The Boys are Here!

Lohai (l) and Raymond (r)

July 13^th from Mama . . .       

And so, you might wonder, how do two young men from a coffee plantation in Karatu, Tanzania, desperately poor and hopelessly fighting for some kind of a future find Ontario, Canada? 

“Eet is gud,” they reply.  Steve (my husband) and I gifted Raymond and Lohai with a visit to our farm this summer and they arrived just over one week ago.  Mastering the airport transfer in Amsterdam themselves, they arrived excited, exhausted and without a hitch after we got their visas arranged and after missing their first flight because the headlights failed on the car their were driving in.  (There are NO streetlights on the way to the airport . . . when it is dark IT IS DARK!
Raymond and Lohai, you might remember, are two of the finest people I have been blessed to meet, ever, and they have, each in their own rights, earned their way here.  No one at Tumaini works harder than 26 year old Lohai, whose parents were too poor to send him to secondary school, and who, through years of malnutrition, weighs just 107 lbs.  Most of you who have met the boys remark on their sizes for their ages.  We need to fatten Lohai up a bit.  Having said that, his sleight build doesn’t slow him one bit from working hard and we feel honored to call him a part of our Canadian family here.

Raymond, at 129 lbs. beats out Lohai by 22 lbs. (I weighed in at 123 lbs), but is still sleight, instead Raymond has developed muscle from playing football (soccer here) and working out at school.  He was more fortunate when Oddo found him a sponsor to attend a neighborhood secondary school.  After meeting him, I helped bring him to Makumira from where he will graduate in February Division I, which is the highest academic achievement one could hope for in Tanzania.

Thus far, they have mini-putted, enjoyed ice cream, and seen and walked on a beach for the first time.  Raymond especially is enthralled with automatic doors (when we went to another store lacking them he waited quite awhile for it to open).  Both of them love scanning groceries and were “blown away” by a drive thru restaurant.

They LOVE the food, (not too crazy about shrimp though) some of which we have introduced at Tumaini but their favorite, here AND there is burgers . . . hands down, and without a doubt.  

They have snowmobiled on grass (you’d have to take that up with a certain crazy fellow named Dave in Stratford), attended a wedding, are visiting Niagara Falls with fellow director Lisa Engelhardt Robinson today (and will be jet boating), will ride up in the CN tower next week with fellow director Dr. Patricia Barry and hope to go out on Lake Erie with John Davies, our treasurer.

Raymond would like to return after graduation and attend post secondary school here in Canada but that will certainly require some financial assistance and Lohai is improving his English and learning how to drive tractor, use farm implements, etc. which will help him back home.  

I thank those of you who stop us in town to welcome the boys and give them a moment of your time.  This is a great big new world for them and your greetings make them feel welcomed and special. 

Thank you also for your continued love and support of our very lucky Tumaini children back home in Tanzania.  They are well and happy and busy and we will take new bikes back with us when we return.  Our boarding students are writing exams and returning home for a month off in August.  For myself I must say thank you again for your encouragement and support while I’ve been ill.  It has been a rocky road these past few months, health wise and I am only just getting back on my feet, this time, after suffering through shingles.  I hope the worst is over and I am finally, finally on the mend!  I may be returning to Tanzania at the end of this month if all goes well.  

Don’t forget we are planning a yard sale (hopefully July 23 and 24^th) so feel free to contact us if you have gently used things you’d like to donate.  And remember to watch Lone Wolf Real Estate Technologies compete on our behalf on August 17^th on the new show, Canada Sings and please consider sponsoring one of our climbers who are fundraising for us by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro next month!  Visit www.climbkilifortumaini.com.

Specifically, there are several important thank yous to go out but, next time!  Be well, we hope you are enjoying your summer, and for everything and from the bottom of my heart . . . Asante!

Sunday morning from Mama's back porch . . .

