by Kristan Obeng

Harvest House author Lisa Boalt Richardson has committed to donating a portion of the proceeds from sales of her latest book to finance construction of a septic system for Kenyan orphans. 

When Richardson was researching the book, “The World in Your Teacup” she realized she wanted to reach out to Kenyan orphans. A chapter of the book features tea from Kenya, where tea production began more than 100 years ago.

“Kenya is a country with such poverty and so many opportunities to help,” Richardson said.

So, she partnered with Heart for Africa, a faith-based nonprofit that provides “self-sustainable homes for orphans and vulnerable children in Africa,” according to a statement on the organization’s Web site.

Richardson said the organization, “seemed to be the perfect fit – not only is their home office in my city (Atlanta, Ga.), but I love the work they do.”

Helping Orphans and Women (HOW) is a part of Heart for Africa. This jewelry company features pieces made by women living in various villages throughout Kenya.

In addition to donating portions of proceeds from book sales, Richardson said she would demonstrate her heart for Africa by wearing some of HOW’s handmade pieces at her speaking engagements and book signings. Proceeds from jewelry sales will also support Heart for Africa, she added.

“The World in Your Teacup” is meant to take readers on a tea tour around the globe, with a look at the history of tea and its influence on eight different regions. Each destination is photographed by Lauren Rubinstein.

This is Richardson’s second book. Her first, “Tea with a Twist,” was the U.S. winner in the Best Tea Book category of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.