tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73611996926267183542024-03-13T13:37:05.228-04:00Children of Humble School AfricaWebTechManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14413862357129596203noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-23369782404777182492012-07-08T12:54:00.000-04:002012-07-08T12:54:30.168-04:00Back in the USA<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><b>Our Team is Safely Home</b></span><br />
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Our team arrived safely at Dulles Airport this morning. The two weeks we invested in Uganda was amazing! </div>
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Saying farewell to the children at HUMBLE is hard every time we visit, and this time was no exception. On Friday afternoon -- our last day at the school -- we were treated to a celebration program presented by the children. We will always remember their songs, dances, smiles and tears. </div>
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As they say at HUMBLE, "God is good. It is His nature… Wow!"</div>Jim Chandlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12546123248188525686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-29634969555778877432012-07-04T15:00:00.001-04:002012-07-04T15:00:32.711-04:00E-readers in Use at HUMBLE<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">One of the great things we've been able to see on this trip is that the e-readers that were delivered in February are being put to good use by the students at HUMBLE School. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></div>
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The e-readers rotate among the classes each month. During their class' month, each student is issued an e-reader that they have full use of during that time.</div>
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We have seen the e-readers in use in classes and at student assemblies, and many of the students have shared with us how much they enjoy using the devices for reading, learning new words in the dictionary and, yes, playing games.</div>
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One student remarked, "I did not really like to read until we received the e-readers. Now I love to read!"</div>
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<br /></div>Jim Chandlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12546123248188525686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-88333759496197762162012-07-03T14:41:00.000-04:002012-07-03T14:41:23.228-04:00Notes from HUMBLE - Tuesday, July 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our team spent the day at HUMBLE hanging out with the children at their breaks and after class, tying rebar for the construction of the boy's dormitory, mending uniforms, playing basketball on the newly-mounted goal, and learning more about each other as we shared in conversation.</div>
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This afternoon our team attended the weekly Fellowship time that is led in large part by the older students. The energy of their singing and dancing is inspiring and contagious! Members of our team were invited to share in leading songs and prayers as well.</div>
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We're looking forward to being back at HUMBLE tomorrow morning!</div>
<br />Jim Chandlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12546123248188525686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-16179471780847641952012-07-02T14:34:00.000-04:002012-07-02T14:34:03.084-04:00Monday Notes from HUMBLE<br />
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On Sunday our team visited the Jinja District and worshipped with the congregation at Wanyange Central UMC. After worship we spent some time in Jinja town and visited the Source of the Nile before returning to Mukono.</div>
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Today (Monday) was invested at HUMBLE School. Our team worked on various projects including preparing rebar to be used in the construction of the new boys dormitory, mending school uniforms, and repairing bicycles used by the students.</div>
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Construction continues at HUMBLE with the new girls dormitory now under roof.</div>
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Concrete was being poured today for the foundation for the new boys dormitory.</div>
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Of course, more important than the buildings that are being constructed are the relationships that continue to be built with the children of HUMBLE School during our time here.</div>
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<br /></div>Jim Chandlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12546123248188525686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-38422245988748180352012-06-30T14:38:00.000-04:002012-06-30T14:38:22.596-04:00Saturday at HUMBLE<br />
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This morning we were at HUMBLE School working alongside the children on various projects including sewing and mending uniforms, repairing the swing set, getting a basketball goal ready to mount, and performing maintenance and repairs on bicycles.</div>
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Although our activities with the children on the grounds were shortened due to rain, it was another great day at HUMBLE. </div>
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Our team will travel to Jinja tomorrow and will be back at HUMBLE on Monday.</div>Jim Chandlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12546123248188525686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-39908522607171738762012-06-29T14:45:00.000-04:002012-06-29T14:45:30.037-04:00Pen Pals and More HUMBLE Alumni<br />
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This morning at HUMBLE we distributed the Soul 2 Sole letters from pen pals to the students. The smiles on their faces as their names were called and they received their letters were extraordinary. The children were invited to write a letter that we will deliver to their American pen pals when we return. A huge thanks to everyone who writes to these children...it means so very much to them.</div>
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This afternoon members of the team visited Mt. St. Henry's High School, located next to HUMBLE. A number of former HUMBLE students are now furthering their education there, and we had the opportunity to share time with them today. Just as with our visit with the HUMBLE alumni at Namogongo yesterday, it was a real blessing to see how hard these young men and women at MSHHS are working to further their educations. When you listen to them speak and hear their stories it is clear that they will be leaders for positive change in their communities in the years ahead.</div>
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<br /></div>Jim Chandlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12546123248188525686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-63732819350372507962012-06-28T16:14:00.000-04:002012-06-28T16:14:00.595-04:00Catching Up With Some HUMBLE AlumniOn Thursday the team travelled to Naayla to visit three former HUMBLE students who are now enrolled in a secondary school there.<br />
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We then drove to Namugongo to the secondary vocational school where 29 former HUMBLE students are now enrolled. The students led us on a tour of the campus and then we gathered in one of the classrooms for an awesome time of sharing with one another. It is great to see how God is working in and through the lives of these young men and women.<br />
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That's it for now.... we'll be back at HUMBLE School tomorrow!Jim Chandlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12546123248188525686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-85522731022756485802012-06-27T16:48:00.000-04:002012-06-27T16:48:38.817-04:00Wednesday at HUMBLEOur team spent the morning on Wednesday visiting with the children and helping with the early stages of the construction process for the new boys dormitory. Our work task today was "tossing bricks"... moving bricks from a big pile to other locations around the perimeter of the building site to stage them for use in construction. We form a line from the pile to the destination and toss the bricks from person to person to transfer them. The local workers who are continuing to dig the footings seem entertained by our efforts!<br />
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The children completed their mid-term examinations yesterday and were given time to relax some today. That meant we had more time to share with them than we would on a normal school day. The children are so amazing. We want to learn about them, but they are equally interested to learn about us, our families and lives in America.<br />
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The weather was beautiful today, and we were blessed to be able to share another day with our friends at HUMBLE!<br />
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<br />Jim Chandlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12546123248188525686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-70332465661067061282012-06-26T15:50:00.000-04:002012-06-26T15:50:15.037-04:00Day 2 at HUMBLE School<br />
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The team just concluded our second full day in Uganda. We started the day by working on the site of the new boys dormitory for HUMBLE School. The construction of this new building is just beginning and we helped dig the footings this morning. Our time at HUMBLE in the afternoon was invested with the children--learning about one another, sharing stories, playing football and volleyball, and having a great time just being together. Just before leaving to return to the hotel, we were privileged to be present for the evening prayers, which are led by the children themselves… an amazing experience.</div>
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<br /></div>Jim Chandlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12546123248188525686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-55087545662347083112012-06-24T16:25:00.001-04:002012-06-24T16:25:11.164-04:00<h2>
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Our team arrived safely in Mukono earlier this evening! We will grab some sleep tonight and then head over to HUMBLE School tomorrow morning. Updates and pics to follow over the next few days...Jim Chandlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12546123248188525686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-52195215290467134512012-06-23T10:09:00.001-04:002012-06-23T10:09:26.757-04:00<h2>
On Our Way...</h2>
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Our team is checked in at Dulles and preparing to board our flight to Uganda. Keep an eye on this blog for updates throughout the trip. We're scheduled to return to Virginia on Sunday, July 8.Jim Chandlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12546123248188525686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-26759554636206434102012-06-16T21:38:00.000-04:002012-06-16T21:38:06.884-04:00Team Departs in One WeekOur Summer 2012 trip to Uganda is just one week away! A team of 13 will depart on June 23 and return on July 8. We look forward to sharing time with all our friends in Uganda, especially the children at HUMBLE School.<br />
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We will post regular updates to this blog during the trip, so stay tuned!Jim Chandlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12546123248188525686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-48680009607530480412011-11-27T12:41:00.001-05:002011-12-01T07:35:29.013-05:00The Hope for Africa Children's Choir Shares Story about HIV/AIDS<h1>Children of Africa and the HIV/AIDS Crisis</h1>
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There are 15 million AIDS orphans living around the world, 13 million of whom are in Africa. The Hope for Africa Children's Choir were privileged to represent the children of the world suffering with HIV through song and story on Capitol Hill and around the Washington DC Metro area. They have done an incredible job singing and sharing original poetry and story about the challenges and dreams that they face living with the devastating effects of how HIV has affected their lives, their country and continent. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.unaids.org">UNAIDS</a> and its partners including Keep a Child Alive, RESULTS, Save theChildren, The General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church, Crossroads and UNICEF provided support, coordination and funding the bring the choir to the United States of America this year. The Hope for Africa Children's Choir have been sharing their story with crowd pleasing performances in Washington DC, Virginia, and New York. Of the 33.3 million people living with HIV/AIDS across the world, 22.5 million are in Africa. Some people may not know how big Africa is, but it becomes clear in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.good.is/post/what-is-the-true-size-of-africa/">this map</a>. Learn more shocking facts about HIV/AIDS in Africa <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-hiv-africa">here</a>.
