An earthquake struck Mozambique.

My wife Margie holding HIV infected infant while HIV infected mother smiles.

The above sequence shows the home of an HIV infected widow who's husband died of AIDS.  Her infant was also infected with HIV.  The local area had a recent rare earthquake and this woman's home was falling down.  The villagers helped demolish the front half of the home and after reinforcing the back wall made of bamboo, rocks and mud, we built a new front and placed a tin roof on the structure.  This was now one of the finest homes in the community. 1 in 6 children in Mozambique die before the age of 5.  Many die from AIDS, infections, diarrhea and malnurishment.  Millions of children are orpaned every year in Africa and it is estimated that there are 40 million orphans on the continent with more joining the ranks every day.  Care for Life teaches families life skills and knowledge that help preserve the family unit.  Healthier families reduce the number of orphans in their communities. 

A House is a House, People make it a Home.

The lady in the bottom photo is the owner of this new home.  She was living in a stick hut with black plastic sheeting for her walls and roof.  It gets cool in the winter and rains torrents in the rainy season.  As you can see this was a big upgrade.  Her extended family moved in promptly.  One divided wall made this a 2 room home.  With a door added and mud on the walls this structure will last for years.  This home took 2 days to build and about $500 in US funds.  Care for Life does not typically provide homes for people but rather teaches them life skills that gives them the tools to lead healthier, happier and more productive lives.  When we returned later to take photos this woman and her family were cooking mice over a fire on sticks to burn off the hair.  This is the only food they had to eat.  Care for Life has an agriculture program that teaches these people to grow family gardens.  When they complete goals they can elect to receive seeds for a reward.

It is a blessing to serve!

I will soon be making my 4th trip to Mozambique to help the people in small villages around the City of Beira.  My wife led me to Africa after she spent a life changing month serving the people with the group "Care for Life"  started by Cindy and Blair Packard of Gilbert, Arizona. I want to share a few of my experiences in the past and will try to update you daily with my upcoming trip in May 2011.  Some of the greatest joy I have had in life has been while serving others.  It is especially rewarding when working with people who are so warm and appreciative of your service.  If you feel moved to become involved with "Care for Life" or other humanatarian groups I encourage you to jump in and get wet, the water is very warm!  You can learn more about "Care for Life" at careforlife.org.