tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90044160326068723682024-03-05T15:14:43.015-08:00Our Neighbours Ministry inc. Isaiah's Umuzi Wothando (Isaiah's Homes of Love)Caring for Abandoned Babies
Bulawayo : ZimbabweUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-62108351935498783012011-12-19T07:11:00.000-08:002011-12-19T07:12:57.198-08:00Final Newsletter of 2011~ Blessed Season Greetings ~<br /> <br />Year 2011 is drawing to a close with only 13 days left of this year, and as I reflect back my mind wonders back and forth between the challenges and the testimonies ! In summary the words which just keep coming to mind are “God is gracious”.<br />This year started with very little cash on hand and an awareness of the many needs of the people we assist through Our Neighbours, the babies of Isaiah’s and the staff who dedicate their days to serving, counseling and caring for the Bulawayo people. If I am honest, there were definitely times, early on in the year, when I questioned that surely as a Ministry doing God’s work there should be a more equal balance between actual income and income needed, often reflecting what was the purpose for these difficult times?<br />Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven<br />Yes there was a purpose - during these times we needed to learn the practical lessons of trusting God for His provision - for God knows our every need !Today we look back and are thankful for the provision of everything we ever needed. The babies, toddlers and children of Isaiah’s are each an individual testimony, the joy of watching these babies grow into individual personalities is just amazing.<br />Allow me to thank each and everyone of you receiving this newsletter...<br />To all our friends, donors, sponsors, prayer warriors and volunteers, for all of you we are thankful, we would not be where we are today had each of you not played a specific part in the work we do here in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.<br />As the “festive season” is now upon us, we send greetings and pray that you will all have a wonderful and blessed Christmas.<br />May it be all that you wish it to be.<br /> <br />Merry Christmas<br />from us all<br />at Our Neighbours Ministry<br /> <br />~ Ministry Highlights ~<br />Empowerment<br />Our Neighbours Ministry seeks to empower individuals and/or groups of people in running small businesses. Where appropriate we offer some skills training and management of these projects, and over time become less involved ultimately handing the business over to the group or individual. On occasion all that is needed to empower some individuals is a small start up capital or financial input.<br />Ephraim Sibanda and Todd Muzengere, aged 50+yrs, both contracted polio in the early 1960’s. Unfortunately as a result of this illness both became physically disabled. Ephraim’s condition was not too severe, and daily he fits a leg calliper to walk (some may recall a highlight of this last year when he received his new calliper). Todd, on the other hand was not as fortunate, he was paralysed from his waist down. Only later on in life was he given a wheelchair by a well-wisher to ease the challenges of his disability. Despite these factors both gents have set out to work and provide for their families and not be set back by their physical disabilities.<br />Along 6th Avenue (which is a main road leading out to one of the high density areas) is a special demarcated “vending” area for people with disabilities and there each person is allocated a bay of 3m square in which to set up a small vending stand. Here sales can be anything from clothing to shoes, suitcases, linen, kitchen utensils and children’s toys.<br />Ephraim came to see us in October seeking a short term loan to top up his finances for payment of his vending licence. The local Council had given the vendors 7 days to pay “licence fees” and unfortunately the stock he had on hand could not cover the full fee required. Confidently he made a commitment to pay back the loan over the next 2 months. Within a month Ephraim came back to settle his loan in full.<br />At this time Ephraim invited us to come see his “stand” and meet the people he vends with and here we met Todd. Speaking with these two gents it was evident that with Christmas approaching a small cash injection into their vending project would greatly help them to establish a more viable business. Many who have visited Zimbabwe and seen the local markets will know that in these each vendor has just about all the same goods for sale, all the way down the road, so we encouraged Todd and Ephraim to purchase a variety of items for resale, different to the other vendors. Todd has a valid passport and so he is able to travel cross-border where he can purchase cheaper and varied stock for himself and Ephraim.<br /> <br /> <br />Chit-chat with Matron Sister Maliki<br /><br />What have you seen as the greatest achievements? - Since the children have started going out of the home on their various outings they have developed a very strong sense of belonging, and have become very protective of each other. In gatherings if any child senses mistreatment of one of their siblings by an “outsider” they become very defensive and can even gang up against the intruder.<br />We have seen an increase in their speech and vocabulary, it is a real joy to listen to the children communicate amongst themselves and to others.<br /> We have noticed when new children from vulnerable situations are placed into the home, majority of the children sense their difficulties and become sensitive towards them. There is never a moment when a child can go off alone as there will always be another child following closely behind them. At the monthly clinic visits I have noticed their care when one child receives an injection they are quick to go and offer comfort.<br />The children are very aware of their surroundings – they notice when someone is sick or when someone has hurt themselves, and especially notice when one of the staff are not at work.<br /><br />What do you think the children lack? People to sit and read them stories - the children need to be read to in order to encourage them to read later on in life. They need to be taught how to look after and take care of books from an early age. They need to learn to read and when you have a large group of children vying for attention it is difficult to do this one-on-one.<br /><br />What is a typical start to your day at Isaiah’s? – The children are always up and about by the time I arrive at the Babies Home. Some children will be watching through the bedroom windows as the staff arrive for their duty whilst others will meet us at the kitchen door. When they see us arriving they shout out in excitement – mamma, aunty… calling the staff by name and then letting each staff member know where their designated child is. Then the reports begin of who has done what so far – from who wet the bed to who spent the night out! They say children see everything and will report… this is very true – especially of our children at Isaiah’s.<br /><br />The children love to play outside and they do not like being confined to inside the house. The children are developing their self independence that at feeding times they prefer to try feeding themselves. They are so proud when they are done and get to take their plates back to the kitchen.<br />The downside to a large group – the children are less conscious and are more than happy to all go to the toilet at the same time, boys and girls in the same bathroom at any given point.<br />I think in a large group like this their survival instincts are more developed, the children will stand up for themselves and not allow people to walk all over them.<br />What can be disappointing? I can never understand how children can talk and tell you a whole story but then they fail to tell you when they need to go to the toilet.<br /><br />So who is your favorite child? Oh, am I allowed to have a favorite child? Ok if you say I can then there are a few but honestly I really love them all. At one point in life you will always have to let a child go, our aim is for every child to be adopted so there are some I am learning to let go of. For this reason we have to be careful of having favourites.<br /><br />Who is the naughtiest child? There are the noisy naughty ones but those who are quiet are the ones to be more careful of? We have a few who are naughty.<br /><br />Who wants the most attention? There is a little boy who is always at the front of the queue, and close behind is a little girl.<br /><br />Who cries the most? The babies cry when they are hungry or need changing but the two who always demand attention are the two who cry the most.<br /><br />Who has the most energy? There is a little boy with an awesome smile who never stops moving around – turn your back on him and he will be up the fence or windowsill in a heartbeat.<br /><br />When you think of each of the children what is the first thing which comes to mind…<br />Anesu – I’m lost and not sure who to trust right now – help me and show me the way.<br />Blessed – Give me love and acceptance and I will certainly love you back.<br />Blessing – An intelligent girl with a high level of concentration<br />Craig – A big brother who cares much about the other children<br />Christopher – Very observant young boy<br />Darlene – Very active but often seeking attention<br />Faith – Quiet but welcoming<br />Gugulethu – Loves to be held and given individual attention<br />Jessica – Big sister always willing to help and serve<br />Keith – Always out to discover and learn new things<br />Matthew – A strong and confident character<br />Mthandazo – Always full of laughter and mischief<br />Nobuhle – Strong willed with determination and willpower<br />Nomalanga – Responsible, loving and caring with a very good memory<br />Pride – A very humble child<br />Ruvarashe – Independent and Jovial<br />Samuel – Strong and sturdy<br />Tadiwa – Always ready to lead the group<br />Tendai – Gentle and passive<br />Thamsanqa – Quiet and reserved<br />Vimbai – Forever smiling<br /><br />Sister Maliki’s Christmas message!<br />Wishing all our friends and team members a very good Christmas. Our wish for all the vulnerable children and communities across Zimbabwe is that they will receive the many blessings that we have received through-out this year. As Christian’s we must all gather together to pray for those people who are worse off than ourselves across the globe. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this year let us cast our thoughts to at least one under privileged child this Christmas.<br /><br />Baby Count as at 17~12~11<br />Boys :- 10 Girls :- 11 Total 21 Beautiful Blessings from God<br /><br />Pride, Mthandazo, Craig, Keith, Tadiwanashe, Christopher, Samuel, Anesu, Matthew, Thamsanqa<br />Nomalanga, Faith, Nobuhle, Blessing, Jessica, Blessed, Darlene, Ruvarashe, Vimba, Gugulethu, Tendai<br /><br />Should you wish to see photographs – these have been posted onto Facebook.<br /><br />Building of Volunteer Living Quarters has begun at the Babies Home.<br />Facebook has some of the first photographs taken of the building project in progress in Suburbs.<br />Currently we have sufficient funding to build only up to foundation level and we ask you <br />to pray with us for God’s continual provision for this building which will provide<br />long term/ short term accommodation for groups or individuals wishing to serve in the Ministry.<br />Should you be interested in partnering with us for the completion of this building,<br />please feel free to email us at isaiahs@yoafrica.com or martinbarrow@hotmail.com.<br /> <br /><br />Hope you have enjoyed reading the last quarter news and we look forward to posting more in 2012. May the Lord richly bless you all with a holy and happy Christmas - with enough joy inside to last you the whole year through.<br /><br />Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always<br />BelindaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-38531635350603459082011-12-15T04:36:00.000-08:002011-12-15T05:42:41.910-08:00Martin's December 2011 NewsletterDear friends, <br /><br />I hope that this newsletter finds you well. I’m writing to you from a nice rainy Bulawayo. We are always thankful for rain for the many farmers. <br /><br />I wanted to write to you before Christmas for two reasons. One to wish you a wonderful and blessed Christmas, from all of us. Two, to share with you a few quick updates from us, so you are all aware of a bit of ‘what’s happening’ this side, and so that you know a bit of all that you are helping to enable. And, I want to share some brief personal news at the end also. <br /><br />Well, things for Our Neighbours Ministry (ONM) are going very well. We thank God for His provision in all ways for the ministries for this year. And we thank you. We have been blessed with an ‘easier’ year financially this year, and been able to meet all the needs we felt it was right for us to meet. <br /><br />In terms of updates on the ministries, I wanted to focus on 2 areas of ONM particularly this time: <br />- APT, our latest group empowerment project; and <br />- Lighthouse Christian Academy. <br /><br />Plus, I’ll add in a few other bits of info of course, but let me start with APT, Appropriate Paper-Based Technology. It’s been absolutely awesome to see APT being used to ‘transform lives’. But, let me go back a little to where we started. <br />We have been desiring to do another group empowerment project for people who we are assisting who are unemployed, in very difficult circumstances, and who desire to work hard to make a living. And in October God led Andy and Alison Fry to come to Bulawayo from the UK to train a group of people in APT, Appropriate Paper-Based Technology. How this happened is a great testimony, for another time. <br />APT uses used cardboard and newspaper (or other paper types), and a few other simple materials, to make basic furniture. And we all saw this as a great opportunity to empower people. Andy and Alison led an awesome week and a half training course, and we had a team of 6 people (and Addmore from our team, who is having a leadership role), receive training. In this training they produced bins and stools, and there are plans to make coffee tables and small tables and chairs in the very near future.<br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZC6Co-R-JKz7TGAUToSR4Unu6uFXn92njeXkXnXXAS2MfQnQsQd3md1Xg3_uxDv4NUkzjq_aMXP2pBQsMgHv3V14KUHWclpHjBBPag5gBFV-_i7HaIIJqDeWdHy9DBvS9PCzEm-GUmorC/s1600/IMGP5276.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZC6Co-R-JKz7TGAUToSR4Unu6uFXn92njeXkXnXXAS2MfQnQsQd3md1Xg3_uxDv4NUkzjq_aMXP2pBQsMgHv3V14KUHWclpHjBBPag5gBFV-_i7HaIIJqDeWdHy9DBvS9PCzEm-GUmorC/s200/IMGP5276.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686334361758964146" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMfanNvyg9eNco5lgqulMfNhx7mvLP6nt1-iOFjg4a_-HDmeWHCdrC0F_dItAVdU3appTVHOsYlGyP_X1-jV6t3U72sT6OpJaMNkVIE9pm5ko7sJAjQ5yT0tAtFuDCqgCwQ8US9oc-fFJ/s1600/IMGP5081.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMfanNvyg9eNco5lgqulMfNhx7mvLP6nt1-iOFjg4a_-HDmeWHCdrC0F_dItAVdU3appTVHOsYlGyP_X1-jV6t3U72sT6OpJaMNkVIE9pm5ko7sJAjQ5yT0tAtFuDCqgCwQ8US9oc-fFJ/s200/IMGP5081.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686334349585259634" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEJSzhbfSBFdk8fe22I9WWmL-7qGK5UlOuoIliFI-D_nIGvWQbk6Tg1yBZhW31dtaWB7e3NX-jQqBHt9aKwGl6FkJqGcjKGpbOsNGnigLADPKNizF_n1NLU3cl-3vxZ_B672V5uB0B1BM/s1600/IMGP4602.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaEJSzhbfSBFdk8fe22I9WWmL-7qGK5UlOuoIliFI-D_nIGvWQbk6Tg1yBZhW31dtaWB7e3NX-jQqBHt9aKwGl6FkJqGcjKGpbOsNGnigLADPKNizF_n1NLU3cl-3vxZ_B672V5uB0B1BM/s200/IMGP4602.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686334341690941826" /></a><br /><br />Aside from one of the above people who did the training, everyone since that time has been working full-time in making this new small business work. And, they made their first sale of 30 stools to a local pre-school the other day. It is awesome to see. <br />Three of the people doing this APT business stay in the squatter camp in Trenance. One is an orphan living with his grandmother there. Another lady used to sleep in an abandoned vehicle on the street during the week. I see transformed lives coming, and it’s so exciting. <br />God has been putting really ‘transformed lives’ on my heart quite a number of times over the last few months. I desire to see this, spiritually and economically. Andy and Alison also provided great teaching on God, business and ethics during the course, and we continue to offer discipleship for those who would like this. <br />Exciting hey! I could at this juncture share stories of people that we have been loving and serving for a while, and the transformation we are seeing in their lives, but I won’t just now (you’ll notice I speak Zimbabwean English now!). <br /><br />Now I’ve just come back from a week of training on Accelerated Christian Education. We believe this is the curriculum God has led us to use for Lighthouse Christian Academy (LCA). This is the school that we run in partnership with Edge Foundation Australia (Edge also financially support LCA). At LCA we focus on providing quality Christian education to children who are in very difficult and vulnerable situations, aged 10 years and up, who have missed a significant period of their education. The ACE curriculum, and the extra-curricula activities, enable us to meet this mission. ACE provides an individualised education program for each child, according to the specific level that they are at, in each of the various subjects. <br />We started LCA because of the lack of decent options for kids in these difficult circumstances, and because we felt God leading us to provide this awesome vision, and greatly assist these precious kids to be all that they can be, and all that God would have them be. <br /><br />At the end of term we had our ‘Awards Presentation’. The students (10 for the last term after a few kids we were assisting moved to new locations) did a number of excellent performances for us, and we celebrated each child’s achievements for the last term. It was a really special time for parents, guardians, students and us all. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-3QBtxEZwmOgzXoKsFh1lbHONGu01MFZR3IfCZaqBO9RftWoGNJOM2LsPennv93yHGmu6EVbUYYkl5QYSbSXwspH5BGbjeFKQrKNyyDRIycLUUCxu3sq9OKgB17pKeLhdUXcwZ2e6_jo/s1600/Yr+2011+Award+presentation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-3QBtxEZwmOgzXoKsFh1lbHONGu01MFZR3IfCZaqBO9RftWoGNJOM2LsPennv93yHGmu6EVbUYYkl5QYSbSXwspH5BGbjeFKQrKNyyDRIycLUUCxu3sq9OKgB17pKeLhdUXcwZ2e6_jo/s200/Yr+2011+Award+presentation.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686335218192005874" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv3RHvJIgZ-JGFlecHFMnIfIxEuLXHAxxXLEbRPPn4mYQNW2HJUnSTpE8WTjZEmvOex3hFfKfHhjI89qPmTHUvDlAxQXXu0yzjTHOljLnDWKe56qdyfYNpUeDC-O4eR6wkGlrd_mQZjM3/s1600/Yr+2011+Lighthouse+Christian+Academy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuv3RHvJIgZ-JGFlecHFMnIfIxEuLXHAxxXLEbRPPn4mYQNW2HJUnSTpE8WTjZEmvOex3hFfKfHhjI89qPmTHUvDlAxQXXu0yzjTHOljLnDWKe56qdyfYNpUeDC-O4eR6wkGlrd_mQZjM3/s200/Yr+2011+Lighthouse+Christian+Academy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686335215486929234" /></a><br /><br />We are currently assessing another 7 or so students to start next year with LCA, and we are so excited about the year ahead. We desire to take LCA to the next level. What an awesome opportunity to love and teach these children, about God, educationally and for their whole being, and to transform lives. We seek to equip students with skills that will enable them to succeed in life academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually and physically. All of our kids from North End Home attend LCA. We are currently seeking a permanent location to run LCA, please pray for this. <br /><br />Now to a few bits of news in brief, so this isn’t too long for you: <br /><br />- The building of the volunteers quarters at the Babies Home, for volunteers to come and stay in while they are serving in the various areas of Our Neighbours Ministry, has begun. Belinda will be sharing photos soon in her news. We have funding for these upto foundation level at this stage. If you’d be interested in supporting this project we’d love to hear from you. <br /><br />- Progress is being made by Cosmos to begin a weekly mobile medical clinic in Trenance, the community that we’ve also been reaching out to. We will be partnering with them for this clinic, and assisting with a counselor each week, and in other ways. <br /><br />- For me, as many of you will know, the Parable of the Good Samaritan really speaks to me. The other day a single mother was referred to me, in relation to her daughter’s condition. Her 7 month old daughter had a problem whereby she was only able to pass faeces through her vagina. She had had this situation since birth. She had been referred for an operation in Harare a few months ago, but they hadn’t been able to raise the funds to get them to Harare as yet. We were able to assist with transport and food, and the operation went well and the precious little one is recovering. We are so blessed to be in a position to be able to show God’s love to people like this, and we thank you. <br /><br />- And, we’ve decided to change the name of the part of the ministry that runs the Soup Kitchen, the Health Information Service, Empowerment Projects, Outreach, Individual and Family Assistance, Discipleship and HIV Support Group. It used to be called ‘Our Neighbours’, but obviously this was getting confusing with the overall ministries being called ‘Our Neighbours Ministry’. So, we are now grouping the above areas under the name ‘Love and Serve’, or just ‘LnS’. <br /><br />Well, I also just wanted to briefly share some personal news before I sign off. Mercy is pregnant! We are all very excited about our little one on the way. We had the first ultrasound and it was so exciting. It was just amazing to see this precious little baby being created by God in Mercy’s womb.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-widlpxHoyQ9gnYqZ2QAQ-HZAaUCjAM8I_H-wA60GV1bK75VgipSxkVm6MlVUM7Bl8G7f4Dl39IVy-Ah7gtsrXx-5V1i0tpst3Ce4G9J-KNScnp52ykvzR4H_Z-UyvzrHgGVR_D5g8C6/s1600/IMGP5021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-widlpxHoyQ9gnYqZ2QAQ-HZAaUCjAM8I_H-wA60GV1bK75VgipSxkVm6MlVUM7Bl8G7f4Dl39IVy-Ah7gtsrXx-5V1i0tpst3Ce4G9J-KNScnp52ykvzR4H_Z-UyvzrHgGVR_D5g8C6/s200/IMGP5021.