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<h2>The Hope for Africa Children's Choir Performance</h2>
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The children from Uganda Africa share a story about HIV/AIDS in this <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KElpBe4Puzg">performance by The Hope for Africa Children's Choir</a>.
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<h2>Global Solutions for Global Issues</h2>
<h3>Crowdsourcing: Where GOOD IDEAS COME FROM</h3>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crowdsourcing">Crowdsourcing</a> is the act of sourcing tasks traditionally performed by specific individuals to a group of people or community (crowd) through an open call.
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Jeff Howe established that the concept of crowdsourcing depends essentially on the fact that because it is an open call to a group of people, it gathers those who are most fit to perform tasks, solve complex problems and contribute with the most relevant and fresh ideas.
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How Crowdsourcing works and where good ideas come from is explained in this <a href="http://youtu.be/NugRZGDbPFU">video</a>.
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<h2>Crowdsourcing a Strategy to Combat HIV/AIDS</h2>
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.crowdoutaids.org/about/">CrowdOutAIDS</a> is a collaborative online project to develop a new way for UNAIDS to work with young people.
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It uses online tools to help young people come together to crowdsource a UNAIDS youth strategy on HIV.
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Connect with this effort:
<br />Twitter: <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/CrowdOutAIDS">@CrowdOutAIDS</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/search?q=%23CrowdOutAIDS">#CrowdOutAIDS</a>
<br />Facebook: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/CrowdOutAIDS-Africa-English/304773609536112">https://www.facebook.com/pages/CrowdOutAIDS-Africa-English/304773609536112</a>.
<br />Also see, "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.staying-alive.org/en/2011/11/what-does-the-unaids-report-mean-to-me/">What Does The UNAIDS Report Mean to Me?</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/mtvstayingalive">@mtvstayingalive</a>"
</p>
<br />
Great People Leading Change on Twitter
<ul>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/CrowdOutAIDS">@CrowdOutAIDS </a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/UNAIDS">@UNAIDS</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/kk">@kk</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/disgeneration">@disgeneration</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/Imeneba">@Imeneba</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/rodmccullom">@rodmccullom</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/alissasadler">@alissasadler</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/hummingbird604">@hummingbird604</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/great_impact10">@great_impact10</a></li>
<li><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/OloriSupergal">@OloriSupergal</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>World AIDS Day</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="http://aids.gov/world-aids-day/">World AIDS Day</a> is celebrated on December 1 each year around the world. It has become one of the most recognised international health days and a key opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed on, and celebrate victories such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a target="_blank" href="http://aids.gov/world-aids-day/" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="222" width="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h7SFsCp5nCY/TtWT7yaAJMI/AAAAAAAAAec/FjacL_7GKFU/s400/world_aids_day.png" /></a></div>
<p>
<a href="http://humble-school.blogspot.com/2011/11/hope-for-africa-childrens-choir.html">The Hope for Africa Children's Choir</a> will be performing in Washington DC on World AIDS Day.
<br /><b>Event: </b> World AIDS Day
<br /><b>When: </b> December 1, 2011 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
<br /><b>Where: </b> Union Station, East Hall, Washington DC
<br /><b>Speaker: </b> Jeffrey S. Crowley - Director, Office of National AIDS Policy, The White House
<br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Union+Station,+Washington,+DC&hl=en&sll=38.899984,-77.006435&sspn=0.083363,0.181789&vpsrc=0&hnear=Washington+Union+Station&t=m&z=16">Map to Union Station Washington DC</a>
<br /><br />
<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Union+Station,+Washington,+DC&aq=&sll=38.899984,-77.006435&sspn=0.083363,0.181789&vpsrc=0&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Washington+Union+Station&t=m&z=14&ll=38.896993,-77.006422&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Union+Station,+Washington,+DC&aq=&sll=38.899984,-77.006435&sspn=0.083363,0.181789&vpsrc=0&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Washington+Union+Station&t=m&z=14&ll=38.896993,-77.006422" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>
<p>
<b>The Hope for Africa Children's Choir</b> will be returning home soon. They will be giving their full performance show of song and dance before they return to HUMBLE School in Uganda Africa.
<br /><b>Event: </b> Hope for Africa Children's Choir Performance
<br /><b>When: </b> December 2, 2011 - 7:30pm
<br /><b>Where: </b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.everydaylifewithgod.org/">Crossroads UMC</a>, Ashburn, Virginia
<br />43454 Crossroads Drive Ashburn, VA 20147-7778
<br />(703) 729-5100
<br />Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime event.
</p>13Actshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03716825569587379544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-87309429909371758082011-11-26T04:56:00.001-05:002011-11-26T12:45:13.968-05:00Ashburn Farm 10k for HUMBLE School in Africa<h1>Thanksgiving Day Ashburn Farm 10k</h1>
<h2>Supporting the Children at HUMBLE School</h2>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.everydaylifewithgod.org">Crossroads United Methodist Church</a> and the Ashburn, Virginia community hosted the 18th Annual Ashburn Farm Thanksgiving 10K/5K & 2K Fun Run, Thursday, Nov. 24. This was a record breaking fund-raising event, more than 2,500 people gathered together for some friendly competition and fun that supported a good cause. The Ashburn Farm 10k Committee believes the use of Social Media Networks, <a href="http://twitter.com">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://facebook.com">Facebook</a> contributed to these record breaking numbers and appreciate people sharing this event with friends and family. Runners can see all <a href="http://www.amazingracetiming.com/events/2011/ashburn-farms-10k-5k-run">results from the Ashburn Farm 10k here</a>.
