A Family as Real as Any

My name is Gabriella Martine.  I have known Micaela Roughton for the past two years, working under her guidance as a Community Advisor for SFU Residence.  Working as a CA has taught me to reach out to the people living around me to learn about them and how they fit into this world.  This summer I decided to extend my reach into the global community and travel to Zambia with a group of my peers from SFU to build houses for vulnerable youth and orphaned children.  When Micaela offered me the opportunity to extend my stay and spend some time at Nyumba Yanga, I couldn’t pass up the chance to learn about these girls that had inspired Micaela to devote her energy and resources into helping to provide them with safety, family, and opportunity.

 Before traveling to Zambia, my friends and family tried to help me prepare for how overwhelming the trip had the potential to be.  Given that I had no previous experience with international travel, it was a fair assumption that I would come across something I had never encountered before.  I was expecting to feel out of my element, but honestly, the most shocking thing about my visit to Nyumba Yanga was how comfortable I felt there.  Both the Sisters who looked after the girls and the girls themselves were so genuinely welcoming.  It was just as easy to connect with them as it would be with any other child in a different country or circumstance.  I guess it was my own naivety that led me to believe otherwise.

Snack time after school!

I had never visited an orphanage before, let alone in another country, so I didn't know what to expect.  But, I was happy to be welcomed in by such an amazing group of girls with the same hopes and ambitions as any other young girl I’ve met.  They love to laugh, play, sing, and dance.  They treat each other just as though they were family.  They are full of life and are polite and considerate as well as playful and adventurous.  They treat everyone with respect and make sure everyone feels included.  They truly are the most amazing group of young girls. 

I had the privilege of watching them perform their songs and dances (they are all incredibly talented), playing group games with them, and helping them with their homework.  Throughout my visit, I couldn't help but wonder what opportunities would not have been available to them if Nyumba Yanga had not been there to take over their care.  I’m so glad the Sisters were there to nurture these girls and allow them to grow into beautiful young women and that Home of Joy has been able to help support them.  I imagine that nothing can truly take the place of family but I think it’s fantastic that these girls have received the support they need and deserve.

Saying goodbye to Theresa on my last night at Nyumba Yanga!

 Nyumba Yanga was full of sisterly love.  The Sisters were so good with the girls, providing them with caring guidance and the girls treated each other as if they were siblings.  Their home was a place made for song and dance, young minds learning and growing, and finding love and acceptance.  Having just finished building houses in an impoverished community before visiting, I could very well imagine the lives these girls might have had if Nyumba Yanga hadn’t been them for them.  These beautiful girls deserve everything that Nyumba Yanga provides for them and I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to meet them, learn from them, make connection and share moments with them, and see the impact that the Sisters and the Homes of Joy charity have made in these girls’ lives.  It was truly inspiring to be there and a great reminder of everyone’s ability to overcome obstacles and affect the lives of others around you. 

Gabriella

The Simple Joys of Math and Watermelon

My name is Sonya Hartwig. I am a Community Adviser and Undergraduate Student at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver.  I’ve always dreamed of visiting Africa, but my boss, Micaela Roughton is the one that helped me make that dream come true. She encouraged me to work towards coming on this trip to volunteer with both Habitat for Humanity and Homes of Joy, when I thought I would never be able to afford to go.

My experience at Nyumba Yanga is one I will never forget. During my years as an SFU undergraduate student, I’ve developed a reoccurring curiosity about how an aid organization works, and how I could have a positive impact on other countries. I was so excited to get to know the girls I had heard so much about, on a personal level. I remember the day we arrived, I felt so nervous. Nervous that I was an outsider, nervous that I had no idea what was going to happen next, and nervous that I’d act too silly because of the previously mentioned nervousness. 

