yoga at the orphanage

As you may recall, Change the Truth introduced yoga to the children at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage last December during our Team 3 volunteer trip. Bobbi Newman brought some donated mats with her and set up yoga shop in the one of the classrooms. The children (and some of the teachers and matrons) clamored to attend Bobbi's classes. They fell head over heels in love with yoga and have continued to practice it in the months since our visit. Bobbi will be returning to the the orphanage as a member of Team 4 this December. Needless to say, her yoga students are really looking forward to this!

Melissa talked about the yoga scene at St. Mary Kevin's in her most recent letter to me.

"Yawe Joseph has really taken on yoga as his personal project. It was something that he really connected with during the last CTT trip. Team 3 member Bobbi would be thrilled to see Joseph in action, and Joseph will be very proud to show Bobbi in December how he has continued yoga. She had a very big influence on Joseph (as well as Sam).

Joseph is serious about teaching the different poses. He is patient, calm and encouraging, but also enforces a level of respect for yoga (it is not a time for playing around.) Joseph starts each session talking about Namaste and respect for each other. Typically, sessions are about 30 minutes. He has done yoga throughout the school year, and the children know the typical structure of a yoga lesson. There is a good mix of boys and girls in the sessions.

Rosette also does yoga with some of her fellow students in the dormitory of her boarding school. Bobbi left the kids with a book of yoga poses. Both Rosette and Joseph have used the book for guidance. Joseph is eager to try some new (and more difficult) poses with the children soon.

There are still 13 mats clean and neat (just as Bobbi had left). They are carefully put up in one of the rooms by the office. If additional people want to join the lesson, they use sheets.

Having introduced yoga to the children at SMK (especially Joseph, who has found his confidence and voice through this) has been phenomenal and something Bobbi (and Change the Truth) should be proud of."

(Joseph, Rosette and Sam are three of our sponsored secondary school students.)

sold out!

Nine short hours after the initial offering of Aline Smithson's print on Collect.Give, the edition has sold out. Thank you Aline, Collect.Give and all those who purchased a print for a fantastic contribution to Change the Truth!

aline smithson: collect.give

My amazing, generous and talented friend Aline Smithson has pretty much knocked me out this morning. Please take the time to read the following, which is what appears on her blog today. This is a fantastic opportunity to own one of Aline's gorgeous images and to help the kids at St. Mary Kevin, too. It doesn't get much better than that!

Imagine, Aline Smithson

"I am honored and excited to have my image, Imagine, be the newest offering on the terrific charity site, Collect.Give. Founded in 2009 by photographer Kevin Miyasaki, Collect.Give is a place to collect contemporary photography and donate to worthy causes at the same time. It would mean so much to me to have you join me in this venture. The following is from the Collect.Give website:

'The participating photographers have pledged to donate 100% of the profits from their print sales to their chosen charitable organizations. Neither the photographers nor collect.give have pre-arranged associations with the organizations to which funds are donated. Rather, the photographers will make individual contributions with the funds raised. Purchasing prints on collect.give is not considered tax deductible.'

After much consideration, I decided that I would like to support the amazing organization, Change the Truth founded by photographer Gloria Baker Feinstein. Gloria was in Uganda as a participant in an NGO workshop and spent the majority of her time photographing at AIDS orphanages. Upon her return, she could not shake what she had witnessed and was determined to make a difference . She reached out to her Kansas City community and to friends around the county, and was able to 'adopt' the St. Mary Kevin Orphanage.

St. Mary Kevin Orphanage Motherhood is home to about 190 orphans and disadvantaged children. It provides shelter, food, security, clothing, medicine, love, access to education and training in vocational skills. The orphanage has few resources because of limited government programs and extremely high poverty levels. Children at St. Mary Kevin have come to Uganda from as far away as Burundi, Rwanda, Sudan, Congo, Chad and Niger. They have been abandoned, often abused and mistreated. Many of the children come from northern Uganda, where they have lost their families to war. The way things are, these children have little hope. That's their truth... but with your support, we can change it.

Gloria is a long time friend, and to watch her commitment to these children has been remarkable and inspirational. She represents the best of our community, using her photography to change the world. Each December, Gloria and a team of Change the Truth volunteers travels to Uganda, rolls up sleeves and offers on the ground assistance to the children and staff at the orphanage. You can read a bit about these trips on the NEWS page or, much more extensively, on Gloria's blog. If you are interested in participating, please contact Gloria!

Please consider purchasing an image as all the proceeds will go directly to Change the Truth. I pick up the costs of printing, preparing, and shipping the work as my donation. If I am lucky enough to have the edition sell out, please consider making a donation no matter how large or small which would allow Gloria to bring even more supplies this December. $40 would mean so much to these children, and isn't that what it's all about, changing their truth?"

voye'm

Voye'm (which is Haitian Creole for “send me”) is a blog written by Shanley Knox. It is her way of living out a dream that began after living in Haiti in the summer of 2007. Shanley tells “the stories of the people who need a difference to be made for them, and the stories of the people doing it.”

