A MESSAGE FROM MRS TINA VANDERPOL

This is a note from Mrs Tina Vanderpol who is coming again soon for the 3rd time in less than one year all the way from Canada.

In April 2009 , I, together with my husband and two sons, travelled from Vancouver to Kupang, to visit the Roslin Orphanage. It was an incredible experience for each of us, and as we were leaving, I promised Peggy that I would return as soon as possible. Five days after we arrived home, I booked another trip for July 2009.

What is happening over there is truly inspiring, and the vision that Budi and Peggy have for Roslin and the surrounding areas is slowly coming together. They do so much more than just caring for the 47 children. Many are unaware that Budi and Peggy also support more than 300 children who live in poverty in the surrounding villages. On a regular basis, the Soehardis will spend all day preparing meals, and will venture out into the poorest of villages, distributing food, clothing, and first aid to those who so desperately need it. They even have a mobile library van to promote reading.

Their goal through all of this is education for everyone, and they are making it happen. When they distribute the meals, they also teach basic sanitation and personal hygiene skills, and encourage the children to stay in school. Just recently, they helped one of the villages to come together and collectively build their own school from the trees and branches that were available within the area. Budi and Peggy are giving these people hope, and a fighting chance to break the cycle of disease and poverty that is so prevalent in the region. The Soehardis give of themselves freely without asking anything in return, and they are truly an inspiration.

I have been so blessed to be able to participate in visiting and distributing food in the villages and spending time with the children at Roslin. It is truly a life changing experience that has given me pause to look at my own life, and what my priorities should be. It is an honor to call Budi and Peggy my friends, and I cannot wait to return to Kupang.

Thank you, Budi and Peggy, for everything. God's blessings to you always.

TinaV