Guest Blog: Emily Butler - 6 Months Alcohol Free for the Nkoaranga Children

As you heard about on Facebook, the incredible Emily Butler has been undertaking a lengthy fundraising project for us - six months, in fact! Returning from her third time volunteering at Nkoaranga Orphanage in September, she decided to really go the extra mile (or month!) in raising money for the children she cares about so much in a very inventive way - she decided to give up alcohol for six months, with all donations going towards us!

When Hope became ill, she decided to dedicate the money raised towards her care, with any extra money raised going to the care and support of any future children who need it.  She is so close now to completing her goal and half a year of dedicated fundraising has really paid off - she has raised £471!  With just 10 days to go, please consider donating to this very worthy cause and support Emily in supporting Hope.

Click here to sponsor Emily - thank you!

Emily Butler with baby Hope in the summer of 2013

"One question that I keep being asked by everyone is, ‘Why alcohol?’ So here’s my answer:

I just want to start by saying that I am not addicted to alcohol. I’m a student, and drinking alcohol kind of comes with the title. Before I did this fundraiser, I was about to go into my final year of university so I knew I needed to focus. I spent my summer in Nkoaranga, introducing my family to those beautiful children and having the most amazing time. When I came home I felt, as I always do when I come back from NK, a little lost. Being in Nkoaranga can be like stepping into another world. Everything is so different and yet you feel right at home. The children mean so much to me and I couldn’t bear having to say goodbye to them yet again. So, when I came back to England, I decided I wanted to raise some money for them, as a way of me helping them from all the way over here; a sort of connection.

  

The amazing children of Nkoaranga Orphanage; the motivation for Emily to give up alcohol for 6 months

So, as I said, student = alcohol, final year = need to focus! And what better way to raise money for those beautiful children and to stop myself from procrastinating in the pub than to give up alcohol?

The second question I keep being asked is, ‘Why 6 months?’

The simple answer is that 1 month didn’t feel like enough of a challenge and a year just seemed crazy! So I went for the middle ground. I knew that by giving up alcohol for 6 months, I would be taking part in final year freshers, Halloween, bonfire night, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and end of exams all completely soberly. And boy, what a challenge it has been.

Christmas was my biggest worry. I don’t know about you, but our Christmas tends to be surrounded by the consumption of various types of alcohol: Mulled wine, gin and tonic, bailey’s, a nice bit of cheeky cava. I knew that the Christmas festivities were going to be my biggest obstacle and there were times, in particular when I was pouring out a glass of Baileys for my Grandma, when all I wanted to do was sneak into the kitchen and start swigging from the bottle. Pathetic or what? But, I stood strong. I even had to be careful about food; it’s amazing the amount of Christmas food that’s filled with alcohol. The amount of chocolate truffles I had to turn down because they were filled with rum. And that really is my idea of heaven: chocolate plus alcohol. Don’t get me wrong though, I still had an incredible Christmas. I was able to explore a range of soft drinks: Shloer, cloudy lemonade, lime and soda water. And all without the hangover! I did feel rather smug whilst my family moaned about their ‘slight’ hangovers on Boxing Day and I was sat there fresh as a daisy. Then it hit the evening and they cracked open the alcohol, again. I didn’t feel quite so high and mighty at that point.

Emily reading a story to some very eager children!

Needless to say, Christmas was a bit of a struggle. But this has been nowhere near as hard as I thought it would. I think I’ve just kind of gotten used to it now. Though, having said that, there really are times, in particular that past few frustratingly hard weeks of dissertation writing at university, when I’ve just wanted to be able to sink into the sofa with a nice glass of white wine and a good book. I have to say, that is something that I am really looking forward to. No matter how tempted I have been though, I haven’t touched a drop. I just think of the wonderful children and Mamas that I am raising this money for and the temptation for a nice cold cider is gone.

I have decided to donate the money I raise towards the hospital fees for Baby Hope. She has just come out of hospital, which I am so pleased to hear about, but is still under investigation, so the money you wonderful people have donated is going towards finding out what is making her so ill in the first place, and supporting her in keeping strong and gaining weight. Baby Hope has been through so much in her short life so far. She has had health problems from the start due to her being so premature. We were so pleased to see her improving and gaining weight, so it really came as a shock when she went into hospital at the end of 2013. But, that little girl is a fighter and is getting stronger every day. The Mamas have been incredible, as they always are, and Hope will be getting extra special care from Mama Fanuelli now that she is back home.

