Joy To The World (and a Giveaway)
Grace and Bella walking back from my field
Good, good news in tiny bits and pieces coming to us regarding Odette’s girls and the future of this sweet family. Can’t say much more than to admit we’ve never been more hopeful or excited to see what happens next.
If you wanted to send a little holiday cheer to Odette’s family in Rwanda this season, here’s what’s on my wishlist:
Funds to finish the amazing little house that love built. More than five thousand handmade bricks are out drying in the sun as I type, and the best cement mason from the old days in Uganda is laying down a strong and lasting foundation on the sweetest bit of land you’ve ever seen. What’s needed now is money for lumber (all the wood is coming from the war-torn Congo, so prices fluctuate daily) and some strong iron sheets for the roof.
A little nest egg of school funds for Betty, the young woman who cares for Odette’s girls now while Innocent (who is still having some health issues but is world’s better from some half-decent medical care and his last round of medication) is back in the village with his mom, keeping an eye on the construction of the new home. In spite of the fact that Betty has been an orphan most of her life, she’s still managed to find a way to continue her junior high and high school education. I’d love to send her a little something to help her continue her school come spring.
A bike for Michel. Michel has been Grace’s faithful tutor this last six months, helping her learn how to read fluently and with good comprehension. Since Grace has missed so much school over the years due to various illnesses and is now close to 5′10″ at thirteen years old (someone got their daddy’s genes!), regular school feels daunting and very embarrassing. Can you imagine being 5′10″ and in third grade? By teaching her at home, Michel is saving us from the pressure of her wanting so badly to drop out.
New clothes for everyone. The girls have basically grown out of everything I brought in May and really need new things. We’ve explored sending clothes from here, but have concluded the most efficient way is to send money for Betty to shop for them in the local markets.
If you’re donating to Odette’s mom’s house and would like something to put under the tree, I have lovely little envelopes in little bronze pouches that have Esteria’s picture and a brief explanation of the project attached. If you’re willing to pay priority shipping, just let me know and I’ll drop one in the mail to you today.
As always, even five dollars is magic, truly. I never know what to say or how to express how much I love this community for being such serious superheroes when it comes to making a difference halfway across the world, but know that I love you all dearly and don’t know what I would do without you. And before I forget, here’s the giveaway part–I want to give a Lucy Bracelet to one person who donates today. Just leave a comment, saying you donated and I’ll have Madeleine pick a winner on Saturday morning.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Jen Lemen, what an angel and a Godsend you are not only to your dear friend and her family, but also to us, your readers. You have a way of expressing yourself and I am constantly in awe of your many talents and your warm heart. I hope the small donation will help. You and Odette are in my thoughts and prayers. You are an amazing woman, always remember that.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:34 am
I’m glad you reminded me! I’ve been wanting to donate for some time and my addled brain misplaced that thought. Jen and Odette and all the amazing folks involved with this: you are my heroes. Sending you all the warmth and love in my heart (from a very cold and windy Chicago!)
December 18th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Sending loads of warmth and love and hope …..
December 18th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
we just donated. our love to all. thanks for giving us a way to put our love into action, jen!
December 18th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Jen, You inspire me. Thank you. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
December 18th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
very, very joyfully donated. Merry Christmas to everyone.
December 18th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
Thank you Jen for reminding us that it only takes one woman and her friends (be it online or otherwise) to change the world.
Love, your friend,
Veronique
December 18th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Just made a small donation!
Thanks for helping Odette & her family!
December 18th, 2008 at 2:55 pm
I donated in honor of my sister, Miss, who loves Christmas gifts that help others! I’d love the project description to put in her stocking. Love ya’, Jen.
December 18th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
i really must have that bracelet, so here’s hoping
xo
December 18th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
i am so hopeful that my small donation makes others feel as lifted as i do right now!
oh how i love that bracelet, too …. i just went to my annual girls night christmas dinner at my friend’s last night - friends since kindergarten! and the sentiment of that wonderful bracelet is so fitting for the group of 6 that we are! 
thank you, jen, you are so terrific! 
December 18th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
just donated! thanks for the opportunity to share a little hope in this holiday season!
December 18th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
glad to be part of something bigger than myself……and totally wishing for that bracelet!
December 18th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
by far, the best Christmas gift I’ve bought this year.
wishing you and Odette’s friends & family a blessed & joy-filled Holiday and New Year.
thanks for offering us these opportunities to give, i hope you will continue to do so, it’s such a blessing.
tammy
December 18th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Jen, What wonderful projects and I was excited to hear of the progress! Nothing could be more in the Christmas spirit! (Do you know kiva.org? You seem to have your own projects well in hand but I was wondering if they did anything in Rwanda… They should sell you and Odette’s book.)
Merry Christmas to you!!
December 18th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Thanks for giving us this opportunity to reach out. Merry Christmas to you.
December 18th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Been meaning to donate for a while and needed a reminder in this busy time of year. Thanks for giving me the chance to do a little shopping for something meaningful.
December 18th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Just donated! Thank you for this post and letting us know!
December 19th, 2008 at 1:28 am
brick by brick. dollar by dollar. so glad to be part of this amazing thing you started, jen. xo
December 19th, 2008 at 3:22 am
Dear Jen & Odette,
Wishing you & your families a very merry Christmas and a hopeful, healthy, happy 2009!
Silvia
December 19th, 2008 at 5:28 am
I just donated. I hope it will make a difference in someone’s life!
December 19th, 2008 at 10:20 am
I think what you are doing is amazing. I only wish I could do more!
December 19th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Just donated, wish I could do more. Thank you for keeping us updated, on the project and the girls.
Beautiful bracelet too, thanks!
unexpectedblissblog(at)gmail(dot)com
December 19th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Jen, thank you for giving us the opportunity to help these lovely deserving people. Thank you for sharing this story and bringing it to us with such love and commitment, it’s so inspirational.
December 19th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Just donated, am so excited by the progress on the house.
December 20th, 2008 at 1:43 am
supporting Odette and her family together with all of your readers feels like a beautiful revolution. I don’t know how it will take shape, but I know there is a beautiful ripple effect taking place.