The Machao Orphanage

Many of you mentioned making the world a better place on your Bucket List in my post, Calling all Morselites!

And so, this Morselist spoke with one who is doing just that: Dr. Carolyn Rowley, founder of The Machao Orphanage and The Cayenne Wellness Center.

This is an  amazing organization and story.

Q. Please tell us how you started your work with The Machao Orphanage.

A. It all begin in 2005 when a friend of mine asked me in March what I wanted for my birthday in June. Because I live a minimalist lifestyle I wanted and desired nothing. Still she kept asking and truly wanted me to think about it. Still nothing.

Finally I said I wanted a string of pearls, for which she replied that was a husband gift. Back to picking my brain when finally I thought about when I was little and wanted to dedicate my life and join Mother Teresa’s Sister of Charity. I thought perhaps I can do a summer missionary trip.

After making several inquiries, I was led to Dr Mutunga in Kenya, who reported that there were many orphans and no one taking care of them.

I went in June (arrived on my birthday), stayed for one month and told the children that I would dedicate the rest of my life to them.

Q. Did you start it yourself?

A. I began it myself.  On the plane ride back home (a long flight indeed), I came up with the name and the five year strategic plan (which will take seven). I wrote the Foundation’s first newsletter as well.

We are called The Machao Orphanage Foundation – www.machaoorphanage.org – and a 501c3 (under Cayenne Wellness Center)

Q. Very impressive!  Did you get help?

A. Though it’s only me, the orphanage exists because of people and their donations and their prayers.

There are times that I ask myself what have I gotten myself into. It’s a lot of hard work constantly asking people to give and knowing the urgent needs of the children. We are dedicated to making sure that all of our children go to school and with that are school fees.

They also have to eat and there lies the true challenge – not having enough money for such basics.

Q. Were there glitches?

A. No glitches to speak of.  99% of the funds go to the children. 1% is used to purchase stamps and send thank you notes to the donors.

Would be nice to finally receive a grant or continual funding.

Q. That’s incredible. How often do you physically make the trek to the Orphanage?

A.  I go back annually to check on the children and implement the next phase. So far we have completed the housing phase in August, 2009 with a girls dormitory, boys dormitory, dining hall and latrines.

In November, 2010 we completed the water project and now the children, thanks to a partnership with Living Water International, have clean water in their backyard.

This year, August 2010, we intend to install solar panels (Phase III). And finally, July 2012 we hope to complete Phase IV – Agricultural Sustainability.

Q.  You must be so proud to have accomplished so much. What are some obstacles you’ve run into?

A. Truly, the only obstacle we have is not having enough funding. So much can be done and we only want to provide the children with the basics (food, clothing, shoes, hygiene items).

If each child were to be supported, all would be well. We continue to run into the money obstacle all the time. We are reaching out to folks and searching for grants.

Q. What are your short term goals for TMO?

A. Short term – to receive the additional $1450.00 to be able to install solar panels in August 2011.

Q.  What are your long term goals?

A. We are nearing the completion of our first Strategic Plan: 2005 – 2012.

Phase I – Housing/Shelter – completed August, 2009

Phase II – Clean Water – completed November, 2010

Phase III – Solar Panels and renewable energy, To be completed August, 2011

Phase IV – Agricultural Sustainability – To be completed July, 2012

Our next Strategic Plan: 2012 – 2020 will look something like this:

Phase I – Bring a director on board, keep Dr. Rowley (that’s me) as Executive Director

Phase II – To have ALL children sponsored; budget met annually

Phase III – Open an after school program at the orphanage

Phase IV – Open second orphanage in El Salvador

Q.  What message would you like to spread?

A. That one person is the difference in a child’s life at Machao. Donating, praying, making a quilt, giving us dolls (like Cynthia Davis’s Dolls of Hope project, make a difference. Without funds, we wouldn’t exist. Without prayers I wouldn’t be encouraged to continue (and believe me, I get very weary at times not knowing what else to do).

WIthout the quilts, the children wouldn’t be able to lie in comfort knowing that someone cared enough. And without the dolls, they too have something to love.

One person truly does make a difference.

Q.  How can The Morselist Readers help?

A. Best way is to spread the word; keep us in your prayers and thoughts; if people have the financial means, definitely to add us to their list of charitable organizations; think of ways they can use their special talents.

I would love to give the children musical instruments and fine art supplies – you never know what new artist/musician is lurking.

Q.  What inspiring message would you like to share?

A.  Inspiring message, that’s tough.  I do what I do because I don’t know of any other way to live my life.

Since I was five I wanted to dedicate my life to others and only do service work. I believe I have accomplished my goal and yet, there is still more to do. No matter how challenging it is, I do not see myself doing anything else.

These children and my life of service defines who I am.

I am who I am because of the people I serve.

Q.  That’s a powerful message and echoes that of Mother Teresa, one of my heros.

A. BTW: We will be taking a team with us in July, 2012

To donate, for inquiries …

The Machao Orphanage Foundation

P.O. Box 3856

Glendale, CA  91221

info@machaoorphanage.org

818 377 5120

Reminder to get your Bucket List in by this Friday to be included in my upcoming MORSELIST BUCKET LIST Blog.