Karibu! Welcome!

I left my experience in Tanzania certain that it was the most beautiful place on earth, full of welcoming and joyful people. I was continuously reminded of the innate ability for human beings to feel, live, and project happiness. Happiness is what I witnessed and experienced during my time in Africa. 

One aspect of my experience that I hope to share with you involved my time in the Southern Highlands, a remote mountainous area, in a small community in the Mufindi region. In Mufindi I stayed with Jenny, Geoff, and their two beautiful redheads who run an NGO (non-governmental organization) called The Mufindi Highlands Orphans Project (MHOP). The focus of the organization is to provide shelter, sustenance, education, and medical care for orphans, other vulnerable children, and people living with HIV-AIDS within the project area (villages throughout the Mufindi region). Through education, orphanages, women’s empowerment initiatives, and HIV/AIDS support, the NGO hopes to curtail the spread of HIV-AIDS, teach life skills, and create hope and opportunities for future generations. 

I feel so fortunate to have been able to spend some time in these villages where I was able to see how volunteerism, involvement, support, and compassion can directly impact the lives of so many Tanzanians. 

If you have any questions about MHOP, ways to be involved, or are just interested in hearing more about my experience in Africa, do not hesitate to call or stop by the Sellwood School!

In Kiswahili, Asante (thank you)!


Meredith, Sellwood School Director

Please don't forget to visit us at CMLC's Annual Yard Sale this Saturday, July 28th from 10 am- 1pm at our Woodstock School. All proceeds from the Yard Sale will go directly to the Mufindi Highlands Orphans Project.

Cakes 4 a 'Cause

Last weekend CMLC held their first annual, Cakes 4 a 'Cause! This was an all-you-can-eat pancake event with t-shirts, cake pops, a raffle, and tons of fun! CMLC held this event to benefit one our own teachers who is battling Stage 4 Metastatic Cancer. 

Sellwood's Teacher Traci was originally diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2007. After months of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, Traci was a given a clean bill of health. That was until December of 2011, where she found another lump, and her fight with cancer began all over again. After many tests and doctors, Traci was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Cancer, which had spread to her lungs and sternum. 

Throughout these last few months Traci has remained positive, inspiring the staff, parents, and children around her. She truly is an inspiration! 

CMLC would like to thank the numerous families, countless volunteers, and businesses who participated in the event. Due to your kind generousity, we were able to raise $1,557 for Traci! 

Cakes 4 a 'Cause is an event that CMLC holds near and dear, and we plan to continue the tradition of holding a fundraiser each summer! Each year CMLC will put on a Cakes 

 a 'Cause to benefit a different cause, hoping to help those in need as much as we can!

Red Class Woodstock School camping update!

In Red class (pre-k) at the Woodstock School, our camping unit is in full swing! Our visitors from Yellow class (preschool) got a chance to explore our new unit last week. To go along with our camping station, we are working on making a log cabin out of a huge cardboard box and lots of toilet paper tubes. Check out the pictures to see our progress!

Camping in Red Class at Woodstock!

In Red Class over at the Woodstock School we are in full swing with the new theme "'Camping". Our pre-k kids are really enjoying our new dramatic play camping themed station. Teacher Tiffany and myself (Teacher Lisa) gathered some of our personal camping gear and combined it with some materials from the kitchen station to create an exciting new station. Some of the things in the station include flashlights, binoculars, play food, camping pots and pans, pretend campfires, a tent, camping chairs, and so much more! Check out these fun pictures of our kids' first chance to explore this station.