When we went to Gambella this summer, I had the chance to address the people in the village. I have thought in the past about what I would say to them if I had the chance, but when the time actually came, I couldn’t remember any of those things. It was great fun though, to reconnect with my old friends in the village! Hassan, one of the local GHNI workers, translated for me.

(Source: youtube.com)

2 notes

Check out this fantastic video that GHNI did about our neighborhood partnership with Gambella!

It’s so easy to help a village make life-altering improvements! Are you intrigued at all about adopting a village of your own? Take a look at GHNI’s Village Adoption page.

As Habiba says in this video, “the hopeless have gotten hope, the helpless now are feeling they have help, and those who feel they are neglected and not loved by anyone feel they are loved and appreciated.” You can be that hope, help, and love to an entire village! If you’re interested in discussing further with me, shoot me an email at mlossau@gmail.com.

Next Update…Live from Kenya!

I (Matt) leave for Africa on Saturday, 7/24. I can’t believe it’s finally here! The anticipation and excitement are still present, but now fear is joining the party. I have an idea of what to expect, but I have no idea of how it will impact me.

You have the opportunity to find out, first-hand, on Saturday, 7/31, at 8 AM. We will be doing another live video call with the village of Gambella that morning. This time, however, I will be on the other side of the world, standing with the villagers of Gambella, and talking with you, at the fire station in Algonquin! How cool is that?!?!

Here are the details:

Who:
Me and the people of Gambella in Africa, and you and our neighborhood in Algonquin. Everyone is invited, so invite your friends and neighbors.

What:
Live Skype video call between Algonquin and Gambella. Light breakfast will be served.

Where:
Algonquin/LITH Main Fire Station
1020 W. Algonquin Rd.
Lake in the Hills, IL 60156

When:
Saturday, July 31 - 8:00 AM

Why: Because you have given generously, and I want to show you, live and from the scene, the impact that your money has made. Your donations are giving this village a fighting chance to escape from extreme poverty—I want you to see it first-hand.

video

What a Night!

We had our video call with some of the leaders of Gambella last night, and it was a blast! The video call started at 9:30pm Chicago time, which is 6:30am in Kenya. We had a room full of people in Algonquin (which is a suburb of Chicago), and there were a group of leaders from Gambella, standing underneath the tree that used to serve as the school in Gambella. We were deeply moved by the call, and so proud of the village of Gambella, and all that they have accomplished in the past two years!

You can watch the video call in its entirety here. There are two parts.