<p>All proceeds from this race support needy and vulnerable children at <a target="_blank" href="http://humbleunitedmethodistschool.org">HUMBLE school</a> and orphanage in Lukojjo Village, Uganda, Africa.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Cu_c2zRkMfQ/TrXKqBqaZpI/AAAAAAAAAO0/J0hQQzKqWuc/s400/children-of-humble-school_2010-in-classroom.png" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="233" width="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Cu_c2zRkMfQ/TrXKqBqaZpI/AAAAAAAAAO0/J0hQQzKqWuc/s400/children-of-humble-school_2010-in-classroom.png" /></a></div>
<a target="_blank" href="http://humbleunitedmethodistschool.org">HUMBLE School</a> is a primary school located in Lukojjo Village, Uganda. Operating since 2004, it is now home and school to 266 needy and vulnerable children, many orphaned from war and disease, all victims of poverty. Forty-two children who have graduated from HUMBLE are fully supported by the proceeds of the Ashburn Farm 10K as they continue their education in nearby secondary schools. All proceeds from this race support those children and the children at HUMBLE School.
This year’s 10K will featured a special performance by the Hope for Africa Children’s Choir from HUMBLE School. Since arriving in the US in October under the sponsorship of the United Nations AIDS Awareness program, the choir has performed in Washington, D.C. for Congress and World AIDS Day and around Northern Virginia, Richmond, Virginia and New York.
The Hope for Africa Children's Choir will also be in concert in Washington DC supporting <a target="_blank" href="http://aids.gov/world-aids-day/">World AIDS Day on Dec. 1</a> and at Crossroads UMC on Dec. 2 at 7:30PM. For more information, visit the Crossroads UMC website at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.everydaylifewithgod.org">http://www.everydaylifewithgod.org</a>.
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Thank you to the Ashburn Farm 10k Sponsors, local business owners donating food and prizes, and all compassionate runners for making this a special Thanksgiving day for the children at HUMBLE School.
<p>
Thank you to Journalist, Bloggers, and people using Social Media that contributed to the success of the Ashburn Farm 10k!
<ul>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mydailyground.com/2010/11/race-report-ashburn-farm-turkey-trot.html">Race Report - Ashburn Farm Turkey Trot 10k</a>
</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/going-out-gurus/post/get-active-on-thanksgiving-day/2011/11/22/gIQAIaQ8kN_blog.html">Washington Post: Get active on Thanksgiving day</a>
</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://events.wusa9.com/2011_Ashburn_Farm_10k_5k_Fun_Run_Ashburn_Virginia_20147_/231691747.html">WUSA9: 2011 Ashburn Farm 10k/5k Fun Run</a>
</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://leesburg.patch.com/events/ashburn-farm-10k5kfun-run">LeesburgPatch: Ashburn Farm 10K/5K/Fun Run</a>
</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://ashburn.patch.com/announcements/thanksgivind-day-ashburn-farm-10k5k">AshburnPatch: Thanksgiving Day Ashburn Farm 10k/5k</a>
</li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ashburnfarmassociation.org/thanksgiving_day_race.html">Ashburn Farm Association: Thanksgiving Day 10K, 5K and 2K Fun Run</a>
</li>
</ul>
</p>13Actshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03716825569587379544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-46537481515231524992011-11-23T06:47:00.001-05:002011-11-26T04:52:09.133-05:00Hope for Africa Children's Choir in the News<h1>
The Hope for Africa Children's Choir Tour USA</h1>
The Hope for Africa Children's Choir is a special group of children from HUMBLE School and orphanage in Lukojjo Village, Uganda, Africa. These young ambassadors of hope are currently on tour in the United States of America. They share their message of hope and joy with their spectacular performances of song and dance. Their performances have touched the hearts of people in Washington DC, Virginia, New York, and around the world. Many thanks to the people that have graciously shared their time and homes, providing these children a loving family-friendly experience during their visit.<br />
<br />
HUMBLE School is a primary school located in Lukojjo Village, Uganda. Operating since 2004, it is now home and school to 266 needy and vulnerable children, many orphaned from war and disease, all victims of poverty. Forty-two children who have graduated from HUMBLE are fully supported by the proceeds of the Ashburn Farm 10K as they continue their education in nearby secondary schools. All proceeds from this race support those children and the children at HUMBLE School.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSjR041ED_0/TszjOmw7r8I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/SKIodmIavPw/s1600/children_of_HUMBLE_School_Africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSjR041ED_0/TszjOmw7r8I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/SKIodmIavPw/s400/children_of_HUMBLE_School_Africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Hope for Africa Children's Choir in the News</h3>
The Hope for Africa Children's Choir perform on television during the News Channel 9WSYR program in this <a href="http://www.9wsyr.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoid=3035175">video</a>.
<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="330" scrolling="no" src="http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/cs_api/iframe?pl_id=20694&wpid=9613&page_count=5&windows=1&tags=CCTVI_VIDEO_LOCAL&va_id=3035175&show_title=0&auto_next=1&auto_start=0" width="425"></iframe></div>
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://www.eaac-umc.org/Hope%20Richmond.html">Hope for Africa Children’s Choir thrill Richmond</a><br />by Grace Nakajje
</li>
<a href="http://www2.timesdispatch.com/entertainment/news-video/2011/nov/01/hope-for-africa-childrens-choir-46716-vi-31939/">Hope for Africa Children's Choir from Uganda performs at Woodlake United Methodist Church</a><br />Richmond Times Dispatch
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.ashburnfarm10k.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="109" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZfu3qCMJd8/Ts4omb3LQtI/AAAAAAAAAaA/yxdhvLn5AoQ/s320/ashburn_farm_10k.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Thanksgiving Day Ashburn Farm 10k</h3>
Join Crossroads United Methodist Church and the Ashburn community for
the 18th Annual Ashburn Farm Thanksgiving 10K/5K & 2K Fun Run,
Thursday, Nov. 24. In this annual fundraising event, more than 2,000
people are expected to gather for a time of fun, fellowship, and a good
cause. All proceeds from this race support needy and vulnerable children
at HUMBLE Place, a school and orphanage in Lukojjo Village, Uganda,
Africa.<br />
<br />All races will start from Crossroads UMC, 43454 Crossroads Drive,
Ashburn, VA. The 10K starts at 8:15AM; the 5K starts at 8:25AM, and; the
2K starts at 8:35AM.<br /><br />Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 female
and male 10K finishers: 1st place, $300; 2nd place, $200; 3rd place,
$100. The top 3 5K finishers will receive: 1st place, $150; 2nd place,
$100; 3rd place, $50.<br />
Online registration is available at <a href="http://www.active.com/" target="_blank">www.active.com</a>. For more information about the race and registration, visit <a href="http://www.ashburnfarm10k.com" target="_blank">http://www.ashburnfarm10k.com</a>.<br /><br />
HUMBLE School is a primary school located in Lukojjo Village, Uganda.
