While in Zambia we were able to tour the Tree of Life Children’s Village.  As stated in their publication, “The strategic mission of the Tree of Life Children’s Village is to proactively and permanently address the cyclical and multi-faceted problems of depression, poverty, and AIDS that plaque the lives of the children of Zambia by strategically focusing on areas such as personal health and nutrition, basic education and skills training, social engagement and enrichement activities, long term life modeling and parenting environments, micro-economic empowerment programs, and personal and spiritual life development.”

Wray and I had attended a fundraising dinner for the village, so it was awesome to see it in person.  The 130 acre property is located on top of a gorgeous mountain right outside Lusaka, Zambia.  Upon completion it will have homes for over 300 orphans, a school for 1000 children, a hospital, and a huge complex where camp life will be held and the children and counselors will be housed.  The great thing about this village is that it is the first of many that they hope  to have through out Zambia.  The neighborhoods that these children come from are so dirty and unsafe, this will be a welcome respite for them.

Look Out School, where the children I had go now, has 4 small rooms that squeeze 35 children into each one.  Currently they have one very small chalkboard and I noticed only a couple of books on the teacher’s desk, I know their new school will be awesome!

One of the houses is finished, it will house 12 children and house parents, several more are being built.  There will be 5 houses per area, and 5 areas in all.  The playground was donated by someone who wanted a place for the children to play—it was shipped from the states —hallelujah!   It’s so exciting to think that children who sleep outside or in shabby little houses will get to live in these homes!

If you want more information about the Tree of Life Children’s Village–check out Family Legacy Missions International at www.legacymissions.org.  It is a great organization that is doing everything possible for the best interests of children!