An education for Ireen in Malawi

Julie’s last blog, here, tells the education tale of COTN and their efforts in Africa:

Due to my economic support, Ireen   has her personal needs met including that she receives a formal education.  She learns many subjects including how to read; I gave her a copy of the book my niece Thai and mom co-wrote.  

 ‘Thai Food for Thought’ is, also, teaching children halfway around the world how to survive in Florida.  WINK!

Come on buy@ AMAZON LINK to THIS book

We visited the COTN orphans while on our faith-based soccer mission. There are two housing projects for the orphans.

 The young children entertained us at their facility.

The older kids enjoyed giving their presentation as much as we enjoyed watching it.

COTN provides an education system. Ireen goes to their school. Arriving at a good time of year, we got to see the very first graduation from COTN’s school system.

The kids danced their way out of the system excited to face their futures.

Before we left, we shopped at their open air markets and through their widow’s store.  The crafts were gorgeous. 

You can buy their products through this COTN affiliate.


The Widows Craft Sale

I had many underprivileged children for escorts while in Malawi.

I sponsor Ireene. You too can sponsor a child’s personal needs and education, too.


Go through Children of the Nations @

COTN official site LINK

I went to help run a COTN sponsored soccer camp.



I left with many memories sweeter than the raw sugar cane the village in Malawi raised- and shared with us.




Goodbye to the land and its people of Malawi, Africa until I land there, again!



Julie connects with Ireen in 2013

It had been five years since I last saw my sponsored child, Ireen, and her remote, African village.

Upon seeing her two things came to mind.  

 She was beautiful.  

 She grew up including much much taller. 

In fact, she was large enough to be a formidable goalie for her village’s team.

On the first soccer day, I tried to make sure some of the donated sports apparel went to my child.  To my amazement, Ireen only wore one sock and no shoes. 

She played like a champion in spite of her lack of gear.

Like this girl, Ireen's regular day consisted of an early morning call to go fetch water and carry it home and then off to school that young lady went.

She’d moved to her aunt’s home; my translator didn’t elaborate on this family decision. 

 I was just glad to see she was thriving.

Due to her five years in the education system, Ireen appeared to understand me.  She’d answer in short phrases but mostly yes or no.  She amazed me.  In the same five years, I  learned only key words such as greetings in her language.

I did some chores with the women of her family.   

We made a goat stew one day.  

 They still had the desire to share their meager staples with me and my interpreter.

The villagers still had the spirit to dance and sing.  

 In fact, we played a song and dance game.   

The theme of that reverie was about forgiving.

Near the end of our stay, we had quiet time with our sponsored children.  I gave Ireen a special gift that day.  My 5 year old niece, Thai, wrote a picture book with my mom’s help; my young relative wanted the other girl to have a copy. 
Come on BUY to get your copy of Thai's book

Out of Africa

Julie is home with stories of running a charity soccer camp and her other interactions while on a mission to Africa.



While dribbling the ball and during the game,

some kids wore shoes without socks...



There were not enough soccer clothes and shoes donated;

some of the players wore only socks or no footwear.



Talk about sportsmanship,

even without proper gear, they came ready to play.



The girl that I sponsor, Ireen, played goalie

with one sock only on her feet.

The local animals came on the field

chasing after the players and soccer ball.

The final game of soccer camp

went into overtime and then penalty kicks.

Whether your village wins or loses,

you gotta dance.

I would like to invite you to be a part of my support team through prayerfully and financially supporting this effort. I need to raise $3,000 to cover my trip expenses. There are two ways you can help me reach this financial goal. The first is by donating either online at: Julie's fund or by check made payable to Children of the Nations, with my personal fundraising code on the check memo line (234471). Checks should be sent to: COTN-Venture Program, PO Box 3970, Silverdale, WA 98383. All investments in this ministry are tax-deductible.

By the way, someone will win a T-Shirt that has a picture of the continent on it as well as the following text.

“The Warm Heart of Africa”

Come on buy to learn more at MAIN AUTHOR SITE & CONTEST DATA 

Do you think my story ends here?

Find out more about books I am a part of including - but not limited to- The Evans Terrace Girls and the S.H.E. Anthology. From that anthology, most of the proceeds help children from the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre through mental health agencies (New Hope for Kids) that deal with PTSD.

You can find my books via

Author Site

and download eBooks @ Ebook Sales SIte