Mama Fanuelli taking excellent care of Hope

I want to say a special thank you to all of the wonderful people who have sponsored me in my 6 months  alcohol free fundraiser. You are incredible and your constant support and generosity warms my heart. 

Thank you so much for anything you can give! There is just one week to go; I can practically taste that glass of white wine waiting for me!"

A Mixture of Feelings

I have always been surprised about the combination of feelings you can experience because of the children of Nkoaranga Orphanage. Happiness when you see their smiling faces, sadness when they're crying, annoyance when they're being a bit too cheeky, overwhelming joy when you're lucky enough to see them taking their first steps, and utterly, crazy, unconditional, never ending love. Always love, no matter what.

An incredible previous volunteer, Jasmine, has just returned from spending a month with the kids and I am unbelievably jealous of her. It feels so strange because I lived with Jasmine in Nkoaranga last year and have spent many hours with her, reminiscing about the wonderful times we had with the kids. When she returned, one of the first questions I asked her was, "Do they remember me?" The kids are always there, in the back of your mind, so you often wonder if they do actually remember you. And, I was so happy to hear, that they do in fact remember me and kept asking Jasmine where I was. It was so wonderful to know that they remember us, and still love us as we love them. But this wasn't the only feeling I experienced on hearing this. It also made me feel sad. I feel guilty for not being there and knowing that they do actually still think about us from time to time. It made me think about something that the lovely Emma has touched on before now: whether coming into the children's lives and then leaving does more harm than good.

But, then I thought about all of the wonderful times that we have had with the children.

I thought about how Gracie first learned to stand by pulling herself up on my legs. I thought about the times I had spent getting Simoni to run and jump and try to do anything we could to help his legs to improve. I thought about the night Megan and I sat singing to all of the children, whilst we fed the babies, because they were getting scared by the power cut. I thought about the first moment we all walked into the orphanage and the way the children immediately ran up to us and started hugging and climbing all over us. I thought about the hundreds of times I had told the children that I love them and they told me they love me too. I thought about when Nsima turned to me on her last day at the orphanage and said, "I will miss you, Emily". I thought about Saimoni singing the 'Embily song' and Stevie playing 'wewe chakoula'. I thought about the hundreds and thousands of beautiful, heart-wrenching, perfect memories I have of those beautiful children and all of the love that they have shown me and I have shown them.

If we hadn't gone to the orphanage, then we wouldn't have been able to hug them when they were crying. Make them laugh when they were feeling sad. Protect them when they were scared. Play with them when they were feeling lonely. We wouldn't have been able to show them the love that they deserve; the love that the Mama's, the children and the volunteers are always showing one another, every single day.

When you hear that the kids have been asking after you and missing you, but you can't be there with them, it's hard. It's really hard. So, I have to hold on to those memories and cherish them. I try to think about the wonderful times I have had with them and the fact that I was able to help them when they needed it the most. I think about the fact that, even though I'm not there with them, I was there. And I will be there again. I think about the fact that they are safe and with people that love them.

As Emma says, 'If every volunteer, at Nkoaranga Orphanage, does what they can to help the children, make them laugh, make them feel safe and happy, make them feel loved, then hopefully, the memories of their childhood will be a happy blur of all the love and support from all of the volunteers to whom they mean so much to'.

The kids can make you experience such a range of emotions, sometimes all at once. But, I know that they are safe and I know that they are happy, and this is all that matters. I'm so overjoyed that the kids actually remember me, even if it does make me feel sad that I can't be there in person. When I think about all of the wonderful times I have had with the kids, all of the love I have shown them and all of the love they have shown me, I know that I wouldn't trade this for anything.

Gracie's first attempts to stand

Simple fun with Baracka, Neema and Eman.

Safari!

I just realized that while we've alluded to it a few times, we've never told the full story of the day we took the Nkoaranga kids on safari to Arusha national park, which we are lucky enough to have just down the road. We rented a dalla-dalla (minibus) for the day, and piled all the big kids in - sadly, there wasn't space for the toddlers, and we could only bring kids who were potty trained. They were so excited before we even set off, they were making up their own songs for the moment and dancing with all the little ones!

