“We Are the World Blogfest” seeks to promote positive news. There are many an oasis of love and light out there, stories that show compassion and the resilience of the human spirit. Sharing these stories increases our awareness of hope in our increasingly dark world. To particpate, or find more bloggers spreading the Light, go to the WATWB website. Thanks!
Apologies, I was unable to participate in this blogfest in May and June. I made a better effort this month to find a news story worth sharing, and schedule it! I googled “good news” and after a bit of scrolling around found this story on the Neema Village in Tanzania. Michael and Dorris Fortson founded a home for abandoned and orphaned babies in 2012. They had spent time in Tanzania as missionaries in the 1960’s and 70’s, before the AIDS epidemic hit. Two of their children were born there. When they returned in 2008 to visit the country, they were shocked at all the abandoned children. They needed to do something. They found a house, raised money, and moved back to Tanzania to care for the children and try to find them permanent homes. They don’t take any income from the orphanage. The only workers who are paid are Tanzanian.
It’s a sweet story and touched my heartstrings. It breaks my heart that children are abandoned, orphaned, and left for dead because no one can take care of them. God Bless the Fortson’s in the mission.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: Do you know anyone who has worked in an orphanage, or adopted a child from another country? What are some things we could do to help mothers and infants around the world?
Hi Mary – a very worthy shout – out … I need to be back to listen to the video … but what a wonderful project to have set up .. so that babies and mothers can be helped through the most difficult of times … the Fortson’s and their mission deserve recognition – thanks … cheers Hilary
My post will be up soon …
Thanks, Hilary. More needs to be done to help the mothers and babies.
Wow, what a committed, inspiring couple!
Yes. Thanks for stopping by Miss Andi!
I have no words to describe how in awe I am. I am amazed at the Forston’s compassion, dedication and well, their heart. Thanks so much for sharing their story and about Neema Village! #WATWB Hope you have a fantastic weekend. 🙂
Thank you, Belinda. They are truly making a positive difference in the world.
Well done, Forston’s! It is wonderful that they are doing what most of us can’t or won’t.
The orphanage near where I live is a fabulous place where children usually arrive in a very sad state. The staff, who lives there permanently, work long and hard with the kids and psychiatrists work with them any time they want. The children help each other a lot, too, since they each have a heartbreaking story about how they ended up there. The newcomers are surrounded with love and understanding until they, too, are able to return the love.
It is actually one of the happiest places I have ever been. I am there often and can see what a difference love makes. I hope that the Forston’s have something similar.
Emily | My Life In Ecuador | Orphanage Teens Learn to Express Themselves Through DJing #WATWB
How wonderful. Thank you for sharing your story Emily!
What an incredible and inspiring story! You found a wonderful contribution to share for this month’s WATWB – I’m so glad you were able to post it.
Thank you, Deborah.
Need more heroes like this to save the world. cannot stress this enough.
Godyears.net
Yes Dr. R.
I think this is a great way to help those children and by extension the families. I hope more people will see this story and help with donations to Neema Village. Thanks for sharing this and for being a part of #WATWB
Thank you. They inspired me!
Mary, so glad to have you back, and what a wonderful contribution! This couple is doing a fantastic job: we need more like them. I hope to send a little donation to the Neema village orphanage.
Thank you, D.
This organization, Neema,shows that there is so much that can be done to make a positive difference in the world.
I know. It really does give you hope for a better world for everyone.
Welcome back, Mary. Thanks for this story about the wonderful and inspiring work of the Fortsons. Simon’s Still Stanza #WATWB
Thanks, Simon
This brought tears to my eyes. I liked the part about taking one step at a time and God will make the way clear, and how the couple started this work in their 60s. And of course the smiles.
Yes. We can start anytime to show love and shine light in the world.