Thursday, August 25, 2016

Dawn Amid Danger?


Sr Marilyn, Exec Dir of Mercy Beyond Borders, snapped this photo a few months ago in Narus, South Sudan.  She says it evokes the tension that grips the whole country:  will a new dawn spread its hope throughout South Sudan? or will the ominous storm clouds prevail?  

South Sudan's top elected officials refuse to work together to build peace. Instead, they are again directing all their energies and resources into civil war.  Thousands of women and children are running to refugee camps for relative safety. Mercy Beyond Borders will stand with them there....

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Happy in Haiti


We do not deny that Haiti is afflicted with poverty, environmental degradation, 80% unemployment, cholera and now the Zika virus, too. We are well aware that most girls there never have the chance to attend more than a few years of primary school. But that isn't the whole story! There's plenty of happiness, too, as you can see on the faces of these Mercy Beyond Borders' high school Scholars during an MBB-sponsored outing to the local river.  Look at how beautiful and resilient they are!  

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Good News from South Sudan

There isn't much good news coming out of South Sudan these days, given the spreading civil war. Yet daily life goes on for the 702 girls at St Bakhita Girls' School.  Education is recognized as a great "stabilizer" for children in unstable situations. School provides structure and security (and yes, fun and games) even in war zones and refugee camps. Here you see the happiness of young girls who've received pillowcase dresses from Mercy Beyond Borders. The very first dresses of their own!  More than enough reason to rejoice!

Thursday, August 4, 2016

An Admiring Glance

Valki Anderson, shown here with MBB Scholar Isabel, has completed her year as Scholarship Coordinator for Mercy Beyond Borders in Haiti.

Valki returned to the States a few days ago. She's a gifted linguist. Fluent in French before her arrival, she quickly picked up Kreyol as well and was able to converse with our Scholars and their family members.  It's obvious from the affection on Isabel's face that Valki will be missed! 


As you can see in the picture below, the Scholars didn't want to part with Valki's dog, Manchu, either....
Thank you, Valki, for all the ways you contributed to the academic progress of the girls in our Haiti Scholarship Program over the past year!