Hello Everyone, I hope you and your family are doing well this Holiday Season. I just wanted to share with you that I will be traveling to Africa on December 10. Then I will immediately return to again travel with my Forge Leadership Training Class to Israel. It is really this trip that has made my trip to Africa possible.
The USA embassy in Kampala Uganda emailed me saying that they have a Visa interview waiver program that I can apply to, for my return Visa from Africa. As you may know, when I came to America, it was after three unsuccessful, tries to gain a Visa, and I have been most concerned that if I did leave, I would not be able to return to finish my schooling. That means that I haven’t gone home since I came here four years ago. I was worried that I might not get a return Visa – as I mentioned – now I can!
The Lord has looked deep down my heart and saw how much I want to go home to see my loved ones, especially my kids. God made a way and I will be going home! Yay!!!. I’m above the moon with joy and praises to the lord in highest.
I also want to share with you an idea that came to my mind a few days ago. While I will be in Africa during Christmas, I thought it would be nice to do something special for several of my closest friends and villagers now in the refugee camps. Traditionally, people back home could save every dime, all year long to have a good meal on Christmas. People feed on pinto beans and hard corn every day all year long. Meat is considered a very special meal and is very “expensive” for the refugees to buy. Most refugees can not afford meat soup.
PLAN – I’m thinking that it would be nice for us to help a little by fundraising some money to buy 4 cows and have them slaughtered for the refugee to eat on Christmas Day. I’m aiming at feeding 400 families which means portions of 2.2 kgs of meat per family – 800 kgs of meat – ( 2.2 lbs equal 1 kg, or 2.2 kgs equals approximately 4 1/2 pounds). Assuming 4 cows purchased, slaughtered, and cut into portions should provide the meat necessary for 400 families, or 100 families per cow. In Uganda, I can purchase a 450-pound animal transported and dressed out for $400. In other words, I’m trying to raise in the next three weeks $1600. When I go to Africa, I will take the money and negotiate directly to have this accomplished in the shortest amount of time.
I believe this will mean a lot to many families in the refugee camps.
IMPORTANT ~ my plan is for this to be a one-time gesture of goodwill at Christmas and I think that they will really appreciate our gesture.
Besides, there is another message I’m trying to pass along. By providing meat to the people – meat they have NEVER HAD BEFORE – they should realize that this has only been made possible because of the value of an education. An education from a successful girl from their village that refused their cultures forced marriage traditions. I want to began to see that by not trading off their daughters in such marriages for two chickens and two goats – they could back much more. No matter that it’s only one meal, however, it’s a very special meal. If girls are allowed to stay in school, they can provide the communities with more than just two chickens and two goats.
I’m praying about this plan and I would love for you to pray with me and share this with your church and friends and see what we can put together to bring smiles to the faces of the people in refugee camps on Christmas Day.
If this idea meets with you or your church’s approval, you can donate the money directly to the Asha Children’s Foundation at Bettyasha.com. or mail a check to the A.S.H.A. Children’s Foundation. Any extra money if any will stay in the foundation for use on such projects in the future.
The Foundation’s mailing address is 140 Lorraine Lain, Maryville, TN 37801-0860.
Please remember this foundation is a 501(C)(3) approved foundation.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you so much for being a loving, caring, and true servant of God.
Blessings,
Betty