Seeds of Hope Africa

Sahelian Dreams...

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:39:00 +0000

are all that's left of the latest mission to Niger. Joel and I arrived in Niger, greeted by a flurry of activity in Niamey. After lots of meetings, greetings, and negotiations with old friends, artisans,and taxi drivers, we hopped on a bus to head home to Garin Maigari.

Ibrihim and Muntari have been taking care of the accounting in my absence, and I'm so thankful to call them partners and friends. Joel was introduced to my village, friends, and Chief, then was off to play soccer with the kids! He adjusted in no time at all...except maybe to the food and 120 degree heat and 90% humidity... ;)
It was amazing to have him there and see him interact with my villagers (none of which speak a word of English by the way). He found a way to communicate and they loved him, telling me over and over that "kin iya zabe", in short, "you know how to pick'em."

Joel passed the novice stage of deep sand moto driving after our first trip out, then we were on the road quite a bit. He got to encounter the Seeds of Hope women's groups working in existing project villages, and the new villages we added on this trip. The excitement, and subsequent yodelling screams of glee were deafening to his virgin ears, but he's now quite an expert at his own rendition. We gave our approval to many goats, enjoyed the babies, praised the savings and loan work the women are doing, and heard many thanks as we walked out of each and every meeting. Many of the groups now have over $200.00 in their savings box that is available to them if and when they need a loan. This availability of money alone has opened up a world of possibilities to these women.

The days were long and hot, but flew by, and soon we were on our way out. Yet again, the dreadful goodbyes. Joel's acquired love for my second home was perfect, but unfortunate in that the goodbyes were that much worse. There were more tears shed this time around than any other. Being that most tears were from women who don't even cry during childbirth, it was a hard goodbye.

There really is no place like home, even if it is a mud hut. But I am excited to introduce Azurfa, my fair trade business venture in cooperation with the silver artisans of Niger, to Minnesota and beyond. We are booking home parties this Fall to showcase the incredible silver work and design of the Taureg silversmiths in the form of rings, pendants, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. With the creation of this entity, and with 10% of all profits going to Seeds of Hope Africa, I hope our next journey will be coming up soon. I think Joel is game too...the Amoebic dysentary wasn't thaaaat bad. ;)

Thank you again for all of the donations, gifts, well wishes and support that so many have given to make Seeds of Hope Africa something real for the women and children of Niger. Keep the goats comin', I promise they will make their way to happy, dirty, and very hot home. (And in Niger, that's not a bad thing!) :)

Allah bada alheri,

Zoulleha

Back to Niger countdown- July 24th is coming soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 20:07:00 +0000

Just a quick update after a very busy spring!

I will be heading back to Niger on July 24th. I'm happy to say that my partner Joel will be joining me on this adventure. We will be in Niger from July 24th to August 21st. He is excited to meet the women of Seeds of Hope Africa or Alkawalin Cigiba Mata as we call them in Niger (Women with a Promise for the Future.)
We'll be working on follow up meetings with current groups, and In sh'Allah, if God wills it, we will also be expanding out to another village bringing our total to 11 villages and over 400 women!
It's truly an amazing gift to be able to bring this work to the women of Niger.
Thank you for your contributions.

Zoulleha

Different perspectives...

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:23:00 +0000

Talking about the economy with a few girlfriends the other night, I realized how "split" my personality really is...
One of them was talking about how this generation of kids are going to live a different life than past generations in that their parents can't give them everything they want. She looked at me wide eyed when I responded with a "really...I don't know."
Although I see the impact of the economy all around me, I guess I've spent too much time in a mud hut to think of the situation as life threatening. Yes, our reality here may change, and the luxuries we've enjoyed may be fewer, but ultimately most of us will still have food to eat.
Coming from a place where life is always at stake, hope just seems a bit easier to hang onto I guess. We can survive.

A big Thank You to all of you who have donated in these trying times. You're keeping hope alive around the world. We acknowledge you for your generosity and kindness. The people in Niger send their gratitude. "Mun gode!!!"