Operating since 2004, it is now home and school to 266 needy and
vulnerable children, many orphaned from war and disease, all victims of
poverty. Forty-two children who have graduated from HUMBLE are fully
supported by the proceeds of the Ashburn Farm 10K as they continue their
education in nearby secondary schools. All proceeds from this race
support those children and the children at HUMBLE School.<br />
<br />This year’s 10K will feature a special performance by the Hope for
Africa Children’s Choir from HUMBLE School. Since arriving in the US in
October under the sponsorship of the United Nations AIDS Awareness
program, the choir has performed in Washington, D.C. for Congress and
World AIDS Day and in the northern Virginia, Richmond and New York
areas.<br />
<br />In addition to performing at the 10K on Thanksgiving morning, the
choir will also be in concert at Crossroads UMC on Dec. 2 at 7:30PM. For
more information, visit the Crossroads UMC website at <a href="http://www.everydaylifewithgod.org/" target="_blank">www.everydaylifewithgod.org</a>. <br />
http://www.everydaylifewithgod.org/events/2011-11-24/ashburn-farm-10k-5k-2k13Actshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03716825569587379544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-72780278155876731242011-11-20T18:50:00.000-05:002011-11-20T21:55:13.239-05:00Amazon Kindle Books for Children in Africa<h1>
Amazon Kindle Books for School Students in Africa</h1>
<h2>
Gift of Reading for Children of HUMBLE School in Uganda</h2>
Providing people with resources for learning enables people to improve their lives and the lives of people in their community and the world. Change starts with education and understanding. The <a href="https://kindle.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon Kindle</a> provides a delivery system of digital ebooks for supporting the education process in areas where printed books are not feasible or available. Using eBooks for education and entertainment also reduces the drain of our planet's natural resources. Learn more about education in Africa and the children of HUMBLE School here, "<a href="http://humble-school.blogspot.com/2011/07/contuning-education-and-students-of.html" target="_blank">Education is a Foundation for the Future</a>".
<br />
<div style="background-color: #6fbde9; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: white; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 4px; width: 490px;">
"Life-transforming ideas have always come to me through books."<br />
--Bell Hooks</div>
Pastor and Mission Leader, Dave Norman of <a href="http://www.everydaylifewithgod.org/" target="_blank">Crossroads United Methodist Church</a> in Ashburn, Virginia explains how Kindle ebooks can help the children and staff at <a href="http://humbleunitedmethodistschool.org/" target="_blank">HUMBLE School</a> in Mukono Uganda Africa. He also uses <a href="http://www.skype.com/">SKYPE</a> video conferencing service to connect with others in Spain that explain the Worldreader program. This type of effort requires a collaborative effort. The underling goal of this mission includes establishing real relationships for solving real needs. A young man shares his story about the value of relationships in this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7h_fRd8cyo" target="_blank">video</a>.
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="284" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/k7h_fRd8cyo" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
<h2>
Worldreader</h2>
<a href="http://www.worldreader.org/" target="_blank">Worldreader.org's</a> mission is to make digital books available to all in the developing world, enabling millions of people to improve their lives. They identify schools, train teachers, work with communities, and partner with publishers to bring millions of books to underserved children and families in the developing world.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.worldreader.org/" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RXfX8Ah82sU/TsmwHqTveII/AAAAAAAAAZk/F3zlDWLAWKw/s400/WorldReader_org.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: #6fbde9; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: white; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 10px; padding: 4px; width: 490px;">
"The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."<br />
--Dr. Seuss</div>
<b>Thanks to <a href="http://www.umc.org/" target="_blank">UMC</a>, <a href="http://www.usaid.gov/" target="_blank">USAID</a>, <a href="http://amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, and everyone supporting educational programs for children!</b>
<br />
<br />
Learn more about this Kindle ebook program for children in Africa by contacting Dave Norman: <a href="http://www.everydaylifewithgod.org/" target="_blank">Crossroads United Methodist Church</a><br />
43454 Crossroads Drive<br />
Ashburn, Virginia 20147<br />
Phone: (703) 729-510013Actshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03716825569587379544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-76996306489449344442011-11-05T20:42:00.000-04:002011-11-05T20:42:54.880-04:00Hope for Africa Children's Choir<h1>
The Hope for Africa Children's Chior</h1>
<h2>
Songs of Hope and Joy</h2>
The Hope for Africa Children's Choir from HUMBLE United Methodist School in Uganda Africa has been sharing their message of hope & joy through their spectacular performances. The Choir has received the honor of being invited by UNAIDS to perform
at an event drawing attention to the continuing HIV/AIDS crisis in
Africa on Capital Hill on October 26th. They have also been invited to
perfrom at a World AIDS Day, an event in Washington DC on December 1st. They have been performing in the Washington DC Metro area and will be performing two shows at Crossroad United Methodist church in Ashburn, Virginia on Sunday November 6, 2011. Please plan to attend this free show at:<br />
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<a href="http://www.everydaylifewithgod.org/" target="_blank">Crossroads United Methodist Church</a><br />
43454 Crossroads Drive<br />
Ashburn, Virginia 20147<br />
Phone: (703) 729-5100<br />
<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=43454+Crossroads+Drive,+Ashburn,+Virginia&hl=en&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=56.59387,135.263672&vpsrc=0&hnear=43454+Crossroads+Dr,+Ashburn,+Virginia+20147&t=m&z=17" target="_blank">Map</a><br />
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Show Times: 9:00am & 11:00am <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kEhCrFCF3kg" width="400"></iframe>13Actshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03716825569587379544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-23737193496913066872011-10-26T05:44:00.000-04:002011-10-26T07:02:29.162-04:00Children of HUMBLE School on a Mission<h1>The Hope for Africa Children's Choir</h1><h2>HUMBLE School Uganda Africa</h2>The "Hope for Africa Children's Choir" from HUMBLE School in Uganda Africa are on tour in the United States. They are on a mission to help raise awareness to Humble School and the impact of AIDS in Africa. They deliver a message of hope in their high energy performances filled with dance and songs of joy.<br /><br />Crossroads United Methodist Church in Ashburn, Virginia has the pleasure of hosting the Hope for Africa Children's Choir from HUMBLE School this fall! This year a group of 11 students will perform concerts at several locations in New York, Virginia and in Washington D.C. to bring awareness to HUMBLE School. They have even been invited by <a href="http://www.unaids.org/en/">UNAIDS</a> to present at an event on Capitol Hill to raise awareness on the continued HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa. They will also be performing at a <a href="http://aids.gov/world-aids-day/">World AIDS Day event on December 1st</a> before they will return home to <a href="http://humbleunitedmethodistschool.org/">HUMBLE United Methodist School</a> in Uganda Africa.<br /><br />There are several events scheduled in multiple areas to help support the children of HUMBLE School. Discover how you can show your support by contacting the friendly people at Crossroads UMC:<br /><br />Phone: (703) 729-5100<br />Email: information@ecrossroadsumc.org<br /><br /><h3>HUMBLE School Students at Crossroads UMC</h3>The "Hope for Africa Children's Choir" (children of HUMBLE School) share stories about their journey with families at Crossroads UMC Ashburn, Virginia.