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Malawi NAOC: Building Project

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 17 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

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NAOC Malawi, Africa Overview

 

I hope you recall that Noah's Ark Orphan Care or NAOC, was founded by Nancy Sisco, sponsored by Christian Church International (CCI), and is headquartered in Blantyre, Malawi. If this is your first visit to my Squidoo Lens, please check out my two other lenses for lots more details and photos on NAOC.

As a Community Based Organization (CBO), we provide everything except a place to sleep for 30 children in Blantyre, and over 50 children in Metaketa (Zomba District). The program relies solely on the generosity of donors and sponsors (individuals, groups, businesses, churches, trusts, and foundations) thus far in the USA and Malawi.

Because of the HIV/Aids epidemic, the number of orphaned, and other vulnerable children needing assistance continued to increase. The house in Chirimba Township became increasingly too small!

Nancy began to pray and envisioned a new three-story multi-purpose building.

First, it would have to be large enough to have living space for her, her adopted Malawian daughter, Esther, and the four other orphans living with her.

Second, it would have classrooms, a library, an office, bathrooms, and an auditorium for music and drama presentations.

Where would this lovely facility be located AND would enough money come in to begin the construction??

Mchiru Mountain View

"Malawi's Heavenliest View" 

or did I leave you guessing?

As you can see God provided a most beautiful piece of land with a heavenly view! It's located within walking distance of the current location, so the children won't have much further to travel before and after school.

Pastor Nancy shares here, how the land happened to come into our hands:

"Several years ago, some friends in the States donated money to buy a piece of property, and a different parcel close to the current one was chosen and bought.

It contained a partially completed building. However, one day people were seen unloading a delivery of bricks to complete the building. Upon investigation, it was found there was a question of ownership. In negotiation, the currently owned property was offered in exchange.

Now we see God's hand in all of it, as this piece of land is far superior. It is quite a bit larger, sits high on a hill, and has views of the surrounding mountains from EVERY direction.

We praise Him, and through it all have learned to trust Him more and more."

Orphan Care Fundraising Can Be Fun! 

Some of my Flickr photos were taken when Nancy and Esther were home here in beautiful Michigan this summer. Their ten weeks here were very full and quickly flew by, but SO much was accomplished.

They went to doctor and dentist appointments, family and church gatherings, water parks and a zoo. Esther also celebrated her NINTH birthday!! :-)

They had several opportunities to share our progress with old friends, many donors and supporters, and also make new friends who were interested in helping the children at NAOC.

Maggie's hosting a "friends of NAOC" evening

Old and New Friends Express Their Interest

Let the Work Begin in Blantyre 

...or, "So they strengthened their hands for this good work." Neh:2:18b

During their summer visit in Flint 2007, Nancy met a young couple, Jeff and Sara Ryal, and their 11 year old daughter, Annamarie.

Jeff is the Missions Coordinator for his church, Faith Tabernacle, and is also "coincidentally" in the CONSTRUCTION business.

YES, can you believe it? Is this a God-thing, or what?

He had traveled on many construction missions trips; seven times in Peru, and had also worked in Jamaica, Belize, and twice in the US Gulf Coast.

So while looking over the blueprints, he was eager to help with the project, and after praying began to plan to take his family to Malawi the very next summer, Lord willing.

(L to R:Tim, Annamarie, Sara & Tim)

Americans in Malawi... 

...falling in love with the " Warm Heart of Africa"

The Lord was VERY willing, and even had another hard-working young man, Tim Rosa, travel with them for the five- week mission.

Here's a link to Jeff and Sara's Blog from their time in Blantyre! We're hoping she'll keep it updated, now that they're back home.

www.1-17.blogspot.com

Tim, Jeff and Sara at building site

NAOC Construction Well Underway! 

Jeff and Tim worked alongside the Malawian crew...

...and that was quite a witness to the Malawians. They said, "Usually the Americans just watch!"

