Our 260 orphans in Outback Northern Territory rarely ever venture out with their carers because they are petrified of the outside world.
If they are taken into town to go shopping with their carer, they start to panic and scream because they are not used to so many people or the noise. So they don't get to see Australia.
Because many of the babies and kids are orphans and or fostered children; they believe that no one wants or loves them. Some children are rejected by their entire family because a white man has raped them or are the result of a white man raping their mother; or for some other reason.
They can be fostered in their own tribal village but never adopted out so they will only know the love of a carer who may not be there permanently.
I've had an idea for a week about sending postcards of my town to the kids with a message of love on the back to say I care and they are loved and needed. Jenni Hosa sent me 4 postcards from Wellington and had no idea what I was thinking; then Julie Duncan just asked me if we could do it.
If you would like to send 1-2 postcards in an envelop which best represents your town (no more animals as we may get too many) and add a message on the back:
"With love from Aunty (or uncle)(first name)...................from (whatever town and state). Remember that you are always loved and wanted in this world".
Don't put your address or anything else on the back of them.
Remember that they are kids so no sleazy cartoon ones or funny ones as they are not suitable. I will need them by the third week of August if anyone wants to send any.
(Maree)