Helping the Children of "Charity Orphanage" in Liberia

After thirty-seven years away, Bill Lawhorn (my husband) returned to Liberia last Spring. His plan was to finally visit "Charity Orphanage" in Robertsport, delivering funds we raised for the orphanages' support, to reconnect with friends he made while in the Peace Corp in the 1970's, and to learn more about the reconstruction of this intriguing country. Bill is preparing to launch a blog where he will write about all of these topics in depth, but in the meanwhile I thought you would be interested to see some of the photos from his trip.

Heading this article: Loretta Sambollah with Musu. Loretta founded "Charity Orphanage" in Robertsport during Liberia's recent horrific civil war. Bill met Loretta when they both taught at Methodist Elementary School in Robertsport while Bill was a Peace Corp Volunteer. It is through that connection that Bill and I became involved in helping the orphans, with Bill's experience as a child welfare social worker and through the sale of the gemstone jewelry that I handcraft.
Frank Sambollah (Loretta's husband) with several of the 28 children from the orphanage. When Bill met Frank, he was a lawyer who ran the local community center. Since Franks' retirement he has helped Loretta with the children.This little boy is poignantly named "Noofme" which means "no one for me."
And this is Saifa.
There's a small school at the orphanage. In addition to donating money for direct needs (food, etc.) Bill was able to buy books, paper, chalk, and other school supplies as well as balls and other toys for the children.

Bill had a great trip. He visited the capital Monrovia, and in addition to spending time at the orphanage, he travelled throughout Cape Mount County with the County Superintendent, and even met Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the President of Liberia. You'll find links to more photos at the end of this article as well as links to more information about "Charity Orphanage" and the history and current situation in Liberia.

"A Gem of a Cause" End of Summer Sale - 5 Days Only

Bill and I send the profits from the jewelry at Mufi Jewels http://mufi.etsy.com to help support the children at 'Charity Orphanage.'

For 5 days only - Monday, August 31 through Friday, September 4th, selected jewelry will be on deep discount. This is an affordable way to add to your jewelry collection with one-of-a-kind or limited edition, original designs, handmade with care by me - and photographed by Bill. You’ll find details about the sale posted at the shop and some jewelry photos in the right side bar.

For more background on Liberia and on Bill's trip click here: http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/2009/04/jewelry-liberian-children-news-update.html
To see more of Bills' photos click here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=26489&id=1035013350&l=ebf8241c50

Jewelry + Liberian Children = ‘A Gem of a Cause’

new at Personal Treasures

I want you to be among the first to know. . .

My husband Bill Lawhorn is returning to Africa to work with orphaned children. To fund his efforts all profits from my jewelry businesses will be devoted to Bill’s projects. Initially we will focus on support of the children of "Charity Orphanage," Robertsport, Liberia, the details are below.

To launch the fundraising effort, I’m having a sale of all of my personally handmade, original designs in gold and silver, gemstones and pearls from September 24th through December 31st!

Personal Treasures - http://personaltreasures.etsy.com
Mufi Jewels - http://mufi.etsy.com

Buy one piece and receive a 10% discount, 2 purchases receive 15% and buy 3 or more and get 20% off your entire order.

Here’s how to purchase:

- Buy at the stated price and I will refund your discount, and combine shipping if you shop at both stores, through PayPal.
- Voila! Your jewelry is on it’s way to you.

new at Mufi Jewels

About Bill’s project. . .

In his youth Bill did 2 tours in the Peace Corps as a teacher in Cape Mount County, Liberia. Throughout his career as a Social Worker in child welfare and adoptions, he has maintained his connections with Liberia.

Liberia is now recovering from a 14-year civil war in which 300,000 people died and the infrastructure of the country was destroyed. There are many children who have been left orphaned and homeless and in great need of help.

Now that he’s retired, Bill is working with a NGO (non-governmental organization) and a group of expatriate Liberians to develop projects to improve the conditions in Liberian orphanages.

Through these connections he found that one of his fellow teachers in Liberia had taken in 35 orphaned children that she is now struggling to support. So initial focus will be on helping "Charity Orphanage" in Robertsport, Liberia.

He plans to be in Liberia in early 2009. I will post updates on the project here at my blog. You can supscribe to or follow the blog to get the news.

Here's an update from December 11 -
http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/2008/12/gem-of-cause-jewelry-benefitting.html

Additional ideas for gifts that benefit Africans - with links to articles on other blogs for even more resources - http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/2008/10/gifts-that-benefit-africans.html

Holiday Tea and Treasures Sale

This afternoon is my annual holiday show and sale and I'm taking a quick break to show you some new work not yet at my Personal Treasures store http://personaltreasures.etsy.com. For more info about the sale check my post "Holiday Show Preview" http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/2007/12/holiday-show-preview.html

Above is "Spinning Pearls" made with some very fine Biwa pearls that I designed to spin freely when worn, but to lie flat when stored (photo below).And here is the "Garnet Diamonds" necklace with three strands of faceted garnets strung on a handmade focal bead, stations and box clasp of amazing craftsmanship from Bali.