**BLOG-Boquete, Panama 2009

**BLOG-Zambia, Africa, 2007

**BLOG-Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2007

**BLOG-Zambia, Africa, 2006


My name is Laurie Holland, and I have done cross-cultural service and volunteer work in both Kenya and Zambia, Africa. I received my bachelor’s degree in Cross-Cultural Studies from Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota and my master’s degree in Counselor Education from San Jose State University in San Jose, California. I serve on the Board of Directors for Kondwa Children's Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)3 whose mission is to facilitate long-term sustainable economic security for Zambian children, especially orphans, as well as their guardians and communities in Lusaka. I’ve been honored by the San Jose Rotary Club with an Ambassadorial Scholarship to participate in a Group Study Exchange program in Buenos Aires, Argentina in March 2007. Recently, I’ve been awarded with a 3-month Cultural Ambassadorial Rotary Scholarship, which will enable me to learn Spanish and live in Panama, as well as grant me yet another opportunity to serve.

In my previous community outreach to the children in Africa, I found myself dreaming big dreams for their future. I’ve committed myself to that vision of inspiring these children and bringing hope into their lives through counseling, education, proper nutrition, medical attention, and lots of smiles and hugs. Without hope, these children become victims to the street – abuse, hunger, and even prostitution. Nothing brings me greater joy than to see a young orphaned child resort from helplessness to hopefulness.



**Keep up to date with my work in Africa in my online journal and blog entries……