C3 Missions International

Haitian Dresses

Farag — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:53:18 +0000

Seems like nearly every other week we have a team from C3 headed out somewhere. Our last team just returned from African not even a week ago until we sent another group to Haiti.

Some of you know that @ C3 we are more like facilitators in building villages that restore and repair the lives of orphaned and abandoned kids all over the globe. One of the ways we do that is through individuals, businesses, small groups, really anyone who wants to can get involved. We have had churches step up as well. The most recent crew we sent was all from a church in Kansas City called Restore Community Church, not only has this church started to build 2 orphan homes in a village called Cavallion, but they decided to build a church in Haiti as well. What makes that even more significant is that they don’t even have a building in Kansas City (over 600 of them meet at a local High School).

Our very own, Mandy Sharp, is helping coordinate things on the ground in Haiti. It seems that the Restore team had dresses made for lots of the orphan girls there. Check it out…

Friday’s visits/dresses from Restore from C3 on Vimeo.

So cool to see that you don’t have to have some huge building in order to really make an impact anywhere in the world!

C3 Africa Team - Days 10-12

Farag — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 21:28:13 +0000

Kenya, the last stop on the African trip for our team. It’s not a huge surprise that the team has been having a great time; meeting, planning, seeing the needs in Africa first hand so that as they return in a few short days we can continue to make adjustments to how we meet those needs.

So many times we forget that especially in war-torn, disease ridden countries like Kenya, and others not only poverty but so many forces have left kids as the only ones left to care for their families. They become the leaders, the mothers and fathers, a responsibility many here in the US can’t really fathom.

Big Job for an 8 Year Old from C3 on Vimeo.

With this in their minds they get ready to head back to the US, so many videos, memories, plans and a renewed fire that what we do makes a difference. For girls like this one and so many more.

Thanks for all of those who have gotten involved in this cause or any cause that changes the world for the better! If you’re not involved yet…come on in the water is fine!

C3 Africa Team - Days 7-9

Farag — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:16:17 +0000

C3’s first orphan village in Malawi is called Pothawira meaning “Safe Haven” in Chichewa. If you’ve followed C3, you’ve heard about the miraculous way the Malawi project has unfolded. It all started with Malawian doctor, Dr. Anne Maseko Alaniz, delivered Joe and Julie Knittig’s (C3’s Executive Director) last baby, Bella. In the hospital, the Knittigs’ learned of Anne’s dream to bring a medical and orphan care center to her home country so desperate in need.

Since then so much has come together….Anne’s dad and mom, Peter and Emma Maseko, came on to lead the effort on the ground, many of you supported the effort in many ways, from College students at Mizzou getting involved to funds being raised all to make this great project a reality. One last thing was in the way, keeping the project from moving forward full speed. The Malawi Government has been sitting on the approval of Pothawira’s launch for many months, with no sign of action.

Until now…

Peter Maseko, our partner on the ground in Malawi was returning home (March 22nd) from a trip to Germany, on his drive from Lilongwe to Salima, his phone rings. Although the Malawi Govermnment doesn’t work on Sundays, they are calling to let him know that Pothawira is approved and the papers are ready for pick-up. Pothawira’s officially a “go!” Peter takes off of work (March 23rd) to drive to Blantyre to pick-up the Pothawira paperwork from the gov’t – doesn’t want to wait.

March 24: With Pothawira orphan village finally ready to launch – a great relief – Peter returns to work. He’s greeted with news of a baby girl found discarded as trash, and in need of parents. You’ll see this girl and hear her story from the proper narrator, Emma Maseko (video coming soon).

March 25: Peter and Emma talk with Social Services in Malawi, and all arrangements are immediately made for them to adopt the baby.

March 26: Peter and Emma pick-up Daughter Number 8!

Peter and Emma have named this precious child Alpha (Alafea in their native tongue) Alinane Maseko. Alinane is her Chichewa name. It means “God With Me.” Peter and Emma decided upon Alpha, because the Lord has provided this incredible baby with a miraculous story as the first child to launch Pothawira. In NO WAY is this a coincidence, Peter and Emma were hand picked as Alpha’s parents!

More on this story coming soon, one of our own, Mike Fox, had a chance to hold this precious gift for a few minutes:

Meet Alpha Alanane Maseko from C3 on Vimeo.

C3 Africa Team - Day 5-6

Farag — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 23:44:45 +0000

Masaka, Uganda is our very first children’s village in Uganda. In our whirlwind visit to existing and proposed sites in Uganda, we had time for a brief visit. Wow!!! We busted into school. Actually, the teachers allowed us a few minutes to visit. Then it was back to school for the children. (Remember, we’re not the show. These kids haven’t a clue who C3 is. They’re teacher is far important in their lives than us, as it should be.)

On the way out, I saw this little girl. A year ago this same girl had no hair and would dare smile! A year later her she is in the front row all smiles….this is why we do what we do!!

