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Q: What Work Do You Do At DOVE?
A: Anything and everything! With the shortage of staff right now there is always work to be done.
A few of my responsibilities include: taking care of medical issues on the compound, writing newsletters, preparing pictures to post on the website, designing and creating blue prints for building projects, teaching in school as well as keeping the school organized and running smoothly.

In addition to this I oversee the children's Home, training the children in areas of ediquite, sanitation, cultural differences, social studies . . .among other things, as well as enforcing the rules and solving conflicts that arise.

Then there's always clothes to be sorted through to sell or hand out in the community and errands to run in town . . .there's always SOMETHING needing to be done!
And in my spare time I spend time with the kids, play the guitar, or go to the beach for a little rest and relaxation.

These are all the things that come to mind just now, but there's always little things that come up from day to day that need attention.

Q: Are There Many Dangers Where You Are Going?
A: The high levels of corruption in Sierra Leone make it a very difficult country to serve in, but as for the dangers we face, they are no different from any other major city.
Dove's compound is actually up in the mountains, though, which is a great advantage, and we are in the process of finishing the security wall around the property, which has helped a lot in protection against theft and attempts of rape. And should anything happen, the British military is always ready to help us and can be at our compound in less than 7 minutes.

Q: What Is The Hardest Part About Going?
A: No doubt the hardest part is being away from my family -- especially during holidays.
The hardest part of actually being in Sierra Leone, for me, are all the little things, like taking an hour to drive 15 miles, not having Internet access, having people look down on me because of my skin color, the lack of air conditioning, only having 3 hours of electricity . . .things like that!

Q: Being An Orphanage, Are The Children At DOVE Up For Adoption?
A: Officially International DOVE is not an orphanage, but it holds that name for lack of another description. DOVE is a children's home where we have taken in war orphans or abandoned children and have given them a home.
A few children have been adopted from DOVE, but there were too many problems that resulted from that (including couples who would adopt children for slave labor). As a result, DOVE does not do adoptions anymore.

Phil and Judy Nelson, the founders of DOVE, are the legal guardians of these children, and will remain so through the course of their lives.
Instead of adoption, DOVE has a sponsorship program, where people from anywhere in the world can choose to sponsor a specific child in the orphanage, and help pay for their living expenses and education.
For more information on the sponsorships, visit DOVE's website: www.internationaldove.com

Q: How Many Children Are Currently At DOVE?
A: Currently DOVE has 22 children living in the children's home, ageing from 9 to 20 years old.

In addition to these children, there are another 30 plus kids in foster homes upcountry that DOVE is also caring for.
They will be brought to DOVE's village as room is made available for them.

A place has been cleared on the compound to erect a second children's home, but right now the funds are not available to build it.
Once it is built, however, the children will be brought down to DOVE's Village of Hope

Q: How Many Staff Work At DOVE?
A: Currently DOVE has about 8-10 staff working at the office in Canada.
In Sierra Leone, working at the orphanage, there are 2 full time staff (myself being one of them).

There are also Sierra Leone nationals that work at DOVE, including watchmen, a gardener, and a house-help.
In addition to those listed above, we have many volunteers that come DOVE from time to time to do service projects and help us out with whatever is needed at the time.

Q: How Much Do You Get Paid to Work There?
A: Nothing. DOVE is a non-profit organization. Even the founders of the organization do not receive an in-come.

Q: How Can You Afford To Travel and Live There Without Pay?
A: It is a true saying that "where God leads, He provides", and it has been amazing to see the many ways that God has provided for me.
It may not come until the very last minute -- but when I need the money, it's always there!

Most of my needs have been met by friends or family, who have been faithful in giving me funds or supplies as the need arises.
Church congregations, Ladies' Groups, and Children's Sunday Schools, have also been very supportive in providing funds and praying for me.

Actually, I do not know how many people there are supporting me. I receive funds sometimes from people I don't even know, who have heard of me one way or another.

There have been times where the money has been tight, and moments of doubt, but in the end God has ALWAYS been faithful -- to the point that I don't worry about the finances anymore, I just leave it all in the Lord's hands.

Q: I Want To Help Financially, But I Can Not Make A Commitment -- Is There A Way I Can Send Money Periodically When It Is Available?
A: Yes. It helps a lot to know that a set amount will be coming in every month, but if you can not commit to a set amount, you can still give.
Anytime you feel led to give, or have the funds, you can send a check to:

Kelsey Konrad
1488 N 39th Rd
Earlville, IL 60518

Any checks sent to this address will be directly deposited into my account and sent directly to me in Sierra Leone.