<br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Np5xIvDqsKgKaQWKVINcjw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ia2r3UeK6lM/TqalNBU-DsI/AAAAAAAAAJE/e0_MSvhz9uw/s400/IMAG1281.jpg" border="0" height="240" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Uo1xuNaVbzIzaI9JJ140lQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wjs9J5ugJEI/TqalKOM2EJI/AAAAAAAAAI8/uffLN5HRVXc/s400/IMAG1282.jpg" border="0" height="240" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FsMQ5WIGivGaJTm_i9KcNQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZoUzT4ofYdk/TqalIKXR3GI/AAAAAAAAAI0/I0kEGyEAhcc/s400/IMAG1279.jpg" border="0" height="240" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><h3>HUMBLE School Mission Trip Overview</h3>Volunteers from the Washington DC area and around the world have joined the Crossroads Uganda Mission team over the years to support the needs of the students, teachers, and staff at HUMBLE School in Uganda Africa. Information about the school and mission trips is available at "<a href="http://humble-school.blogspot.com/2011/06/about-humble-school-mukono-uganda.html">About Humble School and it's Students</a>". This year's mission team strengthened relationships and worked with others on a new girl's dormitory. An overview of the mission trip is available in this <a href="http://youtu.be/ZXS_zox7v_o">video</a>.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZXS_zox7v_o" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><h3>First Performance of Hope for Africa Children's Choir</h3><br />The children of HUMBLE School had a few hours to rest after their long flight from Uganda Africa, but jumped right into their mission and gave a heartfelt performance at a local church in Virginia. The compassion and energy of these children can be witnessed in this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lF01m2JQRA">video.</a><br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="243" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9lF01m2JQRA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />Find out where you can attend one of their free performances and information about other events supporting these children at <a href="http://www.everydaylifewithgod.org/humble-school">Crossroads UMC</a>.13Actshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03716825569587379544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-25917905136380308632011-08-04T07:26:00.000-04:002011-08-04T08:02:09.564-04:00Social Media Matters: Blogs, Facebook, & Twitter<h1>Blogs, Facebook, & Twitter</h1><h3>A Social Media Strategy Story</h3>A few weeks ago, I met with some people from a local organization to discuss how to use the web and social media to share some of their stories. The goal of phase 1 was to connect with others and obtain good placement in search engine results from Google, Bing, and Yahoo. Here is the situation:<br /><ul><li>Little Time</li><li>No Money</li><li>Minimal Tech Skills</li></ul>A quick analysis of the situation lead us to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank">Google Blogger</a>, <a href="http://facebook.com/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and the creation of <a href="http://humble-school.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Children of Humble School Africa Blog</a>. Most of the people in the organization were already familiar with these Social Networking Services. These Social Media tools are free and can be activated in minutes. These tools don’t require a Computer Science degree to use, in fact they are simple enough to be used by a child, grandparent, or anyone in-between.<br /><h2>Social Media Gets Results</h2><p>Using Social Media to share stories and connect with others has a positive effect in top search engines. Here are the results after 14 days.</p> <p><strong>Google:</strong> Search Engine results for our site after 14 days was top four results out of 13.2 Million.</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Akzh3d8k-s/TjqDZJ2oqlI/AAAAAAAAAXk/iFvGYX4YKMI/s1600/google-search-results_top-4-of-13-million.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 247px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Akzh3d8k-s/TjqDZJ2oqlI/AAAAAAAAAXk/iFvGYX4YKMI/s400/google-search-results_top-4-of-13-million.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636962351772641874" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><br />Google: </strong>Search Engine results for our site after 14 days was the top result out of 29.2 Million.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UOfkiBJmJRA/TjqDPP2YjBI/AAAAAAAAAXc/jXOJj5PbWRw/s1600/google-search-results_2_top-1-of-29-million.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 145px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UOfkiBJmJRA/TjqDPP2YjBI/AAAAAAAAAXc/jXOJj5PbWRw/s400/google-search-results_2_top-1-of-29-million.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636962181583506450" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Bing: </strong>Search Engine results for our site after 14 days was two of the top four results out of 4.2 Million.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rtr6jcLJOdQ/TjqDCYpwHLI/AAAAAAAAAXU/G2wIYdj9bQ4/s1600/bing-search-results_2-in-top-4-of-4.2-million.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 238px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rtr6jcLJOdQ/TjqDCYpwHLI/AAAAAAAAAXU/G2wIYdj9bQ4/s400/bing-search-results_2-in-top-4-of-4.2-million.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636961960608144562" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Yahoo: </strong>Search Engine results for our site after 14 days was two of the top four results out of 4.3 Million.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hMezVnPRKeM/TjqCzpHOegI/AAAAAAAAAXM/XvetWQyNX6o/s1600/yahoo-search-results_2-in-top-4-of-4.3-million.png"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 209px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hMezVnPRKeM/TjqCzpHOegI/AAAAAAAAAXM/XvetWQyNX6o/s400/yahoo-search-results_2-in-top-4-of-4.3-million.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636961707328698882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><h2>Social Media for Small Businesses & Non-Profits</h2> <h3>The Social Business of Web 2.0</h3> <p>Once upon a time, the power to reach out and connect with others beyond your local community was reserved an exclusive group of people. Social Media extends this ability to all people and bursts open the door of new opportunities.</p><h3>Google Blogger</h3> <p>I was not as familiar with Google Blogger compared to other types of Social Media tools, but was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to get started. The ability to integrate other social media is also very simple.</p> <p><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank">Blogger</a> is a web-based tool that helps you publish to the web instantly – whenever the urge strikes. It’s the leading tool in the rapidly growing area of web publishing known as weblogs, or “blogs.” Google Blogger gives you a way to automate (and greatly accelerate) the blog publishing process without writing any code or worrying about installing any sort of server software or scripts. And yet, it still gives you total control over the look and location of your blog. Details on how to get started are available in this <a href="http://youtu.be/rA4s3wN_vK8" target="_blank">video</a>.</p><br /><iframe width="400" height="257" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rA4s3wN_vK8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br /><h3>Web Gadgets, Widgets, & Apps</h3> <p>There are countless gadgets, widgets, and apps to support social media integration. Some of these for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other Social Networks can be found in these collections, “<a href="http://mashable.com/2009/01/26/blogger-widgets/" target="_blank">25 Great Blogger Widgets</a>“, “<a href="http://gadgetsdirectory.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Google Gadgets Directory</a>, Collection of <a href="http://www.bloggerplugins.org/search/label/Blogger%20Widgets?&max-results=5" target="_blank">Google Blogger Plugins</a>, and people can easily create their custom social gadgets with the <a href="http://code.google.com/apis/blogger/" target="_blank">Google Blogger API</a>.</p><h3>Mobile Device Support</h3> <p>The ability to support displaying your content in “app-like” format on multiple mobile devices at the flip of a switch is one of the main strengths of this free service.