Then we all piled into the vehicle - no small feat with two mamas, three volunteers, and a whole bunch of kids! They didn't seem to mind the close conditions, though - part of growing up in an orphanage, I guess! I think they enjoyed the car ride almost as much as seeing the animals - it's such a rare treat for them... with the exception of Tumaini, poor thing, who got carsick. Luckily, we were prepared.

Just the back two rows - all I could capture with the camera!
Multiply this by 3. 

Pray is psyched, Stevie's out the window, and David just
wants in on the photo op.

Once we got to the park, we saw all kinds of amazing things - zebras and giraffes and whole herds of water buffalo, plus some incredible scenery. The day was so clear that you could clearly see Mount Meru on one side (where the orphanage is) and Kilimanjaro on the other. We couldn't have been luckier with the weather! 

Buffalo grazing

Bethan helping Pray to see

On the way back, kids started to get sleepy... it was extremely cute to see them slumped up against each other. We steeled ourselves to wake them up, though, for another treat. On the way back, we stopped a local game lodge, where the kids could get even closer to the animals. This particular place, "Meru Game Lodge," rehabilitates injured animals and cares for those that can't go back into the wild. It's a really great place to stay (if you can afford it!) and otherwise to come by for lunch, or just to see the animals. Here the kids saw a crocodile, more zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, porcupines, tons of birds, and ostriches.

Dainess (minutes from falling asleep) with Andrea
passed out on her shoulder

Pendo, Asimwe, and Loveness looking at the zebras 

On the final leg of the journey home, we got the best treat of the day - the kids singing their "Thank you" song. It was and is unbelievably sweet, even when half the voices are a little sleepy! "Asante kwa safari" means "thank you for the safari (trip)," "asante kwa upendo" means "thank you for the love," and "asante sana yesu" means "thank you Jesus," and "moyoni" means "from my heart." There were a lot of verses that went through all of our names and the mamas names, but this was what I managed to catch on video.

What they should have been singing, but probably wouldn't have fit the rhythm of the song, was "Thank you donors to the Small Things," because your support is what makes it possible for us to splurge on day outings like this - it cost about $150 to make fifteen kids insanely happy, but if we'd been working out of only our own personal funds, that $150 would have had to go to vitamins, or formula, or salaries. Having your support gives us the flexibility to give the kids a few real treats, give them a chance to just be KIDS for a day, excited to see some animals. We're very grateful.

My Return Trip to the Beautiful Nkoaranga Orphanage

It has now been almost two months since I returned to Nkoaranga Orphanage for Christmas and I still think about it every single day. It was, most definitely, the strangest Christmas I have ever had, but returning to Tanzania, was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I was so nervous before I left England, which wasn't made any better by the fact that, when I arrived at Heathrow, I discovered that I had been removed from my connecting flight, which resulted in me sitting in Nairobi for 4 hours on Christmas day getting more and more frustrated. All I could think was, 'Typical! Happy blooming Christmas'.

It all turned out to be worth it though because, seeing the kids again, was the best Christmas present I have ever received. Even as we drove from the airport to the village, I already felt as though I had returned home. I couldn't believe how big they had all gotten and the fact that they actually remembered me- even the toddlers remembered me.

The two weeks that followed were some of the most hectic and fun filled of my life and I wouldn't have changed anything about them.

One of the days we were there, we took the kids on safari to Arusha National Park, which was so much fun! The kids loved it; I've never seen anyone get so excited about seeing a buffalo. They were talking about it for days afterwards and it was so nice to know that we had been able to give them such a lovely memory and repay them for all of the love they show us every single day.

Before we returned to the orphanage, Bekka made a video filled with messages from all of the previous volunteers, including myself. I was so amazed by how well the children knew the video; they literally knew it word by word, right down to the amount of kisses I blew to them at the end of my video- it really shows how much they must have watched the video and that they actually do care about us, as we care for them. The children are all so loving and smart and beautiful- I cannot actually describe to you just how incredible they all are, and what amazing things they are going to do in this world.

It was such a relief to see how HUGE Ebenezer had gotten, as he had been so ill when we had left, but now, he is a right little character! All the babies had gotten so big, and the toddlers, and the big kids! Everyone!