Burnt bricks and Mchiru Mountains by cajean2

Burnt bricks and Mch...

Sand for the Construction Site by cajean2

Sand for the Constru...

Free Sand, Paid Workers by cajean2

Free Sand, Paid Work...

Taking a Rest by cajean2

Taking a Rest

Footings by cajean2

Footings

Mesh over Cement by cajean2

Mesh over Cement

Green Vistas by cajean2

Green Vistas

Kids in the "Bedroom" by cajean2

Kids in the "Be...

Deep Foundations by cajean2

Deep Foundations

Columns Without Boxes by cajean2

Columns Without Boxe...

Column Forms by cajean2

Column Forms

Seven Boxed columns by cajean2

Seven Boxed columns

Measuring Up by cajean2

Measuring Up

NAOC Building: 40' By 60' by cajean2

NAOC Building: 40' B...

Tim Rosa, Annamarie, Sara & Jeff Ryal by cajean2

Tim Rosa, Annamarie,...

Veranda- Tim & Ryals by cajean2

Veranda- Tim & R...

town side by cajean2

town side

side lintels by cajean2

side lintels

Pastor's future bedroom by cajean2

Pastor's future bedr...

Pastor Elisha visits the NAOC site by cajean2

Pastor Elisha visits...

Keeping The NAOC Vision Real Back Home

Tonight Jeff and Sara, and Tim, shared their hearts for helping the orphans at NAOC, and what they learned from Malawians.

Even though things tend to move s-l-o-w-l-y that side, there was a sense of urgency to get the building up as fast as possible...BECAUSE it means saving more lives!

They asked everyone to pray about sponsoring a child's education in private school, having a well drilled, and about the possibility of international adoption!

Private Schooling A Must... 

...For a Real Education

Government schools in Malawi aren't yet up to par: children attend just four hours a day, class size often OVER 100, education is only free to eighth grade, and textbooks were just recently available for the very first time.

During the rainy season, it pours all day, every day...so many kids are sent home...especially those that have class outside under a big tree!

If the children don't quickly gain a very good command of English, then ALL other subjects will suffer immensely.


P.S. Poll answer is on a sticky note on Noah's Ark Orphan Care lens.

Loading poll. Please Wait...

"What I Learned in Malawi" by Tim Rosa

NAOC Building News Update

The building project has temporarily come to a halt until more money comes in.

We DON'T charge materials and get into debt, but we DO seriously pray and trust the Lord. He's always provided at the right time.

NAOC Building Project Stops For Now 9/20/08

Would you like to help support the children and building project at NAOC?

Donor info here:

NAOC is sponsored by (but separate from) Christian Church International headquartered in Flint, MI, USA.

All donations and gifts are tax exempt under CCI's 501-c3 status. Checks may be made out to Noah's Ark Orphan Care, and mailed to:

Noah's Ark Orphan Care
c/o CCI
P. O. Box 13408
Flint, MI 48501

Thank you for your interest! :-)

Marie and Evelyn (piggyback) on Mom

NAOC Update: Evelyn... 

...is recovering after her accident! (see Ryals Blog link above)

There was an accident one day, shortly after the children were approved to attend NAOC.

While crossing the road on her way to eat lunch there, Evelyn (about eight years old) was hit by a minibus.

Her body was thrown into the air, and her older sister Marie ran screaming that her little sister was dead! Nancy and other adults rushed to the site, but she had already been taken to hospital. She was unconscious for many days with a concussion, an injured hip, and a broken leg.

Thankfully,after much prayer Evelyn rallied and was discharged just last week. Her mother carries her everywhere, while she waits for crutches to be made.

The other children were afraid to cross the road for sometime, but now are happy to come eat, study, and play at NAOC.

Evelyn Walks Without Crutches

Evelyn Has Recovered 

Note From Pastor Nancy...



Hi Everyone!

I thought you might like to see a photo of Evelyn walking. The mother came with her to get money to take her to hospital for a check-up. She showed me that she can now walk without her crutches. We praised the Lord!