</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6Tao3Yross/TjqCmg9K3KI/AAAAAAAAAXE/CYM_jHme4z8/s1600/humble-school-blog-on-mobile-device.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T6Tao3Yross/TjqCmg9K3KI/AAAAAAAAAXE/CYM_jHme4z8/s400/humble-school-blog-on-mobile-device.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636961481800735906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><h3>Photo Walls</h3> <p>You can also add interactive photo walls to your blog, created with pictures from Facebook, Picasa, Flickr, YouTube, and RSS. You can share these photo walls on web sites, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, WordPress, and more. You can create and share amazing photo walls for your web sites and blogs using <a href="http://www.cooliris.com/">Cooliris</a>. You can see the <a href="http://humble-school.blogspot.com/2011/07/children-in-africa-ask-do-they-remember.html#PhotoWall">Children of Humble School Photo Wall here</a>.</p><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://humble-school.blogspot.com/2011/07/children-in-africa-ask-do-they-remember.html#PhotoWall"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r-gRQ8W_1Nc/TjqCYYsqglI/AAAAAAAAAW8/9v9tOFR2vv4/s400/cooliris-photo-wall-of-children-and-volunteers-at-humble-school-uganda-africa.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636961239065854546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><h2>Social Media Engagement</h2> <p>The <a href="http://humble-school.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Children of Humble School Africa Blog</a> with Social Media integration is just a tiny example of the real possibilities. There are many great people that share helpful tips about how small businesses and non-profits can leverage the power of social media. Some of these very talented people include:</p><ul><li><a href="http://twitter.com/kanter" class="screen_name tweet-url screen-name"><span class="at_symbol">@</span>kanter</a>: <span class="fftw_status-body"><span class="fftw_entry-content">Let's talk about networked approaches & social media for training and capacity building for the nonprofit sector that leverage learning and impact. </span></span></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/2morrowknight" class="screen_name tweet-url screen-name"><span class="at_symbol">@</span>2morrowknight</a>: <span class="fftw_status-body"><span class="fftw_entry-content">Co-Creator of the #TwitterPowerhouses Series, and #TwitterCharityFacts. Blogger for @<a class="twitter-anywhere-user" href="http://twitter.com/Huffingtonpost">Huffingtonpost</a> & @<a class="twitter-anywhere-user" href="http://twitter.com/Smedio">Smedio</a>. Marketer, Do-Gooder, conservationist, Surfer!</span></span></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/goodlaura" class="screen_name tweet-url screen-name"><span class="at_symbol">@</span>goodlaura</a>: <span class="fftw_status-body"><span class="fftw_entry-content">Twitter Junkie | All things Sacramento | SMCSac Exec Dir | SARTA.org Program Director | Good Friend | Dog Lover | SciFi enthusiast | Auntie | Love Jesus </span></span></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/rosettathurman" class="screen_name tweet-url screen-name"><span class="at_symbol">@</span>rosettathurman</a>: <span class="fftw_status-body"><span class="fftw_entry-content">I help nonprofit leaders + passionate entrepreneurs change the world. Keynote speaker, author, career coach, social media trainer. Lover of happy hours. Vegan. </span></span></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/chrisbrogan" class="screen_name tweet-url screen-name"><span class="at_symbol">@</span>chrisbrogan</a>: <span class="fftw_status-body"><span class="fftw_entry-content">President, Human Business Works.</span></span></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/JessicaNorthey" class="screen_name tweet-url screen-name"><span class="at_symbol">@</span>JessicaNorthey</a>: <span class="fftw_status-body"><span class="fftw_entry-content">Social Media, Broadcasting, Country & Music Blogger/Writer, Speaker, Daily Columnist AllAccess, #CMchat Host (Mon 6pPT), Online Correspondent, Sissy's Mom. </span></span></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/scedmonds" class="screen_name tweet-url screen-name"><span class="at_symbol">@</span>scedmonds</a>: <span class="fftw_status-body"><span class="fftw_entry-content">Speaker, author, senior consultant with @<a class="twitter-anywhere-user" href="http://twitter.com/kenblanchard">kenblanchard</a>, author #CORPORATECULTUREtweet & Leading At A Higher Level,</span></span></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/Philanthropy" class="screen_name tweet-url screen-name"><span class="at_symbol">@</span>Philanthropy</a>: <span class="fftw_status-body"><span class="fftw_entry-content">The Chronicle of Philanthropy's official Twitter page, updated by Peter Panepento </span></span></li><li><a href="http://twitter.com/briansolis" class="screen_name tweet-url screen-name"><span class="at_symbol">@</span>briansolis</a>: Author of Engage: The Complete Guide for Brands and Businesses to Build, Cultivate, and Measure Success in the New Web</li></ul>WebTechManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14413862357129596203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-52758631744764741642011-07-24T06:15:00.000-04:002011-07-24T07:30:34.309-04:00Sharing Stories of Hope & Joy in New Ways<h1>The Power of Social Media</h1><h3>People over Platforms</h3>The power of Social Media enables us with the ability to share stories in new ways. Social Networks have eliminated the degrees of separation and continues to bridge gaps between communities and cultures around the world. Social Networking Tools and Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, & Blogs empower people with new abilities to participate in meaningful engagement. These new forms of communication are transforming old "broadcasting" models of media into new "conversation" models of Social Media.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsFlh532Hl4/TivxzHOb-OI/AAAAAAAAAWw/foZQiuFSI-s/s1600/grace-UMC-communications-dept-east-africa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsFlh532Hl4/TivxzHOb-OI/AAAAAAAAAWw/foZQiuFSI-s/s400/grace-UMC-communications-dept-east-africa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632861619372161250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><h2>New Communication Strategies</h2><h3>Bridges Connecting Communities</h3>Have you ever met someone and felt you have known them forever? Last year I met Grace Nakajje during my travels in Uganda Africa. She amazed me with her compassion for others. She is the communications director for <a href="http://eaac-umc.org/">East Africa Annual Conference United Methodist Church</a>. She travels around Uganda Africa and surrounding communities with her camera, a beautiful smile, and a listening ear to discover real stories about real change. Last year she talked about her ideas about using Social Media to share stories while connecting with others in meaningful ways. Now she is using web sites, blogs, facebook, and twitter to share stories of hope and joy around the globe. She publishes a newsletter people can get delivered to their inbox by an easy email subscription. Grace is also experimenting with a web-based radio show. Her creativity and willingness to try new things shows us the power of community does fuel real change. You can discover more at <a href="http://eaac-umc.org/">http://eaac-umc.org</a>WebTechManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14413862357129596203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-13887701402042833062011-07-17T13:18:00.001-04:002011-07-17T15:35:46.991-04:00People at Local Airport Defy the Laws of Physics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eelssej_/390295937/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jIWuAjZ_Nk/TiMZfS_1_DI/AAAAAAAAAVo/Z4vK4dE6twc/s400/passion_flickr-eelssej_-390295937.jpg" alt="rose photo by eelssej_ on flickr 390295937" title="rose photo by eelssej_ on flickr 390295937" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630371984609508402" border="0" /></a><br /><h1>Relationships Matter</h1><h3>Ordinary People Defy Laws of Physics<br /></h3>Children, Women, and Men seemed to defy the laws of physics during reunions filled with tearful smiles of joy. While waiting at the International Gate at Dulles Airport, I was astonished at how people seemed to defy gravity as they leaped into each others arms. Many magical moments transformed the average person into an athlete with world class gymnastic skills . Everyone witnessed a little girl break free from her mother's grip and fly through the air into her father's arms. Couples reunited in a beautiful silence that the crowd could not miss hearing. The International Gate at the local airport is an amazing place. Anyone feeling cynical about life should spend a few minutes near the international gate of their local airport.