A Volunteer Reflects on Her Visit

We love hearing from our volunteers about their experience visiting Your Sisters in Tanzania. This especially heart-felt message really highlights the impact a visit can make.

Hi Libby and Frank,
Wow, it's strange to be back in America. We have soooooo many luxuries and modern conveniences that are taken for granted here. Well, where to begin?

To say that my experience in Africa was life changing would be a massive understatement. I didn't realize until I came back home just how much my trip had affected my perspectives, outlooks and overall goals in life. Africa has become a lens through which I now see the world. While living there, I encountered the good and the bad, profound joy and overwhelming sorrow.

To become completely enveloped in a foreign culture is something too unique to fully describe. Every day, it seemed that something wild and exciting was thrust into my path, whether it be a new food, speaking swahili, a crazy dala dala ride, or a Maasai tribal ceremony! However, more than any adrenaline rush, the amazing people I met made the most lasting impact on me.

Working with Your Sister's Orphanage filled my days with love and learning. Those little girls taught me so much about compassion, tenderness, and joy. I looked forward to seeing them every day and left the Orphanage feeling enriched and fulfilled. The beautiful, rural location and the wonderful staff turned Your Sister's into my home away from home. The dynamic scenery as well as the people give the whole area a certain feeling of enchantment. I know that beautiful Africa and her people will forever be in my heart. So, be warned: Anyone who travels to Africa and Your Sisters cannot help but fall in love.

Love you guys!! Please give the girls my love.

Tess Huntington

Sometimes saying good-bye is hard to do.

Building Project

Our building is on the way up....Thanks to all of you for your help in making ALL that we do possible. Little by little, with each of you, we can move mountains! We love you!

Recent Volunteers

We are so grateful for the support and help from our recent volunteers! Sam from South Africa, Clare from Australia, and Victoria from Australia. Thank you, Thank you!!!

Creative Community Program

Your Sisters Creative Community Program sure has been busy the last few months! Our focus is helping women in the areas of textile design and taking local jewelry making to the next level. Here are a few recent pictures with the women and volunteers!

In Memory of Our Beloved Brother, Todd Miller (April 1972 - August 2012)

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear brother, Todd Miller, whose kindness, love, and joyful spirit was shared with all of us here at Your Sisters.

On June 2, 2012, Todd Miller landed on Tanzanian soil to embark on a three-week adventure of a lifetime that would ultimately lead to the roof of Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro. Bright-eyed, fit, and ready, he united with his dear friends, Bellamy and Kelly, here in Arusha.  

As the coordinators of his trip, we came to love Todd instantly. After the first night of staying up late sharing life stories with friends, we came to see the depth of Todd’s big-hearted, open, and adventuresome spirit.  Not more than 12 hours into knowing him, we felt such a kinship to this incredibly special man. 

We were thrilled to arrange the group’s climb, and upon their return, Todd was beaming! Joy radiated from his eyes and infectious smile. He was on top of the world—he successfully met one of his life goals:  summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro!

Although Todd and his group were eager to go on safari, they insisted on spending a few days with the young girls at Your Sisters Orphanage & School.  Todd wasn’t so much focused on bringing the girls lots of stuff, he simply wanted to interact with the girls, witnessing and absorbing their daily lives.  He enjoyed seeing and experiencing what goes on at this special place, what spirit fills the air, as well as the spirit that fills the hearts of all who are involved. Todd bonded quickly with the girls and all came to love him as a big brother.  

During Todd’s time with us, we shared incredible memories together, playing, learning, singing, and laughing.  In such a short time, Todd really became an extended family member.  We felt a strong bond with this first group of travelers.  Todd, Bellamy, and Kelly greatly impacted all of our lives here at Your Sisters.

We felt strongly that Todd would be a close brother for life and very much hoped he would find a way to come back to visit again, to see how the girls’ lives were unfolding as well as witness just how much our reach had expanded.   We knew Todd would continue to be proud of all that our YourSisters.org was doing to improve the lives of women and girls in Tanzania, a land that had become so dear to him.  By the time Todd was preparing to head back to the US, he was already planning his return.

Todd Miller will be dearly missed by all of us, yet we know his spirit endures brightly—like a brilliant comet in the sky.  

