MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Parked outside the Marine and Family Services building, Jan. 9, sat a modest looking blue bicycle with a basket full of baked goods soaking up the afternoon sunlight, while three 12-year old girls layered in sweaters and jackets sold homemade cookies, brownies and cupcakes to passersby.
A simple idea has evolved into something more than just good intentions on behalf of a situation even adults are not mindful.
While most are aware of harsh the conditions in third world countries, only few choose to make a difference. Deciding on making a difference, Martha L. Granderson, along with twins, Norkeshia Y. and Kevneshia J. Groomes, graciously donated their time and effort in raising money for a nurse’s airplane fare to a children’s orphanage in New Hope, Uganda.
The nurse is Granderson’s sister, Phebe Sistenso, a labor and delivery nurse and native of Pine Buff, Ark., who is volunteering along with other nurses from the Los Angeles area.
Sistenso will be traveling to Uganda in July for a month, with the Bethany Christian Fellowship Church of San Pedro, Calif. The church is funding the month-long mission in Uganda.
Uganda, which is located in eastern Africa, is home to over 84,000 children under the age of 15 infected with the AIDS virus. For a country with such an intense problem little help is available. As of 2001, only 49 percent of the population had access to health care.
With those facts in mind, Granderson felt compelled to take a small part in the effort to alleviate an agonizing world-wide problem.
“I also want to be able to travel to Uganda one day. I’ll go as soon as I can,” said Granderson who feels it is her duty as a Christian to help those in need.
The Groome’s twins, who are Granderson’s neighbors and friends, volunteered to help for separate personal reasons.
“I have visited an orphanage here, those kids didn’t have AIDS but I remember how excited they were to see us,” said Kevneshia Groomes.
“I also want to be able to travel to Uganda one day to help,” said Norkeshia Groomes. “I did research about the orphans and read about the horrible conditions in Uganda.”
The girls plan to continue holding bake sales around the Marine and Family Services building and Crossroads throughout the next several weeks. Round trip tickets from Los Angeles International Airport to Uganda cost around 2,000 dollars, which equates to plenty of treats to bake.