Happy Thanksgiving!

We do not celebrate in Kenya so today was a work day for me. The sound of rain is so refreshing … you can almost hear the sigh of relief from this parched nation! Thank you for your prayers and support during this difficult time for so many in Kenya.

I am alone tonight and missing all of you … catching up on e-mails and reflecting over the past year. It is cold here tonight and I must go to bed and get warmed up! But wanted to share with you some of my reflections … we have seen such breakthroughs …!

18,859 girls have received a year supply of sanitary towels … “Freedom for Girls’ is expanding in an unbelievable way – I leave next week for a short trip to India! Can you believe it? We are launching “Freedom for Girls” in India on 5 December! 1,000 girls will receive a year’s supply and education. We will then launch it in Uganda on Feb. 14, 2010 with 2,000 girls receiving a year’s supply.

WEEP is doing well with another 10 ladies graduating soon into their own businesses! Lynn Adrian from USAID and Helen Dalton from AED visited our centers yesterday. They were impressed with the centers and hearing the ladies say “I want to start my own business and help other women live … like I was helped”. They commented on the sustainability aspect of the project.

Kids for School has made quite an impact on rural Kenya as we are well known by both the village leaders and the local government leaders. Several of our Area Coordinators are now part of the Children District Officers committees on the ground helping to make decisions for their communities. The 5,200 children empowered by this program through these faithful local volunteers are so heartwarming. They can help take care of their own orphaned children with just a little empowerment, education and support.

So what is our area of “excellence”? I would have to say “orphan prevention” keeping mom alive … assisting grandmothers to care for their children upcountry … and keeping the girl child in school during her vulnerable years. I think one reason I feel so cold and alone tonight is we are facing some serious financial challenges … I could list them here … but mainly I just need help to keep the HEART beating …

My friends have helped so much through the years … I hate to ask again … so I will just say “help if you can” and know I love and appreciate you. The Lord has seen us through rough times before and I have faith He will again. Sometimes Africa in all its beauty seems so far from home …

My love and gratitude,
Milele Shukrani (forever grateful in Swahili)

Vickie
HEART Founder/Executive Director