With hope,
Zoulleha

Ibrihim and Muntari- Meet the SoHA Nigerien Team

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:59:00 +0000

As I was riding through the sand, the motorcycle shifting from side to side, I realized that I couldn't think of two people with whom I would rather share this vision. I was wishing that we would get to the next village and that the motorcycle was bigger to accomodate the three of us, but if I did have to be on a motorcycle with two others, I'm glad it was them.

Ibrihim
Ibrihim is the son of the chief of Garin Maigari. When I moved into Garin Maigari 13 years ago, the chief told him "You take care of her." That was the beginning of our friendship, long conversations over tea, trips to the field, question/answer sessions about life in America, and even advice on women since he was married just two weeks after I moved into the village.

Muntari
Muntari is Ibrihim's best friend and therefore became mine as well. He is somewhat of a comedian and when Ibrihim came over at the end of a long day to check in, Muntari was never far behind. Muntari is a true entrepreneur and has acquired a motorcycle, small mud hut "store" in the village, two wives and six kids. (We've had many discussions about birth control and Muntari has assured me that six is enough!)

Ibrihim and Muntari compose our Nigerien SoHA team. They take on the responsibility of checking in on the women's groups in each village and reporting back on their progress. After a long conversation a few days ago, I'm pleased to hear that all is well. Many births, no deaths, and the women are diligently making their monthly deposits into their microfinance savings and loan fund.
Both men passed on the blessings of good fortune from the women and I asked them to pass on my greetings and thanks for their commitment to success of the project.

Muntari said to me, "Zoulleha, na yi mahwelki bisa ga tahiya America", I have dreams of going to America.
I've told them in the past that my dream is to bring them here to visit, meet my family and share this world with them. They understand the challenges of money and time involved and that it will take time to make this dream come true. I'm sure he could hear the longing in my voice when I responded, "Nima Muntare, ina da waccan mahwelki kuma", Me too Muntari, I have that dream too.

Seeds of Hope Africa; Life in a mud hut

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 14:18:00 +0000

Letter to the Editor of the Independent Review;

Waking up to a high pitched little voice yelling "Wayna mai tubshi!", announcing to the village the millet cakes her mother is making and selling, that's how my mornings start. (I can only expect so much from my treasured earplugs.) I stay a few extra moments tucked into my mosquito net, listening to the bustle going on around me and enjoying the cool morning air. As breakfast seekers peer over the millet stalk fence surrounding my yard to see if I'm still sleeping, I quickly close my eyes to savor the last few minutes of tranquility for the day. Once they know I'm awake, the barrage of visitors on their way to the fields and hundreds of curious little eyes eager to watch my every move will descend.

The hut that the chief of the village, my Nigerien father, built me is within his concession/yard. The millet stalk fence surrounding my space is a token separation at best since at any given time I can look up to find each hole in the fence filled with a little face eager to see what Zoulleha is going to do next. I'm excited to say that my latrine is in the process of being constructed and should be done in a couple days. I have just a few weeks left in the village to enjoy this rare luxury in the African bush. There are only two other latrines in my village, one of which was just dug last week. I've been making trips to my friend Muntare's house to use his "facility" when need be.

The Seeds of Hope Africa goat loan meetings have been full of enthusiasm, gratitude, group photos, and irresistible baby goats. We have followed up with the existing women's groups finding that they have taken ownership of the project, solved any challenges that have arisen, and are utterly grateful for the "alheri", goodness, they've received. Many of the groups have taken advantage of the goat loan project caisse, or bank, that each participant contributes to each month. The money is foremost used for goat veterinary needs or replacement in the case of a death, but also for members to borrow for use in income generating activities such as the sale of peanut oil processed from raw peanuts and making/selling millet cakes. The loans are repaid, with interest, and the reserves have grown.

We have named the Seeds of Hope Africa goat loan project Alkawalin Cigaba Mata, a Hausa phrase meaning; women fulfilling the promise of tomorrow.

Ibrihim and Muntare, two close friends from my village, as well as the involved Peace Corps Volunteers, have been instrumental in being our eyes and ears on the ground in my absence. They will be doing meetings every two months with each village and communicating progress reports. The facts that cell phone service is available now, and that Muntare has a motorcycle for transport to each village makes this all possible.