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686342374544539074" /></a><br /> <br />It’s been a long time, so I also thought I’d put at the bottom of this newsletter a photo of Mercy and I and our 3 boys Moses, Mqondisi and Joshua, (and 1 in the ‘tum’). We are all doing well. <br /><br />Thank you for the part of Our Neighbours Ministry and our lives that you are, and for your friendship and support etc etc etc. <br /><br />Love MartinUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-87750372049749044752011-12-07T08:01:00.000-08:002011-12-07T08:05:48.456-08:00“ANOTHER MIRACLE BABY IS BEING ADOPTED - ISAIAH’S HOMES OF LOVE”<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UE94Q34lJ6kldHuZH08YzTxQCIamQqtAW21AE5IpHOm2VHHFKOk0H7EI4-gwfS17OHsN8n4YQN16cPzjLI3NQHwnLcPvek6G5f_gGzeT46eLXWWgtTUr10rgziysqxfbPM8P999VpkxA/s1600/Noubhle+%2526+family+%25281%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UE94Q34lJ6kldHuZH08YzTxQCIamQqtAW21AE5IpHOm2VHHFKOk0H7EI4-gwfS17OHsN8n4YQN16cPzjLI3NQHwnLcPvek6G5f_gGzeT46eLXWWgtTUr10rgziysqxfbPM8P999VpkxA/s200/Noubhle+%2526+family+%25281%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683418119368447346" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KucvC9SITMO4Ko_yAguc4NLt1Ren1woHCrPmesOtZaelntomITIFb7WJdms8MMQo7Ihxm1zZctHIx8nF2ARqA5pJYzksIHsW8-pEvXnfpULRDxyeR8wtPQqbovn-0ps0U0byaD-H8Q2o/s1600/Noubhle+%2526+family+%25283%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KucvC9SITMO4Ko_yAguc4NLt1Ren1woHCrPmesOtZaelntomITIFb7WJdms8MMQo7Ihxm1zZctHIx8nF2ARqA5pJYzksIHsW8-pEvXnfpULRDxyeR8wtPQqbovn-0ps0U0byaD-H8Q2o/s200/Noubhle+%2526+family+%25283%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683418112018904978" /></a><br />Tapiwa Ngazimbi started working as a caregiver for Isaiah’s in January 2008. There were a number of children who came into the care of Isaiah’s however as Tapiwa had been the last staff member to join she had not yet been allocated an individual baby to bond with. In December 2008, Isaiah’s received 3 newborn baby girls, each of whom had been abandoned in separate incidents. One of these babies soon became Tapiwa’s special child.<br /><br />Nobuhle was a seemingly healthy baby girl, however at 3 months old she developed a tumour caused by Tuberculosis. Tapiwa nursed Nobuhle most days and nights during her 1 and a half month stay in Mpilo Hospital Intensive Care Unit. Nobuhle has grown from strength to strength, having overcome a second bout of Tuberculosis she is now growing well. She is almost 3 years old and has a very strong character, one would never think that this same toddler had undergone major cardio-thoracic surgery and endured so much at just a few months old.<br /><br />We are delighted to share the news that this same baby you prayed a miracle for in 2009 has been identified for fostering and adoption by her care-giver Tapiwa and her husband Ndabezinhle. It was during her stay at Mpilo Hospital that Ndaba also fell in love with this precious baby as he visited with her almost daily. Ndaba works at Mpilo Hospital as a Switchboard Operator.<br /><br />Tapiwa shares that their compassion for Nobuhle grew into a passion for loving this child. They bonded with her as she grew and as a family they decided it was only fair that Nobuhle should be given a regular life with a mother and father to love and cherish her everyday – just as God does for us. We pray that this process of adoption will happen smoothly and that soon we will be able to give her our family name and in this she will no longer have a birth certificate without any details.<br /><br />If you ask Nobuhle who is Ndaba – she very proudly says “that’s my daddy”! We know that Ndaba has an equal pride for this precious little miracle girl.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-58268001287100115012011-12-06T05:51:00.000-08:002011-12-06T05:54:03.870-08:00Meet Esther Mwale - Caregiver of Isaiah's Umuzi Wothando<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHhXdDJjdizfdem_zCmqg8IzOWNAmHB2lBchfVxQpEyN_IriifydSS09yEA98jlpW82DKlP0_or676J9Y23NoZBuzAyiOTl29vfSjIiwOyIqV8G-Rdzz8dA7_LfMbaRqKaukoZg9YYwyw/s1600/Esther+%2526+Noma+Jun%252711+%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHhXdDJjdizfdem_zCmqg8IzOWNAmHB2lBchfVxQpEyN_IriifydSS09yEA98jlpW82DKlP0_or676J9Y23NoZBuzAyiOTl29vfSjIiwOyIqV8G-Rdzz8dA7_LfMbaRqKaukoZg9YYwyw/s200/Esther+%2526+Noma+Jun%252711+%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683013217695072530" /></a><br /><br /><br />Esther Mwale, aged 27, is the second born child in a family of 4. Her father tragically passed away in 1995 leaving behind her mother and 3 siblings. Her eldest sister later passed away in 2007 leaving behind 2 young children in the care of her mother. Two years after her sister had passed away her youngest niece also died. Her mother, aged 60, continues to seek employment however she has been unable to find work which will adequately support the needs of daily life. Esther’s brother, aged 25, is currently unemployed and her youngest sister will be completing her A. Levels at the end of this year. Thus Esther is the only working member of her family.<br /><br />Esther began working at Isaiah’s Homes of Love when the vision to establish a halfway home for abandoned and orphaned babies began in 2004. Esther was an active member of the Bulawayo Baptist Church, working with the poorest of the poor in her community. It was her love and passion for these babies and the vulnerable children of Bulawayo that she became involved with the project visiting the babies who were at this time being housed at the local Hospital. Esther became one of our first care-givers at the home in Suburbs which now cares for these abandoned babies, orphans and vulnerable children.<br /><br />Esther has been a precious care-mother to many children from newborn babies to toddlers. She has many treasured memories of the children who have come through Isaiah’s and some of these she still has regular contact with. Her memories are filled with both happy and sad moments, the happiest being the day Nomalanga walked and the saddest being the day Nomalanga’s twin sister died in her arms at the hospital. Nomalanga was a very small and vulnerable baby girl who lost both her mother and her twin sister within a month of each other. Many people doubted whether Nomalanga would survive, and one person even commented that she looked as though she had some physical disability. Esther recalls “that comment struck deeply into my heart so there was much excitement for me the day Nomalanga took her first steps.”<br /><br />Esther believes that every child deserves to be loved so that they can develop to their full God-given potential. “Where there is love there is always a way and so I do what I do because I am able to love these children by the love and grace God has given me. I have seen children come to Isaiah’s with a look of emptiness and despair, as they settle in our Home of Love they grow to know God’s love and that here they are loved by the caring people around them. I would like to extend my appreciation to Grace Church for the support they have given to Isaiah’s Homes of Love, and in turn, their support for me. Your love, prayers and support help us to do what we are called to do for the Glory of God.”Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-2520129454030827092011-12-06T05:46:00.000-08:002011-12-06T05:50:51.554-08:00Project Directors Newsletter : September 2011Dear friends,<br />Finally I‟m getting to write a newsletter to you re all that has been happening at Our Neighbours Ministries. I‟m really sorry that I haven‟t done this much sooner than this.<br />I hope that this email finds you well, and I send greetings to you wherever you are from me and the Our Neighbours team here in Zimbabwe. Thank you for the part of the team that you are.<br />I‟d love to share with you this time an update on Lighthouse Christian Academy, some updates from the Individual and Family Assistance, staff news, our new baby, eeiissshhh as we say here, there is so much to share.<br />Overall Our Neighbours Ministry is going well, and we continue to be excited about what God is doing and where He is leading us, and the kids and people that we are privileged to care for, etc.<br />The last year has however been the most difficult year for me personally since Our Neighbours began. But I‟m so thankful for all that God has done, for His guidance, for His „good, pleasing and perfect will‟ (Romans 12:2). The challenges haven‟t been there all the time, but definitely at a number of times. I think both personally and as a ministry we have grown and learnt a lot during these challenges, which is great.<br />And, we had our first ever all-staff ministry retreat for one day recently. It was so great to enjoy time together, to learn, laugh and share together. It was a lovely day.<br />Now, I‟d like to share about some of the individuals who we‟ve been loving and assisting through the Individual and Family Assistance part of the ministries. Whilst we want to be aware of the many many needy situations that are in this community, and love and support as many people as possible, we feel a strong call to really focus on individuals and make sure that we love them as individuals as God would have us, and to do that well. We want to see individuals and families‟ lives transformed.<br />I thought to mention just 4 of the many many individuals and families that we‟ve recently been supporting, to give you a little more of a feel for this:<br />- We‟ve been counselling and supporting a precious young girl who is 9 years old, who has been the victim of sexual abuse on many many occasions. She lived with her grandmother and 10 other children, in horribly poor conditions in Trenance (near the squatter camps there that we work with). They all sleep in one tiny room, about 2 metres by 3 metres. And no, that‟s not a typo, though I can‟t quite fathom it either. As well as supporting her, we‟ve shared her situation with other appropriate organizations that we can partner with to assist her well, and the Department of Social Welfare. Unfortunately situations like this in Zimbabwe don‟t always get acted on as they should be, and part of our role in this case has been continuing to „push‟, and ultimately taking steps, to ensure the safety of this little one. She has now been placed with a good organization where she is being well cared for, and she is happy with this situation. Our team continues to support and love this precious girl through this difficult time, including court appearances. Can I share 2 times where I was really touched by this situation personally. Firstly, in a bad way, it was so hard seeing her respond with such fear, at one time where she thought she may have to go home with her Gogo, where the perpetrator also stays (it‟s a complicated situation, let me leave it at that!). Fortunately we were able to come up with another plan for that evening. The second time where I was emotionally touched by this situation was seeing this precious girl in a loving embrace with 2 of the team members (2 of the ladies, at different times). To see her being loved, and the smiles that started to come at times from her, was one of those times where you say, „yes, that‟s what it‟s about‟.<br />- David Moyo is one of the lovely „mdala‟s‟ (Ndebele for old man/father, but a complimentary term) that we have been assisting regularly with food parcels. David has also been coming to the Soup Kitchen for a long time. He is an ex-army person who still has a leg injury from that time, and he has to use crutches to walk. He has a wife, and his daughter and her kids also stay with them, though none have employment. He sometimes walks about 12 km to and from the Baptist Church to come to SK, with his limp. We will continue to seek long-term solutions with them.<br />- Soneni and her husband have 5 children and live in very poor conditions in Trenance (in 2 rooms). After giving birth about 3 years ago, without any medical assistance, Soneni became paralysed. They battle to survive, don‟t even have a bed to sleep on, and the husband needs to care for his wife because of her condition and their kids being aged between 3 and 10 years old. None of their kids attend school. Recently we were able to help with organizing a donated wheelchair for Soneni. We have also been assisting them with monthly food hampers and medical support, and will continue to see how God would have us love them going forward.<br />- We have assisted Howard, who suffers from a mental illness, over a long time period. Recently he was thanking me for all we have done for him. He said something like “what does the Bible say re assisting the people with food, people needing homes, those needing clothes …” I suggested if he meant the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46), and he said yes, that‟s the one. He said something like “you have done all these things for me, always, how can I ever say my thanks for this”. Today (when first written) I was chatting with Howard and speaking to him re selling solar powered lights as a way of him earning money (a project we are trialing at present to empower people). Please pray that this may be successful for Howard. Please also pray re a new group empowerment project we are starting in a couple of months (more info next newsletter).<br /><br />When I see the loving supporting relationships that the team has with people, the community etc, I just think it is so awesome.<br /><br />Now let me share with you some news re Lighthouse Christian Academy (LCA). There have been some changes since I last spoke to you. As discussions progressed re the plans for the school to move to Trenance under a new partnership, we realized that the visions were a bit different, and this caused us to pray and think re the way forward. The one thing that we really felt as a team was that God didn‟t want us to lose the vision that we felt He‟d given us, to provide a good education for vulnerable children who‟d missed a significant amount of school, and therefore had very little or no decent options in terms of education.<br />As the discussions progressed, we felt it would be best if we continued to run Lighthouse Christian Academy in partnership with Edge Foundation, and Children of Grace start a school in Trenance with their vision to start assisting vulnerable young children with quality education.<br />Some of the kids and teachers at the new Lighthouse Christian Academy location<br />So, we are running with the vision, and we see in 9 months to 1 year that we will have 30 vulnerable children attending LCA, aged 10 years and up, who fit the above mentioned circumstances. We are excited to provide quality education to kids who‟ve been very disadvantaged in this area, and that this will enable them to be empowered for their future. We have found a new place in North End (a house) to use for this purpose at the moment. We thank and acknowledge Edge Foundation for financially enabling Lighthouse Christian Academy to operate, and for the partnership and all the support they give.<br />Getting everything ready for classes to start at LCA<br />Now, time for a little staff news. We‟d been praying and looking for the right person to fill a need within the team for a little while now, to have a Pastoral role and leadership role in the Soup Kitchen, etc. I am so glad to say that Qondile Kumalo came forward and we believe he is this person and we welcome him to the team. Q has started with us on a permanent part-time arrangement. He is a great guy, has a theological degree and a deep love for God and people.<br />Now to a few bits of news in brief, so this isn‟t too long for you:<br />- Introducing our new baby, precious little Gugu. Belinda will introduce soon our other 2 adorable little girls who arrived about 2 months ago.<br />- We continue to have families come forward to foster and adopt babies from the babies home. However, it would be really good to have some more families come forward, so please pray for this;<br />- Currently we are helping the Cosmos team run various medical clinics in and around Bulawayo which are greatly assisting many;<br />- The North End Home kids have moved to a new house and this is going well. A little while ago Respect was placed in a family that is wanting to care for her and ideally foster her, and Wellington and Merry who we were assisting for a period at North End are just about to be placed in a "forever family home‟ with another organization. All are doing well;<br />- Shephard from North End Home and Lighthouse Christian Academy is currently doing one weeks work experience in a café which we are excited about;<br />- We‟d love to introduce to you Esther, one of our carers at the Babies Home, as a way of those from outside Zimbabwe getting to know some of the team in Zimbabwe. Please see the next posting for this.<br />- We continue to investigate a business to run alongside the ministries to help generate funds for these ministries. No news yet I‟m afraid but some exciting developments coming soon I believe; and<br />- We recently increased staff salaries by about 10% as we seek to continue to adjust for the increased cost of living in current day Zimbabwe.<br />Well, I think it‟s time for me to sign off for now.<br />Thank you for the part of Our Neighbours Ministry that so many of you are, and for your friendship and support etc etc.<br />Love MartinUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-81177979929923954842011-11-26T14:16:00.000-08:002011-11-26T14:17:18.360-08:00Month-end October Prayer newsletterOCTOBER 2011 PRAYER NEWSLETTER FOR<br />OUR NEIGHBOURS MINISTRIES INCORPORATING ISAIAH’S HOMES OF LOVE<br /><br />1. Isaiah’s Homes of Love<br /><br />• Babies Home<br />Please pray for the team as our home is full and there are many adjustments to make for helping our new arrivals to feel loved and accepted.<br />Thank you for Matilda as she continues to recover from her operation<br />Thank you for Busi's improved health and her return to work<br />For Wisdom and understanding for the Team as they interact with the children.<br />For each of the Children to be fostered and adopted into loving homes<br />For Team spirit as we work together and shape the children's lives<br />Thank you for God's protection, provision and health for the children.<br /><br />• Social Welfare Department<br />For the processing of Matthew's adoption<br />For Brandon's adoption to come through<br />For the completion of the fostering of Mthabisi, Bridget, Rachel<br />We praise God for our new addition Revival who has found a home<br /><br />2. Our Neighbour's<br /><br />For the mobile clinic that will start in Trenance on Mondays<br />For Trenance and their water problem that we may find a solution<br />For God provision for the Ministry<br />For all who make up the team, Staff and Volunteers that we serve the Lord faithfully and diligently<br />For the success of the APT empowerment project and training<br /><br /><br />3. The Northend Home<br /><br />Thank God for Good health in the home.<br />For God's favour as we try to sort out identity documents for the Children<br />We Thank God for John and Trust who went home to their relatives<br />That the Children continue to work hard at their studies<br /><br /><br />4. Lighthouse Christian School<br /><br />For Shepherd (the student) as he adapts to his work experience and balances it with his studies<br />For more permanent premises for the school<br />For the enrollment of new students in the New Year<br />Be with the Teachers as they grow in wisdom and understanding<br />Praise God for the provision of school material (Paces)<br /><br />5. Administration<br /><br />For Staff as they grow spiritually as they serve<br />Thank God for the Resources and Volunteers He provides<br />For Families going through the adoption process, for peace and understanding<br />For the Officials processing the adoption and fostering for efficiency and compassion<br /><br />6. Special Focus<br /><br />That God may receive all the glory for Our Neighbour's Ministry.<br />For the empowerment projects, and their success.<br />Income generation projects.<br /><br />THANKSGIVING<br /><br />Praise God for his faithfulness<br />Thank you for the Volunteers that give selflessly to our ministries<br /><br />REFLECTIONS:<br /><br />1 Thessalonians 5 : 16 - 18 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing; 19 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-45365789857966697382011-11-26T14:12:00.000-08:002011-11-26T14:15:07.484-08:00Empowerment Projects NewsA TESTIMONY OF… “EMPOWERING PEOPLE THROUGH APPROPRIATE PAPER-BASED TECHNOLOGY”<br /><br />Our Neighbours Ministry, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe seeks to show Christ’s love to people in need, specifically offering support, assistance, empowerment and discipleship. One area in which we endeavour to assist people is through the Empowerment Projects. Our vision of these projects is to empower individuals or a group of people to run successful small businesses through the provision of respective skills training. Our most recent Empowerment Project has been one of Appropriate Paper-Based Technology (APT), and in just a few words I could summarize this project as "a group of unemployed people working together to utilize and transform cardboard and used paper into furniture and other useful household objects".<br /><br />The empowerment group consisting of 4 gents (Addmore, Eric, Mbekezeli and Yazininkosi) and 2 ladies (Sufficient and Catherine) recently completed 2-3 weeks of training conducted by a lovely Christian couple from United Kingdom, who felt God place this process of APT upon their hearts for the people of Bulawayo. The team learnt first how to make small stools and waste paper baskets, they have now begun making stock of their products for resale. Their next lot of products will be small coffee tables, side tables and even pre-school desks. This process has been further developed in other countries to make specific furniture for people with disabilities. We look forward to this project reaching that stage of manufacture.<br /><br />The process of APT was first developed by Bevil Packer here in Bulawayo back in the 70’s. Thirty years later and it has been re-introduced to Zimbabwe, as a way to generate income and also provide the local community with such useful products “hand-made with loving care”.