Wash Their Worries Away

My name is Andrea Burke and I am currently a senior at Washington State University.  Although I am Egyptian, I had never been to Egypt, but over Christmas break, I was able to spend two weeks just outside of Cairo where I worked with two different Orphanages: an All-Boys Orphanage, and an All-Girls Orphanage.  My trip to Egypt went far beyond the pyramids and the temples (although those were great).  I was able to spend time with the Egyptian people and kids.  Even though I do not speak Arabic, language was no barrier for the love that these kids had. They were so excited to have us and I have never been around such polite kids.  If they had food, they would not eat it, but offer it to me.  Hospitality runs deeply through the veins of Egyptians, and these kids were no exception.  Despite having little to nothing, I was touched by selflessness these kids had.  Their joy, happiness, and love was incredible and nothing short of inspiring.  While at the All-Boys Orphanage that hosts approximately thirty boys, I asked the Director what their facility needed the most: a Washing Machine.  At first, I was surprised by this answer, but the more I thought about it I realized the value of such a simple amenity that I take for granted.  Having the ability to wash clothes for these kids will not only help the understaffed facility, but will increase hygiene for the kids.  This is such a basic need that these kids deserve to have.  Coming back to the US can feel overwhelmed after being around such extreme poverty (80% of Egypt lives on less that $2.00 a day and is considered to be in severe poverty).  Since I have returned from Egypt, we have seen the country experience an incredible change.  These boys also deserve to have change for their future.

Having an Orphanage with proper amenities will allow for more kids to be taken in and helped.  Deaths in Egypt unfortunately means more kids will become Orphans.  All the boys at this orphanage's parents are deceased, and adopting a child from Egypt is next to impossible.  These kids literally have no way out.  It is my goal to raise 5,000 for a Commercial Washing Machine to help create a true change for the future of Egypt by the time I graduate in May.  Please consider investing in the lives of these kids and donate to help Wash Their Worries Away.