Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Extra Special Organisations

As I mentioned in previous blogs, I've been thinking a lot about making a "difference" lately. That's why I've added some neat links on the left-hand side of this blog. Of these links, my favorite is the Heartbeat Centre for Community Development.

You might ask yourself why I've chosen a South African Organisation, when I'm American, and I'm residing in Europe. Surely, there must be some worthwhile organisations on this continent? Well, there most definitely are. But once you've been to South Africa, and you've seen the poverty there, and the hopelessness in some of the children's eyes, you'll understand.

The mission of the Heartbeat Centre for Community Development is:

To alleviate the suffering of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) by facilitating change in communities.

Of all the charities I looked at online, this is the one that appealed to me the most. Afterall, there are so many "at-risk" children wandering the streets of those townships. No amount of donations could ever alleviate that, but we can do our best to help, one child at a time.

Unfortunately (and fortunately) for South Africa, it's one of Africa's wealthiest nations, which results in it receiving far less attention and funding than many of the other African nations. But the shanty towns, know as "squatter camps" there are massive, and so many people are struggling. As a mother, I feel not only for the children, but also for the mothers and fathers that struggle to provide for their children.

I recently received the book "The Secret" as a gift, which basically says that success is a mindset. I wish it was that simple.

Anyway, if this charity doesn't appeal to you, please fund one that does. And this holiday season, rather than giving gifts and money, why not gift a cow through WorldVision.org. In any case, you know what to get me! :-)
If you're wondering what we've been up to, there's not a whole lot new. We're enjoying Germany, despite the bitter-cold (and a not-so-fun colonoscopy yesterday). We've done a lot of playing in the autumn leaves, and have had quite a few people over for dinner.
Soon it'll be time to pack back up and drive to our "other" home in The Netherlands. We leave Thursday, and Tobi's parents will join us up there for a week. They're looking forward to seeing the farm, and we sure are looking forward to their company (and help)! Let's hope we don't run into any snow on our 700 kilometer journey Northwards...

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