House of Blue Hope: 2018 year end giving

 I would like to share my experiences as both a donor and more importantly, as a 2018 summer visitor in residence at the younger boy’s house in Mabibo.

I participated in various fundraisers, observed the dedication of the founding HBH members, seen emotional tears and heard the passion in past visitors voices as they described their experiences, but nothing prepared me for the interactions I encountered. My time spent with the children of House of Blue Hope would prove to be one of the most powerful moments in my life.

When did I first start calling the children of House of Blue Hope "my children"? 

Maybe it was when the mother of a current child had to borrow money to buy beverages for our social workers and myself to say "thank you" for making such a difference in her son’s life these past four years? 

Could it have been when a six-year-old boy, while on an hour-long bus ride, crawled up on my lap and fell asleep and I found myself pulling him closer as if he were my own grandchild? 

Was it when two young boys reached up to hold my hands as I escorted them to school, thinking I was their protector, when actually they were concerned about me finding my way home without them? 

Maybe it was watching the older boys helping the younger children with their homework, or making sure the young boys knew how to iron their own shirts? 

Could it have been our alumni returning to provide tutoring for both current students as well as children from the larger Mabibo community?

The House of Blue Hope children became my children the day I made the choice to get involved by donating money to HBH and volunteering to spend time in Tanzania with these children. 

As you read my letter, we share a common bond; the children of House of Blue Hope are also your children. Because of your generous donations, you have allowed mothers to feel hope, and for their children to discover the love of learning and caring for others. 

The mission statement of the House of Blue Hope is: "Overcoming poverty through education — one child at a time." YOU are the lynchpin in this endeavor to make a difference! Please contribute to this year’s Annual Fund campaign, so that the boys and girls of House of Blue continue to thrive. 

Sincerely,

Bill Drogemuller, HBH Board Member since 2016 

PS - I’d also like to extend an invitation for you to join me in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania next summer, so that you too can experience what I have felt and you will meet the children that have changed my life forever.