Throughout the years you've managed to keep up with my travels, visits and moves but seldom with direct notice from me. Well, I am challenging myself again and in a way which I feel will entirely alter the course of my life -  and I want to share my plans with each of you before I go. 

The Logistics: At the beginning of August I leave Los Angeles for Dallas, Texas to do some person-to-person fundraising and then, at the end of that month I will leave for Dar es Salam, Tanzania departing from NYC and connecting in London. 

The Why: I am being sent to East Africa by Kujali Int'l, a U.S.-based organization that is building itself and its model for help orphanages throughout the developing world provide vulnerable youth with the tools to become healthy, knowledgeable, and dynamic leaders for change in their communities. This vision and the inspiration for Kujali, however, was born from the work of the Hananasif Orphanage and Academy and its founder, Hezekia Mwalugaja. 

For a period of 8 months (to a year) I will be part of a team of three working with the founder, the school and the community to bring stability to Hananasif and establish its footing toward the first steps of self-sustainability. My part will to directly explore challenges and opportunities that exist in the path toward self-sustainability for Hananasif. By prioritizing and strengthening the relationships and resources available locally in Dar es Salam and nationally in Tanzania I hope to leave Hezekia in a stronger position to grow his dream of producing new leaders for his country with the help of his fellow countrymen and women rather than from abroad. Although I believe my past work and travel experience will help me to do this, it is what I do not yet know - what I am not yet sure I can do - which is driving me to make this commitment.

I would love to follow-up with each of in the coming two months over the phone, online or in person to talk about this project and hear your questions and suggestions. Beginning today I will begin raising funds support my work. My goal is $10,000 and you can help with pledges, donations and, even better, passing word around to everyone you know! (Think about it, 20 people who know 5 people willing to donate $100 does it!) You can find links to make donations in either one of the sites linked below.

My gratitude goes to each of you as you pray about supporting me and this work. I encourage you to explore the links below!
Click here to learn more about Hananasif : http://hananasif.org/