This past weekend, millions of moms were greeted with flowers, candy and the thanks of their children. Mine was no exception. Little did I know that this week I would hear a story that would make me appreciate my mom even more.
At Project 7, we are exposed to numerous nonprofits and the good they are doing in the world. This week was no exception. I'd like to introduce you to
Harvesters Reaching the Nations (HRN) and Mama Lilly.
We listened to their story, amazed by what we heard. 10 years ago, Mama Lilly and her husband sold everything they had to move to Sudan and start an orphanage to better the lives of hundreds of children. Just a few facts about Sudan:
• It is called the Land of Death
• 1/5 children die of preventable diseases before the age of 5
• 1/9 women die from childbirth
Imagine if you had no mother and no one to care for you, and you were only five. Imagine having no one to tuck you in at night, no one to comfort you when you were scared or provide a meal when you were hungry. These facts are bleak, but thanks to people like Mama Lilly there is hope. Currently HRN serves almost 700 children each day. 170 children live at HRN and 500 additional children come daily from the village of Yei to get schooling. HRN employees 77 indigenous staff between the two orphanages. In addition, they are about to break ground on a much needed maternity clinic that will eventually serve as a hospital.
The difference Mama Lilly and husband Dennis are making just goes to show how important each of us is. 10 years ago, these two people decided to change someone else's life... and now they are mother and father to hundreds of Sudanese children. So, while it may be belated, we would like to wish Mama Lilly a Happy Mothers Day and thank her and Dennis for all that they do.