Yesterday, after a less than comfortable ride, three deep on a motorcycle, we arrived at the prospective SoHA villages. We met with the chiefs and gave a brief explanation of the project, then asked the town crier to gather the women. Within an hour, we had the available women gathered on mats under a tree, ready to hear the news. The meetings were met with cheers, blessings, and assurances that they will have the group leaders elected and lists of participants organized by our follow up meeting this coming week. Each group is required to show this initiative in order to receive the funding necessary to buy the goats.

Time is flying by, and sooner than later, I know I will be driving down the lovely, smooth Minnesota roads thinking about these women shouting their blessings and thanks as we get up to leave the village. Each meeting, I share with them that the money for the goats has come from other women, mothers, and families in America who have heard about them and have passed on their hard earned money so that they may live a little better here in Niger. "May God give them goodness and wealth", "May God help them when they need it most", "Give them our thanks", "We thank you", are just a few of the words that follow us as we walk to the motorcycle to pile on and head through the sand to the next destination. So to all of you who have given of yourself to make this all possible, hear those blessings and words of thanks, they are for you.

Sincerely,

Zoulleha

Angela Kieffer
Seeds of Hope Africa
PO Box 50482
Minneapolis, MN 55405
ph# 651-285-4727

www.seedsofhopeafrica.org

To the world you may be one person,
But to one person you may be the world.

To the field with Sayaba

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:29:00 +0000

As Ibrihim and Muntari head off in the morning to the market to buy the goats, I trek to the field with Sayaba, Ibrihim's wife of 12 years. She is a fiesty young woman who speaks her mind and enjoys joking around, often at my expense. I love her and find a familiarity in the rare connection she shares with her husband. She is, and has been, his only wife which is not common in this Muslim culture.
Ibrihim and Sayaba got married just 2 weeks after I arrived in Garin Maigari as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I distinctly remember not liking her in the beginning. As I struggled to learn Hausa, her loud brash comments often landed heavily upon me. But over the years, I have learned much about Sayaba, and the Hausa women as a whole. Although they are suppressed and clearly expected to live subordinate to their husbands, they carry pride in their children and their ability to be the women of the house. They joke with each other, laugh loudly at their shortcomings, and quietly support each other in times of need. Most clearly stated, they tell it how it is.
I have learned a lot from these women; learned to laugh at myself and much to their delight, have learned to laugh with them. Sayaba has taken to calling me "Jagwara" which means "divorced woman". And I, in turn, call her "Uwargida" or "first wife", insinuating that I will marry Ibrihim and live as her co-wife. Traditionally, the first wife rules over the second wife and has the ability to delegate household duties to her. In this concept lies the joke as we list off the facts that I can't pound millet, prepare hura (millet porridge)or tuwo (millet pate), and of course, I've voiced my opinion that 2 kids would be plenty.
As we pull up peanut plants and lay them out to dry, we laugh together and move on to discuss serious issues including birth control, domestic abuse, and girl's education. Over the last 12 years, Sayaba has become a wife, a mother of three, and has grown up and figured out a lot about being a woman. And as I listen to her talk, ask her questions and discuss possible solutions to these issues, I realize that so have I.

Zoulleha
(Written 10/10/2008 from the village of Garin Maigari)

Goats Galore!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:40:00 +0000

Happy to say that the goat buying is underway! Unfortunately, my presence at the market would artificially inflate the goat prices, so I patiently wait at the village for the new arrivals to be herded home.

The meetings have gone well and we have selected three new villages to begin goat loans as well as doubling the project size in Garin Maigari. The women have been ecstatic about the opportunity and have shown this not only through their words of gratitude, but through their actions.

