Ghana Chronicles
September 19th, 2010
As we travel through this beautiful country, almost every person we encounter has a unique story and every interaction brings a new understanding of life in Ghana. Every now and then a person captures your heart in the most random of places and makes you realize you have so much left to learn. We wanted to share one of these moments with you, a story that may help you understand the importance of our work here.
Our story begins when we took a taxi one day to visit the Botti waterfalls which were just a short distance from where we were staying. The cab driver was pretty quiet for most of the trip but as we returned from the falls he said he had something he wanted to share with us, but that his English wasn’t so good. As he struggled to find the words, he finally told us how he just works to live. He explained he was not given much but he was happy because he was here to serve a purpose and to be good to others and he does that. And he continued “One day you will leave this place, but I will still be here. I will work and I will live, so that my children do not have to work as hard as me.” So then we asked him what he wanted for his children. He told us “That they know, this doesn’t matter (he pinched his arm), but your soul is what matters. And that they should live to be good to others.” When we asked more about his children, we learned he had only one boy who has a disfigured arm and leg but his main wish for his son was not that he could use his limbs properly nor was it for more money but rather that his son knows it is good to be good to others and he understands the importance of doing God’s work.
Later in the conversation we found out that he didn’t own his cab, rather it was borrowed from a friend. His car had actually burned down last year. Just imagine – His entire livelihood, income, future and that of his family…it was all borrowed from someone else. This man only wanted to share a simple message with us and we hope to share this with you. His message is one we have all heard many times in our lives but we wanted to remind you of today… simply to be good to others and to take care of them.
We will have the full video of this conversation up once we return but please continue to look out for more stories from our travels.
Our Bags Are Packed and We’re Ready To Go
September 14th, 2010
Arriving at the airport was much like a curbside explosion of luggage. Inside our excessive amounts of baggage were well over a hundred pairs of shoes, around one hundred fifty pencils and tons of children’s clothes.
In the days leading up to our trip I received countless packages from people scattered around the states. The farthest coming from a friend in Alabama…I was impressed! Thanks Kendra. And thank you to everyone who helped fill our bags.
Much like our bags, our big hearts are full as well. Packed with hope and love. As we embark on this journey we remember that the point isn’t to just bring clothes and shoes to Ghana, but to bring hope and love to a community in need. All of you not only put shoes on a child’s feet, but you gave them a reason to believe a future is possible.
We can’t wait to keep you posted on the progress of our trip! Until then, thank you!
And The Shoes Are Rolling In
August 29th, 2010
We are so grateful to all of you for making this shoe drive an undoubtable success! Unwilling to arrive in Ghana empty handed, we asked for your shoes and you delivered in spades. Thank you all! As our trip sneaks up on us we are so privileged to be providing the community with not only shoes, but pencils, erasers, and clothes as well. We have bags and bags of shoes we will be bringing with us and in each pair I see a child whose long walk to school will be undeniably easier. Every pair helps make our dream of accessible education a reality. Indeed, “Education for Everyone!” We leave September 8, so if anyone out there still has some last minute items you wish to donate we are gladly accepting the much needed shoes and school supplies. You all got a week to get em in! 24 Dudley Ave., Venice, Ca. 90291. Thanks again for all your generosity.
Shoes for Everyone!
Shoes for Everyone!
Ghana Here We Come
August 12th, 2010
The Maalgo Project is returning to it’s roots and we are very excited about our upcoming trip. We will be traveling to Vea, Ghana to visit the library project and just can’t wait to get in there and see how our little library is progressing. The shoe donations have been rolling in as well as some much needed school supplies. On my last trip a timid little boy mustered up all his courage to ask “When you come back from your village, will you bring me clothes?” That was four years ago and I am so happy to be returning from my “village” and eager to make good on my word. We would not have nearly all the shoes and clothing that we are gladly lugging with us, if it weren’t for all of you. Thank you all so, so much! We will update you along the way.
Education for Everyone!!
Summertime fun!
May 28th, 2010
With summer approaching we are feelin the love and can’t wait to get out there and spread the warmth of the season. We are trying to plan some stellar fundraisers for summer and get involved in a few community building activities…any suggestions? We were thinking a dodgeball tourney could be super rad, but it seems more than a little aggressive and I’ve never really liked getting hit…moving on. Then we were entertaining the idea of a trivia night for all those brainiacs among us, but sort reminds me more of a winter hit and less a summer bash…thoughts? I’m still holding on to hope for a huge kickball tournament complete with finger-lickin good BBQ and frosty beverages, but where to do it? Never fear! Team Maalgo is on the case and we will be getting back to you with some exceptional options for fun in the sun that makes you feel good, because it’s for the kids!! Unil then 
xoxo
Hello world!
March 18th, 2010
It feels so good to be here… Wooohooo! Without any further anticipation our website is officially too legit to quit.
A Little Maalgo Update: We are so pleased to announce our newest partnership…(drum rrrrroll)…Little Bird Bakes, a delightful bakery in Venice, Ca. will be sponsoring our cause. They have generously decided to donate 15% of all their sales directly to yours truly. The Maalgo team could not be more pleased or grateful. Check em out: www.littlebirdbakes.com