It is early, too early yet for church and I am sipping my second coffee, bundled, because it is nippy this morning. . . cool, and a brisk breeze.  The sun is shining, the birds are singing and I pause and admire the work a wonderful young man (Tanzanian by coincidence) named Mathias and I completed on the flower beds yesterday.  It is the first time I have worked the gardens in over a year and they needed the attention . . . today they are happy.  We have an oriole bird feeder about ten feet from me and as I write this, a male dropped in for some grape jelly . . . the couple is nesting in one of our maple trees on the other side of the driveway . . .

Our darling Christina is feeling better thanks to Dr. Lyimo

15 year old Mwajuma struggles with recurring abdominal pain . . .

So, how is the family in Tanzania?  Well, the bad news was that Christina was sick, vomiting and needed an intravenous drip for a day, but the good news is that, because of support from people like yourselves, she, or any one of our children needing good medical care will have it.  Dr. Lyimo, in Usa River is a fine doctor and cares for all of our Tumaini family.  Fifteen year old Mwajuma has struggled for over a year with recurring abdominal pain and was home from Haradali boarding school again last week complaining.  Dr. Lyimo, like many times before can find nothing wrong and is beginning to suspect it may be a psychological issue.  Thank God we have Doctor Pat!

Absolute best buds Lazaro (l) and Emmanual (r)

I promised reports so let me begin . . . Ema (Emmanual) was, again, #1 in his class of 51 with Lazaro not far behind at #5.  Both boys tend to be shy when you first meet them  but they are fun loving young men who get into all kinds of mischief together as best buddies, sharing both the classroom and their dorm at Haradali boarding school.  Lazaro was “busted” for making arrows which he then proceeded to launch with his self made bow (his tribe are famous for their bow and arrow skills).  Lazaro (and younger brother Stephano) lost both of their parents to AIDS and came under the care of their uncle Lawrence.  He was the first family member I met who was attempting to honor his familial responsibility and his brother’s memory by caring lovingly for his nephews but the entire family struggled desperately, lacking enough food, living space and medical care.  When our children moved to Tumaini house in February, 2010, I gave Lawrence a job as our security guard to thank him for trying as he had to care for his nephews, for it is the exception and NOT the rule in Tanzania to love a step child or extended family member . . . most suffer, treated like unpaid servants, or worse, abused at the cruel and unloving hands of aunts, uncles and step parents, but not our Lazaro and Stephano!!

Uncle Lawrence truly cares about nephews Lazaro and Stephano

A sick Bibi Emmanual was grateful for our medical assistance . . .

You may recall that Ema’s mother died just six days after he was born and he had been living and struggling with his very old “Bibi”, or grandmother, who, by the way was incredibly grateful to us for our providing her desperately needed medical attention for a serious bladder infection last week.  She suffered for days until Dr. Lyimo was authorized to tend her and provide antibiotics . . . Ema was/is a quietly obedient little boy who has learned to HAVE FUN now that he is exposed to children his own age and encouraged to play and obviously he is a very studious STUDENT!!  He takes his studies very seriously and for him, and a few other children who shine academically, it is our wish to ensure they acquire the VERY best educational opportunities possible.

Stephano says Asante to "Uncle" Darrell for helping him . . .

Pendo (with Liadi) is oh, so very grateful to "Auntie" Heidi and Katie for loving her . . .

Harriri doesn't clown around about saying thank you to "Auntie" Cynthia for caring about him . . .

On behalf of Pendo, Harriri and Stephano, I would like to send our deepest thanks to Heidi, cousin Cynthia and Katie (a different Katie who volunteered at Tumaini House for three weeks in April), and Darrell (who, travelling to Tanzania to visit friends was kind enough to carry fifty pounds of vitamins donated by Jamieson (chewables, funnily enough shaped like lions and zebras) – stopped in for a visit with the children and chose to help Stephano) for oh so lovingly providing support to these children.  It goes without saying, (but I’ll say it anyway), that, without you caring, we could not sustain Tumaini house and provide the love, the care and the attention we do to our forty children, not to mention the outreach work we do for Mana OVC, our child orphan support group and Langa ya Iruva, an adult AIDS support group in Usa River.  So very many of you have reached out to us, opening your hearts and your wallets to help us help our children and I cannot express my gratitude enough . . . asante . . . sana!