Untitled from C3 on Vimeo.

We headed over to Lira, Uganda, you may have heard about the war in the north of Uganda. If you haven’t, google it. It’s brutal, and true. We went into the heart of the aftermath. This war has left a scar on this entire country, we are hear to try and help it heal.

Part of the problem with the war is the changes it makes to the families in the country….in some cases brothers and sisters are the only ones left standing. This little girl in the clip shadowed us, but wouldn’t get too close. She’s no more than 10 or 12. She’s responsible for her baby sister. She watched other children play, never leaving her post. Just as you see in this clip, as she watched the boys clowning in the background. How exactly would you relate if you were at once a child at the same time the “Head of the Household.”

Untitled from C3 on Vimeo.

It shouldn’t be this way. And it won’t be. We plan to pick up this project. At $5k per home for 10 children and a mom, we plan to drop about 50 into this village.

Think you can help? We still ahve a few days left to contribute to our projects in Africa on Facebook, feel free. Of if you want head to our donations page and give anyway you like.

Facebook Fan Page

C3 Team in Uganda - Days 1-4

Farag — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 19:04:27 +0000

Well our fearless crew in Africa has had their fair share of challenges, most of them are still without luggage a week into their trip that began with several delays and re-routes but in the end they landed in Uganda for the first leg of their trip. C3’s own Joe Knittig, our Executive Director is posting some notes throughout the trip, see what the team is up to:

Our first destination is Kabale, Uganda. This is in the SW of Uganda, near the Rwanda/Congo border. Amazing! It’s beautiful country. What kills us is that amidst this beauty, AIDS has left a brutal stain. Children everywhere. Momma’s scarce. We visited the primary school where our children - should we move on this project - will attend. Thought you might enjoy the kids singing a bit. We sure did.

We have more than 10 acres available to start with, and, really, as much as we need going forward. $5k for a home for 10 little ones and a momma. Should we do it???

http://sharing.theflip.com/session/d5904126c1f47add0cf873fdda62fa07/video/3632760

Next we headed out to Kyotera, Uganda….What a blast this is!!! We launched Kyotera less than 6 months ago. This children’s village in Rakai District (the origin of the African AIDS pandemic) has 3 homes done and full, and 4 more under construction. We couldn’t believe the progress. When the kids came in not long ago, they were sick. Bacterial infections. Head lice. Nasty stuff. They are doing great! Pastor Diton and the mommas deserve many thanks, and we were able to deliver them in person.

We had a great play date with the kids. Mike Fox especially enjoyed the day. We have at least 3 more homes to build here. We want to do more, we are currently raising money for one of these specific homes on Facebook, only 7 more days to give so check it out!

Facebook Causes

C3 Sends a Team to Africa

Farag — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 18:23:25 +0000

Ok all…Fresh off the plane from Haiti we had the chance to see off a team from C3 to Africa just hours ago.

Our founders Mike and Beth Fox were among the team headed there to see progress on some major projects we have started there and scout out some new locations we are planning on planting there as well.

C3 Team Heads to Africa 3-27-09 from C3 on Vimeo.

If you haven’t already, check out some of our latest posts from Haiti and share them with your friends and family….all you have to do is click the “Share/Save” button on the page or click our RSS feed button and keep up to date on all that is happening here at C3 and our mission to care for the orphans of the world!

Haiti - Day 10

Farag — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 02:32:55 +0000

Day 10 was a day or review for Marsha and I…we spent several hours reviewing our trip and a few more really sharing our notes on each village we were able to visit and capture…

Some great stories were retold, a few of which we will be talking about more soon with many of you.

So for those of you who are following along…here are the numbers:

10 Villages visited (we build clusters of child homes, usually with a school, clinic and church)
71 Mamas’ and 1 Papa - the care givers that ensure our/your (all of whom are God’s) kids are cared for
1,302 Orphan or abandoned kids we profiled and got pictures (some even smiled!)
Several Pastors and Teachers we also were able to profile and picture as well
Roughly 1200 miles traveled by 4×4, about 15 miles walked (I ran a few times, mostly uphill which counts double so 8 miles)

In all we have really had a blast and learned so much about our kids here in Haiti on this trip, its so encouraging to see real change and real progress despite their prior circumstances!

We had fun too…in the coming days and weeks you will see lots more videos and pictures so keep checking back. Feel like you want to get more involved? Hit our Facebook Fan Page or Facebook Causes Page and keep up to date on all the events etc happening @ C3.

In all Haiti has been a wild ride for us and although I’m ready to head home I am already looking forward to coming again soon! As far as rides go, Marsha and I did get to do as the locals do and travel by motorcycle a few days back, yes were alive and kickin but just doing as they do in Haiti.