But as soon as I stepped off that bus, the girls welcomed me with open arms… literally. They hugged me and took my bags and showed me to the room in the Orphanage guest house where I’d be staying. The Sisters at the orphanage were not at all the cold authoritative professor figures I imagined. They were more like loving aunties. Right away one sister stuck out to me; Sister Nimmi. She looked so much like my mother. I remembered all the stories my mother had told me about going to Catholic school back in her day, where the stern nuns would be cold and rigid. I approached with caution. But sister Nimmi was nothing like I expected. She was bubbly and full of life. She laughed her famous little giggle, and, like my mother always does, told me to EAT so I’d grow.  Right away I was right at home. I could instantly see the love and respect shared by the Sisters and the girls. This place created not just a home for these girls, but a family.

The day I really bonded with the girls person to person, was one night when they needed help with homework. I arrived to the main hall where all the girls were studying and tutoring each other. Unfortunately, regardless of my experience tutoring all my younger family members; there were SO many girls needing help in one little room, that I could not help them all. I would help one girl with a long division question, and turn around to have five girls beside me asking for similar help but with grade 3 math or biology. One very intelligent girl needed help with physics. This was outside the realm of my arts degree, so thankfully we had biology student Gabie with us to take on that challenge!

Homework time in the hall with the girls!

I had so much fun that night! Most of the questions these girls had were the same ones I would ask my mother in 5th grade. Questions like: Why isn’t this question right? How do I calculate that? What is the next step here?  And the infamous Why is this so hard? I could see that these were not just orphans like I thought of them, but kids just like I used to be. It dawned on me how badly these girls just needed a friend to help and encourage them one-on-one. Though they helped each other out as much as possible, there is only so much help you can get out of a big sister when they have their own homework to do. All of them simply needed someone with the patience to sit by them and answer all their questions. I especially bonded with one girl named Florence. She was struggling with Math exactly like I did in high school. Like me, she had a strong grasp of how to sort out the question, but every so often would hit a frustrating road block and not know what to do next. She needed me to encourage her to keep trying, to have faith in her when she felt frustrated, and to guide her when she didn’t know what to do next to solve the equation. After our short few hours together, she was beaming. She was so happy that she was able to finish the assignment. I felt proud of her, and in a way, proud of my younger self for defeating the same obstacles in my education. Before I knew it, it was time for bed. If I had known I could be so helpful just by helping them with homework, I would have planned to stay months, not just a week! I loved giving Florence the confidence she deserved. I loved being a big sister.

Lydia and I enjoying a surprise watermelon snack!

The week continued. I explored Lusaka, played games with the girls, went for walks through Nyumba Yanga’s incredible vegetable garden with Sister Nimmi, and even got to ride on their school bus to pick up the girls from school one day. 

On one of the last days, we went to a local market to see what it was like. It was amazing! So many fresh smells, so many people! Upon leaving, we decided to buy a bunch of watermelons for the girls as a surprise parting gift. This really touched my heart. Back home, my family is from Argentina. One thing we love to do when visiting our less wealthy cousins in Buenos Aires, is to spoil the family kids a bit by buying watermelon for them and hanging out as a family together. The Nyumba Yanga girls, who had somehow become my family in only a few days, were sharing in a custom of my own. We had so much fun that day being silly and eating delicious watermelon. They don’t get it very often, so they were very excited.

My time at Nyumba Yanga was unfortunately short. But in only a week I went from feeling apprehensive and distant, to having a blast with some really cool gals that became like family to me. What a wonderful, healthy environment for these young girls to grow and flourish into bright contributing members of society. I can’t wait to be back here again soon, to help with homework and learn more from these girls.

Sonya

Challenged and Rewarded

2014 has been an exciting year for Homes of Joy so far!  Nyumba Yanga Orphanage welcomed an assortment of international volunteers who helped to conduct a site visit and spent time volunteering with the girls.  Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing a series of blogs about their time in Zambia. Our group of international volunteers included:  a group of students taking part in the Residence Life Service Learning Program at Simon Fraser University, board members Micaela and Mary Roughton, and HOJ child sponsor and long-time supporter Jane Taylor.  We hope you enjoy their stories and reflections about their time at Nyumba Yanga!