I am honored to be featured currently on Voye’m. Shanley asked some good questions for the interview. Please take a look. It’s possible you may learn some things about Change the Truth that you didn’t already know.

You can read the interview here.

change the truth

If you'd like to read about Melissa's experience as CTT's social worker at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage, you can do so by checking out her blog.

Some of my photographs from the "Dream Series" are featured in the current online issue of Ode Magazine. If you haven't already seen them, please check that out as well.

change the truth update

Melissa is in Uganda!! Her first communication arrived in my inbox this morning. I still can hardly believe that CTT has reached this point. Melissa will officially begin her job as social worker and liaison in a few more days. For now she and her son, Antwain, are easing into their new lives in Kajjansi.

Along with her letter, I am including a few photos from over the years.

“Dear All,

Has it really been a week since leaving? I am literally having my first alone moment since we arrived. The girls are dancing, Antwain is outside with some of the workers for our home, and I am savoring the relative silence - knowing it will be interrupted at any moment.

This week has continued to be such a blessing. We have enjoyed the week of holiday with the kids at SMK. There have not been a lot of activities, but somehow the days are passing quickly with dancing, music, games, and general merriment. Within the walls of SMK, life can be very simple... it is only on the outside that the complications of Uganda exist.

Melissa and Joanne, 2007

So... the standard greetings are: ‘How is America? How is Mama Gloria? How is (team member)?’ I am really quite amazed at the ability of everyone to remember every CTT member. There is really never an individual left out, which is so awesome.

Despite all of his protests, Antwain is again flourishing in Uganda. He has really rolled with many changes this week. He has rejoined daily activities with his friends, began drumming with the other boys ‘officially’, and has complained only minimally. He has found many new Ugandan foods to enjoy, although he is still opposed to eating porridge. He smiles and laughs with such freedom here that it really touches my heart. His boys are a good group... he particularly enjoys Francis, Rodderick, and Moses. Moses is growing deaf, so Antwain is very inclusive and protective when the others may not want to include him. And Antwain officially knows more Lugandan than me (again despite his protests that he would not learn).

Antwain, 2009

After spending three days searching for a school that is affordable and realistic, I have enrolled Antwain in Taibah Junior School. It is only 3km from Kajjansi, so he will take a small taxi bus from the Marketplace daily. The school has a Ugandan curriculum, but they are beginning an International Program in January. Antwain will start on Tuesday, and we had a good visit at the school yesterday. He is as excited as he can get with any school.

Ivan, Antwain, Roderick and Francis, 2009

Our house should be completed within the next couple of days. Tentative move-in day is Sunday. When I find my camera cord, I will send photos. It is much more modern and larger than I had envisioned. The painter is almost completed with the painting (the girls assisted me in choosing my colors). We have electricity (as long as the village does) and plumbing. The plumbing was a surprise to me... we have a faucet (with only cold water) in the bathroom and kitchen, and then we have a shower (hot water not probable). In addition there are outlets for me to connect a stove and fridge. The house connects to my office. We will go to Kampala on Saturday to shop for furniture. At that time I will also have a meeting with the Kavulus to discuss more about specific elements of my job. Despite my prompting they have wanted me to enjoy this week.

Melissa and Tina, 2008

Although there are many highlights to share already, there are two favorite parts of every day so far. One is having dinner at night with my sons. Henry is back from school, so we find a place by the Big Boy dormitory to have our dinner together and chat about all subjects. It is typically dark or growing dark so the stars are shining high above us creating a cocoon where I feel only we exist. Henry shares stories with Antwain about Uganda, and Antwain asks questions of Henry with such reverence. I sit back and thank the Lord for the blessings of these boys in my life. Then the other highlight is bedtime with the girls. They have taken to sitting or laying at various angles to my bed (which is a twin, so we are very crowded). I have tucked some of the little girls into bed and wished them goodnight. Then the other girls tell stories, sing songs, ask questions, and just enjoy being together. The same occurs when they realize that I am awake in the morning. (They tend to grow louder when they grow impatient for me to awaken.) There is an open affection and gentle teasing amongst the girls, but they are all accepting of one another. I really do love my girls, and I will miss sleeping with them (as they will me).

Melissa and Henry, 2009

Thanks to the Kavulus I have an adaptor for Internet at my home. As long as we have electricity, I should be able to call or email from the comforts of my home or office. Once we are moved in, I will write more frequently. Right now I just want all of you to know that we are safe and very happy.