She looked so cute in her new dress. We finally had opportunity to buy clothes for each of the children. I sent two of the older kids to market, and for about $7 USD, they bought each of the girls one dress, and Ivan, a shirt and shorts.

NAOC News Update

As of September 19, 2008 the price of a 50kg. bag of maize has skyrocketed from K800 to K1000 to now OVER K3000. That's approximately $18 per bag, and we use one bag each week!

Donations received at this time count toward purchasing more maize before it shoots up again.

Stocking Up On Maize

Malawian Videos: Song, Dance and More 


Introducing Malawi Orphans To Frisbee Freestyle

Runtime: 5:14
705 views
4 Comments:


Palibe Ofana Naye

Runtime: 0:48
1915 views
3 Comments:


wamoyo

Runtime: 1:05
1102 views
3 Comments:


Oh, King of kings

Runtime: 0:44
88 views
0 Comments:


kids in Malawi school

Runtime: 0:53
1027 views
0 Comments:


MalawiMission.org missionary interviews three boys in Malawi

Runtime: 1:01
247 views
0 Comments:

Malawi Related News 

Trying to keep it uplifting

Stories on Malawi: Education for girls is key to brighter future in Malawi
Education is the key for Malawian girls to overcome the cultural definition of a woman's place in their society. Read more about the recent opening of "Girls On The Move School".
DFID | News | DFID signs England stars to spread AIDS awareness
Three British football (soccer) stars are spreading help and hope in Malawi. Young people are listening to the warning from the young men that play their very favorite sport.
ESCOM Begins Laying Fiber Optic Cables
This will be so helpful...

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has started laying fiber-optic cables that will connect Mozambique with the Zambian border town of Mchinji to ease communication problems.
Malawi: Better Roads Lead to More money
In order to get their produce to market, Malawian farmers need a much better road system. Read more about the problems and possible solutions here.
Marysville doctor opens care center in Malawi - NewsFlash - mlive.com
Dr. Rod McLane, a chiropractor in Marysville, MI is working with Hope Endeavors and partnering with SOM (Save Orphans Ministries) in Lilongwe,Malawi,Africa.

It's great to see so many new Michigan links to Malawi!

Small world: Jeff Ryal, who "coincidentally" knows his brother in law, met with him a few weeks back.

The rest of us in the Flint area hope to meet up with him and brainstorm very soon.
BBC NEWS | Africa | Drugs 'slash' Malawi Aids deaths
Distributing Aids drugs in Malawi has massively cut the death rate, an official says.

NAOC : Stateside Fellowship, Fun, and Focus

Fascinatin' Facts... 

...and some cool links!

Please read on for in depth background on all things Malawian!
Malawi Facts (Lake Malawi, Multi Party, Africa) @ Wretchedness.org
The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast and Mozambique, which surrounds it on the east, south and west and it is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by…
Vestergaard Frandsen : LifeStraw®
LifeStraw, PermaNet, and ZeroFly are three innovative products being used in third world countries and sub-Saharan Africa. They're greatly reducing the numbers of people,especially children, that are afflicted by mosquito, fly, and water-born diseases.
    
Jewelry for Charity - How Jewelry Makers Help Important Causes
Discover how jewelry artists are using their jewelry for charity and other causes in a variety of ways, in this inspiring article by Margaret Shuster.

This great article inspires me to create themed based pieces to add to my Etsy collection for NAOC in Malawi,Africa!
Tabernacle replica at Cornerstone University will help African AIDS orphans - Latest News - The Grand Rapids Press - MLive.com
If you visit the Tabernacle in Grand Rapids, MI, you'll be helping Aids orphans in Africa. The display is open through October 2008.

Pastor Elisha Visits NAOC Building Site

Construction: Malawi Style 

Via Email from Pastor Nancy


"These are the walls of the first floor. They have now reached to the top of the support columns.