To our generous, kind, patient, loving, and wonderful friend and brother. Your Sisters thanks you for everything.

With love and heartfelt appreciation from your Tanzanian family,  
Your Sisters Girls & Staff.

A Letter from a Summer Volunteer

 

To say that my experience in Africa was life changing would be a massive understatement. I didn't realize until I came back home just how much my trip had affected my perspectives, outlooks, and overall goals in life. Africa has become a lens through which I now see the world. While living there, I encountered the good and the bad, profound joy, and overwhelming sorrow. 

 

To become completely enveloped in a foreign culture is something too unique to fully describe. Every day, it seemed that something wild and exciting was thrust into my path, whether it be a new food, speaking Swahili, a crazy "dala-dala" ride, or a Maasai tribal ceremony! However, more than any adrenaline rush, the amazing people I met made the most lasting impact on me. Working with Your Sister's Orphanage filled my days with love and learning. Those little girls taught me so much about compassion, tenderness, and joy. I looked forward to seeing them every day and left the Orphanage feeling enriched and fulfilled. The beautiful, rural location and the wonderful staff turned Your Sister's into my home away from home. The dynamic scenery and people give the whole area a certain feeling of enchantment. I know that beautiful Africa and her people will forever be in my heart. So, be warned: Anyone who travels to Africa cannot help but fall in love.

-Tess H. (Summer 2012 Volunteer)

Volunteers Bring Children's Books

We are so grateful for the donations and efforts made by our volunteers and their families and friends to bring down a whole suitcase full of children's books this month. The moment the books were delivered was priceless. The girls were so excited to have books of their very own for the first time. These books will help empower, educate, encourage, and teach each of them. Thank you for the fabulous books!

Our New Video!

Click here to see our new video just launched today!

Help YOUR SISTERS Reach July Goal!

A couple weeks ago our volunteers knocked down our 23-year-old mud hut that was falling apart and had become unsafe.  This left Your Sisters without a kitchen, one of the liveliest and most vital parts of any home or shelter.  Though this was the safest thing for us to do, it left Mama Sion, the orphanage Head Mother, with only a small, temporary makeshift kitchen for cooking.

Now we need your help to build a new, safe kitchen where Mama and staff can prepare meals for the girls and family at Your Sisters.  Plans have been drawn for a new Maasai roundhouse kitchen and eating hut, but no progress can be made until we receive enough funding.  Our goal is to raise $15,000, the ultimate cost for the project, by the end of July!


So here's what we need from you ... a donation! Whether it's $5 or $5,000, any amount will help Your Sisters build the replacement kitchen, program room and complete bathroom, each of which is vital to the progression and expansion of Your Sisters Orphanage!

What can your money do for us?

.      $100 can purchase around 200 bricks
.      $250 can help us buy our very first toilet ever
.      $500 can purchase supplies for the roof
.      $1,000 can get our foundation in place
.      $5,000 buys the framing cost  (Or 1/3 of our center ... woohoo!)
.      $15,000   *PURCHASES THE ENTIRE CENTER !!!!!*

Here is What We All LOVE About AFRICA.....

The BABIES....!!!

Our First Travelers Arrive!

What a month was had! Summiting Kilimanjaro, volunteering and generously supporting the orphanage, as well as taking in the best of safari!! We had the most fun! Your Sisters thanks our first group of visitors so dearly for all they brought for the girls in the way of clothes, games, and resources.  We treasured every moment with and will miss you indeed. Here is a little of what they shared as well as some highlight pic's!

"Thank you, thank you, thank you.  Beyond the wonders of Mount Kilimanjaro and the incredible safari adventures, the girls at Your Sisters and the people of Tanzania have touched my life.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the wonderful people at Your Sisters!  For you care, thoughtfulness, and attention to the finest details.  I may have to leave, but you will be with me always."
-Todd Miller, San Francisco, CA

"Remarkable experience unmatched by any other by this 50+ country world traveler.  Personal touches abound!  Attentive + flexible at every turn.  Even four+ weeks leaves us wanting more + more.  Your Sisters travel offers every possible design to your adventure from fully managed activities to allowing us to venture out on our own.  We cannot imagine a more perfect collection of special life-changing memories.  We leave Your Sisters with heavy, heavy love-filled hearts, and we will return!"
-Kelly Weaver, Seattle, WA

HELP Teams Up with Your Sisters!