In the village of Gaden Iyya, we arrived to find the women gathering and getting ready for our second meeting. Following our protocal, we had had the initial informational meeting where all the women gather to get an understanding of how the project works and we announce that our next meeting will be in 3 days to evaluate their ability to participate and sustain the goat loan project.
As they had been advised, these women had selected a president, secretary, and treasurer for each group along with the amount that they would each be depositing into the SoHA savings and loan bank each month. They proudly brought out their notebooks showing us their lists, adding that they had in fact already made their first monthly deposit. Sannu da kokari! Greetings on your effort!
In a culture where women are not allowed to take initiative in most areas of their lives, they have shown that they are able and ready to take the initiative to not only benefit, but make this work sustainable.

As is customary in their culture, each women's group chooses a male representative to oversee the market affairs of buying the goats as well as herding them home to the village. We need to visit 3 different markets to fill our quota and make sure all are getting the best (and sometimes already pregnant) goats. Along with our SoHA representatives, Ibrihim and Muntari, the group reps arrive at the market,choose the best goats, bargain with the owners and decide on a price. When they have selected and bought all the goats, they slowly herd them to the kungiya's (womens group president's) concession where all the women will gather to claim their treasure.

The women are excited as young messengers run from hut to hut passing along the news that the goats have arrived. The group presidents arrive first with the project notebook to follow the list and hand out the animals to women as they arrive.
I greet the women, wish them luck, and answer the myriad of blessings bestowed on me and all who have donated to make this possible with a simple "Amin", over and over again.

It's nearly dark and all the goats have made their way to their new homes when Ibrihim, Muntare and I reconvene. I congratulate them on a job well done, talk about any challenges they may have faced, and go over the plans for the coming market day. As I head to my hut for my bucket bath under the moonlight and dinner, I again smile at the beauty of all of the people coming together to help make life better for a woman and her family in Niger, one goat at a time, and I say a few blessings of my own.

Zoulleha
(Written October 16th, 2008 in the village of Garin Maigari)

Life will find a way...

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:27:00 +0000

1. I named her Maimaiki, or Surprise, after I met her at my hotel upon my arrival as this tiny little thing lead me to her three babies.
2. The sunset over the Niger River.
3. She earned the name Maigari, or Chief, being the only girl and definitely in charge of the litter.
4. If you think Minnesota thunderstorms are spectacular, you should experience the rain in Niger.
5. The sheep were eating carboard... life will find a way.
6. Just me, showing off my deluxe hut at the training site, electricity and all!

Rainy season in Niger- the time when you can clearly see how Africa is the soul of humanity.

I have been working training new volunteers since the end of June, catching up on my Hausa language skills, and generally, enjoying life here in Niger again. I've been living at the training site which is about 35 kilometers outside Niamey. When the 46 wide eyed recruits showed up in July, it was like deja vu. It's been an incredible experience watching them learn, adjust, and struggle through the turmoils and joys of life here. They will do wonderful things here, and for that, I'm so grateful.

Now that cell phones are common here, I've had the opportunity to talk to my villagers in Garin Maigari, tell them I'm here, and that I'm coming out east at the end of September. My chief said "Ina diban hanya don diyata." (I'm watching the road for my daughter.)

The millet is looking good in most of the country, all are anxious for the harvest, to say the least. Organizations have been distributing food throughout the country in the driest regions for a few months now. Animal prices are low as desperation peaks before the harvest. Prices should be back up in the Maradi region by early October when we start to open up our new Seeds of Hope Africa goat villages.

Stay tuned for more information as I will soon be posting our new Hausa language goat loan project name! We want the women to be able to identify their loan work with a name they can pronounce!

Allah bada alheri.

Zoulleha

Update from PCV Alisa Jeffrey- Village of Guidan Nadoli

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Tue, 27 May 2008 05:31:00 +0000

Hi Angela!
I hope this email finds you well! Life has been great these last few
months. I'm getting my field ready for planting and work is moving
along slowly as usual.
The goat project is going strong in Guidan Nadoli. We have meetings
every few weeks to check in on all the women. I also have small
meetings with the three leaders as often as possible to make sure that
i'm involved. The women are still excited about having goats or
knowing that they will have one soon. Many have even named their
goats... Or have asked me to name them. We have Fuzzy, Rocko, Mary
Lou, and other names to come soon.
A couple weeks ago there was some sort of viral disease spreading
amongst the goats. A few of the project goats got sick. Luckily, they
all recovered. Once that drama was over we encountered another dilema.
The last adult male goat died. I sat down with the leaders of the
group to discuss what we would do. We decided that there was not
enough money in the caisse to pay for a goat. They acknowledged that
it would be wise to save money. I was proud of them so I offered a
loan. I paid half, they paid half. Come harvest they will reimburse
me.
I guess that is it for my update. Here are some photos! Enjoy!
Sai Anjima!
Alisa

Funds and Big News!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Tue, 27 May 2008 05:10:00 +0000

Salaam Aleykum!
Peace Be With You!