<br /><br />The process starts out with collections of cardboard and waste paper. The cardboard is then sorted into sheets of similar size and texture, it is then laminated with a “flour and water” paste to make up the materials – these layers give strength to the product. They are pressed together and then the pattern is cut from these sheets. Layers of paper are used to fit the pieces of the product together and this is then decorated. It can be painted with plain water colors and decorated with different patterns and pictures. To get a wonderful rich brown finish, “earth paint” is made up from ground soil. The product is then sealed with lacquer varnish. Items can even be personalized by being decorated with family pictures or special designs.<br /><br />Now I have made it all sound very simply but it is a process which takes time and dedication. This empowerment team has proved their commitment in this project and it has been exciting to see the project take off so well. It is lovely to be a part of a project which ultimately sees people working together, utilizing the gifts that God has given them, to help themselves and in turn also helping others within the community! We thank God for all those who have been a part of this project through their support, love and friendship, and we give Him the Glory.<br /><br />If you would like to make a contribution in any way to this team, please feel free to contact Mbongeni Gumbo or Belinda Wilson on (09) 64474 or email us at isaiahs@yoafrica.com or ourneighbours@yoafrica.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-7637749506659522182011-11-26T14:06:00.001-08:002011-11-26T14:12:33.067-08:00Sorry for the lack of info postedDear Friends<br /><br />Please accept our sincere apologies for the lack of information posted to this blogspot. Our internet access has improved and we shall endeavour to post more regularly going forward.<br /><br />Our FACEBOOK page is also active Go ahead and "LIKE"... OUR NEIGHBOURS and here you will find most recent photos, news updates and prayer requests.<br /><br />Prayer requests will now be posted monthly on this blog. If you would like to receive these via email, kindly contact Charmaine at <a href="mailto:ourneighbours@yoafrica.com">ourneighbours@yoafrica.com</a><br /><br />Should you require any further information, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.<br /><br />God bless and thank you for your support.<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />Mrs. Belinda L. Wilson<br />The Administrator<br />Isaiah's Umuzi Wothando<br />57 Heyman Road, Suburbs,<br />Bulawayo, Zimbabwe<br />P.O. Box 2361<br />Bulawayo, Zimbabwe<br />Tel: +263-9-64474<br />Mobile: +263-777-773719<br />Alt: +263-712-212378<br />Email: <a href="mailto:isaiahs@yoafrica.com">isaiahs@yoafrica.com</a><br />Alt: <a href="mailto:ourneighbours@yoafrica.com">ourneighbours@yoafrica.com</a><br />Website: <a href="http://www.ourneighbours.org/">www.ourneighbours.org</a><br />Facebook: Our Neighbours<br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-36094112196922788452011-11-26T13:53:00.000-08:002011-11-26T13:56:51.020-08:00September 2011 News & UpdatesOur Neighbours Ministry Incorporating Isaiah’s Homes of Love<br />Newsletter : September 2011<br /><br />The next newsletter at last…<br /><br />For those of you who receive Martin’s newsletter you will know that the pressure was on me as he mentioned that I would soon be sending out the news of our recent arrivals at Isaiah’s {for the record I’ve been wanting to do this since the arrival of the 2 baby girls at the end of June}. At that time he said we had 3 new babies, yesterday it was 4 and today this number has risen to 5 gorgeous and precious bundles of joy.<br /><br />My apologies that this newsletter has been so erratic and not sent as regularly as anticipated but our normal day to day duties keep us so busy so that often we don’t realize how fast the months pass… Gosh we are already into the 9th month of this year, & Noma and Pride will be at Primary School next year.<br /><br />We look back on the last months and we are thankful for all the support we have received, both financial and through provisions for each of the homes and the people we assist. Daily we see testimonies of God’s grace and love and though many of you are not here to see this, we thank you and want you to know that you are a special part of the work here in Bulawayo Zimbabwe.<br /><br />A number of fosterings for adoption are in process and sometimes this cannot happen soon enough for those families waiting for finalization of their paperwork. Please pray for each family who has come forward and of course also pray for the children being placed into these families.<br />Please especially pray for Bridget, Rachel, Mthabisi & Matthew.<br /><br />Since our last newsletter we have seen baby Brandon placed into his new family and are pleased to report that he has not had any medical difficulties, and has settled well into his new environment. Mom, dad and his big sister are loving having him as a part of their family and often bring him over for a short visit. It is always lovely to see these families as they grow together.<br /><br />Often I get to spend half an hour or so with the babies before heading home and this is a wonderful way to end a busy day at the office. I have often wondered if the children are impacted as much as we are by the work at Isaiah’s and just the other day I received an email of encouragement and it reminded me<br /><br />"So faith comes by what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ" Romans 10:17. So your ministered love to each child, sets up the foundation for them to ultimately hear the Gospel and respond with their heart, mind and soul.”<br /><br />What an encouragement for our everyday life.<br /><br />BABIES HOME NEW ARRIVALS<br /><br />Arrived 28th June 2011<br />Blessed Vimbai came to Isaiah's Home of Love as a six month old baby who had been living at a local hospital in Masvingo (235km out of Bulawayo). She was abandoned as a newborn baby along a path leading to a nearby village. Blessed Vimbai is translated as “Blessed Trust” which is a beautiful name given to this precious baby girl. On arrival at the home she weighed 5.8kg and was a healthy and content baby who would smile easily. She has settled well into her new environment.<br /><br />Together with . . .<br />Ruvarashe came to Isaiah's Home of Love as a three month old baby who had been abandoned as a newborn in the town of Masvingo (235km from Bulawayo). For the first three months of her life she lived in the local hospital. Ruvarashe is translated as “Flower of Jesus”, again is a beautiful name for this precious baby girl. She has settled well at Isaiah’s, feeding and sleeping very well. She has already started to smile and giggles when played with and given her individual attention. On arrival at our home she weighed a good 5.94kg.<br /><br />Arrived 25th August 2011<br />Gugulethu was found abandoned on 13th August 2011 near a Soccer Field on the outskirts of one of the high density areas. She was admitted to Mpilo Hospital and placed into the care of Isaiah’s a few days later, she is estimated to be about 5 weeks old now. Gugu has a fairly light complexion with a slim physique, and seems to be in good health, feeding well for her age. Gugu has already learnt the best way to get attention is through crying, this way you are almost guaranteed to be picked up. Having not had a newborn baby around for a few months you soon forget how small they are when they first come in and how quickly they grow.<br /><br />Arrived 12th September 2011<br />Baby Revival arrived at Isaiah’s Home of Love only a few days old, having been given up for adoption. His young mother was unable to care adequately for him but we trust that the Lord will provide a family for this handsome baby boy.<br />Revival seems to have a little bit of jaundice but with sufficient feeding this should pass. Please pray for him.<br /><br />Arrived 13th September 2011<br />Thamsanqa was placed into the care of Isaiah’s having spent the first month of his life at the local hospital’s Special Care Unit as his mother absconded in the middle of the night. Her whereabouts is unknown as the details she gave upon admission are false. Thamsanqa is translated as “good fortune”. His big brown eyes compliment his light complexion.<br /><br /><br />More BABIES HOME NEWS<br />Keith successfully had his fused fingers separated in March. The operation went very well with the surgeon doing the operation pro-bona given Keith’s family history, we incurred minimal hospital costs and we are continually amazed by how quickly Keith heals and how easily he adapts.<br /><br />Baby Talent who was placed with Isaiah’s in June on temporary care was reunited with his mother and her extended family in July. It is always good to see a baby with their family and in all cases this is a priority unless there are detrimental circumstances.<br /><br />The toddlers are always a hive of activity and full of energy. Their uncle and friend Edmore loves to take them out for walks in the Suburb and this occasionally includes a pram ride to the nearby park where they can play on the swings, climb up onto the train and the tank. Great fun is had by all.<br /><br /><br /><br />Baby Count as at 15/09/11 :- 19 beautiful blessings from God<br /><br />9 girls<br />(Nomalanga/Faith/Nobuhle/Blessing/Jessica/Darlene/Vimbai/Ruvarashe/Gugulethu)<br />10 Boys<br />(Pride/Mthandazo/Craig/Keith/Tadiwanashe/Samuel/Christopher/Matthew/Thamsanqa/Revival)<br /><br /><br /><br />OUR NEIGHBOUR’S NEWS<br />Cosmos Mobile Clinic — Aug/Sept 2011<br />Bulawayo and the surrounding areas were blessed with another mobile clinic being conducted by the Cosmos Health Team, which is a medical group that visit Zimbabwe from Australia twice a year to provide free quality medical assessment and treatment to under privileged communities.<br />Our Neighbours Ministry partner with this Team as they visit various areas over a two week period. In this the team also assist the various homes where necessary, and also hold a mobile clinic at the Baptist Church for those of the community we assist.<br /><br />Trenance was one of the areas visited again this year and this saw about 300 people ranging from all ages receiving assessment and assistance for the varying ailments.<br /><br />One of the patients was a grandmother who came along with her daughter and her twin babies. Gogo was not feeling well and she decided to bring the babies along also as they were not gaining any weight. The mother of the babies is HIV positive and although she is unemployed she does try to get “piece jobs” to sustain herself and her two babies. At eight weeks old the babies were already being supplemented with mealie-meal porridge as she had insufficient breast milk for both her babies. The Cosmos Team, after intense assessment, have now discouraged “mom” from breast feeding her babies as the little she is giving them has minimal nourishment value for them, and have instead conditionally committed to providing formula milk for the twin babies for a certain period of time.<br /><br />The babies have been taking the formula feed now for 3 weeks and there has been a remarkable improvement in their growth and their general health. The little boy gained one whole kg and the little girl gained over 500g.<br /><br />What a blessing to see the benefits of this mobile clinic—saving the life of two precious babies.<br /><br />There are many other babies out there who also need such a lifeline and if you would like to make such a contribution, we would love to hear from you.<br />(One 400g tin of formula milk which lasts one baby nearly three days costs U$6.00)<br /><br /><br /><br />Contact Details :-<br /><br />Isaiah’s Babies Home : 57 Heyman Road<br />Suburbs, Bulawayo<br />Phone: +263-9-230504 (Babies Home)<br /><br />Our Neighbours : c/o Byo Baptist Church<br />G.Silundika St / 2nd Avenue, Bulawayo<br />Phone: +263-9-888269 (O.N. Team)<br /><br />Admin Office : 57 Jason Moyo Street<br />Btwn 4th & 5th Aves<br />Bulawayo<br />Phone: +263-9-64474 or 64472 (Admin)<br /><br />Postal Address for All Ministries<br />P. O. Box 2361, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe<br /><br />E-mail: isaiahs@yoafrica.com or<br />martinbarrow@hotmail.com or<br />ourneighbours@yoafrica.com<br /><br />Banking Details<br />If you wish to support us by making a financial contribution, kindly email us for the applicable bank details and tax deductible options relevant to your country of origin.<br /><br />Website<br />Our website is up and running, if you wish to view this, visit www.ourneighbours.org<br />If you would like to check out our regular updates - we are also on Facebook. Our Neighbours<br /><br />Other Newsletters<br /><br />Should you be interested in receiving Martin’s newsletters for Our Neighbours Ministry and Isaiah’s Homes of Love and/or the Financial Reports, please feel free to email him on martinbarrow@hotmail.com and he will add you to this mailing list.<br /><br />If you would like to receive the monthly Ministry Prayer Partners Newsletter kindly email Charmaine on ourneighbours@yoafrica.com<br /><br />If you wish to unsubscribe to this newsletter, simply send an email to isaiahs@yoafrica.com with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.<br /><br />Thank you for your time in reading of our news.<br />Luv ‘n’ friendship in the Lord always<br />Belinda<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong>PLEASE VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE TO SEE ALL THE LATEST PHOTOS AND STATUS POSTSUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-22905086641824139482011-11-26T13:49:00.001-08:002011-11-26T13:52:50.280-08:00June 2011 News & UpdateOur Neighbours Ministry Incorporating Isaiah’s Homes of Love<br />Newsletter : June 2011<br /><br />General Ministry News<br />Our Neighbours would like to express sincere thanks to you all for your support through this year, 2011. We regret that as the months have passed we have not been able to keep you all updated with the happenings, we would love to be able to do this on a monthly basis as daily we see and can testify to your support.<br />We are grateful for you all who have stood by us in prayer, for all who have sacrificed financially so that others in Zimbabwe can be blessed, and for all of you who have encouraged us to continue being those on the ground who are able to help others.<br />Our project director Martin Barrow was able to visit Australia in April and share in person the amazing work which continues here in Bulawayo through the commitment of you our sponsors, donors and friends. Martin had some wonderful “coffee & convo evenings” at a few churches, did some great interviews and we’d like to take this opportunity to thank all who made these evenings of sharing the great success they were. Through your support our work here continues giving God the Glory for these, His, Ministries. Thank you for these times.<br /><br />The Babies Home in February seemed quiet for a short bit with seven toddlers moving to their new home in Morningside. It was not long before the next batch of leaders took their places in the Home, and for a short while the toddlers asked of the whereabouts of their older “siblings”. Taking them a few at a time to visit Ebenezer Home they are now more settled and seem to comprehend the move. Our numbers in December 2010 were at their highest with 26 children, 5 of which were “out” in the process of fostering for adoption. After the Ebenezer move our numbers dropped down to 15 children and at this point I reflect back and wonder how in the world we managed to love so many toddlers and babies all in one go. Of course we managed and loved every minute of it !!<br />Isaiah’s statistics at present show 81 children having come into our care since operations began 2006/2007, 3 “out” fostering are still in progress, 15 fostering have been finalized to individuals/families, 10 are in process of fostering at the first of our Forever Homes, 18 children are in placement at our second and third forever homes, 14 have been reunited with extended families and sadly 5 have passed away. It is encouraging to note we have had another 3 children identified for fostering with the intention of adoption.<br />Rehoboth, the first of the Forever Homes which was started in partnership with Mind The Gap Africa in October 2008 is now fully independent, and we would like to extend our congratulations to them for this achievement. They are in the process of finalizing fostering for all the children in their care.<br />Windles, the second of the forever homes continues to provide a loving and homely environment to 10 children between the ages of 4 and 12, seven of these children are girls.<br />The seven toddlers from Isaiah’s were joined by another 2 toddlers from Sandra Jones Centre at Ebenezer. The eldest girl from this forever home has been identified for fostering. All eight children under the age of 4 have settled well into this new home.<br /><br />Our Neighbours Team continues to work together with the poorest of the poor in Bulawayo in an endeavour to empower them to self-sustainability. We are seeking to empower both individuals and disadvantaged communities with small business opportunities, chicken and pig-rearing projects. We ask you to continue to pray with us to be able to assist them in such a way that they will sow diligently, harvest and reap the rewards of the labor.<br />Winter is upon us and many of us have the comfort of warm clothing, jerseys or jackets and blankets to cover up in the cold. Our babies have been blessed with many jerseys, woolen hats and blankets so kindly knitted by folk. There is a great need for more adult woolen hats, blankets and warm clothing which can be distributed to the destitute who attend Soup Kitchen and our Health Information Service. If you are able to assist please feel free to email us at your convenience. ourneighbours@yoafrica.com<br /><br />More Babies Home News<br />Now safe in the arms of Jesus<br />Baby Rachel was discharged from the Hospital at the beginning of June, and her desperate father brought her to our Home asking us to help take care of her. Her mother had died a few weeks after her delivery and he was struggling to take care of her properly. It was clear that Baby Rachel had been very sick for some time because although she was six months old she was the size of a newborn baby. She had spent a lot of time in hospital with her father at her side.<br />Baby Rachel came into our care on Monday 6th June and because she was so weak she was syringe fed 10ml at a time at almost each waking moment. She groaned a lot in the beginning but these soon became less frequent as she became accustomed to be loved, held and cuddled.<br />Again the other toddlers were in awe of another small baby in the house, and in particular Nobuhle, Tadiwa and Noma took more notice of our Baby Rachel’s presence. The first night after she had arrived at Isaiah’s Noma sat with the family before dinner and in giving thanks she prayed “Dear Jesus, thank you for our new baby, touch her where it is painful and heal her, thank you for everybody else and thanks for our food, Amen.” Tadiwa loved to touch her tiny hands and head whilst Nobuhle let everyone know there was a new baby in the house.<br />Sadly Baby Rachel did not recover and passed away early hours of the 11th of June. We are sorry we did not have time to let our newsletter friends know of Baby Rachel’s arrival. In memory of Baby Rachel we share...<br />It is always difficult to understand why a small child dies – so innocent and helpless and so we share our little Rachel’s fairytale, we know now she rests safely in the arms of Jesus...<br />“This is a story of a very precious baby girl who was very sick, her mommy was also sick and she died when the baby girl was very small. I think the baby girl was very sad when her mommy died but she knew that Jesus loved her. Her daddy loved her a lot and he wanted her to get better. Her daddy gave her a real cool name – it was Rachel. Rachel’s daddy asked some people if they could help look after his baby girl so she could get better. Now Rachel had lots of people around her who cared for her, loved her, prayed for her, fed her, bathed her and they kept her warm in blankets and laid her to sleep at night in her special bed.<br />God could see that Rachel was very sick and was struggling to get better so he decided he would bring her into Heaven where she would have no more deep pain. God had a special job for Rachel, even though she was a tiny baby.<br />Heaven is just like it is on Earth except that there are lots of beautiful things all around – there is no more pain and no more hurt. God’s special job for Rachel was to be one of his precious baby Angels. God needs angels of all ages to care for those He loves on Earth and when He saw just how much Rachel was suffering, he knew he could make her into a beautiful angel to care and comfort other sick babies. Do you know that God has mommy and daddy angels, grandma and grandpa angels. He has boy angels and girl angels and even aunty and uncle angels.<br />Jesus is holding Rachel in his arms right now and explaining to her how much he loved her and what a special job he has in store for her. There are lots of children all over the world who are hurting and babies like Rachel will be angels to care for those babies and children. I think Rachel’s mommy is also an angel and so she will help Rachel to be a beautiful, loving and caring baby angel.”<br /><br />Arrival of Baby Talent<br />Baby Talent was placed into our care at the end of May 2011 and is said to be about 6 months old. He has a gorgeous smile which he willingly shares at the slightest bit of attention, he is a very content baby and is seldom heard crying. He feeds and sleeps well and has settled into our Home where he is currently on a Place of Safety.<br />This precious baby boy was brought into our care as he has no extended family willing to care for him whilst his mother is being treated at a local facility for patients with mental disorders.<br /><br />Baby Count as at 18/06/11 :- 16 beautiful blessings from God<br />6 girls<br />(Nomalanga/Faith/Nobuhle/Blessing/Jessica/Darlene)<br />10 Boys<br />(Pride/Mthandazo/Craig/Keith/Tadiwanashe/Samuel/Christopher/Matthew/Brandon/Talent)<br /><br />Banking Details<br />If you wish to support us by making a financial contribution, kindly email us for the applicable bank details and tax deductible options relevant to your country of origin.