Jambo from the Wazungu!

We and other HELP-International volunteers arrived in the lovely country of Tanzania on June 14th to meet the rest of our team.  We were full of enthusiasm and ready for the adventures to come.  We were lucky to meet Libby while pulling out our first Tanzanian shillings at the ATM.  She told us about Your Sisters, their plans for the future and the many volunteer opportunities available.  We were excited to hear about the home and education she and the organization provide for orphan girls as well as the opportunities for women in the community.  

A couple days later Libby invited us to the center to meet the girls.  Mama Sion opened her home to us and immediately made us feel like family.  We met the girls, who each have unique personalities and endless energy.  They were quick to find a spot in our hearts.  Expecting only a short meeting, we were surprised when Mama Sion cooked us an amazing, traditional African meal.  After we finished stuffing our faces with her delicious cooking, the neighborhood kids and the orphan girls couldn’t wait to play.  They taught us a game similar to one-sided dodgeball, we had a blast.  We were then given a quick tour of the grounds and finished an incredible evening with a song the girls had written about being orphans; even with the language barrier, it touched our hearts.  After only one night, it was hard for us to leave Your Sisters. 

Libby told us that the Maasai hut they use as their kitchen was no longer safe and needed to be knocked down and replaced.  We were eager to provide our new African family with what they needed.  We showed up bright and early the next morning with axes, hammers, rakes and shovels!  We worked long and hard all day, and by four p.m. we were filthy with dust, and there was a large pile of dirt and wood where the structure had once stood.  


Even though Mama Sion and staff had been given a temporary kitchen to work in, she still wouldn’t let us leave with empty stomachs.  We can’t wait to finish getting the fundamentals in place to start working on a more permanent building for the orphanage.

We have been so blessed to have the opportunity to work with Your Sisters and are excited for the next few weeks that we will spend with this wonderful organization! 

~HELP-International Team of Volunteers

A Letter From Your Little Sister

Hi, I am one of the little girls at Your Sisters Orphanage.

I am shy, but giggling with excitement to have this opportunity to meet you and to speak to you. For you to hear my voice.

They call me an orphan because I lost my parents. I don’t much prefer to be called an “orphan” because I believe that life brings family and blessings in so many ways. That is what my Bibi Grandma always said. I couldn’t believe how blessed I was to come here to this place they call Your Sisters.

We have a secret here amongst us girls…that blessings will find their way to you each day…IF ALL YOU DO IS SMILE. But you can’t just smile with your face…the secret part is…you have to smile with your heart. My grandma also taught me that you have to give thanks each and every day for what you do have. That is all.

So everyday when I get nice food to eat and I have warm clothes now and this loving family, I can’t believe it. I’m even learning to read and write. I can’t explain how happy it makes me…and my sisters, too.

The part I like most is being around these people who care so much. I also love bread with Blue Band butter and writing new words with colored pencils.

I am so lucky to have been brought here to this special place.

Me and my sisters are so happy to be in class together everyday. We’ve been learning simple exercises, reading, writing in our own lesson books and learning to speak two languages!

We know that you are the ones helping us. We know that it is because of YOU that we have beds to sleep in and even a net to protect us from mosquitoes and horrible malaria. It is because of you and your help that soon we will have our own clean running water at the orphanage for washing ourselves and drinking. That way Mama doesn’t have to break her back carrying all the extra water so far for us in buckets each day.

We know that plans are being made for this whole center and very soon I will have many more little sisters in my family.

I say prayers every night at bedtime. I say prayers giving thanks for you and all of your help. For helping this place to be and for helping me to be here.

Heart Keepsake Bag

Get your own Heart Keepsake Bag today! Any donation of $100 or more, along with monthly sponsors, will receive a Heart Keepsake Bag made by women in the village!  Even the little girls helped cut some fabric.

Please visit our donation page to make a donation. Thank you for supporting Your Sisters Foundation.  Folds into a heart.  Unfolds to a carry bag!

