Raffle for Zambian Orphans

Today I would like to go somewhere I don't often go on this blog: personal! It's something I'd thought you'd like to know about though because it has and will be affecting my life in a big way.

Last fall my husband and I decided to sign up for a mission trip to Zambia, Africa this summer. A lot of people from our church went last year and the stories they came back with were so amazing we decided we wanted to be a part of it.

So, in June we will be heading out with a highly experienced missions organization called Family Legacy to serve as camp counselors. This Camp Life program for the orphans of Zambia is one of many programs Family Legacy started doing 10 years ago. They also are building schools and safe havens (for orphans that are in life-threatening situations) and running sponsorship programs. It's really amazing all that they do and how effective they are!

Our involvement will allow 25 orphaned kids to spend a week at Camp Life. Each day at Camp Life we will be working directly with the same group of orphans: playing games, teaching Bible lessons, singing songs, and simply hugging and loving these kids in a way most have never experienced. This week of camp will be the highlight of their year!

Zambia is a peaceful country located just north of the country of South Africa and as you've probably guessed, is extremely poor. Because of HIV/AIDS, it has the highest per capita orphan rate in the world. And what's really sad is that there really are no state-run orphanages where these kids can go so they are left with relative who don't want them or they fend for themselves.

As you can imagine, we have quite a bit of money to raise, mainly because of the cost of airfare. We are getting close to our goal though! We still need about $2,500 out of the $7,500 required for the both of us to go.

One of the things I am doing to help is I am raffling off one of my handmade quilts! I thought I would give all of my blogland friends an opportunity to join in! (please do not feel obligated in any way!)

TO ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:

• give $5 for 1 chance
• give $10 for 3 chances
• give $20 for 6 chances, etc.
• link to this post on your blog for an extra chance!

1. Click HERE to give (this is our fundraising page and the money goes directly to Family Legacy for our trip) OR if you'd rather send a check email me at quiltsbyemily(at)yahoo(dot)com.
2. Just leave me a comment or send me an email at quiltsbyemily(at)yahoo(dot)com to let me know you've entered and if you've linked to this post
3. I will be drawing a winner on April 1st!

Quilt Details: This throw quilt is my own pattern, Optimism, which will be available soon. It is 43" by 57" and is made with fabric from the Cotton Blossoms collection by Moda.

Thank you! I cannot tell you how excited we are to have the opportunity to do this!!!