Ready for School!

SYI would like to send a BIG Thank You to the Women’s Mission Society from Torch Baptist Church for donating enough money to purchase new uniforms for all 40 children at the Panti Asuhan Sinar Kasih. 

THANK YOU!!! 

SYI was able to purchase 1 school uniform with a hat, 1 pair of socks, 1 pair of shoes, 2 pairs of underwear, and a new backpack for each child from pre-school to high school living at the orphanage.  SYI on-site liason, Esti, lead this project.  She negotiated with a retailer to come to the orphanage so that each kid could try on their new uniform and shoes and pick out a backpack.  Our other on-site liason, Novi, took many photos of the fantastically organized chaos. 

The girls tried on their new outfits first.

While the boys patiently waited in the lesson area. 

My own sweet boy Colby helped to keep them entertained with chicken antics.

The pre-school kids were thrilled with their new duds!

The kids all managed to stay clean while they waited for each and everyone to be outfitted in a spiffy new uniform.  It didn’t stop them from modeling for the camera, though!

Water Test: Agus Mole

Agus Mole, the resident water guy in Waitabula, performed “The Test” today to check for water and the best location to dig at the orphanage, and to estimate the approximate depth.  He did this with a divining rod. 

 (I am not sure why he left his motorbike helmet on!)

I know there is much controversy as to whether or not divining water is possible.  The scientist in me squirmed the entire time since I am unaware of any reliable data indicating that water diviners are any better than pure chance.  In Sumba, however, tradition must be adhered to.  No respectable construction crew will begin digging a well until a “test” has been performed.    

My estimate and budget are based on existing wells near Panti Asuhan.  Wells at the top of the hill are close to 40M deep.  Wells further down the hill only go about 25M.  Given the elevation of the orphanage, the depth of the water table is most likely in the 20M-25M range.  I calculated the budget with a digging depth of 40M to ensure ample funds for well completion.  Regardless of my research, certain customs and traditions must be followed here.   

Mr. Mole met me at the orphanage 3 days ago to determine the best spot for the well and estimate the approximate depth of the well.  Mr. Mole and his divining rod (and at one point two green tree limbs) determined that a spot near the cooking area would be the best spot, and he estimates that we will only need to dig approximately 17M to reach water.  He recommends digging an extra 3M to ensure a large reservoir of water.  This estimate is in the ballpark of the depth my research indicates.  If Mr. Mole’s estimation is correct, SYI will have money leftover to make some much need repairs at the orphanage.  Including, some safety repairs to their “playground” as well as repairing the gutters around the house.

First, water!  SO..... when are we going to break ground?  If you take a look at the sidebar....Go ahead and check out the sidebar, I’ll wait......

See!  Isn’t it great??  SYI received a flood of donations this weekend.  

Now that we have more than $1500, I feel comfortable beginning well construction.  The digging starts this week!!!   I will post pictures of the progress as often as possible!.

Looking for some handmade love

We are collecting handmade items for the Panti Asuhan Sinar Kasih! 
Our current campaign is for two specific categories:
1. twin-sized blankets: We are in the tropics so light weight fibers only.  All blankets will be handwashed with whatever detergent is available.  Please keep these parameters in mind when selecting yarn for your project.
2.  toys:  These children have few, if any, toys.  They would love a squishy, toy made with love.

Currently, there are 39 kids living at the orphanage.  20 girls and 19 boys ranging in age from 2-19.  I can provide a US address or an Indonesian address for shipping.  Deadline for this campaign is March 1st!  Please email sumbayouthinitiative@gmail.com if you would like to participate!








 Also.... Operation Dig is still underway!  Digging is set to start next week!!  We still need donations to purchase the materials to finish the well (solid, cement walls, and a cement cover - for safety!) and to install a pump to bring the water up!

SYI and Operation Dig!

Operation Dig is in full motion now.  I am amazed at how many people have stepped up to help with my crazy idea!  It is really exciting.  I’ll give you a little summary of the progress so far...

SYI Logo:  Sarah Householder Surface has stepped up to design logos and media materials for Sumba Youth Initiative and Operation Dig.

Linsey Griffith has put together an esty cooperative to help raise funds for Operation Dig.  If you have any items you would like to donate to the shop, please send an email to sumbayouthinitiative@gmail.com.  Put “Etsy Donation” in the subject!

Tradisi pattern:  The lace shawl I designed is now available through www.ravelry.com as a pdf download for $5.  (If you are not on ravelry, but would like to purchase the pattern check out the link in the sidebar!) The shawl and the scarf pictured below (and in the pattern pdf) will be for sale in the Etsy shop in the coming days.  The golden heather Tradisi shawl is priced at $150, and the oyster Tradisi beaded scarf is priced at $75.  

Well Soup:  Helen Sowards (aka SuperMom) has put together a dry soup mix that will also be available via Etsy soon. Mom describes it as “ a wonderful mix of rice, barley, lentils, and died split peas with a blend of onions, garlic, beef bouillon, and other seasonings. It will make an excellent gift for the holidays. 

Our current fundraising total for Operation Dig is $760.  My Sumbanese friend, Sandro, has spoken with the headmistress of the orphanage and they are excited by the prospects of their very own well.  I have a crew on standby, ready to begin digging once the funding is in place.  I am confident that this crew will do an excellent job and they are excited to have the work! 

Please check out the site and its pages.  Let me know if anything is amiss.  As always, if you would like to contribute to the progress of this project or help make SYI a permanent organization, just leave a note in the comments or email sumbayouthinitiative@gmail.com.  Be sure to let me know how you can help!