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April 2005
Dear Family and Friends!
It’s almost here! I depart for South Africa on May 17 to fulfill my dream, Our Journey. So much has transpired since my last letter in February. Our Journey, Inc. has gone from a dream to a reality; in fact we are now a registered non-profit organization. Moreover, can you believe it; we now have a website as well! http://www.OurJourneyInc.org
A little over six months ago Our Journey, Inc. did not exist. One generous sponsor opened a veritable floodgate of donations of time, talents and money from people far and wide, many of whom we have never met. Words can never express the gratitude this has brought to all of us who are connected with this endeavor. Since then, Our Journey, Inc. has received many very generous donations from many people I know and love, as well as from total strangers who believe that together, we can make a difference. To all of you who have donated, I know I cannot possibly express my true appreciation for how you have helped. So for now, and until I can return the favor, I hope you will accept this heartfelt THANK YOU!
I’m looking forward to taking care of the 97 children at the orphanage. All have been orphaned as a result of AIDS. Many of these children are suffering from malnutrition, rape, sickness, and disease. I look forward to nurturing them, holding them when they are sick, feeding them, and caring for them with loving arms. It breaks my heart when I realize that some of these children will not live to their next birthday.
Once at the orphanage, I will have the opportunity to travel to the nearby city of Durban at least twice a month to buy necessary supplies. By purchasing items in Durban, Our Journey, Inc. will avoid the exorbitant expense of shipping, which in turn, means more for the children. I had however, hoped to arrive with more money to purchase the supplies needed. So far, and with good budgeting, we have raised enough to last only a few months. With a generous donation from you, we could provide even more diapers, formula, pajamas, and maybe even pencils and paper to be used for learning for the 97 children, whose ages range from babies to teenagers.
It gets more complicated. In my last letter, I mentioned that there are an additional four thousand children who receive meager supplies. These 4,000 forgotten children live in the rural surrounding area called “The Valley.” Through an outreach program they receive whatever the volunteers have to offer them. These offerings are of course, based on current donations. Private donations are coming in from the UK, and Germany.
Our Journey, Inc.’s goal is to assess the conditions at the orphanage. Once there I will be able to assess the most immediate needs, and I will travel to Durban and begin purchasing the appropriate supplies and food. Hopefully the donations will still be coming in and I will be able to continue buying supplies for the remaining year. I’ll keep you updated via a monthly newsletter on our web site, as to our progress.
Please consider Our Journey, Inc. as your “cause” this year and give a generous donation. We will see to it that your donations go to the 97 orphans at the orphanage and the children of the surrounding areas. It is our promise that we will ensure that your donation will be wisely spent. It will make a difference to so many human beings. Millions upon millions have died so far from the AIDS pandemic, and although Our Journey, Inc.’s donation is minor in the overall scope of things, it will touch the lives of so many who truly need your help!
As mentioned, I leave May 17. If you would like to donate to Our Journey, Inc. for me to take to Cato Ridge, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, please mail your tax deductible check to:
Our Journey, Inc.
Route 2, Box 2299
Townsend, GA 31331
If you would like to continue donating smaller amounts throughout the year, that would be fantastic. Please send donations to the Georgia address above and Diane, our treasurer of Our Journey, Inc. will see to it that the funds get to me for immediate use to help the children.
In the meantime, if you would like to speak to me directly or ask any questions, please feel free to call me at (912) 832-2809 and I will be happy to address any concerns or questions you may have. Please mark your calendars, I depart May 17, 2005, and I hope you will keep me in your thoughts. If you would like to send letters (snail mail) or packages to me while I am in South Africa, my address will be:
Maureen Ahern
P.O. Box 453
Cato Ridge 3680
KwaZulu Natal
South Africa
Thank you for all of your generous donations and wonderful words of encouragement, thus far. Continue to check our website, http://www.OurJourneyInc.org while I am in South Africa, as well as, other great links for information on this dreadful AIDS pandemic.
Please keep me in your prayers,
Maureen Ahern
Founder and first volunteer of Our Journey, Inc.
P.S. In addition, many thanks from the board of Our Journey, Inc. and from the many volunteers who have brought this dream into reality. Your love and support is greatly appreciated!