On Memorial Day I had a wonderful opportunity to learn more about how our eQuilter charity dollars are being used to help orphans in Rwanda, Africa. Through the Houston NASA (astronauts and rocket scientists!) and CU Boulder chapters of Engineers Without Borders, we are supporting development at the L'Esperance orphanage near Lake Kivu in Rwanda, and on Monday I was able to meet the director Victor Montroy who was visiting our local chapter.
How many times can we use "Rocket Scientists", "Quilters" and "Africa" in the same sentence? I sure get a kick out of that!
There are many opportunities to help orphans and children affected by disaster, through online organizations, and the several charities supported by eQuilter. Mission of Love, Altrusa, Doctors Without Borders and Engineers Without Borders all are helping kids in need, around the world, and here in the US.
In Rwanda, even the lions need help. Actually the lions are extinct in Rwanda, and they are going to try to reintroduce lions from South Africa. Sophie and I talked about animals that are going extinct, while we visited the Denver Zoo this last weekend. They have a new big section that just opened, and the focus is on multiple large enclosures for the endangered Asian Elephants. Over and over again at the zoo we were confronted with the information that this species and that species is endangered in the wild. This is why we also give to environmental and conservation organizations – because we believe that our children deserve to inherit an Earth full of Nature's fullest expression.
So, back to the L?Esperance story:
Victor invited me to come and visit their orphanage and school in Kigali Rwanda. They have a tailoring class, so we talked about how I could possibly bring sewing supplies, and teach some classes while visiting there. I have a couple other big trips that I have to get through before I can even think about this, but I'd love to take over some quilts for the kids, and maybe we can raise some funds to help with their education costs as well.
Take a look at these kids and you'll see why it is an interesting invitation! Victor says that volunteers and direct donations are always very welcome.
This meeting just reminded us again of how lucky we are to have this lifestyle, to have our health (knock on wood!), and to have a family to share our love and our life. Victor has 126 kids and 36 staff, and he is trying to give them a safe home, medical care, an education, and a loving family life. There are amazing people like this around the world who are trying to make a difference. I feel humbled and honored that we have a business model that can generate funds to help organizations such as this…with your support…Thanks!
( The photo above was taken by Luana at the Denver Zoo)