Thank you to everyone who joined in and contributed for our May 1st event at the studio of Another Land and the Amias Project. Nichole Smaglick, president, did an incredible job presenting on the Barabaig people in east Africa and the collaboration of their work. Seeds of Hope Africa received nearly $600 from individual donors as well as through a portion of Another Land sales that evening. The efforts of Another Land in supporting SoHa is so appreciated!

Now for the Big News!

I am ecstatic to say that I will be joining the staff of Peace Corps Niger on
June 26th for a three month contract as the Municipal and Community Development Technical Trainer! This work consists of training the new volunteers as they enter Niger and ready themselves for their two years service.
I look forward to sharing my 12 year passion of Niger and sustainable development work with these trainees. I remember well those first moments, days, and weeks, at the training site, trying to figure out what I had gotten myself into...
It is exciting to face the challenge of bringing these trainees the best knowledge, spirit, and understanding of living in Niger as a PCV. It is not easy, but definitely, "the toughest job you'll ever love."

After receiving wonderful "village updates" from PCVs working with SoHA in their villages, I also look forward to visiting them again and personally thanking them for their involvement and remarkable progress. Please see the following posts for their updates and photos!

With hope,

Zoulleha

New Photos!

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 19:39:00 +0000

Please check out our "Photo" page as a slideshow of Niger trip photos have now been published!

Art Crawl for Seeds of Hope Africa

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:08:00 +0000

Two Midwestern Women Bringing East and West Africa Together-May 1st,2008;

Art Crawl for Seeds of Hope Africa
Give a Goat!
It's thoroughly Good! Good for women in Niger, Good for women in Tanzania and Good meaningful shopping for you.

The Amias Project is hosting an intimate soiree as a benefit for Seeds of Hope Africa, a Minnesota non-profit that is ending childhood malnutrition by providing rural women in Niger with goats. This is an exclusive event in the heart of the artist district in NE Minneapolis in our Amias Project studio. The evening will begin with hors d'oeuvres and wine in the studio followed by a mesmerizing presentation on the 'behind the scenes' with the Barabaig men and women of The Amias Project. Afterwards, you will set out to explore 150 additional artist studios for the Northrup King Building's art crawl. It will be a night to remember! Plus, it's good for Seeds of Hope Africa (Niger) AND Barabaig women (Tanzania)!

The cost to attend is a donation of $10. Or, you may choose to give $35 which will also give a goat to Seeds of Hope Africa.

Included:

Hors d'oeuvres and wine

Exclusive access to our studio before the art crawl begins

Fascinating presentation on the nomadic, polygamous Barabaig culture and The Amias Project

The Amias Project will donate 10% of all sales to Seeds of Hope Africa

Exploration of the 150 studios in the Northrup King Building during their monthly art crawl
Thursday, May 1, 5:00 pm
Northrup King Building, Studio #263,
1500 Jackson St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Directions.

For tickets online visit www.amias.org and click under "Shop" and "Specials" to find the event.

For more info, email amias@anotherland.com or call us at 612-821-6465.

Mine House

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:42:00 +0000

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, the village is required to provide a mud hut to their resident Volunteer for their 2+ year stay. My hut happened to be an existing one that was walled off from the rest of a family's "concession" or yard. After my service ended, the family opened the wall to again use the hut.

On previous visits, I had stayed in the vacant hut of my old neighbor's son. He is one of few in the village who secured an education and makes a living working for the Nigerien electrical company in the north.

