Read Kristin's blog from her travels in Uganda!

See more photos of Kristen's trip to Africa and India here.

To read Kristen's support letter, click here.

To donate to Kristen's 2-year trip, scroll down on this page.

UPDATE! Kristen shaves her long locks and donates them to charity in preparation for her trip! Check out this article on Kristen in the Jefferson City News Tribune. See the pictures here!

International HALO Ambassador
Kristen Vogel: Africa and India
Kristen has committed two years to serving as an International HALO Ambassador, and is moving to Uganda in September 2007. She will direct HALO programs in three orphanages in Kenya, three programs in Uganda, and one orphanage in India. She will also be expanding HALO’s scope by accessing needs of additional orphans and developing project proposals for HALO’s future. Kristen will also oversee construction of our HALO House Orphanage in Uganda.

International Experience:
English Teacher, Chiang Mai, Thailand - Classroom of 45 children
Project Coordinator, Harmons, Jamaica - Three years organizing trip to build houses for the poor

Kristen’s Statement:
There was an instance while I was in Uganda when I was absolutely dumbfounded at the reality of human conditions in this world. Here I was surrounded by some of the most beautiful and loving children that I have ever encountered. Smart, friendly, playful, and considerate—yet they slept on a cold hard floor in a concrete room and had no one to love them or take care of them. Often times critics attribute poverty to laziness or corruption but I have seen a different kind. The children I desire to serve had absolutely no control over their circumstance. I simply want to give them opportunities that have always been out of grasp whether that is simply a full belly of food or the education they never dreamt they could have. We must make small advances toward this vision and it improves one child at a time. Just like a parent would do absolutely anything for their child, I was to serve the parentless to my fullest capabilities. If one child’s happiness results from my work, I have fulfilled my purpose with the HALO foundation. I do not see this as a sacrifice but as a rewarding opportunity that in turn gives me a sense of completion.

Thank you for your compassion and for making a difference in lives around the world!

The HALO Foundation: Helping Art Liberate Orphans is a 501(c)3 Non-profit Organization. Donations are tax deductible.
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