Congo

Challenges continue in the DR Congo. We met with Kinama (middle person) last week and he updated us with good news (the leg ulcers we treated 12 years ago are almost totally eradicated) and the bad news (Bilharzia is reoccurring due to new people moving into the villages, breakdown of infrastructure, etc.). He's going to obtain additional information to see how we might be able to assist the village of Chiba.

Tantalizing news

We received an email from Zambia this morning saying there's interesting news from the health workers in Mwense, Zambia. We haven't worked in that area for many years so we're eager to hear the news. They're going to keep us guessing since they said they'd write the details later!! Stay tuned...

Mirriam with Friends

Boss Mirriam was a big hit in our conference booth! Many people had their pictures taken with her.

World Conference Booth

Talk about busy!! We had a steady stream of very interested people through the HealthEd Connect booth at the Community of Christ World Conference. Over a hundred people expressed on-going interest and wanted to stay in touch via emails. While our new video ran in the background, people had their pictures taken with a life size cut-out of Boss Mirriam. The Zambian caregivers sent their first attempts at paper-bead necklaces and every one was purchased! The children's artwork was turned into cute note cards by the Graceland SIFE team and all 250 sold in no time.

Apron story

Remember our recent blog about the incredible women in the Spokane, Washington area who made aprons for the health workers? We proudly displayed the aprons in our booth at World Conference. People loved the story of the 90-year-old who ironed the 120 yards of fabric. Lots of people wanted to buy the aprons but we told them they were 'priceless' and being sent to health workers in Nepal and Africa with love. One lady ended up borrowing an apron for a few minutes to make a pattern since we wouldn't sell it to her.

Brochures

Our new borchures are terrific! Kind of a condensed paper version of our website. The creative design that carries out the 'connect' theme through puzzle pieces is especially attractive.

Board meeting

Not all boards have as much fun as HealthEd Connect's! During our lunch break today we had presentations and updates from our program partners in Nepal, Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The stories and pictures they shared were amazing! Now that's an international board meeting!

The Boss has a new hairdo!

Take a look at the latest picture of Boss Mirriam. The little dreadlocks with beads have now been discarded. She must think they didn't look professional enough!

Rotary Partners

Knowing the passion that Rotary Clubs have for children, we are very hopeful we can develop a partnership with them to help the kids in Africa. I met with two Rotarians today who are going to see if their Clubs are ready for an international project. Fingers crossed!