<br /><br />Website<br />Our website is up and running, if you wish to view this, visit www.ourneighbours.org<br />If you would like to check out our regular updates - we are also on Facebook. Our Neighbours<br /><br />Other Newsletters<br />Should you be interested in receiving Martin’s newsletters for Our Neighbours Ministry and Isaiah’s Homes of Love and/or the Financial Reports, please feel free to email him on martinbarrow@hotmail.com and he will add you to this mailing list.<br />If you would like to receive the Ministry Prayer Partners Newsletter kindly email Charmaine on ourneighbours@yoafrica.com<br />If you wish to unsubscribe to this newsletter, simply send an email to isaiahs@yoafrica.com with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.<br /><br />Thank you for your time in reading of our news.<br />Luv ‘n’ friendship in the Lord always<br />Belinda<br /><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />Mrs. Belinda L. Wilson<br />The Administrator<br />Isaiah's Umuzi Wothando<br />57 Heyman Road, Suburbs,<br />Bulawayo, Zimbabwe<br />P.O. Box 2361<br />Bulawayo, Zimbabwe<br />Tel: +263-9-64474<br />Mobile: +263-777-773719<br />Alt: +263-712-212378<br />Email: isaiahs@yoafrica.com<br />Alt: ourneighbours@yoafrica.com<br />Website: www.ourneighbours.org<br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br />Psalm 37 vs. 4 :- Delight yourself in the Lord<br />& He will give you the desires of your heart.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-10250986690813362082010-04-19T01:37:00.001-07:002010-04-19T01:47:43.285-07:00April pics of our little treasures (Pt 2)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdGsk5TL1lg6m3wRE-70yZOuI3Q0h9XK99-FQ_vd1VdIUDL5mgryTjFXMuamW6s4Aeux6HLg5F7oz-hsrHShvFyCS2avVECixy1hIBRcDlHWrGenIHxl6WDe277jbrju8cRAlVtXOOu6l/s1600/Bridget+Mar%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461766862872000930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdGsk5TL1lg6m3wRE-70yZOuI3Q0h9XK99-FQ_vd1VdIUDL5mgryTjFXMuamW6s4Aeux6HLg5F7oz-hsrHShvFyCS2avVECixy1hIBRcDlHWrGenIHxl6WDe277jbrju8cRAlVtXOOu6l/s200/Bridget+Mar%2710.JPG" /></a> Bridget visiting (being fostered)<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30e00myOIGv9F-DV6Z3rYd_bzYmo2IP2mbXn3ef9HbywcIrACOtUNzzTrdRB21eozE1ei5XmNL8co5RacXid1P1Bv0ezF4WOgxcSUnK9YnSfy0W39BFPAoR5-Dnob-q5XguOWDys6dl_C/s1600/Wethembikile+Apr%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461766859681225922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30e00myOIGv9F-DV6Z3rYd_bzYmo2IP2mbXn3ef9HbywcIrACOtUNzzTrdRB21eozE1ei5XmNL8co5RacXid1P1Bv0ezF4WOgxcSUnK9YnSfy0W39BFPAoR5-Dnob-q5XguOWDys6dl_C/s200/Wethembikile+Apr%2710.JPG" /></a> Wethembekile<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5l-LccpftEClxfH9I3iz7by3-hlTiBI6ztJeTwEPfjkeuHP0RK3R6ExOUV2wo0aM-Hq6Hvpxx-ROWM_AvP0wH49iBSn_Q-SgnNipeL-jTmF7FjW2zvPlndhadGrgTbu8Ld4KCyO8A-UW/s1600/Tadiwa+Apr%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461766857594974658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5l-LccpftEClxfH9I3iz7by3-hlTiBI6ztJeTwEPfjkeuHP0RK3R6ExOUV2wo0aM-Hq6Hvpxx-ROWM_AvP0wH49iBSn_Q-SgnNipeL-jTmF7FjW2zvPlndhadGrgTbu8Ld4KCyO8A-UW/s200/Tadiwa+Apr%2710.JPG" /></a> Tadiwanashe<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67rIBcuzR-7ZAs6SipISWyXe52lsTwJpDVhOtxh9Cy9m_9jGv9h9rPnOO5WzW9mJq57RukzaSBXMsfgtGZhd1ji1VSbDiBYbidC8j8XQxvU0YlomoQMfl0lOmi1h4J-dxRnhPjo2dOlmj/s1600/Sibusiso+Apr%2710+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 135px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461766848098853826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67rIBcuzR-7ZAs6SipISWyXe52lsTwJpDVhOtxh9Cy9m_9jGv9h9rPnOO5WzW9mJq57RukzaSBXMsfgtGZhd1ji1VSbDiBYbidC8j8XQxvU0YlomoQMfl0lOmi1h4J-dxRnhPjo2dOlmj/s200/Sibusiso+Apr%2710+(2).JPG" /></a> Sibusiso<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0cJ_sat7sqpRaCnTE8oz8ak8l1Y9i8wXjRBrOIJ3Nl_oraQyMr_rk5qRIKK9Fcxegd4Z99xazwg5pDdR2aIjYprxHdIQ47kvStjkD0XEkLptXADxsNytEwVt0TRxNPSvIabssV8ZBbP3/s1600/Shamiso+Apr%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461765679206663890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0cJ_sat7sqpRaCnTE8oz8ak8l1Y9i8wXjRBrOIJ3Nl_oraQyMr_rk5qRIKK9Fcxegd4Z99xazwg5pDdR2aIjYprxHdIQ47kvStjkD0XEkLptXADxsNytEwVt0TRxNPSvIabssV8ZBbP3/s200/Shamiso+Apr%2710.JPG" /></a> Shamiso</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvPT1tWLMK76mJRwslpmB7gBUV75jk2NbFmXbMq-ZS3kfeuwkqTiOEUGBj_ZrUvYmbLywS7UhZrhpus4y0k3p-IbbLW2bFBlLaNivGHqg-MB057WF69R0Q3Fp-_We9wvYnnZIufNlGvFw/s1600/Samuel+Apr%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461765676464042690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvPT1tWLMK76mJRwslpmB7gBUV75jk2NbFmXbMq-ZS3kfeuwkqTiOEUGBj_ZrUvYmbLywS7UhZrhpus4y0k3p-IbbLW2bFBlLaNivGHqg-MB057WF69R0Q3Fp-_We9wvYnnZIufNlGvFw/s200/Samuel+Apr%2710.JPG" /></a> Samuel<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy76jXc3kvtXPkmgYwLuH1HgE6ZPAMrxpXlie40WwwS6eOpRbRE9JvWYqZ9Vc__Bqh9GnGiiCO9KuUTDjF6NU_iQy2YTlhJ0DRbzd3pfUhJMWgSSP8_kL9og7yVhf5sJGVC_TMHQ9BsH0d/s1600/Rachel+Apr%2710+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461765669667864354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy76jXc3kvtXPkmgYwLuH1HgE6ZPAMrxpXlie40WwwS6eOpRbRE9JvWYqZ9Vc__Bqh9GnGiiCO9KuUTDjF6NU_iQy2YTlhJ0DRbzd3pfUhJMWgSSP8_kL9og7yVhf5sJGVC_TMHQ9BsH0d/s200/Rachel+Apr%2710+(2).JPG" /></a> Rachel<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQK-5h7NMeaER6mfyi1eI9IbAHaT53R2F5yqMy6UI8PduEgyIRS6aLLHWtsymozhnIwMpWSH3e2a78MP6nQpSAr4COjZuUFlLhUS9-ULLJICavOxahFaT5KCynMaGar42ZroAd3rkN8py/s1600/Prince+Apr%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461765667310707090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBQK-5h7NMeaER6mfyi1eI9IbAHaT53R2F5yqMy6UI8PduEgyIRS6aLLHWtsymozhnIwMpWSH3e2a78MP6nQpSAr4COjZuUFlLhUS9-ULLJICavOxahFaT5KCynMaGar42ZroAd3rkN8py/s200/Prince+Apr%2710.JPG" /></a> Prince<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaITQQOdkR7ou8oH1wGbOjaiEmIZqVNlJqKA2THoKgx77ujgERB1Lw6A6_7qk9F9mkXU-wVSdVo7OUjq0RYEnSLo0BBRIt3m1LDIZmM4ChaoQGgIC5gIbu2GbgHimPUD1LD1_HPccljMG/s1600/Pride+Apr%2710+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461765655541683218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaITQQOdkR7ou8oH1wGbOjaiEmIZqVNlJqKA2THoKgx77ujgERB1Lw6A6_7qk9F9mkXU-wVSdVo7OUjq0RYEnSLo0BBRIt3m1LDIZmM4ChaoQGgIC5gIbu2GbgHimPUD1LD1_HPccljMG/s200/Pride+Apr%2710+(2).JPG" /></a> Pride<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-33226075338735306742010-04-19T01:14:00.001-07:002010-04-19T01:33:18.527-07:00April Pics of our little treasures<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn_dDg2J7kfAyDr3InAwZVyIqvEg9FeqbrGatgVRno_aoCeJ18VullsA3OJbY3GBHqvuGfD-KB_rr9GFlSP58NiyXYABIcXmP6Duc5w7A1-1mAhO4EPR0qYEaafPaGpvvAT-W7LI2dEk_/s1600/Pride+Apr%2710+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461762040254708738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHn_dDg2J7kfAyDr3InAwZVyIqvEg9FeqbrGatgVRno_aoCeJ18VullsA3OJbY3GBHqvuGfD-KB_rr9GFlSP58NiyXYABIcXmP6Duc5w7A1-1mAhO4EPR0qYEaafPaGpvvAT-W7LI2dEk_/s200/Pride+Apr%2710+(2).JPG" /></a><br /><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6FPL5dCLEn8yw4grYGlLD1h9MLcqIE2likIiRroi9MmnWqdhQZMzQnfI4Sq_jUty5ZNb2Lkmn9VAdlNNlHmkal0PhdbA-jlD28SaBO4f48D-L7sOaMVaLoivYGLmQMgTNvnWLXNrD7oz/s1600/Nomalanga+Apr%2710+(5).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461762030320254098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6FPL5dCLEn8yw4grYGlLD1h9MLcqIE2likIiRroi9MmnWqdhQZMzQnfI4Sq_jUty5ZNb2Lkmn9VAdlNNlHmkal0PhdbA-jlD28SaBO4f48D-L7sOaMVaLoivYGLmQMgTNvnWLXNrD7oz/s200/Nomalanga+Apr%2710+(5).JPG" /></a> Nomalanga<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2DDjj4mv9kfxBHjEltbNkEv7BR3VNpB09-gve7iMrle9WNcg2jcVubnKmh3MFsss9aYfur_Pxz3-etf3ts_yYtDUc820eszTUVRujURTVUF4JeY8iPa0TJoYOSqgWw_Io7IF9pht2kCY/s1600/Nobuhle+Apr%2710+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 166px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461762029935608114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2DDjj4mv9kfxBHjEltbNkEv7BR3VNpB09-gve7iMrle9WNcg2jcVubnKmh3MFsss9aYfur_Pxz3-etf3ts_yYtDUc820eszTUVRujURTVUF4JeY8iPa0TJoYOSqgWw_Io7IF9pht2kCY/s200/Nobuhle+Apr%2710+(2).JPG" /></a> Nobuhle<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTrXImX6ClghEpFzuAUu05S6VGaaMvAbrVjiY_6HVZiFVgHBMU9RIRNhfJl4lOLpdTdsWX31eLObG_X1wffWsGHuERka1iC0dUZ5zgBxigf9Aq9vtHrUuGujrdry6Aqq-IQI8vJYHW0fA/s1600/Mthandazo+Apr%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461762025917936306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTrXImX6ClghEpFzuAUu05S6VGaaMvAbrVjiY_6HVZiFVgHBMU9RIRNhfJl4lOLpdTdsWX31eLObG_X1wffWsGHuERka1iC0dUZ5zgBxigf9Aq9vtHrUuGujrdry6Aqq-IQI8vJYHW0fA/s200/Mthandazo+Apr%2710.JPG" /></a> Mthandazo<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXZsmdt_tWo32ew648747HN-sYehtUcmMQg63FDnOJpw3zmYQWvniOAuNnZak6kPU_nXkQAOvUSaafdHGFNWmWU-z6CcL3Ls70xmcVzATlyGLVj1jFqzWUzS48d2e08pSwZId6nS6w85S/s1600/Mthabisi+Apr%2710+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461762018328218498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXZsmdt_tWo32ew648747HN-sYehtUcmMQg63FDnOJpw3zmYQWvniOAuNnZak6kPU_nXkQAOvUSaafdHGFNWmWU-z6CcL3Ls70xmcVzATlyGLVj1jFqzWUzS48d2e08pSwZId6nS6w85S/s200/Mthabisi+Apr%2710+(2).JPG" /></a> Mthabisi<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkQ8WCB5BqBpH6RiLpNpLJH8BasyPW7i_Cg0xGEaYeQyYyitzQ_gM8xhidnUEi1-GJis-iRiANVO9TBE6sQ2ZofQERuZi6XEtu7sU2G9-s6vnYbeCCrfP3qW7-ygtEWs9OPRDr6rli0zs/s1600/Maureen+Apr%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 150px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461760907129958210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkQ8WCB5BqBpH6RiLpNpLJH8BasyPW7i_Cg0xGEaYeQyYyitzQ_gM8xhidnUEi1-GJis-iRiANVO9TBE6sQ2ZofQERuZi6XEtu7sU2G9-s6vnYbeCCrfP3qW7-ygtEWs9OPRDr6rli0zs/s200/Maureen+Apr%2710.JPG" /></a> Maureen</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5I4ESwcKbNseTRGl4UxWAbqQh1y-XXbpR_SEi5fmAGB8-O33pwBvq3n-yPIg5e1Ka5x6JGpVtuT2GgjvDTdDsBC-V0dOWnxLSIrmW50pSdjPFUf4vwYC3Nimxy-8ZPXSfR-xL9VCLR4D/s1600/Junior+Apr%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461760901464774290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5I4ESwcKbNseTRGl4UxWAbqQh1y-XXbpR_SEi5fmAGB8-O33pwBvq3n-yPIg5e1Ka5x6JGpVtuT2GgjvDTdDsBC-V0dOWnxLSIrmW50pSdjPFUf4vwYC3Nimxy-8ZPXSfR-xL9VCLR4D/s200/Junior+Apr%2710.JPG" /></a> Junior<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc3iMRaomC0d23HN2xrLz8mwaVcV49yjzKIICRC1TUcUvVUEtFDJtGhD1iRx-w_LOcVfAHmCzwmjR9NnE5ScrLqo4frqCzmaOHy99TRPveH3nKgAzexS2fGBpuzXLuLNVSmpadWxGkJni/s1600/Jessica+Apr%2710+(4).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461760894365580306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwc3iMRaomC0d23HN2xrLz8mwaVcV49yjzKIICRC1TUcUvVUEtFDJtGhD1iRx-w_LOcVfAHmCzwmjR9NnE5ScrLqo4frqCzmaOHy99TRPveH3nKgAzexS2fGBpuzXLuLNVSmpadWxGkJni/s200/Jessica+Apr%2710+(4).JPG" /></a> Jessica<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVu2JBNq3kb_09aLo1GEqNpQCfNWoI_cl4wl0hm42xpQuoBO1oN6wI43pKwfQ5S8L8tBkEDb-Sf_sVqIDVDR_hBLMflx3ownB3KlFpUnfEDJqCkGKz8xR0uK2zKy1VpkK1Exfg7tNtLVO/s1600/Faith+Apr%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 198px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461760890413380434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVu2JBNq3kb_09aLo1GEqNpQCfNWoI_cl4wl0hm42xpQuoBO1oN6wI43pKwfQ5S8L8tBkEDb-Sf_sVqIDVDR_hBLMflx3ownB3KlFpUnfEDJqCkGKz8xR0uK2zKy1VpkK1Exfg7tNtLVO/s200/Faith+Apr%2710.JPG" /></a> Faith<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8adhIrb_qPyqDz-4ehd2xT-lfBVl60KyD2mRppYzlx_gLS5xgqbNq00rbaTMkaVUWNZSvLQXxt6E-ZOlrLPOY0-hIp7ej9PNQpMqRK6lCIBABtqLtBf81yGJMDMLJxmk6KceQeqmlH7l/s1600/Daniel+Apr%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 172px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461760863820964546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8adhIrb_qPyqDz-4ehd2xT-lfBVl60KyD2mRppYzlx_gLS5xgqbNq00rbaTMkaVUWNZSvLQXxt6E-ZOlrLPOY0-hIp7ej9PNQpMqRK6lCIBABtqLtBf81yGJMDMLJxmk6KceQeqmlH7l/s200/Daniel+Apr%2710.JPG" /></a> Daniel<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8wETDXrrJ8pZtDyauWWIgtV0pDA4y5rZi_eKjgt1BIWJZ_Sb5mkqKZgUvtC5bafPVGvqe6Den8lwPirjFi_4UMbO91cv6sdRMPSZ-BBIdAlfdkbyiziPY1ST_5iuT_2ThNfErb3T_Ud1/s1600/Craig+Apr%2710+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 185px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461759813611146866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8wETDXrrJ8pZtDyauWWIgtV0pDA4y5rZi_eKjgt1BIWJZ_Sb5mkqKZgUvtC5bafPVGvqe6Den8lwPirjFi_4UMbO91cv6sdRMPSZ-BBIdAlfdkbyiziPY1ST_5iuT_2ThNfErb3T_Ud1/s200/Craig+Apr%2710+(2).JPG" /></a> Craig<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOxcBYKd7ilq4ZXuw1lAAZ9eDvgJbJnXC3_OpGNnUQYzuRUxGPA4sadbXDKLZnmDHvogwE4tNrd5MHztqTfM9qatxUzh1bH2MlAA53sLPF8D_FCJlDxWwVakTOQXQhbmWnSIyNNhDvhu2/s1600/Christopher+Apr%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461759807518379970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOxcBYKd7ilq4ZXuw1lAAZ9eDvgJbJnXC3_OpGNnUQYzuRUxGPA4sadbXDKLZnmDHvogwE4tNrd5MHztqTfM9qatxUzh1bH2MlAA53sLPF8D_FCJlDxWwVakTOQXQhbmWnSIyNNhDvhu2/s200/Christopher+Apr%2710.JPG" /></a> Christopher<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N8AHQZb3cEy5GLlYPfkHAsLEFioYro_Ba81cnbc-aVlZWTw0y1fF9T-fuM5ApmIKPOOI68Wplfjwtgu94-nxrxjMpPhViL1P9xxuYib98g1Q05l0U9B_dfXYWJrG0JNQwww3U0twM0t7/s1600/Caleb+Apr%2710+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 156px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461759803364069874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9N8AHQZb3cEy5GLlYPfkHAsLEFioYro_Ba81cnbc-aVlZWTw0y1fF9T-fuM5ApmIKPOOI68Wplfjwtgu94-nxrxjMpPhViL1P9xxuYib98g1Q05l0U9B_dfXYWJrG0JNQwww3U0twM0t7/s200/Caleb+Apr%2710+(2).JPG" /></a> Caleb<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FEIV2ySxq3A5jQjBPxws9y0HgiEkk7U9Bx7eMbDnLd604sUptJx4k4FOjKEvUsfAEESNWUGE3g9KZ20rmQDlYFGn5G9LlWZGe1IpDM6gthgbjzMTwGb_ehs_9VTs2LxlKfcytXCJIuen/s1600/Blessing+Apr%2710+(3).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 182px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461759801035141762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1FEIV2ySxq3A5jQjBPxws9y0HgiEkk7U9Bx7eMbDnLd604sUptJx4k4FOjKEvUsfAEESNWUGE3g9KZ20rmQDlYFGn5G9LlWZGe1IpDM6gthgbjzMTwGb_ehs_9VTs2LxlKfcytXCJIuen/s200/Blessing+Apr%2710+(3).JPG" /></a> Blessing<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXrxcGQ4p3FK33Hc9fJTrgNyxzd2qVbmfnT2sl0MmGRQKUAG2q2_wsiJRx-Hr7DqBPu9C-GM47UqYkpa2vbR3VRpb7lSUmSGE_cWFI4ZElKkSffeannURtuToKPJqAYHd9w9N2NoT4amO/s1600/Amanda+Apr%2710.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461759792040105842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXrxcGQ4p3FK33Hc9fJTrgNyxzd2qVbmfnT2sl0MmGRQKUAG2q2_wsiJRx-Hr7DqBPu9C-GM47UqYkpa2vbR3VRpb7lSUmSGE_cWFI4ZElKkSffeannURtuToKPJqAYHd9w9N2NoT4amO/s200/Amanda+Apr%2710.JPG" /></a> Amanda<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-73806859484466851732010-04-19T01:06:00.001-07:002010-04-19T01:08:36.442-07:002010 - Delayed PostingsDear Friends<br /><br />We sincerely apologise for the delay in postings to our Blog - this is due to limited broadband access and dial up connections do not allow us sufficient time to load info.<br />We are working on this problem.<br /><br />Should you wish to see latest pics of the kids, refer to Facebook page "Belinda Wilson Armstrong".<br /><br />Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always<br />Belinda - Sis'BeeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-68835670675000385472009-06-20T08:55:00.000-07:002009-06-20T10:17:05.387-07:00May / June Update including childrens Pictures<w:view></w:view><w:punctuationkerning><w:validateagainstschemas><w:compatibility><w:breakwrappedtables><w:snaptogridincell><w:wraptextwithpunct><w:useasianbreakrules><w:browserlevel></w:browserlevel> </w:useasianbreakrules></w:wraptextwithpunct><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Dear Friends</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Another month into the year and as I begin to think of what I can share I am in awe of just how amazing God's blessings are for not just me but</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> for all of us at Isaiah's, also incorporating Rehoboth and </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Windles. The song I'm listening to right now says "There is none like you..." It's so true God is just amazing and there is None like Him. How many times do we fail Him and yet his Grace and Mercy are sufficient for everyone of us. Let us begin in giving thanks to God, let us give Him the praise as we worship Him, "Almighty God</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> for there is None like You Lord", and if there is only one thing I do in this newsletter, let it be to give God the Glory for all within His Ministries !<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirc3y-Mu13TU0owANxcR36uyp9IE6OGzOuiSbKJXNtSf3EzjGVNUEGpO6183eJj8rUPL0LKIg9Ao3z4AHnQb8XQPm2Zgmip7IYRWYnz4rp_0e1ZS6wjHEcigkttgk3BHEEdT1SM7BPPsoQ/s1600-h/Rehoboth+Family+Dedication.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirc3y-Mu13TU0owANxcR36uyp9IE6OGzOuiSbKJXNtSf3EzjGVNUEGpO6183eJj8rUPL0LKIg9Ao3z4AHnQb8XQPm2Zgmip7IYRWYnz4rp_0e1ZS6wjHEcigkttgk3BHEEdT1SM7BPPsoQ/s200/Rehoboth+Family+Dedication.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349442408708040498" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">I will start with some sharing of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Rehoboth</span>. It's hard to believe that a year ago we moved the initial </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">Mpilo group of children to the first of our orphan homes. Early </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">in April, the Rehoboth children were a special part of the wedding celebrations of Mark and Dorcas and they now enjoy their "dad" living with them in Il</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">anda. Initially Mark and Dorcas felt God call them to be the house parents of this home, however their love f</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">or the children grew rapidly and they soon felt they should rather move to adopting all the children. Reh</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">oboth are steadily working towards being fully sustained and will eventually become their own independent home. The fostering and adoption process has already begun on some of the children and we ask you to pray with us that the processes of "family tracing" go smoothl</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">y without any hitches, all in the best interests of these children. We have also recently done xrays for the process of age estimation and now feel more comfortable knowing their ages are more accurate rather than just assuming age according to size! This process will also assist when trying to enrol the children in private schools.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The children are generally all doing well. Precious continues to thrive being the big sister to all the boys, and of course Godknows being the big brother. Precious</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> and Nhlanhla have both settled well at their new school with both children being awarded the "merit sash" within the first few weeks. Proud daddy Mark shared how touching this was, thinking that sometime back someone had once considered these children worthless, yet here they are now out-shining others ! Munaso joined Godknows, starting "big school" this year whilst Mathew and Panashe joined Nkosi at Early Learning Centre. Kuda also loves going to school (KGVI) and is making good steady progress all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Little Nkosi is struggling at the moment, he was diagnosed towards the end of last year with a hole in his heart and was placed on the waiting list for a Heart Operation in South Africa. This past week his little h</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">eart has been racing rapidly and he has had very</span><span style="font-family:Arial;"> high fevers. On Sunday morning as we began to pray for Nkosi and the many others within our congregation I felt God's spirit speak to me, I felt reassurance that just as God performed a miracle with our baby Noubhle, saving her when she was abandoned, and then healing her, I felt God say I can do the same for Nkosi. Memories of first meeting Nkosi in Mpilo flashed through my mind, seeing him grow to the sturdy chap he is, I believe God will work another miracle in Nkosi and with faith and belief we will stand here to testify his grace, love and mercy again. Please continue to pray with us for his healing and if necessary for his heart operation that needs to take place.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxpbtq4oaJYp6d6jWYNy8wed7pcawHIkKxRN69JcH3FzOyDXHLJXZj53KxoB5dkDDAT6MhRt4q2Q17cE73TuVjO0Gwg-mgrrslcInLVJtAd8aYQ9uTrC1OZlbwireuDWLqA69qEB4zU5Z/s1600-h/Windles+Mother+%26+Children.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxpbtq4oaJYp6d6jWYNy8wed7pcawHIkKxRN69JcH3FzOyDXHLJXZj53KxoB5dkDDAT6MhRt4q2Q17cE73TuVjO0Gwg-mgrrslcInLVJtAd8aYQ9uTrC1OZlbwireuDWLqA69qEB4zU5Z/s200/Windles+Mother+%26+Children.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349453744943311058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">The second of the orphan homes, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Windles</span>, is up and running smoothly, managed by our partners Mind The Gap. Private tuition was given to most of the c</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">hildren and we are happy to report that all of them are now up to speed with others of their age and this term saw all of the elder ones being enrolled at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Government</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">School</st1:placetype></st1:place> in their area.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Towards the end of March, the eldest boy child Emmanuel went missing, he was last seen playing in the garden with his "scooter". Investigations began with search parties setting out in all directions, neighbours had seen him playing in the area, however sadly we did not see the return of Emmanuel. Instead it seems that Emmanuel chose to run away and looks like he is back living on the streets with his older brother. It is most likely that the story he originally gave us of his grandmother who lives in Harare sending them to Bulawayo to find his family was fabricated, and this event had Ben planned as he notified a friend from church that he would not be there on Sunday. We will not give up praying for Emmanuel's return Home and would like him to k</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">now that he is Welcome back home at anytime.