The Homes of Joy Board of Directors

My trip to Zambia and the Nyumba Yanga Orphanage was literally out of my world and comfort zone on many levels. Each day was an unpredictable journey into a whole new world; international travelling, living as a minority, in an orphanage, in a developing country in Africa, with no husband accompanying me for the first time ever. Thoughts of these challenges brought no comfort but, I stepped out in faith. The warm welcome including music, dance, song, skits and hugs and the resulting pure peace and joy I encountered in this poor simple orphanage was beyond anything I could have hoped for or imagined, truly out of “my” world. These beautiful girls, all from traumatic pasts, living in poverty in an orphanage, are the most incredible, amazing ambassadors of faith, love, hope and joy that I have ever encountered in all my life!!!!!! I was humbled, and my heart strings pulled as I was enveloped in love from these girls who live with no families and yet give so much. No holiday has ever, nor could ever compare to the daily experiences of living in community with these girls, the house mothers, and the Sisters at the convent. We, in the Western world, the land of plenty and advancement, have so much to learn about real living.  If only we could live more simply and selflessly, then others could simply live, and our world would be a better place for all!!!

I have been involved actively in the background of Homes of Joy from its inception with my favorite responsibility being sponsorships.  I experienced firsthand what it means to these girls to know someone on the other side of the world truly cares about them! There was such excitement as they asked for the details about their sponsors and anything personal we could share.  One of my greatest aha moments was being able to connect the girls with their sponsor  as I had a few pictures with me,and in retrospect wish I had had all pictures.  Now, one of my personal goals within  the organization  is to promote this connectivity for every girl and every sponsor but my first priority is to get all sponsored so no-one feels left out . Five more sponsorships and we will have met this goal, (my heart’s desire from day one), and I hope to achieve it by Christmas!!!

Mary Roughton

HOJ Board Member



This is my last day with the girls and as you can see we have connected and share love, laughter, joy and memories until we meet again….   

Never a Dull Moment at Nyumba Yanga!

Well another week has passed in Zambia at Nyumba Yanga. There is never a dull moment here! This past week I have worked very hard at getting all the girls to write letters to their sponsors. I had those who are not yet sponsored write introductory letters too. I also had the girls hold their letters for a picture and filmed a short video all about them.  Some of the girls sang songs, and others acted and recited poems. They are very talented and I want them to be able to show this to people at home in Canada!

I have also filmed videos of the girls preparing for a mass ceremony on June 12^th. Local musicians have come into the home to help with the music. They sound really good and with practice I’m sure they will be perfect by June. I have filmed three sessions that are roughly two-three hours long.

            

They girls seem to really be enjoying my company. They never leave me alone. They are always banging on my door asking to come in. I let them in and we read together, play games and watch the movies I brought on my laptop for them.

            

The other day the older girls went to a memorial service for Father Eugene (an Irish priest who worked at the Orphanage who passed away suddenly last year). I never met him and did not feel comfortable going, so I decided to stay back with the younger girls and the housemothers. The younger girls were so pleased! We went to the field and played Frisbee, stella ella ola, fire on the mountain, battle ship and relay races. We all seemed to have fun. The most difficult thing about the games was the organization of the girls. I made them hold their ears to show when they were listening and it seemed to really work!

            

On Mother’s Day I attended a beautiful mass in the larger church with the girls. They made cards for their housemothers and Helen  (an Irish volunteer) picked flowers for them. After mass it was brought to my attention that the dog at Nyumba Yanga (named Princess), had gone into labour. I ran to see how she was doing. I comforted the dog and made all the girls be quiet because they were so excited. I had to eventually ask them to leave the room and took care of Princess. After a long 4 hours she had 4 beautiful little puppies. I’m not one for child birth because it’s too messy and graphic... so I made really funny faces and noises. The girls found it quite hilarious! I was exhausted by the time she finished. I had to tell the housemothers and the girls not to touch the puppies because it’s dangerous. I felt like a midwife for a dog. But now Princess is a mother, and her puppies’ birthdays are on mother’s day!

            

The next 4 days I will be travelling to Livingstone and Botswana. I am very excited. I’m not looking forward to the long bus ride, but it’ll be time for a little relaxing before I return back to Nyumba Yanga to finish the rest of my volunteer placement! All is well and I am having a blast. I’ll keep you posted about my adventures at the Orphanage when I get back to Lusaka!