<br /><br />"Relationships Matter" was defined a thousand times in each of these moments.<br /><br />Relationships are the core value of the Crossroads UMC Mission Team. Establishing relationships with others is the key to helping the team understand what needs done and the collaborative efforts of everyone is what makes real change possible. Purposeful interaction gives people the opportunity to learn about each other and each others' culture. These type of activities provide the building blocks for creating more than dormitories or school rooms.<br /><br />Thank You<br />Thank you to all the children, sisters, brothers, moms, dads, friends, communities, and organizations for making these type of mission opportunities possible.<br /><br />What's Next?<br />The children of Humble School in Uganda Africa have written a ton of letters and some desire to have pen pals. Contact Dave Norman at <a href="http://www.everydaylifewithgod.org/">Crossroads United Methodist Church</a>, if you are interested in the Pen Pal opportunity. He can be reached at (703) 477-7427 or dnorman@crossroadsnova.org for additional information.<br /><br />People in Brambleton, Virginia U.S. area have joined others from Ashburn, VA, Loudoun County, Virginia, and the Washington DC area to prepare for the next Humble School Family Day 10k walk/race.<br /><br />We also have an endless collection of stories, photos, and video to process and share.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fEQHekm4B1A/TiMuThhiesI/AAAAAAAAAVw/jIpL5JYjONQ/s1600/children-in-school-room-at-humble-uganda-africa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fEQHekm4B1A/TiMuThhiesI/AAAAAAAAAVw/jIpL5JYjONQ/s400/children-in-school-room-at-humble-uganda-africa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630394872094685890" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ89QTdgask/TiMw8SBHrWI/AAAAAAAAAWI/ioSxFmpWUtQ/s1600/crossroads-umc-volunteers-with-mission-teams.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IJ89QTdgask/TiMw8SBHrWI/AAAAAAAAAWI/ioSxFmpWUtQ/s400/crossroads-umc-volunteers-with-mission-teams.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630397771330071906" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FGlQ6GhZEE/TiMvQ97jQsI/AAAAAAAAAV4/VKsYBMBndtM/s1600/volunteer-with-children-at-humble-school.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FGlQ6GhZEE/TiMvQ97jQsI/AAAAAAAAAV4/VKsYBMBndtM/s400/volunteer-with-children-at-humble-school.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630395927692001986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ3xZH_WU04/TiMwVIBMzoI/AAAAAAAAAWA/Wsg97krKIgY/s1600/crossroads-umc-volunteers-at-humble-school-africa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ3xZH_WU04/TiMwVIBMzoI/AAAAAAAAAWA/Wsg97krKIgY/s400/crossroads-umc-volunteers-at-humble-school-africa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630397098631155330" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yebu1dg_lnU/TiMxw-3_bhI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/QseVkfbzh84/s1600/children-playing-games-humble-school-africa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yebu1dg_lnU/TiMxw-3_bhI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/QseVkfbzh84/s400/children-playing-games-humble-school-africa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630398676724575762" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPmUNrMM8Ts/TiMy8yhr2tI/AAAAAAAAAWY/hxveHHbrkhU/s1600/girls-dorm-foundation-humble-school-uganda-africa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPmUNrMM8Ts/TiMy8yhr2tI/AAAAAAAAAWY/hxveHHbrkhU/s400/girls-dorm-foundation-humble-school-uganda-africa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630399979079850706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLv_C9puNAE/TiMzTp1t6OI/AAAAAAAAAWg/w9fdwCMuJWc/s1600/crossroads-umc-mission-team-children-of-humble-school.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oLv_C9puNAE/TiMzTp1t6OI/AAAAAAAAAWg/w9fdwCMuJWc/s400/crossroads-umc-mission-team-children-of-humble-school.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630400371884943586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0XI6Tl5xvc/TiM0UtzyReI/AAAAAAAAAWo/8aG2UFmPoyI/s1600/volunteers-teachers-students-humble-school-africa.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0XI6Tl5xvc/TiM0UtzyReI/AAAAAAAAAWo/8aG2UFmPoyI/s400/volunteers-teachers-students-humble-school-africa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630401489642079714" border="0" /></a>WebTechManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14413862357129596203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-34413426681567608812011-07-11T10:48:00.000-04:002011-07-11T17:11:05.717-04:00U.S. Volunteers Returning From Uganda Africa<h1>Humble School Mission Team's Journey Home</h1><h3>Volunteers of Crossroads <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">UMC</span> Mission Team to Reunite with Families</h3>The volunteers of Crossroads <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">UMC</span> Mission Team for Humble School Uganda Africa met with the students before embarking on their 25 hour journey back to the United States of America.<br /><br />The team is doing well and their are on their final leg of their journey back to Dulles Airport, Washington DC, U.S. with expected arrival time of 2:32pm.<br /><br />Family and friends can see the mission team's current location in the flight map below.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">UPDATE JULY 11, 2011 - 2:32pm</span><br />I just got back from Dulles Airport a few minutes ago.<br />The mission team arrived safe-n-sound. Some of the mission team members from other parts of the United States will spend the night in the Washington DC area before their journey home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkymGi-BAwo/ThAHhqqmkMI/AAAAAAAAAPM/lvw-pZITddM/s400/children-of-humble-school-on-lawn.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zkymGi-BAwo/ThAHhqqmkMI/AAAAAAAAAPM/lvw-pZITddM/s400/children-of-humble-school-on-lawn.jpg" alt="Children of Humble School Uganda Africa" title="Children of Humble School Uganda Africa" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628108577033337602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmoOmkHD2Xs/ThJaVNYx9eI/AAAAAAAAATE/bsSVR8Pbf48/s400/mission-team-uganda-africa-2011.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmoOmkHD2Xs/ThJaVNYx9eI/AAAAAAAAATE/bsSVR8Pbf48/s400/mission-team-uganda-africa-2011.jpg" alt="U.S. Volunteers Returning From Uganda Africa" title="U.S. Volunteers Returning From Uganda Africa" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628108577033337602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><h2>Mission Team Flight Map</h2>Uganda Africa to Washington DC U.S.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ym1Yp-U8yBk/ThsO7otmuwI/AAAAAAAAAUw/jMhIPGBc83E/s1600/volunteers-journey-to-US.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?sensor=false&center=29.22889,-33.457038&zoom=2&size=500x300&markers=color:white%7Clabel:F%7Csize:mid%7C53.590251,-9.958616&markers=size:mid%7Ccolor:red%7Clabel:L%7C%7C51.503614,-0.124054&markers=size:mid%7Ccolor:red%7Clabel:U%7C1.37316,32.30896&path=color:blue%7Cweight:5%7C51.503614,-0.124054%7C1.37316,32.30896&path=color:blue%7Cweight:5%7C51.503614,-0.124054%7C53.590251,-9.958616&path=color:green%7Cweight:5%7C38.908133,-77.005005%7C53.590251,-9.958616&markers=color:green%7Clabel:W%7Csize:mid%7C38.908133,-77.005005" alt="U.S. Volunteers Returning From Uganda Africa" title="U.S. Volunteers Returning From Uganda Africa" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628108577033337602" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The Mission Team's flight from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Heathrow</span> Airport departed 24 minutes late, but they are expected to arrive at Dulles Airport at 2:32pm.