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Gertrude was very close to Emmanuel and for the first few weeks seemed very lost without him. She seems to be settling now, realising that he maybe isn't coming home anyday soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Kimberely is doing well and enjoying being at school with the other children her age.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Silethemba, or Sibhekitemba as we often called her, underwent a successful hernia operation at the end of April. She is well on the road to recovery and is now free from her stomach pains. Her little sister Thembie is a "live-wire" always dashing about the house or garden giggling and laughing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Angela is d</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">oing well and her health seems improved of late. We thank the Lord for this. Angie and Thembie are loving being at the <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Early</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Learning</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Centre</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Pre-school</st1:placetype></st1:place> where they have both settled so well.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Tinashe continues to amaze us with the progress he has made, in six months he is now walking on his own, even at times he runs after his siblings. He now feeds himself and remains clothed at all times. He has begun pre-school at the Jairos Jiri Centre and his house mother Bridget and the caregivers are now beginning toilet training with him. It seems that Tinashe's seizures are triggered when he gets a fright or by sudden noises, so we pray that God will overcome these for him.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">James has become more confident in himself and not so shy, he has settled well at school and is making good progress.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Cynthia too has settled well into school, she is a very confident child full of energy and stories.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Let us remember to uplift these children, thanking God for their good health and education.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">So now to our Babies at Isaiah's... some of them not so little anymore...<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Our most recent addition, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Skippy </span>Isaiah...<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">We introduced a 6 week old puppy to the Babies home with a two </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6G5yk2GZI8tbhpFjlLEGBX0bINYpyquUjNAOgBy-QVDdkufdPGk4yEHUByt6ix3f8Z6xw7I0DTLL8_tXMqPoRqJec5AIzpuJt6Yd77xjsOp_KAs3kIKb12z0xZ9ASDjnshBgRVRFaii0O/s1600-h/Introducing+Skippy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6G5yk2GZI8tbhpFjlLEGBX0bINYpyquUjNAOgBy-QVDdkufdPGk4yEHUByt6ix3f8Z6xw7I0DTLL8_tXMqPoRqJec5AIzpuJt6Yd77xjsOp_KAs3kIKb12z0xZ9ASDjnshBgRVRFaii0O/s200/Introducing+Skippy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349448413719456226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">fold plan, one as security and two so that the children can slightly overcome their fear of dogs from a relatively young age. Needless to </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">say, at this point neither one has been accomplished ! The toddlers are still petrified and Skippy hasn't been much of a threat to anyone as we have recently had intruders on the property. Please pray with us for protection of the children and the staff at the home as well as the property there. I am certain that soon enough the children will get used to Skippy being around, and simply just wanting to play with them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvTGFIzFA2yKhCzPeSBaNcvJbxMADZ7TkN1Wh17PWiRG7XwgOApy8MHJv2Fh11MF-I1_TiRukp5XgYPyeNZlmj-0rPj-fYJlD34I-VEQABwEXO52ad0cBAeWXW_EE57zZqMUMScfOYD46/s1600-h/Nomalanga+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvTGFIzFA2yKhCzPeSBaNcvJbxMADZ7TkN1Wh17PWiRG7XwgOApy8MHJv2Fh11MF-I1_TiRukp5XgYPyeNZlmj-0rPj-fYJlD34I-VEQABwEXO52ad0cBAeWXW_EE57zZqMUMScfOYD46/s200/Nomalanga+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349448624910957042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nomalanga </span>started her first day of preschool at Early Learning Centre and it seems she loves the whole school idea. When I collected her at mid-day with all the other children, it felt like I had missed a whole period of her growing up - she has suddenly become a little girl, and no longer the toddler who used to cling to me around strangers !! When I asked her about school, she commented "it was fine thank you. What did you do ? I drew a picture and played with other children." Before we know it she will be enrolling to <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Junior</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">School</st1:placetype></st1:place> and then High School, where does time go?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQS37Jtc_pzxPVCDKrXKyM9RbcPXqNVCX0ZRTzO8A__eI2u0I-aFWUX-l7sZZLt5vY3kpWCW4nVqZetnwwF0Yk1lXmVEKbDrkiIKwbeMz4cRDF-XL5KPGNvIIitcfiIE3rNE_yzGOLLw8/s1600-h/Pride+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 105px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQS37Jtc_pzxPVCDKrXKyM9RbcPXqNVCX0ZRTzO8A__eI2u0I-aFWUX-l7sZZLt5vY3kpWCW4nVqZetnwwF0Yk1lXmVEKbDrkiIKwbeMz4cRDF-XL5KPGNvIIitcfiIE3rNE_yzGOLLw8/s200/Pride+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349448981313923138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pride </span>has taken another leap from baby talk to making his own little sentences, the most common of which is " Sis'Bee - uSkippy kalumi " Now that means Sis'Bee - Skippy won't bite me ! How I wish he said that with some certainty. Pride loves to sing songs of praise, jumping and dancing about as he sings. His siblings are in temporary care at our Northend Home until we can find a suitable plac</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">e for them with someone who can take care of them during the day.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5Y_Y7shZHeiVe0An5ZM0pCbcEKM50E0t7EE7S1cT5tAUwCVciZqVoMMTJoXje_Ydh8tCdGsGpkgUcDibmCl5zzjPuLtn7YgY5_XZ6Cn1nPmChGkKcfkELzxx4yRPbCH_lq92LxWsK0ys/s1600-h/Bridget+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5Y_Y7shZHeiVe0An5ZM0pCbcEKM50E0t7EE7S1cT5tAUwCVciZqVoMMTJoXje_Ydh8tCdGsGpkgUcDibmCl5zzjPuLtn7YgY5_XZ6Cn1nPmChGkKcfkELzxx4yRPbCH_lq92LxWsK0ys/s200/Bridget+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349449626996370802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bridget </span>also loves to sing and dance and like Pride she has also begun talking in short sentences. Her favourite is to sing "Halleluia" waving her hands in the air. She has been quite a few times with Mrs Ncube to church and it amazes me how children learn from those around them ! I often look back on Bridget's baby photos and see how serious she used to be, hardly sharing a smile and now it doesn't take much to make her smile. One of her other favourite things to do is going in the car, make sure if you have to leave the home she is somewhere inside as she can surely scream the sky down if she isn't allowed to go with for a ride !<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjms2_9MXqzsQOFzmG71Sm6eZcluBml2RUk4qVhKXOUGz94-EbB-WTMCVRGLXiAN7JpOUEm1of9VOv1UREk7M7qugI9jG1zC7lAzwc8IARYyT3gDF8rek0nnofK064ls9b8G-t_221Z2EVS/s1600-h/Amanda+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 115px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjms2_9MXqzsQOFzmG71Sm6eZcluBml2RUk4qVhKXOUGz94-EbB-WTMCVRGLXiAN7JpOUEm1of9VOv1UREk7M7qugI9jG1zC7lAzwc8IARYyT3gDF8rek0nnofK064ls9b8G-t_221Z2EVS/s200/Amanda+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349449868428872706" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Amanda </span>always amuses me with her mischevious smile, she always seems to be up to planning something in her mind and once her mind is set on something you can try by any means to distract her without much success. Mimi is a very easy-going girl, quite happy to play by herself, she is a quick learner however has quite a strong will.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqAwht5i8WwqT_0V1-aZ5soRcxmCwCmObfMpuphCRUJ70cQwtqy9mftg8s9TZMia9-8lDa_SpsbwTHUeJ11V_aiMK_C3mCeV8qKwOANL5NuES-kcWI05j24coR0r-_DnP8yBAZVcHDcgZ/s1600-h/Sibusiso+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqAwht5i8WwqT_0V1-aZ5soRcxmCwCmObfMpuphCRUJ70cQwtqy9mftg8s9TZMia9-8lDa_SpsbwTHUeJ11V_aiMK_C3mCeV8qKwOANL5NuES-kcWI05j24coR0r-_DnP8yBAZVcHDcgZ/s200/Sibusiso+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349450129961145778" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sibusiso </span>is growing well however seems to lack self confidence. At times he can be very sensitive and clingy</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">. His latest trick was following Maliki into the Pantry and as soon as she turned her back he would sit down waiting for treats or rewards ! Once or twice she almost locked him inside as she hadn't noticed him closely following behind her. When Sibu, as he is known to the other children, laughs - everyone laughs as he has a very cute giggling chuckle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nUDpK25wtxk3RPBLcN_AP2-IZLNHNK20l5V1MPGixUJ5tJtXB8Ww1U7K-t3Xw2OthY4xtrRt7K1LxzBMUrx8UohRKJWVudf73T6lb73urEKe4UXCtwUI70eth1pT5x24CNMEotuGZHot/s1600-h/Prince+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nUDpK25wtxk3RPBLcN_AP2-IZLNHNK20l5V1MPGixUJ5tJtXB8Ww1U7K-t3Xw2OthY4xtrRt7K1LxzBMUrx8UohRKJWVudf73T6lb73urEKe4UXCtwUI70eth1pT5x24CNMEotuGZHot/s200/Prince+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349450503894701106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prince </span>has developed a character which says "stop me if you think you can!" and he is up for any challenge, he loves to climb and if you don't keep an eye on him he will be on top of the furniture and almost up the burglar bars of the windows. On the other hand he has a very loving character however seems to think that in order to kiss a baby you have to be almost on top of the little one. He is very sensitive when the babies cry and he tries to calm them by patting them on the head or chest, usually a bit harder than they like so as a result they land up crying more than before, when all he is trying to do is pacify them.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vYxAynVE5rpxSpFq-JT9aglGmLNSsMv6t98rZWW6acnKkHW_oPC87c42kaUR2KpIqGAXl1K7qBKcPbkxB6pTLqsGp-MqFZJlQJNQSPXKsXhp29Vz4V7H-4Z5b4EQyTCcVRRCUG2pr_WF/s1600-h/Caleb+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vYxAynVE5rpxSpFq-JT9aglGmLNSsMv6t98rZWW6acnKkHW_oPC87c42kaUR2KpIqGAXl1K7qBKcPbkxB6pTLqsGp-MqFZJlQJNQSPXKsXhp29Vz4V7H-4Z5b4EQyTCcVRRCUG2pr_WF/s200/Caleb+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349450671534094434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Caleb </span>is crawling all over the place, however not prepared to take the next step yet - he believes he can get wherever he wants to on his hands and knees so why stand up and walk. He will be one year old next week and by the looks of things he is going to be quite a tall boy. He loves to crawl all over anyone who decides to sit on the floor and play with the babies and his latest fascination is holding a cell</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">phone to his ear and babbling away. If music is playing he will stand against the furniture bobbing up and down, his own dance to the beat.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qVdic5tZGO7DPq2rBgu_a1J2epHsI_lWFmCb2ia85qM8WDL1VKtTlsNsCPGIXOzO8Qcr_tDC2NPdDw863nY3Kj2Zr4Hwmf52NroDpO9_y2PcSwrdYXcpJr7f6KaXurbjRz6dXft-jhli/s1600-h/Mthandazo+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qVdic5tZGO7DPq2rBgu_a1J2epHsI_lWFmCb2ia85qM8WDL1VKtTlsNsCPGIXOzO8Qcr_tDC2NPdDw863nY3Kj2Zr4Hwmf52NroDpO9_y2PcSwrdYXcpJr7f6KaXurbjRz6dXft-jhli/s200/Mthandazo+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349450890454665858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mthandazo </span>is 9 months old now and still struggling with his squint eyes. He is fascinated with watching his hands and it's probably because everytime he tries to focus on them he sees more than one hand in view. His latest trick is "rocking the chair he is in" by swinging his legs up and dropping them down, it doesn't matter which chair he is in he will get it to rock ! It is quite funny to watch how he amuses himself by the motions.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRm4-ar2eF53G4lDPKk6T4nHoB3aHAfGWx72lUGW5aT-1Gs8KbINLlOioe10ZNjdFsl9C6fYv1qNCT5urj4BdIJrnnJ0TcfNu9cv3YpO-p2IPqPqPSHzdJsdbR-rqDuiSeq_Qb1ddgS45/s1600-h/Daniel+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRm4-ar2eF53G4lDPKk6T4nHoB3aHAfGWx72lUGW5aT-1Gs8KbINLlOioe10ZNjdFsl9C6fYv1qNCT5urj4BdIJrnnJ0TcfNu9cv3YpO-p2IPqPqPSHzdJsdbR-rqDuiSeq_Qb1ddgS45/s200/Daniel+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349451062717091874" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Daniel </span>is beginning to move about on his stomach, pushing himself up into the crawling position, ready to go. Daniel laughs a lot and is generally a very happy baby, a fairly fussy eater but a good sleeper, which is probably why he is the size he is - don't they say babies grow in their sleep !<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhla1XhzrG5oDiosgouF6DQ3gmNzk4tM5QciHUsLwr2hN_CXhvPuTSHYogfdcVwxKxT8XkK8hTmldU9zmNhLyqSXFL7vsxCk35yGeEmUrM8qzVLdi1ob8081IErZr8gS0wMzniXoNUyeNiV/s1600-h/Faith+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhla1XhzrG5oDiosgouF6DQ3gmNzk4tM5QciHUsLwr2hN_CXhvPuTSHYogfdcVwxKxT8XkK8hTmldU9zmNhLyqSXFL7vsxCk35yGeEmUrM8qzVLdi1ob8081IErZr8gS0wMzniXoNUyeNiV/s200/Faith+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349452785379263266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Faith </span>like Daniel is 7 months old, she loves to sit and play on her own with brightly coloured toys that make a noise. Though Faith has a rather sad looking face, it brightens up when she does share a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCmkF9lhCVecAV1UQ7-q_gNvLTa9roleZGQ6KFLihaB2EjVpEeKD4gG30CHPIcDq8eZcIZdDSRlNbdDX8AEOrfdAGKvHhTYa8kwJgW4iIDXQtUBch8o61FDZ5JN8LdAGke1Xl5tbpxupP/s1600-h/Shamiso+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCmkF9lhCVecAV1UQ7-q_gNvLTa9roleZGQ6KFLihaB2EjVpEeKD4gG30CHPIcDq8eZcIZdDSRlNbdDX8AEOrfdAGKvHhTYa8kwJgW4iIDXQtUBch8o61FDZ5JN8LdAGke1Xl5tbpxupP/s200/Shamiso+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349445960721179442" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shamiso</span> loves attention now and does not like to be left to play on her own, when she is happy she is very happy but when she's grumpy she can be very grumpy ! She is about the same age as Faith and Daniel though has been sitting for a longer period.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxAiKNT34xo1HHEtfhj5JTWYBmVlUEaW4wJPJ6PmSB8ya7mpXudK9iH4sfsHeXYXk8_sf5DNh698l9GE09sNILwAesUv3L0WY3e9ZXgzr1kNYyvzbq78gFgyAuv1YPttrDEVrS1KcoUdp/s1600-h/Craig+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxAiKNT34xo1HHEtfhj5JTWYBmVlUEaW4wJPJ6PmSB8ya7mpXudK9iH4sfsHeXYXk8_sf5DNh698l9GE09sNILwAesUv3L0WY3e9ZXgzr1kNYyvzbq78gFgyAuv1YPttrDEVrS1KcoUdp/s200/Craig+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349447364382636370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">It's hard to think back to when <span style="font-weight: bold;">Craig</span> was six weeks old and struggling to even drink 50mls.., It is amazing and awesome what prayer can do for a blessed little soul as this - Craig was annointed at church one day, six months ago and from that moment on he has made incredible progress. He has "chipmunk cheeks and little dimples" which are a striking facial feature of this little boy, he is a placid baby who feeds and sleeps well.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWY1LEFflFf4_U3Wlbu_4IL-sSSExiPx4w1XHvPwLtoCOKnNIODRBNDi159a5NjOyN-fKTleo96M4wpfNP9_ka4mpDa6KGH4_FF0VOZk0V_TwW-zOqHRnTqdnfLKk9mMYv2Tmob4GnuZR/s1600-h/Nobuhle+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWY1LEFflFf4_U3Wlbu_4IL-sSSExiPx4w1XHvPwLtoCOKnNIODRBNDi159a5NjOyN-fKTleo96M4wpfNP9_ka4mpDa6KGH4_FF0VOZk0V_TwW-zOqHRnTqdnfLKk9mMYv2Tmob4GnuZR/s200/Nobuhle+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349447731221750738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">Our little miracle girl <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nobuhle</span> continues to do well - she is picking up weight, though is still little compared to the others of her age. Her TB treatment is going well as she receives her daily medication, sometimes though this can cause oral thrush which is very uncomfortable for her, thankfully this is easily treatable. Despite the individual attention she received during her recovery time she is quite content to sitting watching everyone around her. She loves to spend time on the weekend with Granny Joyce, who all the same loves having her around as much as she can. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0uMPqPwwwFUb_NTFJ3hvjoUitWdWjwUKHcED3eXqxWisdGXuue8UKq85aPXMxWv-HL6_BWbgKDrS_YD7a244NWILBRMjJUnMFtQjFx6w3SYLWjWkkdfurBfy6n0epKpeYqu8giAgXYuo/s1600-h/Jessica+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0uMPqPwwwFUb_NTFJ3hvjoUitWdWjwUKHcED3eXqxWisdGXuue8UKq85aPXMxWv-HL6_BWbgKDrS_YD7a244NWILBRMjJUnMFtQjFx6w3SYLWjWkkdfurBfy6n0epKpeYqu8giAgXYuo/s200/Jessica+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349451941875390930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">Nobuhle and <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jessica </span>recently had their first hair cuts - both girls had lovely curly locks however these were beginning to look untidy as the back locks were thinning out. It did not change the beauty of these two little girls, both now six months old. Jessica is a week younger than Nobuhle however sizeably bigger, she is very alert and her lovely big brown eyes attentive to everything which moves around her.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO4s3sNhjxoB9NPm0ffuLeRWLCxg085ich_cwd8laYnrPe47pSuyVfykOZrZkgHapYAekNFghipQ_gAxKT1EdllwO0Y1Q5la6rm-fJCTUPgZ41ORXCcmtHVXW_MFN5fJcmnSGtW3-_W2P/s1600-h/Blessing+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 128px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtO4s3sNhjxoB9NPm0ffuLeRWLCxg085ich_cwd8laYnrPe47pSuyVfykOZrZkgHapYAekNFghipQ_gAxKT1EdllwO0Y1Q5la6rm-fJCTUPgZ41ORXCcmtHVXW_MFN5fJcmnSGtW3-_W2P/s200/Blessing+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349452103604636370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Blessing</span>, who is two weeks younger than Jessica, rolls and moves about wherever she is placed. She is quite active and it doesn't look like it will be long before she is crawling about the place. She has a very sensitive skin which sometimes leaves her face looking blotchy and dry, this however is easily treated with plain aqueous cream. Blessing, like Nobuhle, is a small but content baby.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQXzThbWCGS-8spP8pIroSksssdkK3ILb0Czi1YtOt2cPcV-avl_s_lEk6tKPNPPwGDZY5iLDHKbVNdo6WSA00XhkiZ6qRysDFYI2ikO3cB7-ARBfMqwaNUMkq9Ajx56jeox29SPH35SK/s1600-h/Mthabisi+Apr%2709.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQXzThbWCGS-8spP8pIroSksssdkK3ILb0Czi1YtOt2cPcV-avl_s_lEk6tKPNPPwGDZY5iLDHKbVNdo6WSA00XhkiZ6qRysDFYI2ikO3cB7-ARBfMqwaNUMkq9Ajx56jeox29SPH35SK/s200/Mthabisi+Apr%2709.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349452362091534690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:Arial;">The youngest of our babies is <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mthabisi </span>who is 5 months old now. He is going to be a big boy, he feeds very well and sleeps well too, often because of his size he is thought to be much older than he actually is. When Mthabisi is awake he is quite demanding of attention and has learnt if you want attention then you just have to keep crying, one way or another someone will pick you up, even if it's just to keep the peace !!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Isn't it funny how quickly babies learn, particularly the art of manipulation and we often under-estimate their intelligence !<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Our once "newborns" have fast become toddlers and as they grow they do demand more attention - we'd most greatly welcome "Volunteers" who can spend time with these little ones particularly developing their motor-skills. You needn't have a degree for such a task as this, you just have to have that little bit of time and love to give. Believe me when I say the reward is yours from these little ones !!!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">If you are interested you can call the Matron at the home and we can arrange a suitable time for you and for the children. The busiest times of the day of course are early morning (7am-9am) when breakfast is being prepared, feeding and then bathing, lunchtimes (12pm) can also be hectic, and early evening when some tummy's are empty but others energy levels are bouncing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">There are many "needs & wishes" at the home, ranging from groceries to cleaning materials, to garden tools and even minor maintenance jobs. If anyone has a handy-man hiding in your cupboard please let them out and direct them to our Home. Our old and rusty tin roof needs a coat of paint, and the walls would love one too if anyone has "paint-connections" or would love to take on this task. Our recently finished store-room has "shelving shells" which need some inner planks - if you have anything suitable for this, or know someone who could provide strips of wood, we'd greatly appreciate it. Seems such a waste only having the shells, and a home across the road has very kindly stored some of our donations and now that the room we built is secure we'd love to unpack these onto these shelves, just as much as they'd love to have their store-room emptied of our stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">As this update/newsletter draws to an end, we are sad to say that just as the children were getting used to him, Skippy has gone missing ! We do not know if he may have wondered down the driveway and gotten out of the gate or if he has been "lifted" to a new home. Nonetheless we are all very sad so where ever Skippy is we hope and pray he is ok.