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My name is Suzanne Grandy. I met Vicky's younger sister, Rita, while walking in Arusha, Tanzania, in East Africa. I sponsored Rita in school and met her family. Justina was the sole provider for her three children, Vicky, Rita and Pascale. I soon learned that their living conditions were dire.The four of them shared this tiny one room home and the single mattress they are sitting on, which rested on the floor. There was no window or electricity. The corrugated tin roof was not properly constructed to protect them from the rains and food was far too often a necessity that they could not afford. I felt helpless. I started storing groceries at the hostel where I lived and worked for the days when they would call or stop by for lack of food, but knew that my offerings were serving only as a band-aid to their situation. Extreme poverty surrounded me but this family quickly became people that I knew, and held a place in my heart,
About a month later, with some help from family and friends, we opened "The Bachelors Cafe". During translated conversations with Justina we explored a few business options with the goal of her being able to provide for her children, independently. She wanted to cook for local men who did not have wives to cook for them. For many months, the local eatery was a source of income and pride for the family, and a place where we created great memories.
With help from my family and friends, they moved to a nice, safe two room home and gratefully shared a king size bed on a wood frame. This was a very happy and proud time for all of us!
Justina was happy and lovingly called me "Mzungu Mama Rita", which translates to "White Mother of Rita" from swahili. (She chose this name because I met Rita first.)
Sadly, less than one year after our meeting, while I was in Canada, I received word that Justina was in hospital and that her condition was terminal. In August of 2014, Justina passed away from HIV.
In October of 2014, I returned to Tanzania to check on the care and support that I had arranged with the help of my local friend. I landed feeling excited, only to learn that Pascale was in the hospital and that he was very sick. He, too, is HIV positive, and had Tuburculosis.
After three weeks of hospital visits and admissions, Pascale was receiving aggressive treatment that made him feel much better! This was also around the time that I learned Vicky was beaten by teachers at the government school she was attending. Once again, feeling at a loss, and not knowing the language to be able to effectively communicate with her, I made the decision to send her to Eden Garden Secondary School in Moshi.
I sent her to this school because I knew that her only chance for brighter days, and to be able to care for her siblings in the future, she needed a solid education and to see life beyond the limits of where she was growing up. The school director and staff agreed to let her start during the school's Christmas break, from mid November to early January, to prepare her for the demands of such a different education setting than what she had been accustomed to. We bought her supplies and I sent her with all of the faith I could hope for, knowing there was little else I could do.
The following spring, in May and June of 2015, I returned to Tanzania, yet again, to follow up on the children. Rita and Pascale were then(and still now) living with their aunt and uncle. Pascale was vibrant and healthier than I had ever seen him. Rita was fun and loving, and seemed so happy to be able to be a kid of her own age, without the worries of hunger and tending to her family.
Some friends and I took them swimming for their first time ever! It was amazing to go out and do something fun!
Vicky was scheduled to start her summer break from school, so it was the perfect opportunity to plan our first ever "family outing". The three of us, along with friends, went out on an adventure of an overnight camping safari.
I hadn't seen Vicky in almost eight months and had no idea what to expect.
It was the changes in Vicky that shocked me the most. She was gracious, gentle, loving, and we were able to have our first conversations in English! She held an air of peace-filled confidence that I hadn't even imagined. She showed me a school project in which two full pages were dedicated to my part in their family's journey. Vicky and Pascale both insisted that I no longer let anyone call me "Mzungu Mama Rita", because I am their "Mzungu Mama" as well.
On the way to the airport, for my return to Canada, the children and their aunt asked to accompany me. I was moved by their request. When they each presented me with gifts for my departure, I thought I was overwhelmed, until I opened the gift from Vicky. Vicky and a mutual friiend had conspired to make a memory book for me to take home. The book was handmade and included photos from our time together and letters of gratitude, love and prayer. For this, the feelings I had have no words, and an abundance of tears!
I need your help to continue Vicky's life changing education for 2017. The cost for the year, including tuition, uniforms, meals, extra tutoring, personal supplies, transporation for school breaks, and costs of tranferring the money, is approximately $2400.00CAD. Fortunately, we already have some set away, so this campaign goal is for $1500.00CAD. If you can help with any amount, we are all so very grateful! I am inviting you to be part of the very large "village" that is contributing to the future of these children and their community, and I will ensure that they know you helped!
Asante sana ("Thank you very much" in Swahili)
Wishes
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The children are always sending me their prayers, believe it or not. In gratitude for your support, I will forward your first name, and the names of your family(if you choose) and city/country where you live, to Vicky, Rita, Pascale and their aunt and uncle. I want them to know just how big their "village" of care is, and I know that they will hold you and yours in their prayers and gratitude. We aren't in a position to offer shirts or tangible gifts, but I can assure you that the feeling of their focus, even from so far away, has served me very well. Love and light to all!
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The children are always sending me their prayers, believe it or not. In gratitude for your support, I will forward your first name, and the names of your family(if you choose) and city/country where you live, to Vicky, Rita, Pascale and their aunt and uncle. I want them to know just how big their "village" of care is, and I know that they will hold you and yours in their prayers and gratitude. We aren't in a position to offer shirts or tangible gifts, but I can assure you that the feeling of their focus, even from so far away, has served me very well. Love and light to all!
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