Give Warmth. Give Blankets.

Even though the pledge is successful in the eyes of Pledgebank, I am still looking for people to donate blankets! My bedroom has blankets everywhere...but there's room for more! An easy way to purchase blankets is with a few clicks, and you can send them right to my door.

Walgreens has fleece throw blankets on sale for $1.99. A friend donated $40 and I ordered 20 blankets! And, if you spend $25 or more, then you get free shipping!

If you'd rather go shopping, RiteAid has fleece throws for $1.77 (offer ends 12/25).

Also, I know that plenty of stores have fleece throws for Christmas, so be watching the clearance racks for good deals on blankets after Christmas...and even better deals on into January. I need all blankets by January 15th. Click the Pledgebank box at the top to sign the pledge and get all of the details! Help keep children warm this rainy season!

Thank you to everyone who has donated blankets so far!

These Made Me Happy

[L to R: Olivia from Amazing Grace, Naomi, Kumba, Patricia, Ma Ruth, Mercy and Jogma]

I asked Auntie Debbie if she could take some photos of my girls at Frances Gaskins. Not only did she send me photos of the girls, but she sent me photos of the girls at Amazing Grace...working on jewelry! The photos made me very happy...and made me realize how much I miss those girls! I miss Naomi's huge smile, Patricia's between-her-teeth laugh, Mercy's unsuspecting smirk, the spark in Jogma's eyes, Kumba's hand in mine and Ma Ruth playing with my hair.

Mosquito Nets & Malaria

Can you believe that over 2,000 children die everyday around the world from mosquito-borne malaria? In Liberia last year, 21,000 children under the age of five died from malaria. However, Liberians just believe that malaria is a normal part of life.

We spend alot of time talking with the directors and children about malaria. Malaria education, prevention and treatment are big focus areas at the beginning of rainy season. This rainy season, we want to make sure that there is a treated mosquito net on every bed in every home...a mosquito net can save lives!

Because of a generous donation from our friends at Universal Outreach Foundation, we were able to purchase 200 mosquito nets! Students at Carson Graham High School in North Vancouver, along with UOF volunteers, hosted a talent show with area high schools to raise money. Also, the 7th graders at Bennett's Mill Middle School in Fayetteville, Georgia held a penny drive and raised enough money to provide one orphanage with new nets! A super huge thank you to everyone who pitched in and helped! It's inspiring to see young people step up and get involved!

We have spent the past few weeks hanging up the nets and teaching the caretakers and children about the importance of using a net. Please pray for the children and the field teams--that everyone would stay healthy and malaria-free this rainy season!