Rebuild Hope for a Family in Kanye

The story goes like this:

Once there was a woman living in a small village an hour drive from Gaborone the capitol city of Botswana Africa. The village is called Kanye, and this woman was blessed with seven children, but over the years much grief came her way: she suffered the loss of one home to a fire, the loss of her husband, and also the loss of six of her seven children. Now she lives in a small home with six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and her one remaining son.

One week ago, a devastating fire destroyed the home where all 10 of these family members live. Government help amounted to only one tent in which to sleep in the dirt of their front yard until they can rebuild their home. Without fire insurance protection in African countries, this is financially devastating for them.

Neighbors have rallied to the aid of this destitute family, donating clothing, food, and essentials, and they have pledged to join their collective efforts and skills into the rebuilding of this home without cost to the family. Friends and neighbors will not contract the work out as this would only add to the expense; they will provide all the labor themselves. They also want to demonstrate to all in the village of Kanye that friends love, support, and aid each other in time of need. The only things they lack are the materials with which to rebuild this home.

I have been living in and serving as a Christian volunteer in Botswana for 7 months and have seen countless needs. This particular need caught my attention, however, not only because of the loss of hope it has created in the family, but because of the tremendous support which has been offered by the village. My personal friend and community leader Tebago Tahla will oversee this project from start to finish. Tebago is a most honorable man of integrity, and I trust him implicitly to carry out this major undertaking. When I mentioned to him that folks in my home country may be able and willing to donate to this most worthy cause, he humbly accepted my offer. He generated a sketch of the rebuild along with a list of costs he anticipates. His plan is to raise the necessary resources and then look for temporary housing for the family during the demolition and rebuild. Any amount you can contribute would be appreciated as a huge blessing to this family. Thank you and God bless you for your generosity.