Regarding your donations

Many of you may know that, about a year ago, Aaron and Zoe began collecting cans and bottles that allowed a refund, in order to raise money for the House of Blessing Orphanage where we lived in Mozambique. Well, together with the help of many friends, family and strangers, the kids raised about $1500 [Aust].

During our first week in Moz, Aaron presented the kids with the money, and told them of all the various ways it was raised.... cans, cartons and bottles with a 5c refund, restored & sold 2 bbqs, people made straight donations, we sold donated honey from Buzz Honey [that no doubt many of you were cajoled into buying....], one of my sister's donated kids and church got involved, and we also had the whole lot in a high interest account.

All the kids at the House of Blessing brainstormed about how the money could be spent - about 20,000 in the local currency! In the end, we bought and made a large new pole and a-frame swing set, a truck-tyre swing, purchased 3 new bicycles [inc a small one for the little kids to learn on], and allotted 5000 for portuguese and english reading books, and 5000 for new tools. After all of that, there was still about 1000 left over which will be used toward the list that the kids made.

It was so fantastic to see it go so far, and fortunate that we made our financial exchange at the beginning of our trip and not the end, as the aussie dollar devalued by almost 25% during the 6 week stay! We just would have not been able to get so much great gear!

So thanks to all who donated stuff for us to sell, and who bought copious amounts of honey, and who just thought it was a great idea to give money to! It was!

Some of the money the kids raised will be distributed here in India also, as we felt like we should split the money between Moz and India. So, we will let you know what our options are for donating the remaining funds while we're here in Panchgani.

Thanks again for all of you who felt like this was a worthy cause.