Superhero Journal: Let's start off the year with a little miracle*

January 07, 2009

Let's start off the year with a little miracle*

Esteria, photo by Jen Lemen, Canon Rebel Xti

Over the last year I have witnessed a bursting open of my dear friend Jen Lemen. She returned from her trip to Rwanda changed, awakened and cracked open in the most profound ways. If you have been reading Jen's blog, you have probably been following along with her stories of the family that she connected with there. (Her best friend Odette's family)

They are now currently building a house for Odette's mom and are in the home stretch, looking for the last bit of money to complete doors, windows and a nice solid rainproof roof.

This project started when Jen and Kelly Rae put a call out a couple of months ago to begin raising money for this house.

Kelly describes the back story of the house project beautifully here:

Meet esteria. She is a genocide survivor, and mother to 11 children (all but four have died). She lives in a tiny village in Rwanda, and she spends her days caring for two young grandchildren who have been orphaned by AIDS. She has a special place in Jen's life, not just because Jen spent a lot of time with her during her trip to africa, but because she is odette's mother (odette is also a genocide survivor living as a refugee in the states and is dear dear friend of jen's). jen tells me esteria is strong. brave. and a testament to love.

Esteria's mud house (pictured above) has been in a serious state of disrepair since a rainstorm blew in the roof last november. and this year's rainy season has almost completely demolished what's left. bottom line: Esteria and the two grandchildren she is caring for deserve a home that can withstand the rain. a home with a concrete foundation and a strong roof. a home that can not only safely house their family, but one that can house their hopes, dreams, and future.

That community raised enough money to build nearly the whole house, and now we, the dear superhero community have an opportunity to raise the rest! With the remaining, necessary funds this house can be finished in 7-10 days and Esteria (Odette's mom) can move in right away with her two grandchildren.

Total remaining cost for this is $2500.

If we can all pitch in just 5 dollars (or more if you are able) we can get this house built in the next 5-10 days. Isn't that a miracle?

I am giddy with the thought of us doing this together today. Here is the link to chip in. I will keep you posted on our progress!

Posted on January 7, 2009 07:49 AM

Comments

Bless you. I am thrilled I could help!
Karen

Posted by: Karen Adamshack at January 8, 2009 11:51 AM

Bless you. I am thrilled I could help!
Karen

Posted by: Karen Adamshack at January 8, 2009 11:51 AM

so inspiring to see this happen, such perspective, and such a wonderous opportunity to really feel like even the smallest amount is having such a huge impact...
xo

love this
jen gray

Posted by: jen at January 8, 2009 10:01 AM

I just contributed, even though Jen is already over her goal -- I figured that having a little extra never hurts!! Such a wonderful thing!!

Posted by: Tricia at January 8, 2009 05:39 AM

Looks like mircles happened here and the house will be finished! Makes my heart happy to know that I was part of a group of people that pulled together to help someone that we dont even know. Amazing!

Posted by: jessica at January 8, 2009 05:23 AM

Oh, I am in awe of this! I was only able to donate $5, because that's all that was in my account, but, I was so happy when I checked back in this morning to see that 103% has been raised so far!!! It's amazing what people can come together to do!

Posted by: Samantha at January 8, 2009 04:58 AM

I am currently reading the heartbreaking story of the Lost Boys of Sudan in Dave Egger's book What is the What. I was looking for a way to help victims of genocide and other atrocities and you just gave me one. Thank you!

Posted by: Liana at January 7, 2009 07:05 PM

I just chipped in- go mighty, mighty Jen!

...and to think 5 minutes ago I was worried about my wardrobe and how much money I'll be earning this year. jeez. puts it all in perspective, huh?

Posted by: laura at January 7, 2009 06:52 PM

Totally supporting this - what a great miracle in the making!

Posted by: ~moe~ at January 7, 2009 05:49 PM

I just chipped in. Here's to miracles!

Posted by: Kirsty Hall at January 7, 2009 05:00 PM

Esteria needs to be wearing a Superhero necklace! If ever there was one, she's it!

Posted by: Barbara at January 7, 2009 04:01 PM

thank you!

Posted by: amy at January 7, 2009 03:34 PM

Thanks for letting us know about this, what a great cause. After I donated, I noticed a link to add it to your facebook profile, so I did, in the hopes that this would reach more people. In my non-religious way, I'll pray for this woman and her family.

Posted by: Anne at January 7, 2009 12:53 PM

Done.

Yay,
Meg

Posted by: Meg at January 7, 2009 12:37 PM

I just made my contribution...Thanks for sharing this! It feels nice to know my money is actually going to help someone and I know what it's for...what a great cause this is!

Posted by: Megan at January 7, 2009 11:04 AM

Thanks for giving me a chance to step outside my own head today. I hope Esteria finds much comfort and happiness in her new home.

Posted by: Erin S at January 7, 2009 10:57 AM

This made my day! I decided to chip in $1 for each of my birthyears to date, made me feel a lot better about getting older and it felt like a fantastic way to celebrate a birthday. It's not my birthday today, I'm still getting over it. :) Thank you for sharing this Andrea! It is so rewarding to know that we can all help in a small way that will have a real difference in someone's life.

Posted by: Kirstie at January 7, 2009 10:50 AM

Thanks for giving all of us the opportunity to help out with this wonderful project! Keep us posted on things.

Posted by: Candice at January 7, 2009 10:49 AM

Thanks for giving all of this a chance to help out. I hope the goal is met quickly. Keep us posted.

Posted by: Candice at January 7, 2009 10:48 AM

it's going to happen, my friend.
loving that you and your community are going to finish the house that love built!!!
xxxooo

Posted by: kelly rae at January 7, 2009 10:48 AM

I shared what I could. Andrea is right, if we all just chip in $5, this miracle could happen.

Think about it...what do you waste $5 on? A latte? A magazine? I know I am willing to give up a luxury so that someone else can have a luxury of their own.

Posted by: Angie at January 7, 2009 10:23 AM

Even a miracle needs a hand. I am happy to lend mine, as small as it might be.

Posted by: Yolanda at January 7, 2009 09:56 AM

Yes, I think contributing to this definitely ups one's superhero status. :o) Thanks for sharing.

Posted by: cjh at January 7, 2009 09:43 AM

it's a little bit ironic for a homeless blogger to be chipping in to help someone finish building a house...and that's the kind of irony i can really get behind! thanks for giving me the opportunity to be a little baby superhero today.

Posted by: chas at January 7, 2009 09:34 AM