I’ve been waiting over a year…
I’ve been waiting over a year for this photo. That’s Wondemu (pictured above) on his seventh birthday; the photo reached me yesterday. He lives in Ethiopia, Africa. I’m not sure why he’s not smiling, but looking at him makes me smile. It makes him real. Wondemu is one of the Compassion International children sponsored by the company that I work with. For 13 months now we’ve sent money to his country to help secure an education, food, and other... Read More
‘Compassion’ Has a Name: Wondemu Desta
As one of four children, Wondemu Desta—a kindergartener—lives with his family along the plains of Durame, Ethiopia, Africa. A student at the Durame Kale Heywot Child Development Center, Koyei lists his best subject of study as “Mathematical Numbers”. The soon-to-be 8-year old likes the color red, and has aspirations of being a singer in adulthood. Desta is a Compassion International sponsored child. More specifically, he’s our second “Compassion child”. The... Read More
'Compassion' Has a Name: Saitabau Koyei
As the oldest of five children, Saitabau Koyei—a sixth grader—lives with his family among the hill country of Kajiado, Kenya, Africa. A student at the POMC Osero-onyokie Child Development Center, Koyei lists his best subject of study as Mathematics. The soon-to-be 15-year old enjoys soccer, and has aspirations of being a doctor in adulthood. Koyei is a Compassion International sponsored child. More specifically, he’s our “Compassion child”. The desktop... Read More
TOMS Mission: 'Give Them Shoes'
Founded in May 2006, TOMS Shoes began as a “one-for-one” company. For every one pair of TOMS Shoes sold, a second pair is given to a child in need. Three years later, TOMS is still keeping that promise. According to the company’s Web site, over 130,000 pair of TOMS Shoes have been given away to date. The establishments most recent efforts include a “shoe drop” of 37,000 pair of TOMS in Ethiopia, Africa. “I am the Chief Shoe Giver, and I have... Read More
A Handwritten Letter From Africa
Approximately four months ago my world changed for the better. I said, “yes!” Not to a sports score, a pay raise, or even a new marriage. I said yes to a relational and financial commitment a continent away. October of 2008, two young men became a part of my thoughts. More importantly, I was able to become a part of their world. Saitabau and Wondemu are now—in essence—my children. The company that I work with “adopted” these two youth through... Read More
TOMS Shoes announces success
TOMS Shoes announced today that its “30,000 Pairs of Shoes in 30 Days” Campaign met and exceeded its goal by 7,000 pair. continued below The campaign took place in an effort to raise awareness, and solicit a response. The goal: make available shoes for children who live in Ethiopia, Africa. According to the TOMS Web site, wearing shoes helps Ethiopian children stop the onset of Podoconiosis (a.k.a. Elephantiasis). The preventable disorder is contracted by walking... Read More
TOMS Shoes
Today is day five for the “Week of Giving“. Founded in 2006, TOMS Shoes is a company focused on providing “shoes for tomorrow” for the feet of children throughout the world. With over 50,000 total pair of shoes distributed on three different continents since its inception, TOMS Shoes efforts are fueled by the “one for one” concept. For every pair purchased, TOMS will “give a pair of shoes to a child in need”. The organization’s... Read More
Rwanda Clean Water Project
Today is day three for the “Week of Giving“. Since 2005, the Rwanda Clean Water Project has helped to raise over $1 million to assist in the placement of clean water wells in Rwanda (Africa). Through the combined efforts of individual and corporate donors, over 350,000 people now have safe water to drink in their communities and homes. The Rwanda Clean Water Project is unique in that all clean water projects are constructed and operated by local Rwandan people. In... Read More
Compassionate
In November of this year, I introduced two children that are financially supported through the company that employees me. The oldest of these youth, Saitabau Koyei, lives in a Kenyan village on the continent of Africa, and is enrolled in the sixth grade. While the company that connected Koyei to my employer sends us mail on a monthly basis, it came as a surprise to receive a hand-written letter from this young man a few weeks ago. Enclosed in this letter was the depiction of... Read More