Next the workers added the cement lintel. It's a layer of cement around the entire top of the building, with steel rods above the windows and doors.

Above that will be three or four rows of brick which will take us to the next cement slab...the ceiling/floor of the second floor.

The lighter colored bricks are the foundation, and the first floor begins where the darker bricks are added."

We use a lot of steel supports, which are very costly, but VERY necessary for safety!

New NAOC Flagpole: Shadreck, Accompanied by Oscar ;-)

Any Good Reports, Kudos, Bon Mots... 

...and your name, of course!

Please leave your comments and kind thoughts for me here :-)

AslanBooks wrote...

A very nice lens. I have featured it on my lens about Maria Sue Chapman, adopted Chinese daughter of Steven Curtis Chapman. She was tragically killed in a car accident in May 2008. You can read more about her at http://www.squidoo.com/mariasuechapman.

ReplyPosted November 21, 2008

Lensmaster

Steff wrote

God's hand can certainly be seen in this wonderful work. All glory to Him!

Reply Posted November 21, 2008

Comfortdoc wrote...

Welcome to the HIV / AIDS Awareness Group. You've done a great job in helping to get the word out on this cause.

ReplyPosted November 16, 2008

alteredkat wrote...

Inspirational lens! Bravo! 5*
...thanks by the way, for visiting my lens recently.

ReplyPosted November 11, 2008

lens4Him wrote...

Wonderful informative and inspirational lens! God is clearly at work here.

Thank you for adding my Christian Worship Music lens to your favorites

ReplyPosted November 10, 2008

Comfortdoc wrote...

Welcome to the Giving Back / Altruism Group.

ReplyPosted October 30, 2008

Zion wrote...

Wow! This is a great info for all of us.
I really like your lens! so I gave you 5*.. how about that?!...
Please try to stop by my lens. I would really much appreciate if you could rate mine too!
Thank you so much!

Zion
http://www.squidoo.com/effective-best-acne-treatment-info

ReplyPosted October 24, 2008

spirituality wrote...

This lens is an inspiration. Thanks for making it.

ReplyPosted October 18, 2008

eccles1 wrote...

wonderful lens! I love the pictures too and how green it still is

ReplyPosted September 24, 2008

KimGiancaterino wrote...

Wonderful lens... Welcome to the Help Africa Group. Squid Angel Blessings!

ReplyPosted September 22, 2008

 
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Cajean

About Cajean

Hi there,

Just a bit of background info:

I've been a self-employed hairstylist for over 31 years, an independent beauty consultant for 15 years, and a jewelry designer for three years. I'll probably make a lens for Graceful Lady Creations one day soon, after I make a few more for NAOC! I have an Etsy link on the bottom of "NoahsArkOrphanCare" Lens ...please take a look. Ten percent of profits go to NAOC.

As you can see, I'm NOT thinking about retirement just yet!

I've been married to the love of my life for 27 very blessed years, and have four adult step-children, and four adult step-grandchildren. Now that should give you an idea of my age! ;o)

We've been serving the Lord together for 27 years. We volunteer at a local after school program, Noah's Ark (not NAOC) for over ten years now, with other folks from our church; Christian Church International in Flint, Michigan.

We were able to visit Malawi, "The Warm Heart of Africa", six years ago, and saw the early stages of Noah's Ark Orphan Care. I'm very excited to see the second phase of NAOC in Metaketa, in the building project in Blantyre, AND now a third phase is ready to begin in a different area in Malawi.

I am so very blessed to be able to help these needy children in any way I can. And I was SO happy to find Squidoo and learn how easy it is to make pages...well, after a bit of practice! Right now this is the only way we can afford a web site for our labor of love in Malawi. ALL proceeds from my various NAOC Lenses will go to NAOC!

Cajean is a nickname my late Grandpa Van gave me as a little girl, and it always brings back very fond memories of him. :-)

Cajean's Pages

See all of Cajean's pages