Let me introduce you to the forgotten treasures of our world - the orphans of the “Mountain Kingdom.” Lesotho is the official name of this tiny, fourth world African country. It is completely surrounded by South Africa and has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world. This disease has resulted in an alarming number of children left without parents. Many of these orphans live alone, become caretakers of their younger siblings, or live with their aging and often dying grandparents.

In 2004, my son Joshua and I had an opportunity to visit this wonderful country and learn about these children who are struggling with their newfound responsibilities. We discovered that in the midst of their grief over losing their moms and dads, they also faced a hopeless situation regarding school. The government of Lesotho pays for school through the 7th grade. Beyond that, it is the responsibility of the family to pay for tuition, books, fees, and uniforms. Since these orphans do not have parents, and little to no financial resources, they are unable to attend school.

During our time in Lesotho, we met Sister Constance from the Good Shepherd’s Center. She shared with my mom, Harriet, and her husband, Bill Bierling, her dream of starting an education fund to bring hope to these orphans unable to go to secondary school. Our hearts were all moved and the Bountiful Hope Foundation Fund was created. When we returned to the States in the fall of 2004, we sent out “penny jars” and asked our family and friends to gather their “insignificant pennies” to help better the life of “one significant child” for the next school year.

At the end of 2004, my family was struck by tragedy, as my son Joshua lay in the ICU with a brain injury. The doctors told us that school might never again be a possibility for him. It was at this time of deep family heartache that the “penny jar” money started to arrive. These “insignificant” pennies soon added up to enough money to sponsor seven orphans in Lesotho for the 2005 school year. At a time when schooling seemed out of reach for our son Joshua, the knowledge that these seven orphans would be able to wake up, go to school, and have hope for a better future was a gift to us that we will never forget! These orphans had overcome so much, and in our struggle they became a beacon of hope!

Since that time, we have experienced many blessings. Joshua is what the doctors call a walking miracle. He has been back to Lesotho three more times and, in 2008, he graduated from high school here in Colorado. My husband, Paul, promised that when Joshua got better he would go to Lesotho with him to visit the orphans. That promise was fulfilled in October, 2008 and many of the pictures on this website are from that trip. The Bountiful Hope Educational Fund has experienced amazing growth. The Fund that started with seven orphans has grown to over 105 orphans spread out among 13 secondary schools throughout the Mountain Kingdom! Your donations have turned “Hope” into reality for these children! Hope allows us to persevere and tackle terrible situations together. Hope can change everything. Thank you for being a part of such change.

With much Thanksgiving and Hope,

Cindy Trollinger for the Mountain Kingdom Hope Foundation