Mama Sion: The Heart of Your Sisters

For the first and most important story, we bring you that of orphanage Head Mother, Mama Sion.

Mama Sion is GRACE. She is LOVE. She is DIGNITY…and

She is the HEART of Your Sisters Orphanage (YS).

Sion personifies this selfless love and grace more than anyone I’ve ever met, and she holds this quiet dignity every day of her life. It is her heart that is the lifeblood of Your Sisters Orphanage. It is her Spirit!

When I first met Sion I felt such love in the world. Beyond raising seven of her own beautiful children, Sion has spent her life opening her home and arms to countless children in need. She was a doctor at the village clinic for many years delivering babies, as well as becoming renowned for being an advisor to women on all sorts of issues ranging from Aids and sexually transmitted disease prevention, family planning and general counseling.


It is as if Mama Sion is her own temple of love and everyone who is in her presence wants to come into that temple.  I knew soon after our friendship started and I was able to witness how much her touch and heart healed children that I had to find a way to shine a light on this woman.  I needed to find a way to help her reach more children.


I always felt strongly about working to help women in tanzania, as well as connecting women from the west to the amazingly strong women of this region.  When I came together with Mama Sion, I was absolutely certain she was built into the very DNA of Your Sisters.  It became very clear that the first phase and the true heart of Your Sisters would be our orphanage for girls.  We would be supporting and expanding this special woman's reach into the lives of many more women.  


We felt that no one could appreciate and benefit from this loving temple more than innocent orphan children who have lost their parents.


Each day that she wakes up, Sion faces a mountain of poverty, but it doesn't seem to effect her spirit.  Even more, you wouldn't know the mountain exists.  She has shown me much about the true meaning of intrinsic value.  A woman the world might view as extremely poor by external measures may be one of the richest among us.


With the smallest means, Mama Sion enriches all whom she touches.  It is our intent to help her expand her heartfelt vision.  It is our intent to stand with her and build upon this magnificent temple of love.


Amidst all the daily challenges of raising her own, Sion has selflessly opened her very small home to our seven little girls.  Each girl has been led to YS over the past 14 months.  She and her incredibly big-hearted husband have shifted into the smallest room so they can give these precious children a chance at life.


Her heart and passion for children in need is palpable and that is what YS is ALL ABOUT.  We are about HEART...we are about CONNECTION...and we are about FAMILY.  We are also about what it really means to be a global community, joining together...one at a time...to make amazing things possible.


With your help, our first goal is to create a special sanctuary and center for 25 orphaned girls.


YS is the nexus of our organization, and Mama Sion is the lifeblood that pumps through that heart every day.


We have taken a stand behind this incredibly selfless woman, and we ask each of you to take a stand with us.  To stand with Mama Sion today and help us build our Phase I Orphanage Center.  To build our first and most honored building, one that we most fittingly and with pride will name: THE SION CENTER.


We need each and every one of you.

Current Life at Your Sisters

Here at Your Sisters we have to begin our chores early because there is always so much to do. Not too long ago, a water tank was given to us, and that has greatly helped us. But there are still many tasks that need to be completed each day in order to provide a happy, healthy home to all who visit. First, we must begin our cooking. This task is not an easy one. We have so many mouths to feed here and a temporary make-shift kitchen to use. We have no running water, either, which causes our chores to take more time, but we do what we must to help others. After everyone's stomachs are filled, we must do all of the many dishes in buckets of water. Providing breakfast, lunch and dinner to all the girls, helpers and visitors at Your Sisters takes a lot of time and energy, but it is worth it to see the smiling faces of those around us. When we are not cooking, we must clean and wash the clothes, which takes us a very long time to do. We use buckets and soap and scrub and scrub until the clothes look clean and fresh. On mornings that we bathe before we start our work, we must fill our buckets and use a wet towel to wipe off the grime  and dirt. The water is always cold, and we are thankful once we finish. Our directors Libby & Frank are working hard to raise the needed funds to bring us running water. We can only dream of what changes that will bring to our lives at Your Sisters. Not only to each person here, but to the overall dry land we have here. Until then, we are thankful for warm hearts and happy stomachs.

To get an up-close view of current conditions at Your Sisters, visit our photo gallery.