Motorcycles in Haiti from C3 on Vimeo.
From Port au Price, Haiti

Your Favorite C3 Field Team

Haiti - Day 9

Farag — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:49:25 +0000

2:30 AM in Haiti seems much earlier than 2:30 AM in the US for some strange reason! Perhaps it was the rats that I was convinced were deliberately trying to get into my room or the dogs that were extra loud but I slept maybe an hour in total.

We left early to get a head start on our 4 hour drive north to Port U Price, the capital of Haiti and the site for our last home visit to Carrefour. We also were accommodating our partners schedule a bit so we were on a fairly tight timeline.

Perhaps that timeline added a little “spice” to one of the most intersting road trips I’ve ever had! I didn’t quite realize that leaving so early meant it would be dark (Uh no street lights in most of Haiti) and we would be traveling 85 to 90 MPH on roads designed for maybe 30-40 in daylight hours!! Take a peek out the window for yourself, “white knuckle” doesn’t quite say it well enough…

Drivin in the Dark - Haiti from C3 on Vimeo.

We had a little over 100 kids at Carrefour, bringing our total to over 1,300. At this point were pretty good at capturing the kids profiles and even had some time to hang with the kids a bit. Its so cool to know how much better off each of these kids are than where they were before. Each one getting the medical care, nutrition, education and love they need!

Carrefour Home - Port au Prince, Haiti from C3 on Vimeo.

So much change that you can truly see and hear the joy and hope they now have…after we got done hanging for a bit and handing out some stickers and candy we were honored with a song from the kids..one n French and one in ENGLISH!!! Love to see “our” kids education shining through.

From Port au Prince, Haiti

Your Favorite C3 Field Team

Haiti - Day 8

Farag — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 19:45:20 +0000

Over a week in Haiti and were still loving life…in fact now more than ever! At this point Marsha and I have probably made lifelong friends with our partners and will always have a few special orphan kids that just keep us working extra hard for this cause!!!

Day 8 was all about Cambry, in the world of C3 Cambry is like Mecca, its got one of the coolest churches, one of the best medical clinics and a lot of really sweet orphan kids!! Everyone who has been to Cambry loves it, myself and Marsha included.

We checked in about 212 kids today bringing our total over 1200 for our trip!! What a cool way to spend “Spring Break”! I need to remember to plan to do this every year! With our translators and partners working extra efficient (we have it down to a science at this point) we were done early. Just in time for a little R&R at the beach…the beach that no one goes to! Its really quite something to have such great people to work with, its almost like were not working but hanging out with friends. DouDou our trusted (driver/translator/security/do it all) partner is really a man among boys…he seems to know everyone and always shows up when you need him most.

It’s also fun to know that so many back in the states have made C3’s work possible…today I had a great time finishing my “bike ride” into Haiti remembering one groups dedication and sacrifice for the kids of Haiti! Check it out…

Biking Across Haiti? from C3 on Vimeo.

Plug into our cause on Facebook Causes and help raise awareness, money, or just volunteer for the plight of orphan and abandoned kids around the world @ C3 Causes on Facebook.
Well our day starts really early tomorrow (3AM) as we head north to Port Au Prince (the capital of Haiti).

From Cambry & Les Cayes Haiti - Your favorite C3 Field team,

Mike & Marsha

Haiti - Day 7

Farag — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:27:22 +0000

Day 7 of our Haiti trip was a trek to our first destination, the village of Cherette, Haiti. Cherette is know for its heavy practice of Vodou and most of the area are pretty hard to get to (so you will need a good 4×4 and a really good driver), but we have a great presence that is starting there and needed to go and get our kids taken care of, so off we headed.

Our first order of business at Cherette was to distribute some school supplies that we collected from a few C3 supporters including some kids at an army base in Germany as well as a school in the Kansas City area all of whom gave some great supplies we happily put in the hands of some Haitian school kids who really need them! So here’s an idea….got a group of students that want to help? Adopt a Haitian School and send supplies for all the kids there, or raise money for their school supplies! Sound cool…then send us an email to info@c3missions.org with the subject School Supplies include your school name and what you would like to provide and well make it happen!

School Supplies for Haiti from C3 on Vimeo.

We then headed back to Les Cayes the town we are staying in it also happens to house another of our orphan home villages as well as Les Cayes’ biggest church. No surprise we were greated warmly and ended up making great time and even had a little time to play with the kids.

Getting around in Haiti is a challenge of its own, its roads are mostly gravel and the rain makes them very rough. We have had our fair share of rough ridin” and our 4×4 is usually packed because we have had one or two doctors and 2 translators with us in addition to our partner Director, myself and Marsha our Director of Education….and were not riding in a bus by the way! I thought you all may enjoy a bonus video dedicated to a little river crossing we did yesterday…enjoy and keep visiting…we have a few more days left on our Haiti adventure.

Off Road In Haiti from C3 on Vimeo.

From Cherette and Les Cayes Haiti,

Your Favorite C3 Field Team (Farag & Campbell)