothy Goldberg: Who knew at the start of this year that I would be part of an amazing organization like The Small Things? I am so thankful for the courage and passion of my daughter Bekka, who opened up a whole continent to us that otherwise we may never have experienced. I am thankful for the wonderful people of Nkoaranga Hospital and Orphanage, who opened their hearts to us when we went to visit in April. I am thankful to be a continuing part of the lives of the children and Mamas there, who are teaching us so much about love and commitment. I am grateful to the young volunteers who give months or years of their time to help improve the lives of the children at Nkoaranga. And I am thankful for all those people, all over the world, who understand that we can make a big difference through small acts of kindness. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Megan cuddling Dainess

Megan Williams: I'm thankful for how the Small Things has taken off. I'm thankful that it means I'll always have some way to be in the kids' lives. Probably the thing I am most thankful for is that Project Education means that Stevie, Eriki and Dainessi will be off to school. Originally I was quite concerned that they might not get there and I think all three of them are the kind of children that will really really make the most of it.

David with Simoni

David Ross Russell: This Thanksgiving I am grateful for the experiences of the last year: travelling to Africa to visit Nkoaranga, for the friendship and lessons learned there, for family and friends, and for continued good health. We were so lucky to be able to travel to Africa and meet some truly amazing people- to learn from them some real values- that small things (people, acts of kindness, open attitudes) can make big differences and that so much of what we think we need is truly not a requirement for fulfillment.

Not least I am thankful to have had the chance to meet a truly inspiring group of wonderful young volunteers who give me a renewed sense of purpose and energy to believe that seemingly intractable problems are worth fighting.

Marie with David

Marie Korfits: I am so thankful for how far we have gotten with The Small Things - it is heartwarming to see how many people from all over have supported our work. It is truly amazing how small things can make such a difference, and I am looking forward to establishing further projects to give all these wonderful kids a bright and safe future!

Bethan with Simoni

Bethan Crisp: I'm thankful for my whole Tanzanian experience and the great opportunities I have been given - it taught me so much and made me see life in a totally new way. I'm grateful for the beautiful children that just make you realize what is important. I"m thankful for my family and friends, for the love and support they have given me and for helping me return to Nkoaranga this Christmas. They've led me to what I regard now as my extended family - the wonderful children, the devoted mamas and of course, The Small Things. Thank you for making it possible to do such amazing things for such amazing people.

Ebeni's struggle

Emma and Pendo

Emma Shaw: I'm thankful that the children are generally so happy, healthy and loving individuals, despite all the stuff some of them have been through. I'm thankful that we've made enough money to employ an extra mama specifically to look after Peace until we can get out to Tanzania. I'm thankful for all the support and enthusiasm from both my fellow board members and everyone who's supported The Small Things so far, and made everything possible - you're amazing! And I'm thankful for Zawadi and Simoni overcoming rickets so well, and for Ebenezer making it through the pneumonia that he was struggling with when I left, and for Pendo and Miriam settling in so well, after their struggles at the beginning! Thank you so much.

Farajah and Maureeni cuddling

As for me (Bekka), I'm profoundly thankful for so many things - for Maureeni's kisses, for Frankie's smile, for David's laugh, for Ebenezer, Simoni and Zawadi's incredible progress, for the strength of the mamas, and for Amy's help in keeping us up to date. I'm grateful for Mama Pendo's incredible devotion to the children for over 22 years, and her warmth and openness in working with us to improve their lives. I'm so thankful for the love that the children have for one another, and the way that sustains them and feeds their souls.

We miss you, Reziki

I'm grateful beyond words for the support that has been shown to us from all corners of the earth - by the Seedlings Foundation, by Real Nappies, by Kozy Carriers, by Rebecca Woolf of GGC, by Tracey and Anna Black, and by everyone else who has contributed whatever they had - every bit makes a difference. I'm thankful for the tireless work of the board, and of the volunteers who are currently out there and those who are planning to head out. I'm thankful for getting to know Reziki during his brief sojourn on earth. I'm thankful for solar power, which hopefully in the next year will allow us to make blackouts a thing of the past for the kids, and for preemie formula that will help struggling little ones like Peace, for water filters that keep the kids healthy, and for vitamins that make them strong and prevent more rickets. I'm grateful beyond words to every one of you reading, for loving our kids. Thank you.

Simoni's incredible progress walking - and his silliness!

Mama Pendo's patience and love

Maureeni's kisses

And David's giggles

As always, there are a number of ways to help us out, and we are grateful for anything you can give.