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">We trust you, our friends, are all well and thank you for your continued support, encouragement and prayers. If anyone is interested in becoming more involved, drop us a line or give us a call and we will help as best we can to place you in the area you see you want to help. If you feel something has been placed on your heart, feel free to share it with us and if you don't mind we'd love to share it with others. Until our next update, remember to give God the thanks and praise He deserves for his Mighty work within us.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">God bless, Luv and friendship always<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Sis'Bee</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p></w:snaptogridincell></w:breakwrappedtables></w:compatibility></w:validateagainstschemas></w:punctuationkerning>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-28903056587217958302009-04-09T14:28:00.001-07:002009-04-09T14:45:22.970-07:00Baby Nobuhle - Update 2 from South Africa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lFIlbGvnMj-vU14by2mgMinr7_FjCdRTfwwJdL_6BgjXU0TXPBSB7qdZGqk9sDR3w9S_ZgQWp1LQMantxsSqqWs60Ax6-Q7H0GV7UAprebre86EnfI0wdxTrqDet2XTreL25W0vTGe6w/s1600-h/IMGP5074.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322807085547774402" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lFIlbGvnMj-vU14by2mgMinr7_FjCdRTfwwJdL_6BgjXU0TXPBSB7qdZGqk9sDR3w9S_ZgQWp1LQMantxsSqqWs60Ax6-Q7H0GV7UAprebre86EnfI0wdxTrqDet2XTreL25W0vTGe6w/s200/IMGP5074.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS6ci8u0J1a7OQgQup4nfF1BMWiETW-HB4P8-wu5WJXPTgb-fDPpBz_R-eBDwUqMfjaKwjCdakJf0FTsp9IHt8SsNbx55W-HHDxI54z4Q4AZ4QYnrhUeU4N-M5P5dnWv28myiVnas2Wbu/s1600-h/IMGP5123.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322807084223902338" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS6ci8u0J1a7OQgQup4nfF1BMWiETW-HB4P8-wu5WJXPTgb-fDPpBz_R-eBDwUqMfjaKwjCdakJf0FTsp9IHt8SsNbx55W-HHDxI54z4Q4AZ4QYnrhUeU4N-M5P5dnWv28myiVnas2Wbu/s200/IMGP5123.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeQif4FF6Y8YxZA_B6U9zuOPOwMsEjK12LnQyM99ecpwEJCCbG8-Gi8zFbqJyhO4YV8WwTNQW9g8Z7lPQ_ZrEzNRhWFkWjMPVTa6LW3PYvWcU5i2YtoEM0NDw5CJ0ZLDz0wFVXXHShK27/s1600-h/IMGP5049.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322807081144874290" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeQif4FF6Y8YxZA_B6U9zuOPOwMsEjK12LnQyM99ecpwEJCCbG8-Gi8zFbqJyhO4YV8WwTNQW9g8Z7lPQ_ZrEzNRhWFkWjMPVTa6LW3PYvWcU5i2YtoEM0NDw5CJ0ZLDz0wFVXXHShK27/s200/IMGP5049.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoXfBMJd65N7id4JUVkiae-aown2Tte05LmkXtw62fHofpDapBmGrCVCfMMvzSYfI1kE7501xbCvAjOVris2FerUtrgRUsaaaMP8PuImJL0raL8RC9vM56oeKsi-Q-Pm0VuQOfoW3Cc4V/s1600-h/IMGP5170.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322807087142899746" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjoXfBMJd65N7id4JUVkiae-aown2Tte05LmkXtw62fHofpDapBmGrCVCfMMvzSYfI1kE7501xbCvAjOVris2FerUtrgRUsaaaMP8PuImJL0raL8RC9vM56oeKsi-Q-Pm0VuQOfoW3Cc4V/s200/IMGP5170.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHJzZJoZEt7TtliPhlTszVEp9EhiGA3CiYMq-D96BgKGJrterhUNZ4SBtmr9T67OSlkDzesvJPFHaA3ogEf8iYIPDZF4PTVn9EcucBSMYLQKvxoQb5So0g9RFM4H9yjD6cMkazxl_QgWg/s1600-h/IMGP5151.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322807086413369490" style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHJzZJoZEt7TtliPhlTszVEp9EhiGA3CiYMq-D96BgKGJrterhUNZ4SBtmr9T67OSlkDzesvJPFHaA3ogEf8iYIPDZF4PTVn9EcucBSMYLQKvxoQb5So0g9RFM4H9yjD6cMkazxl_QgWg/s200/IMGP5151.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><div><div>Dear Friends<br /><br />We are very excited to share the miraculous recovery of our Baby Nobuhle, what a living testimony of God’s love, grace and mercy she is.<br /><br />As we previously shared this cardio-thoracic surgery was a very complex one in which they cut down the centre of her chest, open the chest up to remove the mass which was attached both to the front and back of her chest, also lying on part of her lung.<br /><br />She spent 3 days supported on the ventilator, each day gradually reducing the support as she began to breathe more and more on her own. Her suture line seemed so delicate and already had begun to heal closed, the wound from where the drain was removed had also begun to heal. On the 5th day after surgery she was able to suck on her bottle and there now was no need even for a feeding tube. The Paedatrician was delighted with her amazing progress made and felt she was now ready to go home as long as she was able to cope without the oxygen. Six days later Nobuhle was discharged from Netcare’s Parklane Clinic, able to breathe freely without any obstruction in her chest. What an amazing sight to see !!<br />The results of her tumour histology showed the mass was non malignant, therefore no chemotheraphy was required. Praise The Lord for this result. It has been concluded that the tumour is of TB origin, turns out it's a type of tumour usually only present in adults. She is now receiving TB treatment which is a course over 7 months, we ask that you continue to pray with us for a successful treatment.<br /><br />The question now remains with us where did the TB originate from? It could be anywhere??, it could have been formed in the mothers womb, it could have been contracted at birth when placed into hospital prior to being placed into the custody of Isaiah’s. Where-ever or what-ever, the greatest fact is that TB is a curable disease.<br /><br />We shall be leaving South Africa on Good Friday with hearts so full of thanks and praise for everything which has taken place in Nobuhle’s life. We thank you all for your love, support and encouragement through this time of ill health.<br /><br />We serve a mighty and awesome God, one who does exceedingly above what we could ever imagine ! Praise and Glory 2 His name.<br /><br />Thanks, God bless,<br />Luv ‘n’ friendship in the Lord always<br />Sis’Bee</div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-53638921952020904432009-04-08T10:59:00.000-07:002009-04-08T11:58:05.727-07:00<div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Dear All</div><div> </div><div>Please find below a slightly out-of-date update about Isaiah's Home of Love for anyone who is just hearing about this ministry. Please see below for our email contact details.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXz3IrXyt0amew-g6DXXFv-AkouGfv8RMkCar9rukyFWKll-Djr9EqJLI3L40KSsid2VNblbqqXTm9XQGTsMNEBRSBEogiudlIw6KOjh8kDm-GICiSEt3YdEXBCcA9vKgILhQVHf0EpxY/s1600-h/Logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322384134921629346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXz3IrXyt0amew-g6DXXFv-AkouGfv8RMkCar9rukyFWKll-Djr9EqJLI3L40KSsid2VNblbqqXTm9XQGTsMNEBRSBEogiudlIw6KOjh8kDm-GICiSEt3YdEXBCcA9vKgILhQVHf0EpxY/s200/Logo.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Isaiah’s Umuzi Wothando (Isaiah’s Home of Love) is a project established in March 2004 to assist abandoned babies in Bulawayo Zimbabwe, and the surrounding areas. It is a faith-based community initiative. Our vision is to see abandoned babies being integrated into loving families and communities, to the glory of God.</div><div> </div><a name="0.1_graphic0F"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322393577736757650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF63vbMIdnuYxYH_sk7cau9X_nfJx1XC63Lvx0QloqIc3-cyehPHF4UNyWKLRmAgAZr5KKcFf1Ycx2jsHlOJtO5g8xiYN5MLfsyB27FJ51wE-qTrutMmUxZWrYjR5bpLLIc0GXV5vOO-7/s200/Front+house+Jac+in+bloom+1.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322393582631669106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheBrQu_AuLUyVzetqobKSIrPAxGRyVtlpACPYTK2XCpp391HnUklRW6GSYAi8TbePdwm505ZGTIsUwqBxyF88JYSIN4E9tE2k67tmcdDQ5yJ4qgAx2NJOOd7y2X1_AEiAC61HWUR0dkLBv/s200/Original+care+group.jpg" border="0" />Isaiah’s Umuzi Wothando (IUW) is located at 57 Heyman Road, Suburbs, Bulawayo, and currently cares for 18 babies/children. Rapid expansion occurred late in 2007 after we obtained our full registration with the Department of Social Welfare. We have cared for 33 babies/children since our home opened, with 13 already fostered to be adopted by loving families, and another 3 of our current kids are to be fostered/adopted soon. One of our girls is in the process of being reunited with her family soon, and unfortunately 2 of our babies have passed away.<br /></div><div>The mission of IUW is to lovingly care for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of abandoned babies in this home, and to help facilitate the fostering and adoption of these babies to good families. We believe that the low levels of fostering and adoption currently can be increased by raising greater awareness of the plight of abandoned babies, and by encouraging a high level of community involvement in this project. We have seen this already.<br /></div><div>The need arised, unfortunately, because a number of babies are abandoned by their families. Some babies are left at the hospitals by their mothers soon after childbirth, while others are left in the bushes.<br /></div><div>In the last seven or so years the number of abandoned babies in government hospitals in Bulawayo has increased significantly, due to both the number of abandoned babies and the lack of available places at orphanages. The growing number of orphans in Zimbabwe, contributed to by the HIV/Aids epidemic, is a significant factor in the creation of this scenario. The economic situation has also greatly impacted on the ability of the ‘extended family’ to care for orphans.<br /></div><a name="0.1_graphic10"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322393774423305010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 153px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 115px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2BU4N7zMKtnQPMLu_0Vb1lAbmxr2K8BamPcWMZLpFtWhso_Aa5bckSt_gcMhtPl_W-c8yaQljUSwGJV9AXS13SIpVh3XKaL_6EASBilKtf4HK_4MHxRpLiAAa07A1fzydjfWolke8I9M/s200/Bridget+%26+Pride.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322394039285212674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dqWax-_XzOZNFViwwK0uztZOL8UjnRgJRbQkVd_N8EdGypbGziZtvrQe_QvmN6P3CTZaCQQ2xTejnEgEGyk1av_lI050K0JbNkwN2kfIbQSEba1oj7zo6h3Y9DjK4GNv6IB4mVyh_5hq/s200/Moses+%26+Khanyile.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322394041196072338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg335yBnSLr2sNeE_PZgklwDic1mg0bmvbQ_BezSGHhRPLH0DRB05e55-3vj1Mp2fjq0-mF7bQSTL3WJAFngS1Vz42uq_ustJUW__CT7VpCj_rvW8po9MMq8SejNtL6VBTP9LhMCK79UQmV/s200/Tapo.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322393779806402322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 90px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSyiRoPmLD-ULnLykpsxoEeON_46FIOwl6BOKLALJDjUz-YL4v6J2HVbtEA9Z22K1b66z4KgESJJxjcEPru8AXF5_fA_yS9qjuj9CFrTV3q3KA1UAVMqps63ewmt9-yYP4gvg0-CBE4QH/s200/Mimi.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a name="0.1_graphic12"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322394039998130610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5fSY6umjNmb2Du8hhaBriF2IMQA887XWvv7GjgCqUJOhyEa5J-Ei0VmYaFBhAyv2lVW8dOjD8oA9zGfMUbPdJWdLAi-k1sItHmCFyrOMEiF6Smx_oLMc091iperBTUh_oqjgYfLOGB8w/s200/Toy+room+blocks.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322394043076367090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfxFyiZHYdiL-06sYe9Db-FwFn-1YYfbTHkkfEQpw5vaYv11BD-XfJMwSqnPB6DXwoDxyaqsOT87rg3YkILoOOgNtFGYokLn2FQckzuMpfv9Si2V2uvrSftMkBqG5TY-qnfZihmY3zEaH/s200/Noma+walking.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a name="0.1_graphic13"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322393775481666258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 99px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWn3bTSbcltnGlJNHdndkhzA2Xkw-Z1V2VQ84wefU0dguuhdWdcTEeBS7knQ9iUArK3JBzNlVR0YrutBoMIf6eVCoZ7Lqu5Ny6okD0klQ_WU48oIVnoldhHPzJLBr7WU4tTpR3youmT6vd/s200/Davis.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322393774014784418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 106px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 141px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokuoYl081EPaIUK-Q5OkE3HEYbL1XKjoHLODRcIjncrcaPh-egubhh_dCa6pwGarz2sOyZsHcenIk01Lqe965HMBZl1nzTUi9UfSx9rvPxLOIZpv3TV-QRaswayWeqQkNjyVEaTAot_n2/s200/Bheki+girls.jpg" border="0" />What a privilege we have been given to care for these adorable babies.<br /></div><div>Wherever possible we will assist babies/children to stay with their family (often their extended family) or community. With a little assistance from us 2 babies who were referred to us already have been able to stay with their families when they didn’t see how that was possible.<br /></div><div>We are also partnering with another organisation to establish homes for those babies that aren’t fostered and adopted (or reunited with family), and other orphans. We believe that this project provides a holistic approach to orphan care. Where babies aren’t able to be reunited with family, fostered or adopted, they will progress from our babies home to the home for orphans where they will live in a family-type environment.<br /></div><div>Our first home, Rehoboth, has already began, and we had 8 children move to this family. The house parents want to foster and ultimately adopt all of these children, praise God.<br />We believe that God has guided us to show His love and care to these babies, and given us the above-mentioned vision and objectives. We have seen His hand of guidance and provision in many ways in the development of this project. To Him be the glory.<br /></div><a name="0.1_graphic18"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322394041281995778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGvXHN5bXkMgEK7PgDvyEulocRqT7TwWoc3CViM2AXhVgqFrz_r2A6KNLGqJ7lIIOs6Uk1lB-xfXn7_IPMZizZcic6vTr-vYcOgfgBdukJl50Gu3x4eo3GEZdz4PdwSBfEE5fZMzZSA7g/s200/Zorbha+Moses+%26+Nyasha.jpg" border="0" />If you would like to find out more information about the Home, or support this project in any other way, we would love to hear from you. Please come and visit us our Home at 57 Heyman Road in Suburbs or contact the Home on telephone +263 9 230504. At our town office, Martin Barrow can be contacted on +263 9 64472 or Belinda Wilson on +263 9 64474, email addresses are <a href="mailto:martinbarrow@hotmail.com" target="_blank">martinbarrow@hotmail.com</a> and <a href="mailto:isaiahs@yoafrica.com">isaiahs@yoafrica.com</a>, alternatively <a href="mailto:belinda@isaiahshomeoflove.org">belinda@isaiahshomeoflove.org</a>.<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-8070613717296862242009-04-01T14:15:00.000-07:002009-04-01T14:20:30.468-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gJJjMHKmDKkDdSErC8-2qqWR5NXyFE0xnSNa9PpKOOnziuu5QjOl7tdCMe0tatfw7EeSzxlxNNS2zpu-KkVoGJc0yj01sJDijwnvPIP4FkqmQYGrvLhycl34YiY8cX_53LdzsRewyA-c/s1600-h/IMGP4794.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319835537188937714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gJJjMHKmDKkDdSErC8-2qqWR5NXyFE0xnSNa9PpKOOnziuu5QjOl7tdCMe0tatfw7EeSzxlxNNS2zpu-KkVoGJc0yj01sJDijwnvPIP4FkqmQYGrvLhycl34YiY8cX_53LdzsRewyA-c/s200/IMGP4794.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPaTdI_SJO_ie5KGt6_MCg-tV5TB9jOnKYhjLBgWZn3gnjyZbBM0MQRu1Kc9KCEfvg2DTUWRuDHrMAwTqqkgW8CqO45qaILGxLrIgiXO7hciCY2TJNgLA64E4EzyrRPCiVdk9FT7xJtCf/s1600-h/IMGP4774.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319835532983287762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPaTdI_SJO_ie5KGt6_MCg-tV5TB9jOnKYhjLBgWZn3gnjyZbBM0MQRu1Kc9KCEfvg2DTUWRuDHrMAwTqqkgW8CqO45qaILGxLrIgiXO7hciCY2TJNgLA64E4EzyrRPCiVdk9FT7xJtCf/s200/IMGP4774.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizR4ueurv9tDJTaui-Zu2N9RyNS7t51jDP8S60GDQ60IPZ2Sljoaeuo8Jpr9M_um4_UO767UMbLBTC2E8duCpmTal4nG-GdJdTcW8MOF63nhhmZYpL8XG9cMcnnRZG2VCKpHkRawIY2RHl/s1600-h/IMGP4746.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319835534312880402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizR4ueurv9tDJTaui-Zu2N9RyNS7t51jDP8S60GDQ60IPZ2Sljoaeuo8Jpr9M_um4_UO767UMbLBTC2E8duCpmTal4nG-GdJdTcW8MOF63nhhmZYpL8XG9cMcnnRZG2VCKpHkRawIY2RHl/s200/IMGP4746.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87Z_TEZM9xkSW6WUvTuWxXe5Fis_Cnpedz3griYzNxV00283J2NpGK2XA1WB0SWZWRHVSXxCyOXB4PNyFIPzk61RobX4QCX14MNLAYv5NoNBRoiLIM62ryNc0cv5J9ZOHGmL6u-lmRL9h/s1600-h/IMGP4734+a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319835532171465858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87Z_TEZM9xkSW6WUvTuWxXe5Fis_Cnpedz3griYzNxV00283J2NpGK2XA1WB0SWZWRHVSXxCyOXB4PNyFIPzk61RobX4QCX14MNLAYv5NoNBRoiLIM62ryNc0cv5J9ZOHGmL6u-lmRL9h/s200/IMGP4734+a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXzrQRPCM-dtFR5-dkra64R8M4fnl5DfqdyHvFOQDpp71UtWR3_grsA_LLmE-zkqiV0tCqo3l8iZ7hsovGFIkRZJQRAL03tTxWG8Yvt5jlL0MVYNAd08_sILIslZO7GfpXtGDxDuaZdzD/s1600-h/IMGP4726.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319835528875031266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXzrQRPCM-dtFR5-dkra64R8M4fnl5DfqdyHvFOQDpp71UtWR3_grsA_LLmE-zkqiV0tCqo3l8iZ7hsovGFIkRZJQRAL03tTxWG8Yvt5jlL0MVYNAd08_sILIslZO7GfpXtGDxDuaZdzD/s200/IMGP4726.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Dear Friends<br /><br />Word spoken to me on the onset of Nobuhle’s illness was “Do the best for my child, and my child I will do the rest ! ”. I have stuck with this promise from the day Nobuhle was admitted to Mpilo Hospital on the evening of 16th February 2009, and will do forever more for all of His precious children who are and who come into our care. God asks us to do our best in everything we do and sometimes in doing what we do we forget that He can and will take care of the rest.<br /><br />On Friday 27th March 2009, we boarded UM213 with our precious little princess and flew into Johannesburg International Airport where we were transferred by Special Passenger Service Bus to Customs & Immigration. Thankfully Nobuhle travelled very well through the flight and we did not need to use the oxygen cylinder we were travelling with. It took time for Immigration to clear us on our medical waiver of the visa requirement, and from there we came direct to the Hospital for admission. Our Host patiently waited as we cleared through.<br /><br />Nobuhle is currently in Netcare’s Parklane Hospital - one of the best private hospital facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa where she was brought for surgery and treatment of a thoracic tumour. God has granted her the blessing of the best surgeon, the best anaesthetist and a very good paediatrician – we were at incredible peace prior to, during and even after the surgery knowing they were the gloves upon God’s hands.<br /><br />On consultation prior to surgery with the anaesthetist he expressed great anxiety at the surgery which was needed to release the tumour from Nono’s chest. God was able to use us to reassure him that whilst he could only do his best God would do the rest, and we were encouraged that his response was that of a Godly man.<br /><br />The complex surgery was expected to be about four hours, going through the front of her chest, cutting behind the tumour and also cutting from the front to release it from where it was attached. We were a little surprised when she came back into ICU after only 2 ½ hours. Maria and I decided to spend the night at the hospital so to be available when and if needed, naturally we did not get much sleep, so much emotion, excitement at the prospect of a successful surgery. We giggled at the blessing of having a mother’s lounge to wait in as opposed to having a hard wooden bench, small blessings you often take for granted !<br /><br />Prof Beale, later shared that the tumour is a kind he had never seen and will now await laboratory test results to reveal more information. This result could take anything from 4 days to come back from the Lab, so we continue to pray all that is revealed be within His plan.<br /><br />Nobuhle has continued to make steady progress, the first 24 hours are most critical and she pulled through those with some fight still within her. She is on a ventilator and receiving morphine to subdue her pain. The night nurse could not believe that even under heavy sedation she was fighting to suck her thumb, and each time we entered the room she would stir, as if she could sense our presence. What it is to feel loved, especially when you’re the one there to love !!!<br /><br />Nobuhle has passed the 48 hour mark now and continues to make good progress. She was more settled today however is fighting the ventilator pipe down her throat, which assists her breathing. She is struggling with a distended stomach however x-rays have revealed that this is air from the surgery, it will pass naturally.<br /><br />We had a wonderful afternoon with Nobuhle today together with our Pastor from Bulawayo. Whilst we have felt much at home with so many Zimbabweans working in the hospital it is always wonderful to have your own “family” there by your side. Friends, ex Zimbabweans now living in South Africa, have come to visit and though the visiting is very strict it has been encouraging to know Nobuhle is covered in prayer by so many near and far.<br /><br />Maria and I have been blessed with an amazing loving dedicated Christian family who have hosted us. These wonderful people have done so much to make us feel at home, at every meal we feel like we are in a restaurant being served by the Head Waitress, we have been chauffeured backwards and forwards to the hospital, and have shared so many wonderful testimonies of God’s love and grace. Each and every person has played such a special part in this work, as one said – everyone has been God ordained ! Thank you Jesus, when God says “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” we can wholeheartedly testify to His Word.<br /><br />When God says I will take care of the rest, we have seen his provision for this little one – so many key people in her treatment have agreed to offer their services pro-bona – the surgeon, the anaesthetist, the x-ray department and the paediatrician. We Praise God again for his provision always.