July 23 and 24^th will be our Tumaini yard sale at my farm, 857 Norfolk St. S. Simcoe, ON.  If you have gently used, saleable items you’d like to donate we’d be grateful for the contribution.  Send me an email with details and we can arrange a pick up/drop off and once again thank you!

FYI Climbers!  Our crazy daughter Amanda has arranged a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro (week of August 8^th) with my nephew Sean, friends Lauren, John, Jamie, Jason, Rob, Kathy and Norma (I think that’s all) and are hoping to fundraise on behalf of Tumaini!  More news to follow but please feel free to support any or all of them with your donation which may be made online at www.tuchifo.com AND, we are able to share information about our “other” Katy and her sister Jer Wilson and her team who performed on a new television program called Canada Sings!  The contestants compete against each other for prize money which is then donated to a charity of the team’s choice and guess who was chosen?  Thank you, thank you!! We’ll let you know which night we’re on but the show airs August 10^th @ 9:00 p.m.!

Our "ambassador" and a very fine big Tumaini brother, Raymond

Lohai, one of the finest young men I have ever met . . .

Say a prayer for us will you?  We are working to finalize visa arrangements for two of our older boys to come and visit us . . . Raymond, a very dedicated and hard working high school student, and Tumaini’s “ambassador” of goodness, who sets a wonderful “big brother” example for the rest of our children, hopes to come and garner support for university and Lohai, who is the hardest working young man I have EVER met, works tirelessly at Tumaini raising our chickens, tending our vegetable garden, serving early morning breakfast to our children before school, etc.  Lohai is our “go to” guy at Tumaini . . . he finds the lost shoe or book bag as the bus for school is leaving, he maintains our container, finds the shovel/wrench/hammer, kills the poisonous spiders for a hesitant Mama Dee and Liadi, helps Baba Steve well into the night work on the new oven . . . I could go on and on!  In any event, Canadian immigration approval not withheld, both boys will be here before month’s end!  Lohai will learn to drive a tractor, improve his farming skills (and his English), see some of our beautiful country and experience many, MANY firsts . . . we cannot wait!!

Mama Dee and her "Men"!

Things are good . . . the children are wonderful!!!  Truly, wonderful!  I return to hold them again at the beginning of August for a month and many of you ask what they need . . . they ALWAYS need good quality black dress shoes (a strong sole), socks and underpants.  Rain jackets and rubber boots are needed.  Our children range in age from 3 to 22 so most sizes are needed. 

Bon voyage, safari njema to returning volunteer from USA Mariel and her mom Diane who leave Tuesday for a month at Tumaini house!  I just know your trip will be all you are hoping it to be and please give the children a hug from Mama will you? 

Mariel and mom Diane cannot wait to see Christina and all our Tumaini children . . .

To everyone, be well and please, PLEASE know how very grateful we always are for your continued interest and loving support of some very, VERY special and lucky little people . . . Asante!

May 11th from Mama

Happy Birthday Princess Priska!

First of all let me begin with happy belated Mother’s Day wishes to all mothers and especially to those of you who have taken on the love and support of a special, Tumaini child, whom you have chosen to provide regular care to.  It is only through your loving and continued support that these children will continue to thrive and thrive they do and for that, my heartfelt thanks go out to each of you!  Ralph and Michael, as our resident male sponsors I want you to know that we aren’t forgetting about you in our thanks here!!

Recent thank yous include the Simcoe Ladies Lions Club for inviting me to speak this past month, Sue C. for your generous donation, Doreen P. for yours and the Waterford United Church for oh so generously embracing us.  I must thank Bettie M. for choosing Tumaini to support, and from Julie’s Spa in Burlington – Susan who asked her husband and children, for her birthday, to gift her with money so she could pass it along to us to help benefit our kids; and Connie, whose sons Nolan and Eddie, upon hearing about Tumaini insisted that part of their paper route dollars would go to us!  To Danielle and her social club for your donations thank you and to Dianne D. who is retiring this week and asked that the excess funds from her gift collection come to us at Tumaini, thank you!  I constantly marvel at the sources of Tumaini’s support and for each and every child you benefit, on their behalves, I send my heartfelt thank you . . .