This time, upon my homecoming, I entered the village and made my way to the "Maigari", the chief of the village, who calls me "diyata", my daughter. I find him sitting out under a tree near his house. He warmly greets me, and smiles abound as we find each other in health and happiness. The wave of relief again passes through me as it does with every return when I see him alive and well. I remember the many days I've spent sitting under this tree with him and the village elders in the past, learning Hausa proverbs, and learning about life.

I present him with a new digital watch I bought for him, explain the buttons,functions, and tell him that it is set to "kuka", cry, around 2pm, one of the five daily prayer times in Islam. I joke with him that it won't let him forget to pray, and he laughs. Last time I saw him, he brought out a Timex Ironman I had given him a few years earlier, wrapped up in a cloth and broken into about 10 pieces. During the rainy season, a wall had collapsed, the watch underneath. He took it to the watch/radio/anything that runs on batteries repairman to no avail. Needless to say, he was smitten with his new gift.

We continued to talk and share greetings, every few minutes repeating, "Kana lahiya?", "You're well, right?", in true Hausa fashion. He throws in a "Howa you? I'n fine.", to show me that he hasn't forgotten the English I taught him so many years ago. He then points to his concession where he lives with his family, and I notice an addition. "Dikinki" he says, and smirking with cleverness, he adds, "mine house, I'n goin to mine house."

It's for me.
He built his daughter a house.

Zoulleha
Seeds of Hope Africa
To the world you may be one person,
But to one person you may be the world.

"By the Hausa calendar...

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:16:00 +0000

or "your" calendar? You know, they are not the same..."

February 16th, 2008
We've organized the second women's meeting in Garen Maigari and are working to establish the first day that the women will begin depositing money into the "caisse"- their bank reserve for the goat loan project.

By the Hausa calendar, they decide to make their monthly deposits ont he 3rd day of every month. Each of the initial 40 women will deposit 250CFA (40 cents) per month which will be used in such cases of replacing a goat that dies or buying medicine to remedy an ailment in the herd of loaned goats. Eventually, as the caisse grows, these women will be able to administer microloans to each other for individual income generating activities. Buying millet during the harvest season at it's lowest price to sell for a high price later on, and buying peanuts to make oil and kuli-kuli (dried peanut pulp), would be common examples.

My patience leaves me for a moment as the chaos expands to the outer circles of women in the group and I am having a difficult time even hearing Ibrihim answer questions although he is standing next to me.
"KU SAURAURA, KU SAURAURA, DON ALLAH!" / "LISTEN EVERYONE, LISTEN, FOR GOD'S SAKE!"
"MU BA YARA BA, WANNAN BABBATU KAMAR TARON YARA, DON ALLAH, BARI HIRA EN JI ABINDA MUKE CE!"
"WE AREN'T CHILDREN, THIS SOUNDS LIKE A CHILDREN'S MEETING. FOR GOD'S SAKE, QUIT TALKING AND LISTEN TO WHAT'S BEING SAID!"

The women quit their chatter for about 45 seconds, and the murmur again starts to build.
But, I smile.
As I scan the group, I see the faces of women here who live the tradition of "cloistering", they are bound to their home during daylight hours, only able to visit friends ro venture out with their husband's permission under the cover of darkness. Cloistering is not only a show of faith in Islam, but one of wealth since the husband has to pay for someone to pull water and retrieve firewood, tasks commonly undertaken by his wife/wives.
There are many cloistered women who've been allowed to attend this day meeting in hopes of receiving a goat. Their excitement, and inability to quit chatting is understandable.

Sai hankuri.
Have patience.

My astonishment, a tightness in my chest,

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:09:00 +0000

surprises me as we taxi into the docking bay at the airport. We've just landed at JFK International airport in New York and one of the first things I notice is all the light posts... on the tarmac...along the freeways. I'm again overcome with the realization that although enlightened in so many ways, the illumination that our developed world offers keeps us from so many simple pleasures, like the breathtaking glory of the stars from horizon to horizon. A true wonder each night in the Saharan sky.

I'm back to this home again.