It was lovely to see how the children are maturing as well. I honestly couldn't count how many times big David came running up to me to ask me if he could help me with what I was doing. Before I left, it was quite common to see David having some kind of a tantrum because he wasn't allowed to do something, but now, he is constantly smiling and laughing. Trying to help everyone around him - beautiful.

Abdulli has become a lot more confident as well, which is really nice to see as he had been so shy when we all left. But now, he is running about with all of the other kids and interacting with everyone a lot more than he was before. On a number of different occasions, he came running over to me to show me a toy or ask me for something- which was quite rare before.

It was lovely to meet the two beautiful babies at the orphanage- Peace and Shujah. Both so calm and happy- very settled and well looked after. This all just goes to show what a wonderful job the mama's do in raising those children, which is something I am eternally grateful for.

Seeing the mamas again was also really nice. There were so many funny situations when one of the mamas would walk into the room, see me and run over with a huge grinning, but also slightly confused, face, before they enveloped me in a massive hug. It's really nice to know that they do appreciate the work that we do at the orphanage and remember us all individually.

I don't know when I will next return to Nkoaranga, but I am so glad that I was able to go there one last time before the oldest children went off to school. On my last day at the orphanage, Stevie, Eriki and Dainessi all went to boarding school for the first time and I feel so lucky for being able to wave them off.

They were so excited to go, as we sat there waiting for the car to arrive, reading and playing for the last time before they went out into the big wide world. I'm so glad I was able to have that time with them, as well as the older kids who were returning to boarding school after their Christmas holidays- Eman, Tumaini, Asimwe and Nsima.

As TFFT's car pulled into the orphanage to take them to school, Dainessi, Eriki and Stevie all suddenly went very quiet and this look of fear flashed across their faces. Dainessi clutched onto my hand and looked up at me with this uncertain look on her face. So, I knelt down in front of the three of them and told them that school was going to be amazing. I told them that we loved them very much and were all so proud of each and every one of them. They turned to me and said 'shule, ni nzuri sana?' Meaning, 'School, it is good?' and I told them that school was very good and that they were going to love it. Then I hugged each one of them and told them that I love them and miss them every single day.

I then helped to load their cases into the car and Dainessi turned to me and said, 'I want to sit on your lap in the car', at which point Eriki and Stevie turned around with these annoyed looks on their faces and said, something along the lines of, 'No! I want to sit on your lap'- which I couldn't help but giggle at. Sadly I had to tell them that I couldn't go with them to the school, but they were going to have an amazing time and love every minute of it. Then I stood there, waving them off, desperately trying not to cry as they sat in the car with these massive grins on their faces, waving frantically back. I feel so honoured that I was able to take part in such an important part of their lives.

Whilst returning to Nkoaranga, I was also able to go and visit Aroni, Farajah and Wema; who are all at another facility called S.O.S Children's Villages. They have a very prestigious school, and these children were chosen to attend it as they are all extremely hard working. It was really lovely to see how happily they had settled in, as the last time I had seen Aroni, he hadn't been very happy, but this time he was happy to show off all of his new friends and the beautiful place that he was living at.

A video of the kids seeing me for the first time in six months

I'm thoroughly proud of all of the children- they constantly throw themselves into everything they do and they do it with a massive smile on their face. I am so lucky that I was able to see the children again as, like many other volunteers, I am constantly thinking about the wonderful time I spent caring for those children. Needless to say, they remember us all. The amount of times they asked me where the other volunteers were and if they loved them- something which I could honestly and happily reply to with, 'Yes, more than you could ever imagine.' The children have a way of working their way into your heart and permanently cementing themselves there. I've never met anyone like them and honestly didn't think it was possible to love so many people all at once. But, it is.

My trip back to Tanzania was perfect. Even more amazing than I ever imagined it would be. I am so grateful for the fact that I was able to spend two more weeks with them than I had before. I want to try and return there again, but unfortunately, I don't think it will be in the near future. So, for now, I will cling on to my Christmas memories; the days I spent laughing, singing, dancing, loving every minute I had with them. With those funny, crazy, loving, smiling, smart, beautiful children.

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!

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!).

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.

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.