I have been delinquent in updating you and ask your forgiveness.  As many of you know I came home sick (am feeling much better now and thank so many of you for your well wishes).  In the short time I’ve been home I’ve had not one but TWO fiftieth birthday celebrations, celebrated my husband Steve’s MUCH OLDER birthday (don’t tell him I wrote that in block letters will you?), celebrated Easter, AND Mother’s Day, as well as played catch up with the mountains of paperwork accumulated during my absence . . . soooooooo, things are catching up and I will be more vociferous in the future!  I promise!

Raymond enjoying his burger!

Me . . . 50 years ago . . .

Happy birthday to our beautiful Mary!

Connie (in front) caught with my powder!

Emmanuel, soaking wet from bubbles!!

Happy Birthday Marko (with Ester)!

The children are WONDERFUL!  They struggle to say goodbye to far away family.  ie.  departing volunteers like Candice, Ayako, Katya, and our computer guru and Science teacher, “Mr. P.”, Mathilde and Katie, but they are well.  We talk often on Skype and their smiles say everything . . . after a month’s break (in Tanzania, primary schools attend class for three months and then have one off), our children are back to work and we must say thank you to our volunteers for tutoring them during their month break . . . I have promised report cards and they are coming but two are still outstanding (Ema and Lazaro) and so I wait for them to report . . .

We have some birthdays approaching . . . Marco (turning 16) and Raymond (21) will celebrate their birthdays on Saturday, Mary Minja (23), our university student celebrates on Sunday, Priska (5 and by the way happy birthday to her sponsor Cindy W!) and Connie (6) will get their cake on Monday and Ema’s ninth birthday is Tuesday!  Boy is it fun keeping birthdays straight when you have forty children! 

We are scheduling a yard sale, probably in early July so if you have gently used, saleable things you’d be willing to donate please send me an email at cheriemszucs@gmail.com and we can discuss a drop off or pick up if possible and thank you!  Further thanks must go out to Heather C. for making us a quilt to sell at our upcoming fundraiser and to Cousin Nancy who has organized a sewing brigade, making everything from pillows to trousers and to the brigade itself?  asante kwa upendo wako wa watoto (thank you for your love of the children).

Our cow is sick . . . quite sick and because she is on antibiotics we are without milk for the children and will need to purchase it until she is well again.  Please say a prayer she heals quickly for that milk is needed.

Our Tumaini family enjoyed a wonderful Easter.  The volunteers treated for them to go swimming on Holy Thursday.  Everyone who has family was able to visit on Easter Sunday and then gathered back at home on Monday for goat pilau!  Pilau is a rice dish made with spices and diced vegetables and the goat is roasted and then stirred into the dish.  It is delicious!  We’re hoping YOUR Easter was wonderful, Mother’s Day was celebrated as you wanted and for any of you who had a birthday in these past two weeks?  Happy Birthday from watoto Tumaini!  Be well!

Happy Easter from Mama . . .

Happy Easter from Mama

Katy and I were able to see and speak to the children, “familia Tumaini” in Tanzania today.  It was just before their supper time and just before 11:00 a.m. here.  They are well.  They are happy, and they were VERY happy to see and speak with us.  We asked, during our conversation why today was special and Francis offered that today is the day Jesus died on our behalves.  The children promised to include Jesus’ sacrifice in their prayers today and assured us that we too would be.  I would like to take this opportunity to include a few more . . .

First of all for them . . . the watoto (children) of Tumaini, we would ask that God keep them safe, and healthy and happy and they be allowed to continue to learn all they need to in order to grow up and become the best people they possibly can . .  .  

I give thanks to Father Kagua, our parish priest in Usa River, who was invaluable with his support and direction during a very difficult time.  I ask for guidance for and God’s support of our Tanzanian staff, Oddo, Grace, Lohai, Mamas Anita, Saumu, Ally, Mwajuma, Dada Margy, Teacher Winner, Lawrence and Jeremiah to continue to treat each other with respect and kindness and to love, protect and be examples of goodness to these children we love so much . . . 