The journey was incredible, more difficult than even I imagined, but also more complete. The village meetings, the joyful women, old friends, market day chaos, riding three strong on a motorcycle through the bush. Niger.
The gifts given by so many of you, and the opportunities to share these gifts.
I can still hear the grateful blessings over and over and feel the reached out hands as I walk out of each village on our journey of giving.

Now, walking along the jetway into the airport, I can't help but smile when I look down at my black boots. All the crevices are filled with the red sand/dust that has permeated my clothes, hair, and feet, since setting foot on Nigerien ground.
I think of the crowd of little dusty faces and the bellowing cheers as I make my way through the village feeling like the pied piper blowing bubbles along the way...

Since I was not able to post blogs along the way, I have recorded them and will be adding them here as time allows.
So many stories, thoughts, and emotions that I would like to share. Please come back to visit this week to catch a glimpse of the beauty gleaned from this "other world", and to hear about the success we've had in planting Seeds of Hope.

To the world you may be one person,
but to one person you may be the world.

Zoulleha

Big Dreams!

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:23:00 +0000

Im so pleased to announce, from this crazy keyboqrd in the basement of the Casablanca airport, that we hit our goal of 10,000 dollars!!!

Can you all believe it. I finally can.
As I sit here, Ive been up for over 30 hours now, after a 3 hour night of sleep, and all I can think about is getting there and getting the goats rolling in!

I picked up a copy of Anderson Coopers newest book, Dispatches from the Edge, and felt even more inspired.
Niger is one of his 4 featured stories, he covered the famine of 2005. I felt an immediate connection to this wildly successful and courageous journalist as I read his words on Niger.
On page 87, talking of his thoughts while inflight to Niger; "I worry that if I get too complacent; Ill lose all feeling; all sensation." Then speaking of being on his way, "The next day; I was on a plane, on my way. Id been relieved of the burden of vacation: I was in motion once again; hurtling through space. Nothing was certain, but everything was clear."

However, I do have certainty. Certainty that we are about to make big changes, and certainty that it wont stop here.

See you all in Niger.

Zoulleha

Sannu!!! Thank you!!! Goats Goats Goats!

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 06:02:00 +0000

Thank you to all who contributed and attended the Seeds of Hope fundraiser last night.

Special thanks to Kate Gigli, Suesan Pace, and Carter Averbeck. Their true spirits and warm hearts pulled together an unforgettable evening full of sharing, giving, laughter, and even tears. We also want to thank our host Halleland Lewis Nilan & Johnson, Simon Delivers, and our silent auction sponsors. The space was lovely, food and drink were fabulous, and many walked away with wonderful prizes from Johnnie bread to an hour long massage! (Not to mention Carter's "Goat-O-Meter"!)
Donations are still coming in as those who could not attend have sent in their contributions by mail. Our tally so far is unbelievable and we will post our final total before Tuesday and our Seeds of Hope departure to Africa.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Martha Kieffer who single handedly brought in $838.00 through her "Cut-A-Thon". She graciously donated two long days of work so mothers in Niger would have a means to protect the health of their babies.
As a single mother herself, she humbly said, "I figure whatever I can do to help, I'll do".

My wish is that you could all see the difference you've made. You have changed the course of these little lives across the world. They will be able to laugh, play, and look through sparkling eyes. I will be spreading your good will as mothers dance, cheer, and endlessly thank us for bringing good fortune and hope to their lives.

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

Barka,

Zoulleha

A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 08:07:00 +0000

Kudos to the "small group" who have changed my world and that of so many others in such a short amount of time. The fundraiser taking place on Thursday, as well as the Martha's Cut-A-Thon on Tuesday and Thursday, are a result of a few people listening, opening their hearts, and choosing to make something happen. They have taken their precious time and built an event that will be magical, bring people together, and create good things.

Martha Kieffer, Kate Gigli, Carter Averbeck, Suesan Pace.

Mun Gode. We thank you.

Zoulleha

Seeds of Hope Africa Fundraiser- January 24th- 4-8pm

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 05:44:00 +0000

Join us in the festivities; h'orduerves, drinks, stimulating conversation, scintillating displays, and a silent auction full of wonderful prizes!

