This elegant, small cruise ship is the one that we’re hoping and praying to use for Purposeful Africa in the fall of 2010. Rhonda Sand, owner of TMI Tours & Cruises and the founder of Purposeful Africa says, “It’s my favorite ship in the entire world because it is small enough to be intimate yet the services and facilities are superb.”

Here are some interesting facts about this luxurious ship:

• It’s just over 400 feet in length and features 5 decks that are open to passengers
• There are 3 different restaurants on board along with several lounges, shops, a library, and fitness center
• The ship carries 226 passengers along with a crew of 120
• The Le Diamant originally entered service in 1986 as the Song of Flower. In 2004 she was renamed as the Le Diamant and has been in service primarily to a French speaking clientele

In addition to the intimate feel and the excellent services and facilities onboard, the Le Diamant has been chosen for the Purposeful Africa trip because it also carries a number of small Zodiac landing crafts which will allow passengers to explore inland, river areas while we are in West Africa. This will give those on the journey with Purposeful Africa the opportunity to visit and see firsthand humanitarian work taking place not only in coastal locations, but further inland in the countries we will be visiting.

We will be posting several pictures of the ship as well as video from when Rhonda met with the Captain too. Look for them shortly!

As a lifelong resident of Kootenai County, a business owner here (TMI Tours & Cruises), and a parent myself, I am passionate about our local community, its families and children. Safe Families for Children is an excellent resource that can be instrumental in assisting families in crisis before they get involved in the system of CASA and the State of Idaho. It exists to aid churches in offering assistance to out of control family situations. Based on information given to me, because it is working and approved in Washington State, North Idaho is able to use Washington’s resources. There are some situations when parents do need the help, but don’t need to experience the bottle neck of government intervention. Their motto is ‘Empowering Churches to Care for Children in Need’. Through a well monitored process, it allows pre-screened, approved families to step in temporarily and take care of children at risk, with the parent’s permission while they address a particular crisis.

If anyone is interested in introducing the program to their church, I would be happy to put them in contact with the appropriate representatives. This is a great program to introduce churches and families to needs in foster care and orphan outreach within the United States and throughout the world.

I’m thankful for the ability to be involved in assisting children and families here in the Coeur d’Alene area. Again, if you are interested in learning more about the opportunities to use your business or church to make an impact on this critical need, please feel free to call me, Rhonda Sand, at 208-765-1111 or email me at rhonda@tmitours.com.

In approximately 100 days from now the largest cruise ship ever built will be delivered to Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. The Oasis of the Seas is an architectural and nautical marvel that is sure to be a popular vacation destination in itself for many years to come.

Some interesting facts about the ship:

• It is 1081 feet long and 213 feet high above the water line.
• It weighs 220,000 tons.
• It features 16 passenger decks with 2700 staterooms that will accommodate 5400 guests.
• Contains 24 different eateries, 37 bars, and 7 different “neighborhoods.” For example the Central Park neighborhood which will feature not less than 12,000 live plants or the Boardwalk which will feature various carnival style rides, the Aquatheater, and much, much more.
• State of the art, innovative features such as the Rising Tide Bar which is also an elevator that will rise and descend slowly between decks five and eight.

These are only a few of the unique things that will set this ship apart from all others on the sea right now. If you would like, please view the video below to see more about what this huge cruise ship will offer.

Cruise itineraries are being offered now for 2010 sailings on the Oasis of the Sea. To learn more about these fantastic trips, please contact Rhonda Sand of TMI Tours & Cruises at 1800-975-7775 or email her today.

In order for us to secure the ship needed for this exciting journey, we have created a fundraising opportunity called The Starfish Project. I hope that you will join us in our effort to corporately join forces and get the Purposeful Africa ship in place for this ministry opportunity. Please read more about The Starfish Project below:

We are so excited to launch our new fundraising campaign, the Starfish Project! In order to secure a ship for our maiden voyage, funds must be raised, and we need your help in doing so.

So here’s the scoop; for only $1.00, you get a physical representation of your support, in the form of a beautiful, personalized Starfish that will decorate the walls of Purposeful Africa’s ship. Consider it your way of making the voyage with us if you can’t physically participate.

These Starfish also make amazing gifts for others around you. Let your loved ones know that in receiving a Starfish they are helping to reach people in need and will be well represented aboard our ship.

Without the support of our communities, our mission would not be possible, and this is a great way to truly help spread hope and faith to those in need throughout West Africa.

Another way to help us raise money and support is through word of mouth. Please tell your friends, family, and church about The Starfish Project. Send out a quick email, post our link on facebook, twitter, or your own blog. This will help us out tremendously. We appreciate your support and can’t wait to hang that Starfish with your name on it!

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Thankfully, the answer to this problem is a bit simpler. Hope, compassion, and awareness, all through faith, can ultimately change the fates of the orphans living in Africa. I am so excited to be a part of Purposeful Africa, an organization set to make its maiden voyage to multiple West African nations in the fall of 2010. We are going to great lengths to target orphanages in need, as well as the many other individuals suffering from day to day!

Because the majority of orphaned children are a result of AIDS, the safety and health of the communities we visit will be targeted. By engulfing ourselves in the harsh realities of daily living and offering information and planning for local health programs, I know we can help introduce sustainable living programs. I am also currently working to obtain priceless partnerships with additional ministries also dedicated to health care and medical development.

The word adoption is not a universal term in Africa. Many communities are unaware of the concept, or are fearful of the process. I feel it is our responsibility to show these communities the opportunities adoption holds for orphans. International adoption offers orphans a life of medical care, education, and ultimately a better chance at survival. Ministries in direct knowledge of International Adoption practices are also being approached for partnerships with Purposeful Africa.

Often overshadowed by the necessity of health and education, is the need to acknowledge the deep emotional sorrow and grief that affect many orphans. Just imagine how these children are suffering! My team and I are dedicated to offering them the greatest gift; hope, faith, and a relationship with Christ. We will mentor, teach, and inspire orphans, and all community members, praying that they will accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior, while working hand-in-hand with local churches.

This program is not only dedicated to helping change the lives of Africa’s orphans in need, but also the lives of all ministries and volunteers aboard our ship. I know that in order to make a lasting change, we must increase awareness in others who will continue to share their support with each community we visit. I am so enthusiastic about being able to help Christian Alliance for Orphans accomplish their mission of expanding orphan ministry throughout the Christian community.

As mentioned prior, the current status of Africa’s orphaned children appears grave. But I see the future in a different light. I see medical and education programs for orphans. I see safe living practices and thriving communities. And I see an overwhelming acceptance of Christ, through hope and faith.

For more information on Purposeful Africa’s mission to help West African nations in need, please visit our website at www.purposefulafrica.org.