Introducing....

As if caring for 3 little boys wasn't enough, we've decided to start caring for a 4th little boy. We are sponsoring a child through Compassion International (one of the most respected sponsorship programs in the world). The boys helped us choose the child that we wanted to help and we are happy to announce Mpanga. He's a 6 year old little boy who was born 9 days before Dylan. Dylan's excited that they will both be turning 7 around the same time (and that Mpanga's bday is the day after Cora's). Cameron agrees with Dylan. Mpanga lives in Tanzania in an AIDS/Malaria infected area. He lives with his parents who sometimes work as farmers for $23/month. His house has cement and cardboard floors. For fun he likes to roll a hoop, play with cars and play hide n seek.

The boys will be able to send letters and photos and Mpanga will also be writing letters to the boys. We feel that this is a great experience not only Mpanga, but our family as well. We will be teaching the boys about geography (which they love) and explaining about Africa and Tanzania. We will be teaching the boys about cultures of the world...that these children not only go without Leapsters, big birthday parties, Webkins and comfy beds, but they survive off rice, fish and cassava (which is a root).

By sponsoring Mpagna we will be helping provide for health screenings, hygiene, education, bible classes, clothes and food as well as being a support system for him. The children who receive sponsorships often keep their letters and photos from their sponsor families as treasured possessions.

The boys are looking forward to writing letters, drawing pictures and sending photos to Mpanga... as well as getting letters back. We'll keep everyone updated when we receive a corrospondance from Mpanga.

Mpanga Yasini Salum