<br /><br />We thank you all for your support in prayer and ask that you continue to cover Nobuhle as she recovers and heals. We thank you for the love and encouragement which has been received in the numerous emails, and apologise for the slow-communication on her progress reports. We will be in hospital for sometime however will endeavour to report back as much as possible, please know that if we have not reported back it’s for no other reason than communication logistics with not being at home, and a shortage of time on our part!<br /><br />God bless.<br /><br />Luv ‘n’ friendship in the Lord always<br />Sis’Bee, Maria Maliki and Baby Nobuhle</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-30454611713959830772009-04-01T13:59:00.000-07:002009-04-01T14:13:51.741-07:00January 2009 IUW Update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiImKcRmbJniNf3tF4eHKK_1vdTvQuUB6SY0TYxgEvFw-V3eX5dkfFYetYBQnRr1IWTvK2j3j2d81yWhK6dyy9eG5_CohUMzb1Vs-9GxeC6APFHKVVj56OW_5yQnvW6OIXE9GF88SbaU_F/s1600-h/Sibusiso+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319832632368338370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 141px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiImKcRmbJniNf3tF4eHKK_1vdTvQuUB6SY0TYxgEvFw-V3eX5dkfFYetYBQnRr1IWTvK2j3j2d81yWhK6dyy9eG5_CohUMzb1Vs-9GxeC6APFHKVVj56OW_5yQnvW6OIXE9GF88SbaU_F/s320/Sibusiso+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFtmp0YRBtLdZJJAihN9SQlEXwn0u7rVnzaJXnMJ0dAN_j4gHWG0x4VS6yZvNhi4W0MDXOeymD3KNw7eB9CSQWUdpM9335t-otbV3hgdxlYoMQtBaG13Pv552RfLeWtgh4sJ4jd7gDewx/s1600-h/Shamiso+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319832104892279586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 159px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 222px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFtmp0YRBtLdZJJAihN9SQlEXwn0u7rVnzaJXnMJ0dAN_j4gHWG0x4VS6yZvNhi4W0MDXOeymD3KNw7eB9CSQWUdpM9335t-otbV3hgdxlYoMQtBaG13Pv552RfLeWtgh4sJ4jd7gDewx/s320/Shamiso+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs_yCeQNOuak73kQ_nsbRsEodsI8tBRrBf0DQnB2sasZwmOcbCQqyO2RT9RJu-OecHaB251cL6iNEip4EJ8-umbjXF5ho3NjT3c-7XO5N7L7ViaEkJR1Zr7y9bNY0ITgwZiBdol92oEkv/s1600-h/Ruth+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319832104067083458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs_yCeQNOuak73kQ_nsbRsEodsI8tBRrBf0DQnB2sasZwmOcbCQqyO2RT9RJu-OecHaB251cL6iNEip4EJ8-umbjXF5ho3NjT3c-7XO5N7L7ViaEkJR1Zr7y9bNY0ITgwZiBdol92oEkv/s320/Ruth+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oKH7OJOVvn8TXKRS7FYVf0Js6tsXcKakv8ToyPT_f1j20KrD0OYK0ll-t7gTMOhwGYyiJSbQjAfIj6REhOtcCbH6vP2Q0Y8H18ojkJg0fd0hbkHOvIJP6YwfBiAbabJZPK0175eK6nPS/s1600-h/Pride+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319832093248629586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 168px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0oKH7OJOVvn8TXKRS7FYVf0Js6tsXcKakv8ToyPT_f1j20KrD0OYK0ll-t7gTMOhwGYyiJSbQjAfIj6REhOtcCbH6vP2Q0Y8H18ojkJg0fd0hbkHOvIJP6YwfBiAbabJZPK0175eK6nPS/s320/Pride+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSIFkIcTulekCxKEtNqMzUwqL5Tg1K9NZO74dJXuOr5XX8mbnB91WvSCjRkytlhhAME8hNdbYc80nw9-TnGYjAW25eGTnpNd8sG5AtVaPnpXEYNkdGnZ89FwAgU0NraZ0ahexK_y6RWJf/s1600-h/Noma+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319832093231188354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSIFkIcTulekCxKEtNqMzUwqL5Tg1K9NZO74dJXuOr5XX8mbnB91WvSCjRkytlhhAME8hNdbYc80nw9-TnGYjAW25eGTnpNd8sG5AtVaPnpXEYNkdGnZ89FwAgU0NraZ0ahexK_y6RWJf/s320/Noma+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNj3MEKe94HXzWEPRua1qK50nKiWFgRXwHFBylATVPdMEXkGj5xRi1t67qve5OePiybcIzmGp6TCmSH6aw1UwmA45-LrFb39MFPSwdEZN1sBkXEqvb-dJdeliN6tv3GDbZhzNiqzyqGzj/s1600-h/Nobuhle+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319832088744860962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 144px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWNj3MEKe94HXzWEPRua1qK50nKiWFgRXwHFBylATVPdMEXkGj5xRi1t67qve5OePiybcIzmGp6TCmSH6aw1UwmA45-LrFb39MFPSwdEZN1sBkXEqvb-dJdeliN6tv3GDbZhzNiqzyqGzj/s320/Nobuhle+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuVJA60Oi2tDaeeW6hXxmU_fDyAPZbqTIEQuH5OoSt1pjSY9b0TS6fBim94XRomB4JplzI9whyphenhyphen9kGJrTmr3oYIBFvLhcEqZCA2-BI8WDpYdt0pQz8HyRhzlvIiFDzn6i84s0fYeNPFv0_/s1600-h/Mthandazo+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319831794442363906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuVJA60Oi2tDaeeW6hXxmU_fDyAPZbqTIEQuH5OoSt1pjSY9b0TS6fBim94XRomB4JplzI9whyphenhyphen9kGJrTmr3oYIBFvLhcEqZCA2-BI8WDpYdt0pQz8HyRhzlvIiFDzn6i84s0fYeNPFv0_/s320/Mthandazo+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTQ0wbFTcp9DvRvdCVZV-Hy0Z9H-RhYQf_3nFmAVBwFsfdhqPHlki03yDbVfrZ_pD8Cck57G9Hqoh7uy3WpleUI4_4ZCiOH8VY6p6Th7nJ4YxoSuhhGWf-ei2cTxAYTtfrd_twFb22kGR/s1600-h/Mthabisi+Jan%2708.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319831789610453186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFTQ0wbFTcp9DvRvdCVZV-Hy0Z9H-RhYQf_3nFmAVBwFsfdhqPHlki03yDbVfrZ_pD8Cck57G9Hqoh7uy3WpleUI4_4ZCiOH8VY6p6Th7nJ4YxoSuhhGWf-ei2cTxAYTtfrd_twFb22kGR/s320/Mthabisi+Jan%2708.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBtm8fBoIepTukS_bXnNGFoYacyNjvmBTIWvTIyP52eZRAAZbh5_QscI7QPlHJGuyj8QOnyq2-xv0b1Eg6w8YDyhJdIafMfk65gZsBeCrYxHbpxJYAPZhGbYfAE9kFij_gAaU01JbjJke/s1600-h/Jessica+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319831789933085250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 123px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 177px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBtm8fBoIepTukS_bXnNGFoYacyNjvmBTIWvTIyP52eZRAAZbh5_QscI7QPlHJGuyj8QOnyq2-xv0b1Eg6w8YDyhJdIafMfk65gZsBeCrYxHbpxJYAPZhGbYfAE9kFij_gAaU01JbjJke/s320/Jessica+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapDNVl3-_luYDvdOi3VEPR8w8pwncep_wkOmam8QpOLdji4v3NYvRxdEjzhlTDsCktxVUhQEf38jTamI9d5EK0HQkqRGSaa6Gni3yI1aDZaxsIrkSBkGXIgMR632WQs5jMAW2luiyRBwQ/s1600-h/Faith+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319831786885215682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapDNVl3-_luYDvdOi3VEPR8w8pwncep_wkOmam8QpOLdji4v3NYvRxdEjzhlTDsCktxVUhQEf38jTamI9d5EK0HQkqRGSaa6Gni3yI1aDZaxsIrkSBkGXIgMR632WQs5jMAW2luiyRBwQ/s320/Faith+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJ70ZNFE9e_45L_TYn5N87xy90_iNb_VdU5odNLLQj2mF3-hXnZr0JcFNR9eM5FbJWMfl5kRoquSfN-rhlKNPTj4ADtkkw4CXZ89AClsuVSYMKITE_zK3S3ghueC-1C2ed6wlxFw6VabI/s1600-h/Daniel+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319831785336289970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 148px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixJ70ZNFE9e_45L_TYn5N87xy90_iNb_VdU5odNLLQj2mF3-hXnZr0JcFNR9eM5FbJWMfl5kRoquSfN-rhlKNPTj4ADtkkw4CXZ89AClsuVSYMKITE_zK3S3ghueC-1C2ed6wlxFw6VabI/s320/Daniel+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oJ9-C8e3JSdrtGvLWznhkfuluGARrekU2qdCt0AL_y1WeCAhZL5-iswl7Cl-0CtSVz4li46RcX-MdaXQKqq7G34Gk9tSlmXFs8Bzc3OJJGY2j4tUQrJwUfYCedyVSz7dOMfc9MyqB6PG/s1600-h/Craig+Feb%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319831496009016434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 149px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0oJ9-C8e3JSdrtGvLWznhkfuluGARrekU2qdCt0AL_y1WeCAhZL5-iswl7Cl-0CtSVz4li46RcX-MdaXQKqq7G34Gk9tSlmXFs8Bzc3OJJGY2j4tUQrJwUfYCedyVSz7dOMfc9MyqB6PG/s320/Craig+Feb%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKOOXa_LQLLy1MvDQZQM6WggEKdU8uAuBS7k06Il2iwYvU0YlvpqT02S40Qkq4GEkxvfjiOlqLk7aG_jt8ZA6TCBVLtQ9t0btrUDpIvGmI18BhifcXageqkNYa_KOamA97J64y3-8-6gV/s1600-h/Caleb+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319831492761538002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 182px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 130px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKOOXa_LQLLy1MvDQZQM6WggEKdU8uAuBS7k06Il2iwYvU0YlvpqT02S40Qkq4GEkxvfjiOlqLk7aG_jt8ZA6TCBVLtQ9t0btrUDpIvGmI18BhifcXageqkNYa_KOamA97J64y3-8-6gV/s320/Caleb+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VZ8hVqBY8eSAmlHItKeMJ9UNmfZWaEU2IcJwkpimZW11squpAa0WzUEAGLqgrDqtSrjKzSIRxloSkpoGAYVbPLzTzC8Sjtt6WdvkdtNUzWMKZEBZSr5ZYfvMJsrDGzJ6g2rBngfXfKGB/s1600-h/Bridget+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319831493355731730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 157px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VZ8hVqBY8eSAmlHItKeMJ9UNmfZWaEU2IcJwkpimZW11squpAa0WzUEAGLqgrDqtSrjKzSIRxloSkpoGAYVbPLzTzC8Sjtt6WdvkdtNUzWMKZEBZSr5ZYfvMJsrDGzJ6g2rBngfXfKGB/s320/Bridget+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBehz9mAJirHhKRSFpk_v5f19il75Z85CN4rQ-1NujUvRD9tiLuwN1ZrYV5my1agZ5-plxDyrFztRHDFplvQiyFBpO9hl0qDLfwe3BU_5ckSa0KnCknvMZ9iQcjDrEoAKG7fvNeEMkHXNz/s1600-h/Blessing+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319831493896267586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 113px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 151px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBehz9mAJirHhKRSFpk_v5f19il75Z85CN4rQ-1NujUvRD9tiLuwN1ZrYV5my1agZ5-plxDyrFztRHDFplvQiyFBpO9hl0qDLfwe3BU_5ckSa0KnCknvMZ9iQcjDrEoAKG7fvNeEMkHXNz/s320/Blessing+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4goTP-r3DnNDN9rGGIDR_hNB3Ja3OnmY6FP5aNRZvdPAkQaBxC4g0Q5hBbAOphUe_fKA-yK8Gv1L-q_j-XE_VDmJKYMe2CsrmBV1fYTSng-dkwOfvrP8BfMihhRNslgZfjFtFbkWJFonX/s1600-h/Amanda+Jan%2709.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319831489532743314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4goTP-r3DnNDN9rGGIDR_hNB3Ja3OnmY6FP5aNRZvdPAkQaBxC4g0Q5hBbAOphUe_fKA-yK8Gv1L-q_j-XE_VDmJKYMe2CsrmBV1fYTSng-dkwOfvrP8BfMihhRNslgZfjFtFbkWJFonX/s320/Amanda+Jan%2709.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Dear Friends<br /><br />Compliments of the New Year to you all, despite already being in the 2nd month of the year, these wishes come to you all with just as much love, if not more than if it were 6 weeks earlier. There was no Christmas update and mainly because time again ran away from me, and there was just no catching it!! I look back feeling very guilty for not having shared so much of this special time with you all, many people blessed us in amazing ways and it again showed us in reality God's provision for these projects and the Ministries here in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.<br /><br />I must share on one of the blessings which came as a big relief, when one donor gave some funds specifically to be spent on the staff. I was able to go to Botswana with friends and purchase a grocery goodie pack for each staff member, at a time when finances were extremely low and much stretched. Whilst I realise the babies home is a Ministry which should focus on the needs of the babies I have to be honest in my thoughts and share that without the staff compliment the project simply would not function, and so being able to give them something back for a years dedication to the children was important. We would have loved to give them each an annual bonus but funds did not permit and we are thankful for their understanding on this part.<br /><br />When I look back to December, my heart smiles at how the spirit of giving is revived even in the most difficult financial times. A friend of a friend, of a friend, and her family and friends got together and made up beautiful gifts for each and every child within our project, this did not just include the babies at Isaiah's but also the children of Rehoboth, Windles and the Halfway Home for the children once living on the street. Each gift, appropriately selected for the age of the child, was packed in their own special Christmas bag with some sweets and treats and a lovely time of fellowship was shared with the staff and the children. We trust each of you enjoyed your Christmas, however it was spent we trust the reason for the season was your priority.<br /><br />So as I look upon 2009, I am grateful for another 365 days full of opportunities to share the love of Christ, and may we focus on our abilities to seize every moment we have.<br /><br />In 2008, we had two very special additions to our staff compliment at the Babies Home.<br />Firstly, Jeanette Ncube joined us in July as our Social Welfare Liaison; she comes with the "field experience" and has her hands full tracing the families and histories of our children. She has to deal day in and day out with the Social Welfare Department and this can be a challenge all in itself and so our hats go off to her. She sometimes has to be "the bearer of bad news" but we are glad that Jeanette has the leading of God our Father and with Him alongside her we can only trust "His Will Be Done". She has a special love for all the children, especially the chubby ones!!!<br />Secondly, in October we were pleased to see Maria Maliki come on board as the Matron of the Home. Sister Maliki, as she is well known to many, has years of nursing experience and it's a relief to have her hands on at every moment. Her firm, caring, loving and laughing personality has brought a new life to our Home and we are thankful that she chose to take care of these precious souls in the special way that she does.<br /><br />Towards then end of 2008, I was beginning to feel that the remaining days of the year would be spent up and down with children to the Doctors; we had our fair share of illness and spent a number of hours at the Mater Dei Hospital. Now I think back upon that time, and am grateful that we actually had a hospital that we could go to that would accept our children for treatment and be able to settle the bill at a later stage! We don't have that benefit anymore, as the situation in our country worsens so has the provision of essential services deteriorated. The Mater Dei Casualty Unit had a chronic shortage of nursing staff, not to mention the lack of necessary provisions to maintain such a facility and as a result they have had to close, thus leaving us with only one other private facility. The local hospitals pretty much have run on bear minimum forever and whilst it is an option for treatment it is the last resort option. The only advantage to the local hospital is that there are good paediatricians who attend there, if you have to go then you have to be prepared to take literally everything.<br /><br />In December, through the Our Neighbours Ministry, we assisted a young lady and her one year old baby. She was a single parent without a job, no place to stay and most of her possessions had been sold by the person she had trusted to take care of them. She has had a history of depression and her relationship with family was restrained, so through prayer, love and guidance we are helping her regain her self confidence and her life. One morning in early January as I approached our offices I was stopped by a gentleman working in the next building and asked if I knew anyone looking for a job as he was in need of a receptionist. Straight away I was reminded of Tamara, and whilst I could not fully recommend her, I suggested her and to cut a long story short, she went that afternoon for the interview and started work the following day. We offered to take care of her baby whilst she sought a place in day-care for him. Baby Joshua took ill a few days after she began her new job, this clearly a spiritual attack upon her as she had begun to regain her life. Despite us trying to rehydrate him at home his condition did not improve and we were left with no alternative but to have him admitted to Galan House, the only casualty facility at the time other than Mpilo Hospital. The costs of this facility are very high but at this point it seemed the only option available for Baby Josh, sometimes we feel it's not about the cost but about the care and we know God will always provide for His work, we trust Him to do this. Mrs Maliki struggled with the Nurse for hours to insert a cannular and eventually they managed to get a vain in Joshua's head. The rehydration went well so the drip was removed; however he did not seem to overcome the lethargy so he was kept in. Having spent 3 nights at Galan House with only a slight improvement the nurse suggested we transfer him to Mpilo where he could been seen by a Specialist. We did this late on Friday night and again we struggled for hours to find another vein in the end being left no option but to insert a feeding tube. Thankfully Mrs Maliki was present to do this as the nurse there seemed reluctant stating his condition was too weak. Josh was released from Mpilo after 4 days as his condition was slowly improving, the vomiting had stopped and his temperature had normalised. Tamara's boss was very accommodating during this time and allowed her 10 days off with her sick child, when he was released from hospital we insisted she stay at the Babies Home where he could be monitored and assisted by other staff when necessary. It has been a week now and Josh is still very weak showing only little signs of improvement. Last night he had another temperature rise and today we have noticed his hands and feet are swollen, we are not certain of what may have caused this so tomorrow we will take him to the Doctor for further review. We would ask you to pray with us now for Joshua's restoration of health and for strength and comfort for his mother in these difficult times.<br /><br />We held a blessing ceremony for the babies, the staff and the home on the 29th January and as I shared there, it is as though God has hand picked the very best of all his children and given us the privilege of caring for each one of them. Pastor Ray gave us a special message using the Prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4 vs 9&10 "Jabez was more honourable than his brothers, His mother had named him Jabez saying, "I gave birth to him in pain." Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, "Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain." And God granted his request. It was an amazing message where the significance of the name Jabez being "sorrow and pain" gives a strike against him from the day he enters the world, yet he refuses to accept that strike. Instead he demands more than the sad heritage his family offered him and he claims a blessing from God "I want your blessing... Nourish and grow me beyond my present situation, direct me with your powerful hand and help me to rise up above my painful, depressing past" and God did just that! The significance for us working in the project was that even though these children of ours have had a rough start to life, in asking God's blessing upon them they will nourish and grow beyond these circumstances!! Beautiful and all God's people say "AMEN”!! Pastor Levi Masuku blessed the home and all that s within it, whilst Eileen thanked God for the many hands who make the work light! This was such a special day for all present.<br /><br />So onto our babies now... each one of them is growing rapidly and each with their own character.<br /><br />Sarah and Davis are both in the process of being fostered and no longer stay at the Home. Also being fostered is Taponeswa and as you can see in his picture his growth shows that this home surely agrees with him!! Junior pops into the home every now and again and it's very difficult to capture him on the camera, he does not like his picture being taken at all, he'd much rather be playing in the toy room or out in the garden. Bheki is also one of the babies being fostered and he has joined his 8 other siblings at Rehoboth with Dorcas and Mark!<br /><br />Nomalanga is now the oldest of the children at Isaiah's. Her father has recently expressed interest in reuniting with her and we are working with the family to do what is in the best interests of Noma. My heart aches at the thought of Noma being taken from the home but I do trust that she is a child of God and all the plans He has for her are to prosper her and not to harm her so again we commit all of this in prayer and know that God will be done!<br /><br />Pride continues to make steady progress and growth. He is beginning to talk now and can identify people by name; he does this repeatedly which is kinda cute. His father recently returned to their rural home to try and get their mother to return home however there was a family altercation and he returned back to Bulawayo without her. His love for his wife and his children is unquestionable as he continues to visit Pride weekly. He earns a meagre salary and is finding it exceedingly difficult to provide for his other two children, please pray for Pride's dad - Runesu.<br /><br />Ruth doesn't seem to grow any taller but is known to keep the children in check! Her mother who lives in Gwanda was here to visit her this weekend. Her extended family are keen to have mother and child reunited however this process will take some time. We have to be certain that this is her mother's desire too and not a pressured decision!<br /><br />Bridget now has the biggest smile out and it's beautiful to see, especially considering as a young baby her smiles were very few and far between. Bridget is leader of the pack to walk and talk! Her vocab has become more varied now and she chatters off to anyone who will listen.<br /><br />Amanda - Mimi - Zuvarashe has become our little nonsense - always ready to challenge! She loves to do exactly that which she knows she should not be doing just to see the reaction she will get! She copies just about every phrase spoken, and is quick to climb up wherever she can. The other day she was spotted climbing onto the table and then danced to the music playing in the background - all we could do was laugh at her!<br /><br />Sibusiso has settled well back into the home, he had been taken for fostering however the tough economic circumstances of our country has forced his foster mother to return to cross border trading. Unfortunately that set-up is not conjuducive to a young growing baby, as he is unable to travel with her until the adoption is finalised. He had previously been left in the care of a younger sister however she was now unable to provide for him and had no alternative but to return him to the Home.<br /><br />Prince joined the "walking" group before his first birthday in early January; he is a little monster always dashing about the home up to no good, keeping the staff on their toes. He likes to be out in the garden with Taurai, our yard worker, preferably playing in the dirt or in water.<br /><br />Caleb has recovered from his recent chest complaints and is now crawling about all over the home. You have to watch anything left lying about as in no time at all he will be getting stuck into whatever he can. He loves to be thrown up and about and has a very deep chuckle when tickled. His bottom teeth are now through and looks like his top two are not far behind.