Much love to you all,
Melissa”

going away party for melissa and antwain

Change the Truth teams had a chance to reunite Saturday night at a going away party for Mel and Antwain. Mother and son will move to Uganda in just ten days! In no time at all, they'll be settled into their new east African lifestyle. Melissa will be social worker and CTT/St. Mary Kevin Orphanage liaison. Antwain will attend school. Both will be surrounded by and will be helping the orphaned children they have come to love and care about over the years. No doubt, there will be a lot of lifestyle adjustments to me made. Melissa has promised to provide us with blog posts and photos along the way.

Here are some party pics from Saturday night. Melissa had a big surprise at the very beginning of the evening when CTT board and team member Carol came in from New York for the festivities. The night was a lot of fun!

Eddie (Team 3) prepared a delicious dinner

Carol (Team 1,2,3), Mel (Team 1,2,3), Fred (Team 2), Sara (Team 3)

Kaley (Team 3), Antwain (Team 3)

Lynne (Team 1,2) Carol, Gloria

Ann (Team 1), Antwain, Jane (Team 1)

Lonnie (Team 1) and his wife Brenda

Melissa and her mom Pam

college bound

Great news from Uganda! One of our sponsored students, Daniel, has been accepted at Makere University in Kampala! Change the Truth has been sponsoring Daniel for the past couple years as he has made his way successfully through the advanced levels of secondary school. He plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and will begin his studies later this month. Daniel will be our second sponsored student who has been granted entry to post graduate school. (Douglas is our first - he is in nursing school.) His determination coupled with our support is paying off!

party pics!

Here are some pictures from the CTT Friendraiser/Fundraiser taken by our good friend Michael Spillers. Enjoy!

Dawn Taylor

Team 4 members Jeff Mildner and Jennifer Smith

Volunteer Augi Grassis

Doll artist Fiona Gowin's mom, April Watson

Volunteer Ali Corbin

Doll artist Patricia Caviar

Doll artist Michelle Beasley

Sue Luger and Sue Mindlin

Patty and Ron Dover

Filmmaker and CTT board member Lynne Melcher

Stacy and Tyler Benson



Doll artist Peregrine Honig and me

Melissa Mosher at the CTT info table with Judy Keisling and daughter

Sharon Klaban and volunteer Sandy Czarlinsky

Live auction, featuring Larry Meeker

Doll artist Stephanie Leedy and her dad, Jim Leedy



Doll artist Ana Stanovcic and her brother, Alexander

Doll artist Leslie Mark and her husband, Mark Eisemann

Anastasia Pottinger and me

a major announcement!

Neither Melissa Mosher nor I could have ever imagined where her first trip to Uganda with Change the Truth Team 1 in December of 2007 would eventually lead.

Melissa fell head over heels in love with everything about the east African country, especially the children at St. Mary Kevin Orphanage. From the moment I first saw her reaching out for hands to hold minutes after our team’s arrival, I knew something very special was happening. It was a profound connection that has only continued to grow stronger over the years. Melissa joined Team 2 in 2008 and traveled to Uganda on her own a few months later. She was a member of Team 3 this past December, and it was then that she brought along her 10-year-old son Antwain to meet the children who had stolen her heart and about whom she spoke so often. On that trip Antwain felt a special connection to the children, too.

(Antwain playing with the SMK marching band)

These children are always on Melissa’s mind, and now they are also on Antwain’s mind.

I am thrilled to announce that Melissa will become the first ever “on the ground Change the Truth/St. Mary Kevin Orphanage Liaison-Social Worker” starting this September. She and Antwain will pack their bags in August and move to Uganda to become a constant presence in the lives of the orphans and to oversee projects supported by CTT.

This move marks the beginning of an important new chapter in the life of CTT. How far we have come in just three years! Thanks to the unwavering support of all our generous donors, we have been able to accomplish so much. We are currently sponsoring 28 students in secondary school and providing them with textbooks, sending a monthly stipend for food for all the orphans and providing opportunities for projects such as brick-making, gardening, rain water collection, maize mill operations and computer education.

(Melissa with sponsored student Henry)

Placing Melissa on the ground at SMK will help insure that all of these endeavors continue to run smoothly and that future needs will be identified.

Needless to say, this is an exciting juncture for everyone involved. More information will follow, as the plan is set into motion. For now, I’d like to extend my appreciation and congratulations to the board of directors of CTT, SMK Director Rosemary, SMK Director of Finance Joseph, to all our donors and to Melissa and Antwain, who will soon me holding the hands of a lot of very happy orphans on a full-time basis!

installation shots

Friday night was a blast and a big success! Thanks to all who attended and showed support of Change the Truth. There were 42 dolls and 50 paintings by the children in the silent and live auction. All the dolls were sold; there are a few paintings left. If you'd like to see jpegs of them, please contact me. You can have them for $65 each (and that's FRAMED!)

Here are some shots I took shortly before the crowd of 400 arrived. The installation of the dolls and paintings was done by Kathy Tracy, Lynne Melcher and me. The store was set up by Susie Corbin and her very able high school crew: Ali, Augi and Andrew.

Party pics by Michael Spillers will follow soon.