I would give thanks to our Board of Directors here in Canada . . . To Cindy, on your departure, we thank you for all your contributions to Tumaini and wish you every happiness and success in your future and pray for you all of God’s blessings . . . To Julie who was with me from the beginning, supporting Tumaini before there WAS a Tumaini  . . . for being my FIRST supporter and Tumaini’s first sponsor, Asante!  To Lisa, for embracing the vision of Tumaini and for loving these children you have yet to meet . . . Thank you!  And to our Tumaini Katy, “Bibi” Pat and incoming treasurer John Davies Asante for bringing your (as Oddo would say) UNIQUE sets of gifts to this board, but, more importantly, for bringing your common hearts . . . I pray for all of us to work together, with patience, humility and understanding to advance the wellbeing of our children in support of the vision of Tumaini . . .

L/R John Davies, Julie Millington, Cherie Szucs, Patricia Barry, Lisa Engelhardt-Robinson, Katy Wilson

An ENORMOUS Asante must go out to you, our sponsors, donors, and volunteer supporters of Tumaini who have embraced these children not only from your hearts but from your pocketbooks.  That support has enabled us to provide a quality life to all of our children.  It has given them safety, sanctuary.  It provides nutritious food daily, which helps their bodies not only grow but heal and staves off disease.  It gives our HIV+ children their FIRST chance at a real life because medicine is only HALF the battle against AIDS.  It allows their brains to grow so they can learn at good schools where they have the chance to excel and advance on through university to real jobs where they will then be in a position to “pay it forward”.  It allows them quality medical care like corrective surgeries, and malaria treatment and belly button repairs, not to mention the day to day infections and flu and injuries our good friend Dr. Lyimo helps us with . . . Your loving support has gifted our children with toys and bicycles which they love SOOOOOO much (and recently helmets which protect their kitwas (heads)), and videos on Friday and Saturday nights and the occasional picnic or swimming party where they are invited to play and share and just be a child . . .

Your support helps employ our staff and gives most of them the first employment they have ever dared dream might help THEM build a future . . . 

L/R - from Mama Dee- Margy, Saumu, Oddo, Teacher Winner, Mama Mwajuma, Anita, Jeremiah and Lawrence, Lohai, Mama Ally and Mama Grace! 

 I pray this Easter that you will always have the means, the empathy and the confidence to share your time, your hearts and your hard earned dollars with us, ensuring that all we dream of for these children continues . . .

And to YOUR families and friends this Easter we wish you peace and happiness and safety in your travels as you come together to share in this holiday . . . and to some who may NOT be with family or friends, come be with us . . . our hearts are big enough . . .

 Since my return to Canada last week, to Melissa and Trevor, thank you for embracing Tumaini.  To Pat for her travelogue presentation in Burlington which garnered even more awareness (and funding) for Tumaini!  To Katy's family and everyone who supported Katy's welcome home party . . . I am not certain the sky is the limit when it comes to what this family contributes to Tumaini . . . and to all who came out to welcome her back . . . Asante!  To the Simcoe Ladies Lions Club thank you for welcoming me to speak at your dinner meeting this past Tuesday and to Luann who is welcoming me back to her family studies class, thank you!  To Nurse Julie at Dr. Don’s office, thank you for helping with my blood work and x-rays so that I might feel better soon.  To a woman who follows us on Facebook, someone I didn’t recognize, who hugged me in the grocery store  simply for doing what I do here, thank you!  This job is not always easy, but it IS always rewarding and you were my reward that day . . . Thank you!  To my family who forgives and forgets and then remembers when I forget, who supports me every day, whether I am here or there and who has embraced our “extended” family on the other side of the world, thank you so much . . . I hope you know how much . . .

And so, Happy Easter!  With such gratitude for and on behalf of the children and staff of Tumaini (PS  Raymond and Lohai will be here in June), to and on behalf of our board who work lovingly to ensure our children have a future . . . and to each of you . . . it is my prayer that God show each of you, in a very special way this weekend, how very much what you do, who you are, matters . . . yes, that is my Easter prayer . . . Asante!