going to the doctor

the orphans had their first doctor visit since being in the program, for some it was their first doctor visit period. serge and razack took all 22 for a wellness check up type visit. they had blood drawn, weight checked, poked, and proded. the nurses, serge, razack, and all children survived, which is amazing. i can not imagine taking 22 children to the doctor. the children will now get a medical notebook that will help us keep documentation on any sicknesses, medications, and all developments that they go through. this is all provided through our wonderful sponsors. these kids now will live a healthier year and not miss school because of simple sicknesses, how awesome!!! i am so excited about this program and the fact that these kids are getting much needed attention, love, and care they so desperately need. their lives are being changed, inside and out.

pictures from seminar

pictures from seminar

HYGIENE SEMINAR

Serge hosted a hygiene seminar this past weekend in the village of Sanson. You might remember Sanson from our second well project; it is a rural village outside of the city of Parakou. It was held at a school and 103 highschoolers were in attendance, which is amazing. Serge talked about health issues, hygiene, ie washing hands, and began talking about STD's. This is the first of several seminars that we plan to host. Some of the issues that are blocking progression in these villages have simple solutions that require little money,but much education, so we plan on educating the up and coming generations, to create a shift in their thinking, so that progression can move forward. When you couple this type of education with clean water and their new well, disease and common maladies will begin to lessen.

What a Great Day!!!! Yesterday our PFP team in Benin had the "official ceremoney" of the second well we put in. The village elders came to give their thanks/blessings etc. It is so awesome to see how lives have already been drastically changed since the well went in and started operating in Sept 2009. We are already hearing reports that the overall health of the village is better and our team on the ground reports that all the women are telling them "the water tates so good". People are coming from all over to get this fresh, clean water. This well alone provides clean water to about 10,000+ people. What a great testimoney to Christ!! I have attached some pics as well as a few pics from the previous drinking sources.

Orphans- Food Distribution Day!!!

Well yesterday we distributed food to our orphans in our sponsorship program. Serge, our project manager had all the orphans to the office and handed out the food to them and their respective surrogate families. It was an incredible time. Serge said the gratitude of the orphans and their surrogate families was overwhelming and that the children were so grateful to their sponsors. We provided all the essentials for a healthy diet including rice, milk, soja (which is soy product with a lot of nutritional value) oil, soap etc etc. along with critical meds for malaria andstomach meds that rid the body of parasites, bacteria etc. Next Tuesday, we have an appointment with the hospital for medical check ups of all our orphans. In most cases, this will be the first time they have ever been to the doctor. We will be given a medical card for each child so we can identify ailments, issues etc. This will provide a good baseline so we can accurately know how to monitor and handle each child's medical conditions on their regularly scheduled medical appointments going forward. On a personal note, those of you who are sponsoring 1 of these 22 orphans are so awesome. You have no idea the impact you are having in their lives. Literally, you are giving them a chance at success. I love that. If anyone is interested in adopting, please let us know. Unfortunately, we have lists of kids that need help.