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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat makes Bolingo even more impressive is its self-sustainability. Surrounding the cottages, you\u2019ll find a flourishing farm full of life. There are fields of peanuts, maize, and sweet potatoes \u2014 each crop is grown to nourish the children\u2019s growing bodies with essential vitamins and minerals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThankfully, we have on-call medical staff and access to Plumpy\u2019Nut, a ready-to-use therapeutic food that is designed to treat malnutrition,\u201d she explained proudly. \u201cThese resources, alongside the support from many in the U.S., have allowed us to provide three meals a day to every child. Together, we are literally saving children\u2019s lives.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sweet potatoes, green vegetables, and maize are all important parts of the children\u2019s daily meals, while goats and chickens provide fresh milk and eggs, rich in vitamin A and protein. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the farm is prospering, the challenges are real. Malnutrition is still a glaring issue for children arriving at Bolingo. Mitchell remembered one particular boy who was found on the streets, severely malnourished, weighing just 22 pounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe doctor estimated his age to be 7. The lack of proper nutrients in his body for an unknown length of time contributed to additional physical and cognitive disabilities. Because of our resources, we watched him gain 10 pounds in just six weeks and saw life come back into his eyes.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Outside of the farm, Bolingo Village is equipped with its own medical clinic, and the children receive trauma counseling and spiritual support to heal from their difficult pasts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe want them to not just survive but thrive,\u201d Mitchell said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite the village being a world away, the generosity of the Tullahoma community has been a blessing for the children of Bolingo. Mitchell recently spoke at the Tullahoma Sunrise Rotary Club, sharing the village\u2019s success stories and challenges. Afterward, the Rotary Club gifted her a tote filled with books for the children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs soon as I would step outside of my cottage with a book in hand, the children would come running from all directions to surround me,\u201d Mitchell recalled. \u201cThey loved seeing the pictures and repeating the words in English after me. They especially loved reading the Bible stories.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s the little things, like a tote of books, that make the biggest difference at Bolingo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese little ones have already lost so much and often live in a state of survival. For so long, their focus was finding the next meal and making it through the day. Now that they are seen, safe, and fed, we want to help them dream again and find a life they never thought possible,\u201d she said. \u201cI was so thankful for the opportunity to expand their minds and remind them that their story is still filled with beauty.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n For anyone wondering how they can help, Mitchell is quick to point out that every contribution \u2014 big or small \u2014 counts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSometimes people feel like they have to write a hefty check or sponsor a huge fundraiser in order to make a difference \u2014 which is always welcome. But I have found that just doing even a little helps \u2014 sharing our information, liking a post, hosting a clothing drive, sending $10 a month, and the list goes on.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n As for the future of Bolingo Village, Mitchell hopes the program continues to be a source of love and growth for the children. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe want these children to grow up with the skills, resources, and love they need to follow the path God has for them,\u201d she said. \u201cYes, there\u2019s darkness in this world, but because of Jesus, there\u2019s always hope.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since its beginning, the Global Orphan Foundation has changed thousands of children\u2019s lives through missions in Haiti, Nicaragua, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The organization is proof that when a community comes together \u2014 whether in Congo or Tennessee \u2014 amazing things happen. It really does take a village. And in this village, love is always in abundant supply. GN <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A house mother stepped out of her small cottage, clutching a book in her hand. It was warm outside, but what truly stirred the ground were the joyful shouts and the pattering of tiny feet. Children rushed toward her from every direction, eyes bright with expectancy. She barely had time to sit before they gathered […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":23353,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23351","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-stories"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/tullahoma\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/12\/2-2-1024x683.png\")
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