View the invitation below-
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=STEWQIBFETIBPHIZESFN&li=iq&src=email

We look forward to seeing all of you on the 24th!

Cut-a-thons, contacts, nuts, and a Rubiks cube...

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 04:45:00 +0000

So much to gather...baby clothes, bras, toys..
I feel so fortunate to be the ambassador of so much good will.

In Niamey I'll be staying with my great friend Assalama Sidi and her family. She is a brilliant Nigerien woman who has incredible compassion to compliment her intelligence. I first met Assalama (Ahs-ah-lah-mah), as one of my language instructors in the Peace Corps "training camp".

As some of you know, immersion is the name of the game there in learning languages, and that meant speaking only french or huusa. Considering that I spoke very little french, we're talking one community education class of french, being taught hausa IN french was quite a challenge. Needless to say, I was thoroughly frustrated and one evening, as I was on the verge of tears, Assalama said to me "I want to help you" in clear, perfect english!!! Even in my astonished state, it was music to my ears. You see, the instructors were not even allowed to let us know that they spoke english. From that day on, Assalama was a confidant and did what she could to help me learn the language. She is now the Director of one of the Peace Corps Volunteer programs in Niger.

Speaking of great women, my sister Martha, a wonderful mother and hair stylist extraordinaire, is sponsering a "Cut-a-thon" at her salon in Litchfield to raise money for goats for the mother's in Niger. More info to come on the specifics.

There's a new book out called "Angels of a Lower Flight" by Susie Scott Krabacher. You may see it in movie form soon. It's an incredible story of the author's quest to help children in Haiti. The things she says are like a mirror to my thoughts. Her mantra as she tries to save each orphan is "In this world you are loved". She saw a "save the children" commercial of sorts and wanted to do more than just send a check, so she went, and she's built orphanages and clinics.

I'm convinced that if we all just do what we can, we will be better and feel better. I know that Oprah can snap her fingers and buy goats for the whole country. But I'm not discouraged, I can't do that, but that won't stop me from doing what I CAN do. I hope you won't let it stop you either.

Zoulleha

To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 08:11:00 +0000

Thank you, nao gode sosai, to the special friends who have given their time, support, and donations thus far... your generosity is incredible.

All will receive a photo of the family who receives the goat you've given. If I could only describe to you in words the joy and gratitude these women will express... I wish you could all be there to experience it.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with thoughts, questions, or comments.

My departure to Niger is set for January 29th!
More on the logistics in the next post...

Zoulleha

Give a goat for the holidays!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:36:00 +0000

All the planning is coming together... I think!?! Planning a trip to Niger is always an endeavor in itself. Not only have I realized that it's been over 10 years since my first journey to the Sahel, but also the misfortune of having to revisit the yellow fever vaccination center (expires after 10 years).

10 years...
The experiences...
It was in the Fall of 1996 that I left the small world I knew and sought adventure. Surprisingly, this adventure would become just another way of life; laughter, learning, hardship, heartbreak, friendship.
Sleeping outside on a piece of foam tucked into a mosquito net, creating a home in a mud hut, keeping my water in a big clay pot half buried in the sand, showering with a bucket and cup, Hausa, Hausa, Hausa, a camel named Disco, the engorged, bloated bellies of starving children who just keep running around like children do, the death of babies...so many babies...trying to make sense of it all.

Still trying to make sense of it all...after 10 years...seems like I should have it figured out by now.

www.SeedsOfHopeAfrica.org

OFF TO NIGER!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Seeds of Hope Africa) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 21:34:00 +0000

The inaugural journey of Seeds of Hope Africa to Niger is to take place in February 2008! We are excited to get the first microloan project off the ground. Goat loans will be the first focus, and we are ecstatic with the response from the many generous people who have contributed to make this project possible.

With the help of my esteemed graphic designer and friend, Brett Bacon, we are getting the website tuned up with a new look and fresh information. Please visit again as we continue this blog revealing the trials, tribulations, and joys of bringing the idea of Seeds of Hope Africa to life.

Allah bada saa (May God give you good fortune)-

Zoulleha