<br /><br />W = Dulles Airport<br />F = flight<br />L = London<br />U = Ugnada<br />Red = Where they have been<br />Green = Where they are going<br /><br />You can get more details about their current flight <a href="http://www.flightstats.com/go/FlightStatus/flightStatusByFlight.do?id=232427072">here</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/api/staticmap?sensor=false&center=29.22889,-33.457038&zoom=2&size=500x300&markers=color:white%7Clabel:F%7Csize:mid%7C53.590251,-9.958616&markers=size:mid%7Ccolor:red%7Clabel:L%7C%7C51.503614,-0.124054&markers=size:mid%7Ccolor:red%7Clabel:U%7C1.37316,32.30896&path=color:blue%7Cweight:5%7C51.503614,-0.124054%7C1.37316,32.30896&path=color:blue%7Cweight:5%7C51.503614,-0.124054%7C53.590251,-9.958616&path=color:green%7Cweight:5%7C38.908133,-77.005005%7C53.590251,-9.958616&markers=color:green%7Clabel:W%7Csize:mid%7C38.908133,-77.005005">This map</a> was created using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Google's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">API</span>. You can quickly and easily create all kinds of maps for your blog or web site using <a href="http://code.google.com/apis/maps/documentation/staticmaps/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Google's</span> map and charts <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">APIs</span></a>.WebTechManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14413862357129596203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-61703402819196162022011-07-10T02:44:00.000-04:002011-07-10T02:44:01.846-04:00Acts of Random Kindness<h1>Good Gifts</h1><h3>How Children Remind Us of Good Things</h3>So today I arrived at Humble School and one of the girls walked up to me to greet me.. and went to shake my hand... which was weird for her.... then i realized she was secretly giving me something. I looked down and it was a necklace with a cross on it. Before i could thank her she was walking away.. turned back and smiled. awesome day.<br />
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- Jen Schoenmann <br />
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This story has challenged me to perform Acts of Random Kindness every day.<br />
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</div>WebTechManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14413862357129596203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-8210800470462070412011-07-10T01:53:00.000-04:002011-07-10T01:53:34.877-04:00Children of Humble School & Volunteers Share Gifts of Connection<h1>Children in Africa Share Gifts with Volunteers from U.S.</h1><h3>Celebrating Presence at Humble School Uganda Africa</h3><br />
The volunteers of the Humble School Mission Team (Crossroads UMC) returned to Humble School to find workers mixing and pouring cement to strengthen the foundation of the dormitory for the girls of Humble School. The workers and other volunteers were doing such a great job with the cement, the Mission Team was able to spend more time with the children.<br />
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Some of the mission team volunteers had the privilege of spending time with students and teachers in the Humble School classrooms. Other volunteers & students spent time learning more about each other between classes. The volunteers and teachers of the kindergarten class had fun teaching the kids how to sing, "You are my Sunshine". "It was a true gift to hear these beautiful children sing songs with such angelic voices".<br />
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The volunteers and children gathered for a celebration after the school day was over. The volunteers and teachers handed out scarves that Geraldine's group (back in the States) made for each child here at Humble School. The kids were very excited to get one of these colorful hand-made scarves. The mission team then gave each child one of the crosses that were hand-made by volunteers in Ashburn, Virginia USA. The children were so happy to have something that was made just for them. The children shared a few more stories before we attended fellowship time together.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzo2cSeFHg4/ThkefbE0BkI/AAAAAAAAAT0/WvH6Na7kKhA/s1600/gifts-for-children-at-humble-school-africa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzo2cSeFHg4/ThkefbE0BkI/AAAAAAAAAT0/WvH6Na7kKhA/s400/gifts-for-children-at-humble-school-africa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students of Humble UM School Uganda Africa</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<h3>Volunteers Making Gifts for Children at Humble School Africa</h3>The scarves people made for the kids at Humble School are beautiful. Volunteers all around the Northern Virginia area donate their skills making these scarves every day. The scarves are also sold in the United States and all the proceeds are donated to Humble School.<br />
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Volunteers created the crosses from planks of wood from trees that are native to North America. I learned new things about myself, my family, and my friends while volunteering with others on creating these crosses for the children in Africa. Its pretty amazing what can happen when you take a break from the normal routine and share a few simple stories.<br />
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</div>WebTechManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14413862357129596203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7361199692626718354.post-53778980885476453862011-07-09T23:03:00.000-04:002011-07-09T23:03:37.268-04:00Celebrating Independence in Africa<h1>The Charters of Freedom</h1><h3>A New World Is At Hand</h3>"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." - <a href="http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration.html">United States Declaration of Independence</a><br />
<h2>Celebrating Our Freedom in Africa</h2>While people in the United States were celebrating their <a href="http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html">independence</a>, the Crossroads UMC Mission Team celebrated with them. Dave Bennett coordinated with the staff of the hotel here in Africa to have a 4th of July party. The Mission Team enjoyed sharing stories while eating barbecue and cake (not easily found in most parts of Africa). Our new friends joined us for our fireworks show with sparklers. Everyone had fun sharing stories with each other and playing together, like kids.<br />
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<h2>South Sudan Celebrates Their Independence</h2><h3>A New Nation is Born</h3>A few days after the Mission Team celebrated their freedoms, a new nation was born. South Sudan Africa celebrates their freedom for the first time on July 9, 2011. <a href="http://edition.cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2011/07/09/elbagir.sudan.independence.cnn">See the CNN video of South Sudan's Independence Ceremony here</a>.<br />
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A few years ago I met with David Choat, South Sudan Diplomat to U.S. to learn more about this mission of freedom. Over the course of time I got to know other people supporting this mission: <span class="post-author vcard"><span class="fn">Esther Sprague, </span></span>Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, Tiseke Kasambala, Roger Winter (former State Department Special Representative for Sudan), and many more volunteers of <a href="http://www.gossmission.org/">GOSS Mission USA</a>.<br />
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Cathy Norman of Crossroads UMC in Ashburn, Virginia and other volunteers from the Washington DC Metro area were very determined to see peace in Africa and Freedom of South Sudan.<br />
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We worked together on Social Media Strategies to share this message of hope. This strategy included using <a href="http://facebook.com/">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/">Ustream</a>, <a href="http://www.skype.com/">Skype</a>, Blogs, & <a href="http://www.google.com/intl/en/about/products/">Google Tools</a> to share stories of hope.<br />
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I am humbled by the limitless compassion these volunteers have for others. I hope more people find the courage to share their stories with others.<br />
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Lessons Learned Along This Path Toward Freedom<br />
<ul><li>Never underestimate the power of an idea</li>
<li>Never underestimate the power of the people</li>
<li>Never underestimate the power of stories</li>
<li>Never underestimate the power of social media </li>
<li>Never give up hope</li>
</ul><br />
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