Kaitlyn  

Updates From Kaitlyn, Our Newest HOJ Volunteer (May 2012)

We are thrilled to announce that Kaitlyn Hynd is currently at Nyumba Yanga as a Homes of Joy International Volunteer! She is doing some amazing work on our sponsorship program, checking on how the project is running, and helping the Sisters and House Mothers care for all of the girls! Check out her first blog below! 

 ~The Homes of Joy Board of Directors

Karibu Homes of Joy Supporters!

I have only been at Home of Joy a few days, but I feel very welcome. The girls, mommies and Sisters have been so kind! On the day of my arrival the girls were patiently waiting for me at the airport. When I arrived I was greeted by 6 girls. They were all very happy to see me. They insisted on carrying all of my things. To prevent fights among the girls I took things out of my back pack for each one to carry. They were so helpful. We jumped in the back of a truck and were on our way to the Orphanage!

Upon arrival at Nyumba Yanga, I saw beautiful smiling girls! Each came to me and shook my hand to say hello. I was amazed at how happy they were too see me. Then they took me to the guest house which they had spent the day cleaning for my arrival. They even made me lunch! I sat to eat my lunch with another volunteer named Auntie Helen. She is from Ireland and very kind. We spoke of the girls and what I came to Zambia to do. After lunch I was called to the hall where the girls sang beautiful songs to welcome me. They also sang Lean On Me (one of my favourites)!!

Since my arrival I have helped the girls with all of their holiday homework. I marked their work and helped them on the questions they had difficulty with. I also have spent time playing games with the girls. It’s not all fun and games though. Recently I have begun to sit down with each girl and learn about them. I have typed up little biographies and made videosfor their sponsors. The girls seem to be enjoying my visit because they are always in the guest house visiting me. They are always inviting me to dinner as well. I have eaten at three of the five houses for dinner. They like to feed their visitors a little too much. Some days I have to skip my next meal because I am so full!

Numba Yanga is certainly a home filled with love and joy. All the girls have told me how much they love their home and what they have learned from being here. I am looking forward to the next two weeks so I can learn even more about the girls and their lives!

~Kaitlyn

Photo: Victoria Lungu proudly displaying a letter she just wrote with me to give to her sponsors in Canada! 

Reflections of an International Volunteer

Today, more than most days over the past year, I find myself reflecting upon my time spent in Lusaka, Zambia, at the Nyumba Yanga Orphanage. For on this day last year, (May 1st 2010), I had the privilege of travelling as an International Volunteer with Homes of Joy to visit the Orphanage. That three week visit was exciting; fear evoking, exhilarating, challenging, and ultimately life-changing.

We arrived in the early morning of May 1st after flying on and off for about 20 hours. We were welcomed by the warm faces of 4 beautiful girls (one from each of the houses at the orphanage; love house, peace house, Joy house, and truth house), and the orphanage director; Sr. Ruby. I fondly remember riding in the back of the truck on our way from the airport to the orphanage and listening to the girls shyly singing us welcome songs and introducing themselves.

While at the orphanage I got to spend time with many of the girls and became quite fond and enamoured by them. Their stories were heartbreaking; filled with loss and pain and yet here they were, so over-joyed with being alive and thankful for the home they came to know as Nyumba Yanga (“our home”). As I had imagined, these girls were beautiful inside and out
Over those three weeks I could feel my heart changing, growing, and expanding. My spirit and my mind were changing. A journey that started for me in the L’estacion (slums) of Cuernavaca, Mexico (when I was on a grade 12 poverty exposure trip) was continuing. I was truly realizing for the first time and first hand, that status, and worldly possessions don’t make up a person. It is what they choose to do with their lives as a means of ‘reaching out’ ‘giving back’ and ‘helping their neighbours (be it in their own backyard or across Nations)’ that really counts for something in the long run.

