Support Letter

Major changes are happening in my life. You may remember that I was laid off February of 2009. I knew God's hand was in that situation, but couldn't figure out exactly what He was calling me to. I applied for the Peace Corps and different missionary organizations. To say it's been an interesting journey would be an understatement. I would be approved but wouldn't hear back from people for months, then I might get an email response and the waiting game would start all over again.


That is until I found out about The Dream Project, an organization that works with orphans in Mozambique, Africa. I met Julie, one of its founding missionaries, within weeks of hearing about the organization. While I was filling out my application to work in Mozambique for a year, Julie asked if I would be willing to help here in the states. My answer wasn't immediate. Over the next few weeks I prayed, went to a few meetings and asked a million questions before realizing this was a great fit. I feel that God has been using my volunteer experiences with Campus Life to prepare me to work with The Dream Project.

The Dream Project's US headquarters are in Royal Oak, Michigan, where I just moved. I have been volunteering with them from Illinois since early June, working on a policy and procedures manual, brainstorming and organizing. For those of you that don't know, I'm a huge detail person and I love to organize... just not my own things =).

In December I hope to go to Mozambique for two months. As much as I'm excited about working behind the scenes in the US, it pales in comparison to how I feel about meeting those touched by this ministry. While in Mozambique, I will take pictures and videos of what happens on the ground, gain a richer, first-hand understanding of The Dream Project and Mozambique, and bring that back to share with others.

The Dream Project primarily works with children orphaned and abandoned by the AIDS epidemic. It provides fresh water, food, medical assistance, education, vocational training, and homes for countless children and families in this war- and AIDS-ravished country. Most importantly, The Dream Project brings the love and hope of Jesus to those who so desperately need it. Rather than build large orphanages, they place children in small, home-like settings with loving Mozambican houseparents. We empower them to be self-supporting leaders in their communities. We also invest in the communities by teaching practical life skills, as well as training in the Word of God. Our desire is to raise up Godly leaders, equipped to help others suffering from spiritual and physical poverty.

I am writing today because I need your help. I know that money is tight in this tough economy. If you do not feel God leading you to support me financially, I ask that you would still support me in prayer. In return for your help, I will be able to work in The Dream Project's headquarters helping to keep the “dream” alive.

My goal is to raise $2,400 per month and an additional $3,000 for my December trip to Mozambique. If you wish to support me financially please fill out the enclosed form. All donations are tax-deductible since The Dream Project is a registered 501 (c)3 organization.

Please let me know if you would like more information about The Dream Project, or visit our website www.thedream-project.org. You can also check for updates at www.amanda-nichols.blogspot.com. Thank you for your support!

TDP orphanage is in Pemba, the government has also given us 6 acres in Ponta D' Ouro.

Sink or Swim

Today was the start of my third full week at The Dream Project. The last two weeks have been full of meetings with Julie, volunteers and supporters of TDP. I've also done a lot of organizing, you can't tell though. Literally every time I would get one box put away Julie would show up with at least two if not three more boxes of stuff! I'm excited to make my way through all the stuff and find it a home... even if it is the trash =) Today I did find some cool painting from Mozambique, so I hope to get those up on the wall.


I think it was two weeks ago now, we had a volunteer meeting. It was a really exciting night. That night was all about brainstorming and where TDP was heading. One of our volunteers is going to start sharing in Small Groups about TDP and trying to get people to partner with the 2010 campaign (TDP is trying to get 2000 people to give $10 a month). He is so passionate about sharing with Small Groups... it was GREAT!! We also received two checks that night totaling a very unexpected $5,000!!!!

Julie is on her way back to Mozambique. Good news is she can't bring any more boxes into the office, bad is she isn't just a phone call away. Well I guess she is, but I'm not sure how easy it is going to be to get a hold of her. I've been thinking of this day for a while and I am nervous but also very excited! It's time to stop talking about what I'll do once Julie is gone and do it.

I haven't had as much time to dig into my journal and share about the last year. I hope to be able to pull out some stories still, but if you want to hear more feel free to ask.

As always thanks for reading.

Amanda

The Dream Project's U.S. Headqarters

Usually I would say that if you have time to clean at work, you must not have enough to do, but this is just insanity!