Live life crazy today has been my motto and I’d love it to be yours as well.
As you’re reading this message, I’ve finished up the bittersweet anniversary month of July.
Eight years ago, my life partner of almost 15 years, Minh, passed away from cancer. There could be plenty of “bitter” on that date. But my amazing friends, family, husband in heaven, husband on earth, and lifetime of adventures remind me of the “sweet” as well.
Minh and I traveled all over the world in our short 15 years together and built a huge memory bank of experiences together on which I draw very often. One place we didn’t travel to together was Africa. Always looking for the best deal, Minh wasn’t drawn to the price tag of an African safari and steered us toward Asia and the South Pacific for many of our treks instead.
About a year and a half after he passed, I decided to take an African trip to volunteer, to see the animals, and to meet some beautiful people of Tanzania. After an incredible time spent at the children’s home and on safari, I vowed, before boarding the plane back home, that I would be back to climb that big mountain in the distance, Mt. Kilimanjaro. I didn’t even remember those words of mine until seeing some Tanzanian friends 2+ years later at the beginning of our Kilimanjaro summiting adventure.
Since then, Amy, Dawna, and I have lived like crazy together. We’ve gone from Colorado 14ers to Peru’s Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu, across the continental divide, to my wedding, lived Amy’s dream of a non-profit that has grown beyond any expectations or hopes we had, and are looking toward Tour du Mont Blanc very soon!
Minh and I lived like crazy while he was alive. Who would have known that there would only be 39 short years of his life during which we could cram in all those places, people and food? But when July rolls around, and I could choose to dwell on what didn’t come to be in our life, I think of all of you.
What a marvelous opportunity we are giving together to our Tanzanian families for their children to live like crazy today in schools that are providing them with security, food for their brains and their bodies, and opportunities for options.
Thank you so much and keep living like crazy today with your family, friends, partners and us. We love you!
Stephanie Thai Buchanan
KKEF Board Secretary
Meet the Kidz
Jambo! My name is Shadrack. I am 14 years old, and I go to St. Timothy English Medium School. My older brother and I both get to go to private school now because we have sponsors!
Your HELP is Needed MOST This Month
Our first school fee disbursements begin in September each year. With rising costs and a few sponsors discontinued, we are seeking extra help this fall to bridge the gap. $900 per year, just $75/month, covers not only the tuition for the year, but also health insurance, school supplies, uniforms, books, transportation to and from school, and two meals each day.
All one-time donations will go to help bridge the gap for our $600 annual sponsors who are not in a position to give more. And new students are raising their hands requesting help to get into private school.
If you haven’t yet sponsored and would like to, or you are a sponsor and want to give an extra one-time contribution, please visit the How You Can Help page and donate today! Our students, who range in age from 4 to 19, are so thankful for having their education secured, and removing a huge burden from their family’s daily concerns.