I'm a mother and a producer for Maryknoll Radio — my two top jobs in life.

Last December I went to Namibia, in southwest Africa, to find mission stories that our listeners could talk about—and pray over. I found dozens of them – stories of sacrifice and joy and hope. But I also found a story that really troubled me. Thousands of people in outlying areas aren't receiving any care. Nothing at all. So I'm doing something I've never done before. I'm asking you to help. The best way to convey how much our Fathers and Brothers need you is by describing the "two Namibias" I saw.

Southern Namibia

Father Rick Bauer, M.M. is the dynamo who heads Catholic AIDS Action (CAA) in Windhoek, Namibia's capital. Thank God for Father Rick!

Since he took charge six years ago, CAA has grown to 14 offices in 9 of Namibia's regions, which provide support programs of HIV/AIDS prevention and care and support to adults and children affected by and infected with HIV and AIDS. Thousands of people receive HIV testing and home care. And CAA's trained volunteers are in the field every day, teaching prevention, visiting the sick, and praying with those near death. Namibia currently counts almost 160,000 orphans and vulnerable children.  This represents over 30% of all Namibian children under 18.

Each time I met one of the children there, I thought about my own daughter who grew up so differently.

• Little Esme came to Father Rick as a small child, deathly ill. But with medication and nutrition, she recovered. Today Esme is captain of The Little Pumpkins, Windhoek's championship girls soccer team—with a trophy to prove it!

• Salome is a thoughtful 12-year-old with a beautiful, lilting voice. She told me that some children steal and do bad things. That's why Salome loves Father Rick's center.

Northern Namibia

Then I went up north to the "other" Namibia. The situation there is close to desperate. That's where Father Wayne Weinlader, M.M. runs a soup kitchen in Rundu for AIDS orphans. Kids tumble in each day for porridge and whatever nourishment is on the menu. HIV medical and counseling services are not widely available, so there's no follow-up, no intervention. Just a daily meal for a few hundred hungry children. One girl was silent so we didn't know her name or where she came from. I tried to imagine her life when she's not with Father Wayne. Where does she sleep? Is there someone to love and protect her? Will she get medical care and schooling? And how many more are just like her? Your heart breaks from all the questions.

Jobs are another problem up north because the area is much less developed. To find work, many kids eventually leave home. At their mission in Nyangana, Brother Mark Greunke, M.M. and Brother Loren Beaudry, M.M. offer computer training and after-school activities. Kids interact in a supervised setting, and pick up skills that can lead to a job. But not everyone who wants the training is getting it.

I could go on, but I think you understand. We need to give these kids and families the same care that's available in the south—the same chance at dignity and respect, and loving care. That's why I'm counting on your help. By giving to Maryknoll, you can become the miracle worker these children need. Here are just some of the things your donation will provide:

• the introduction of counseling, HIV testing, and school programs up north

• more feeding programs for AIDS orphans

• books and computers to develop young minds

If you have any doubt that your gift can help, think about this: Father Wayne says it costs 12¢ to feed a child for a day. Imagine what $12 will do—or $20, or $120, or any amount you can afford!

I came home from Namibia with memorable stories about Maryknoll and the sainted ways people care for one another. As a mom, I'll never forget the children. If we can save more just like them, we will have done God's work—all of us together.