I wanted to start living for something greater than myself, something that had a bigger purpose. So, upon returning I decided to start living first and foremost for God and in turn for others. I became an avid spokesperson and supporter of Homes of Joy (even more so than I was when I embarked on this journey) and have since started to Sponsor Sarah who is a newcomer to the orphanage and is 4 years old. As much change as I have seen in the past year in myself, be it personal growth, worldly passion, or an understanding of the ‘bigger’ picture’, Homes of Joy has seen more.

In the past year, Homes of Joy has been registered as a charitable organization in Canada, and since inception in 2008, has raised over $45, 000.00 with the help and generous support of various donors and sponsors. In the past month, St. Mary Catholic High School fundraised over $5000.00 for Homes of Joy as their Lenten project. Simon Fraser University students raised over $1000.00 for Homes of Joy as part of their ‘Change for change’ fundraiser. A local family in our diocese raised $415.00 for Homes of Joy as part of a ‘ride for refuge’ fundraiser. 24 Individuals and families have decided to sponsor a child through Homes of Joy. As an organization, Homes of Joy has paid the tuition and educational fees and expenses of the girls at Nyumba Yanga, purchased new gas and electrical stoves for the house mothers to cook on, and repaired the leaky irrigation system among many other things.

This year has been marked by change, dedication, love, faith, and an outpouring of support. No one can tell what the future holds but I hope and pray that the support for Homes of Joy and the girls of Nyumba Yanga continues.

I cannot wait until this time next year (May 2012) when I hope to be embarking on another adventure to visit with these girls who have changed my life in so many indescribable and wonderful ways.

“Be the Change you wish to see in the world”
~Mahatma Gandhi

In Christ,

Amanda

A note from Heather Macfaden, HOJ volunteer and child sponsor!

Hello, my name is Heather Macfaden. I have been a Canadian supporter of Homes of Joy since 2008, and am a child sponsor for Natasha Tembo. A registered nurse, working in the Birthing Unit in a hospital near my home, I was keen to help when Micaela sent a letter about Homes of Joy. I strongly believe every child should have access to the basics of life; water, food, shelter, education, medical care and loving support.

I had the opportunity to visit Sister Ruby and the girls at Nyumba Yanga orphanage in September 2010, whilst in Africa to climb Mt Kilimanjaro with my friend Suranika Dias. Despite the time being very short due to travel difficulties, we enjoyed our visit. Suranika was able to teach computer skills and give some private tutoring, and I had fun playing with the younger girls not yet old enough to attend school. When the older girls returned from school, after completing chores of washing school uniforms and sweeping the orphanage pathways, we played ballgames, read together or visited the duck pond and rabbits (especially the new baby bunnies). The girls had great fun chasing the turkey because they insisted he needed a bath. Amidst much laughter and screaming (when he chased them), they were very determined and eventually he did run into the pond! Able to meet and spend some time with Natasha, whom I support, I was very impressed when we played netball with how great she is at netting the ball.

Sister Ruby and her fellow sisters have worked hard to improve things at Nyumba Yanga. The garden is now fully irrigated (thanks to funding provided by Homes of Joy and the Norwegian support group), and the girls are often found watering the plants and caring for the garden. The maize crops are also being expanded to bring in some much needed income. The chicken coop is fully enclosed now, so the chickens cannot fly away and they are laying eggs, as are the recently acquired quails. Any food scraps from the girls are recycled to help feed the fowl and animals. The homes have been repainted and the ‘cooking room’ is almost complete, which is expected to help with some income and offer the girls an opportunity for increased skills training in catering.

Nyumba Yanga is a very loving environment, but currently the girls can only stay until finishing grade 9, when they are integrated back into society with foster families. A new project is currently underway to extend a full support system and home with the Sisters of the CIC until the girls can finish school their secondary education. I truly wish I could support every girl; as they all deserve the chance to fulfill their potential.

My personal goal is to climb The Seven Summits (the highest mountain on each continent) and raise funds for disadvantaged women and children, especially orphans. Money raised from the Kilimanjaro climb is for Homes of Joy.

Sincerely,

Heather Macfaden