<br /><br />Mthandazo is doing well. He has a slight squint and loves to try focus on his hands, he spends quite a while looking at them, moving his fingers about. He is very ticklish and his smile is contagious, he chuckles when tickled. Mthandazo's mother passed away just after he was born and his father is unknown to the family, however he has a loving grandfather who though unemployed every month brings him a small package of soap, aqueous cream and an item of clothing. It's little "acts of love" like that which mean so much!!!<br /><br />Daniel Praise is such a happy little fellow, he makes all kinds of baby sounds and loves to be spoken to, and as long as he can see a presence of people he is happy.<br /><br />Shamiso is one of our recent additions to the home, she was brought to Bulawayo by the Beitbridge Police and it is suspected that her mother must have been a border jumper as she was left close to the border in a bush. On her arrival she did not like to be left alone at all but she seems to be settling now and smiles a lot, she has one of the biggest smiles ever and is generally a very happy baby. She was well nourished and is a very chubby baby.<br /><br />Craig Siphobenkosi was brought to the home two weeks after his mother had passed away. His extended family were unable to feed and care for him and he was in a much compromised state on his arrival. He was not feeding well at all and one Sunday we anointed him and prayed for him and within a few days his feeding habits picked up dramatically. He is making steady progress and now 2 and a half months old, he is beginning to smile and has realised he can cry for attention. He has beautiful big brown eyes and little round cheeks like that of a squirrel hiding his food!<br /><br />In December we received 4 abandoned baby girls from Mpilo Hospital. There was Blessing, Jessica, Nobuhle and then Faith. As we had 6 babies under the age of 3 months our staff were pressurised as all of these babies required extra care and attention. Blessing had a slight skin condition which has been treated whilst Nobuhle and Jessica both were very weak feeders. Faith was slightly bigger in size to the other three girls so she had a slight advantage. A granny of one of our volunteers expressed an interest in helping with the small babies and offered to take one of the girls home for the first week. Let's just say she fell in love with Nobuhle and the little girl has spent over a month with her. Nobuhle has a beautiful head of soft curly black hair and has been given the nick name of Topsy, a resemblance of a doll granny once owned as a child! Already there is a strong bond between granny and baby and although she receives the attention any baby should have granny does not spoil her totally as she is aware that sometimes she has to come back to the home and won't always have total undivided attention. Jessica, a tall and slim baby with light complexion, is now picking up well.<br /><br />Mthabisi is our most recent male addition to the home being placed into our care early January after being found under a tree in one of the high density areas of Bulawayo. He spent a few days at Mpilo Hospital before coming to us. He has gained a fair amount of weight and is doing considerably well; he has a good set of lungs which has the staff back on their toes.<br /><br />So that's the update on all our children and the recent happenings at the Home. Thank you all for your prayers, support and encouragement in 2008 and we look forward to another year taking care of God's precious children. If there is any way in which you feel compelled to assist us and/or would like further information, please feel free to drop me a line and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you all for being the special part of this project that each one of you are.<br /><br />God bless, Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always<br />Sis'Bee </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-91116962304413266662009-03-23T21:51:00.000-07:002009-03-31T14:36:52.095-07:00Isaiah's Home of Love Contact Details<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAIA6HeTViXBDXlCRJDKFjB_069hr0nKNvFO7Ry1LfLS5AIGkZIuEQ1N2jbA3IvgiFA8WlwdbfLkOkchWKcEvBnIT3f26_dSAxuJZw8S5-DHyp40z5hAtfVoRXGQZCJMYTqw66dFooM2E/s1600-h/57+Heyman+Rd+Suburbs+Bulawayo.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316615135744310418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAIA6HeTViXBDXlCRJDKFjB_069hr0nKNvFO7Ry1LfLS5AIGkZIuEQ1N2jbA3IvgiFA8WlwdbfLkOkchWKcEvBnIT3f26_dSAxuJZw8S5-DHyp40z5hAtfVoRXGQZCJMYTqw66dFooM2E/s320/57+Heyman+Rd+Suburbs+Bulawayo.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Kindly find the following updated contact details for our Home of Love, caring for abandoned babies and orphans in Bulawayo Zimbabwe.<br /><br />Isaiah’s Umuzi Wothando (Home of Love)<br />Administration Office<br />c/o Jacaranda House<br />No 57 Jason Moyo Street<br />Btwn 4th & 5th Avenues<br />Bulawayo<br />Zimbabwe<br /><br />Postal Address<br />P.O. Box 2361<br />Bulawayo<br />Zimbabwe<br /><br />Home Street Address:<br />57 Duncan Road<br />Suburbs Bulawayo<br />Zimbabwe<br /><br />Admin Tel 1: +263-9-64474<br />Admin Tel 2: + 263-9-64472<br />Home Tel 1: + 263-9-230504<br />Church Office Fax: + 263 9 884275<br /></div><br /><div>E-mail 1: <a href="mailto:martinbarrow@hotmail.com">martinbarrow@hotmail.com</a><br />E-mail 2: <a href="mailto:isaiahs@yoafrica.com">isaiahs@yoafrica.com</a></div><div>E-mail 3: <a href="mailto:belinda@isaiahshomeoflove.org">belinda@isaiahshomeoflove.org</a></div><div><br />Contact Persons: Martin Barrow / Belinda Wilson<br />Tel: +263-9-64472 / +263-9-64474</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-40461018906857607822008-12-07T09:12:00.000-08:002008-12-07T10:11:29.833-08:00Passing of Baby DalubuhleDear Friends<br /><br />It is with regret that this email carries the sad news of the sudden passing away of Baby Dalubuhle. You will recall in my last newsletter the story of a very brave lady who had both arms amputated after falling into a fire during a seizure, this was Dalu's mom. A few weeks back we were able to take Dalu's mom back to her home in Nkayi but due to her condition she was not able to return with Dalu. She asked for him to remain with us until she settled and was able to come back and take him home. Little did any of us know that Dalu would be called Home before this time!<br />Dalu came to our home in early September after being released from Mpilo where he was being treated for malnutrition, or should have been if there was sufficient feeding within the hospital. Dalu's story is one where remarkable improvement was seen within days of him receiving the love, care and nutrition any child should receive in reality, unfortunately circumstances here in Zimbabwe are not quite like that !<br />Anyway as I take a look back at the photos I have, and I've attached them for you too to appreciate, we can only be thankful to God for affording us the opportunity of caring for Dalu and to be able to give him a special quality of life in his last days here on Earth without knowledge of it. I do not think we could have done any more than what we did for him even if we had of known these were his last days.<br />Dalu did not show any signs of being extremely ill in fact a few days prior to this we were playing with a ball on the floor of the toy room and he was chuckling away seemingly without a care in the world. He had two bottom teeth and was beginning to crawl, he had come so far from being the frail frame when he first came to thehome to now a chubby boy full of smiles. When Dalu was admitted to Mater Dei he was experiencing very high temperatures which we could not control by medication, the diagnosis was pneumonia which caused his eventual death.<br />We are saddend by the loss of Dalubuhle and we ask that you pray for his family in the Nkayi Rural Area. We shall be returning his body there tomorrow and ask that God go before our team and that His Holy Spirit be their strength.<br />As I often do in sad and difficult times I search my soul to find consolation that God is with us {strange how we question things in the midst of our weakest moment} and again I am able to see that God's hand is with us always! Whilst I worried about how we would fund a funeral when I have been struggling to meet our month-end committments, an angel was sent with a donation for the home, to be used in which ever way the children would benefit. Whilst I wrestled if this would be appropriate I called the donor and was told to use the money whichever way I saw fit, I knew this was God's way of providing for us in this sad and difficult time.<br />May Dalubuhle's soul rest in peace !<br />Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always<br />Sis'BeeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-68733470323376556882008-11-23T04:26:00.001-08:002008-11-23T04:50:40.223-08:00Isaiahs - End September NewsDear Friends<br /><br />I know it has been a while and whilst I hoped we would be able to do more regular emails to keep you all posted on the babies and the home progress, there has been no hope in that. And well there is no explanation to how hectic things can get from one day to the next in Zimbabwe. Unless you are living in this somewhat partially organised chaos you would never be able to understand how crazy it can get, you'd probably just laugh at the stories we could tell you... Sourcing basic commodities is a great challenge and then once you have found something, the next challenge is then to be able to find the "physical" money to pay for it. People do not accept cheques or very reluctantly and when they do the value they expect you to pay is ludicrous, such that money in the bank is hopeless. This kinda explains why the cash shortage in the country is at the stage it is. You can draw Z$1000 per day from the bank which actually only just gets transport to the bank and back home again, never mind a loaf of bread costing Z$1200 yesterday. Butchers will only accept cash and a kg of low grade meat costs Z$3500 - so that's a whole week tripping to the bank every day just to buy meat which will feed 6 people (an average size local family) for a single meal. Yesterday we called a local business to purchase the fat (tallow) used by our HIV empowerment group to make soap, they quoted Z$800/kg cash price and if you wanted to pay by cheque it was Z$10,440 per kg. There still isn't much food to be seen on the shelves never mind the basic cleaning materials or even basic toiletries yet you can just walk out on the street and buy just about anything if you have the cash to do so. With the uncertainty in the country at the moment it seems everyone is trying to make as much money as they can in the shortest possible time, and so we are struggling to stretch the resources we have to cover as many needs as we possibly can. God has been very gracious in the people He has provided to assist us in such difficulties and we are truly grateful to those who help us financially, each one of you is muchly appreciated, more than you could even imagine. Well that's the doom and gloom over and done with and now onto the good progress reports {this email has to be done in 2 parts as it will be too long as one} of the babies & the home...<br /><br />Since the sending of our June/July update we haven't received any requests for placing within our home of any abandoned babies, instead we have received numerous requests to assist with the care of orphaned children, most of which have no traceable or extended family. We have also had a number of cases where extended family have no resource to look after an additional child and these poor children have no alternative - I guess you could too then class them "abandoned".<br /><br />From a local Police Station we were asked to take temporary care of a young boy aged about 8 whose mother had recently passed away and they were trying to trace the family. Takudzwa settled very well into the Home and became a big brother to all the children. He was an extremely loving child who got along well with everyone. It wasn't long before the Police Officer contacted us to say he had located extended family. It was quite sad because Takuz' mom had passed away without any of her family even knowing it, after her burial Takuz' mother-in-law & his aunt came to the home expressing willingness to take Takuz back home with them immediately. Unfortunately we had o wait a few days for the paperwork to be sorted out and he was then reunited with his extended family. It was sad to say good-bye to him but we were happy that he was now with a family who clearly were willing to accept their family-responsbilities. Encouraging in difficult times.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271830028037686818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIhfiVK6WOEIiEotxU8c9dR0WQtofjYVftz9TSDoa0vBZJHVi34S3NVaG6A7DnP7AOPE4AQhl3B7zgi97kC3tQ7782sRg-aFG83zDzneoXfwq2j8BoalVpAqyHidlYhUDMnTNLC-qENJK/s320/Takudzwa+%26+Junior.JPG" border="0" /> Takudzwa & Junior<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271830032772717394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrerb_r6WfFIk2llUY3WGDhnkR_9jdzd1LKDKvaleEQc0xpzYS9rJATMu3q0ail80aQKwjlBdwd9t2iePR6kB5AgqvORv6cfe_HmPT_fdpirqbbdWC6hJFd2TuC3Vk_XkNvGTREB5ejOo/s320/Moses+(Kudakwashe)+Aug%2708.JPG" border="0" />Moses - Kudakwashe<br /><br />Then there is Moses (also known as Kudakwashe) - aged 2 and a bit, he was placed into our custody early August. His mother apparantely went off to Botswana for some shopping and to visit Moses' father, never to return. She had left the child in the care of the house-owner from whom she was renting a room, the house owner after some weeks reported the matter to the local Police Station as she was no longer able to support and care for the child. Moses is a little-live-wire around the home, he is very active and loves to play outside content at entertaining himself. In his early settlement stages he proved to be a real-tough guy, not taking any nonsence from any of the other children, he has learned to share and now gets on well with all his other "siblings". We trust he will be re-united with his family some day.<br /><br />Often we receive requests from the Hospital Authorities to assist in the feeding of malnourished and/or orphaned babies. I have two particular stories I'd like to share with you and as I share these if anyone feels Led by the Spirit to help in any way, please feel free to get back to us, even if you just have letters of encouragment, please do share these and we can pass them on accordingly.<br /><br />One of our recent requests was quite a heart-wrenching story - Amai Dalubuhle suffers from epilepsy, whilst living in the rural areas she had a fit and fell into the fire where she was cooking. She was brought back to town and admitted to Mpilo with severe burns to both arms which later resulted in both limbs being amputated, one above the elbow and one slightly below. Dalubuhle is now 8 months old, he had been in the hospital for some time and was then being treated for malnutrition as the extended family were no longer able to afford the cost of travelling to visit and feeding Dalu and his mom. Transport is very expensive and as they lived in the rural areas and not within town this task become increasingly more difficult and visits became less frequent. Amai Dalu is still in treatment at Mpilo and it was her desire when released from Hospital that she return with her baby back to her rural home, at this point we are not sure if the extended family will be able to take care of her and her baby so we wait and see. The amazing part of Dalu's story for me is his mothers desire and will to live, I don't know that I would be so strong having lost both my arms, still having the will to live and the desire not to be separated from her child. With her permission we brought Dalu back to the home, thin and very weak, with a bloated stomach and arms as thin as a piece of sausage but he had a special twinkle in his eye and I will never forget the smile i saw from within his heart. The staff were amazing and welcomed him in with open arms and from that moment we knew Dalu was a survivor. We continue to take Dalu to visit his mom at the hospital and to assist with feeding for her. This recovery process is going to be a very long one but by God's grace we know she and her baby will be the winners!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271832631998566786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhctIoW006lQbfwqRGKCjxlslouaJbEccP2y2wcmBBYxrDYx1tHImV9vuwjXxrCi7qta3aLuud5ITaruApG9uZe8TeD3K7y-rTJp0bm-EPck-EujvylPn6obM7t3mH4NwK2brrLnIQltMUg/s200/IMG_3027.JPG" border="0" />Amai Dalubuhle<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271832636940318130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cKUOdS0DO0TxTDlypPHDIJQ-50Eq2R0qQpbAD6wKzhQWeEj04cCLjcCqnnjnoTT4Fb9wcwuusKk5nt6TlWPJsOuvJHV6rhsK-JK3PZRq9Kua3gP9aV5dfsSzCOEWOS3mE9bIRjBDSh7O/s200/IMG_3095.JPG" border="0" />Dalu<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271832630695592978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtEA4TmUDNXdp-HTFY2lg8mEc7AJTF0jYDLn8mOYBv2TTwSVd7VxdwodURUqNC4armPVaXQ-7z3QgdrZ-KxAV0ja0cTc5TdtVg9cvO96otajyqEoxdTSwQqK-pgFLExtv5TLptC0Xt5V8/s200/IMG_3022.JPG" border="0" />Dalu & His Mom<br /><br />The other little baby we have been assisting is baby Kwanele, born weighing just over a kilogram and a half. Sadly his mother, a single parent, passed away shortly after his birth and the only extended family are an uncle and an aunt who are both in their early twenties, and neither are gainfully employed. The Hospital are struggling desperately with a lack of food for patients and the babies are no exception - there is no milk formula available and so the staff are forced to try and feed the babies on water and sometimes the luxury of fresh milk which is watered down as a substitute for formula. Both of these we all know will never sustain a newborn baby giving them any form of a substantial start in life. The encouraging part of this story is that we managed to send a message to the uncle, next expecting a response at all, just to let him know that we were able to assist him and his nephew with formula and that God loves them both, he replied thanking us for our caring enough to help and said he would continue to visit the baby in hospital. In just a few days of giving Kwanele Lactogen he gained 100grams which doesn't sound like a lot but for his tiny size it is a huge gain ! </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271834109118781426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHEYdl46EzDV0BsYHbKwOY2KmnduDrk-9Y8oLoeqhQiMkEw1g-hmgIpFUuHcHtZP4wX7WHBIsS46aiWUCK2PGd70ZphwgmkMuh0MC1RSpX_Y5J0iTZcHLtibKTZ0r7wdpyrG1stRHqECf/s200/Baby+Kwanele+Sep%2708.JPG" border="0" /><br />So that's just a few encouraging stories to start with. I'll try that the next part of this email will not take another two months to write and send.<br /><br />A special thanks to each and every one of you reading this email right now, you are an important part of this Ministry and so we take this opportunity to thank you once again for your support. If anyone is interested in receiving the quarterly financial newsletter/updates which is compiled by our Project Director, Martin Barrow, please feel free to email him on <a href="mailto:martinbarrow@hotmail.com">martinbarrow@hotmail.com</a> and he will add you to his mailing list. Alternatively email me and I shall pass the info onto Martin.<br /><br />Thank you again and will be in touch soon.<br /><br />Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always<br />Sis'Bee</div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-76824225134635445462008-07-19T13:02:00.001-07:002008-07-19T14:13:21.499-07:00Isaiah's Update July'07<div>Dear Friends</div><br /><div>Finally I have found some time to sit down and sort through some of my photos to send with a few words... hoping to update you on the progress at Isaiah's Umuzi Wothando. I can't believe I have been here for 6 weeks already, had planned to have sent a few more emails since my joining but I guess all that was wishful thinking...</div><br /><div>The first three weeks of June was hectic to say the least and it made me realise just how much Satan is desperate to destroy God's amazing work. Joining the Ministry was such a joy and I felt great excitement at now being with Isaiah's fulltime, then things began to happen which clearly was an attempt to destroy this joy !</div><br /><div>Firstly the illness and passing of Baby Thandiwe. Shortly after this we received notification that a key member of staff had decided not to return to Zimbabwe after taking Annual Leave. Whilst I could understand reasoning for such a decision, the timing was hard as this now meant I had to fill the gap at the Home instead of being at the Office where there was also a desperate need to assist with the finance and donor relations for the project. We did not have much other choice but had to keep going and my realisation through such circumstances is to always acknowledge God's hand in each situation - even when things get really tough I know God will never leave us, it's a promise He has made. By God's grace I believe we have overcome the difficulty and are making progress again now.</div><br /><div>I feel one of our greatest achievements has been the introduction of more vegetables and fruit into the babies/children's diet and thankfully without much resistance. Two weeks after starting the vegetables I read something which said "introduce one taste at a time in small quantites" - well I guess I was a bit wrong here as we introduced a whole puree of butternut, cauliflower, brocolli, carrots and potato altogether in one go - they loved it and have been enjoying it ever since... I guess the babies being a bit older did help - or something !! Maybe God handled this bit all for me as he probably knew I wouldn't have coped with more disappointment !! With winter here, so come the usual colds and flu to which we are not exempt. Last week from Thursday we visited the Doctor every day and even began to joke with our Pharmacist to just give us 16 courses of anti-biotics, one for each child, get it over and done with for once and for all ! We praise God for our babies Bhekubuhle, Sibusiso and Sithembilihle are being healed, Taponeswa has recovered well as has Mqondisi.</div><br /><div>Our staff must be commended for their dedication, of late they have worked long shifts sometimes working for six days a week, others working a double shift when babies were in hospital. We extend our thanks to them for always being there for the children, putting their needs aside. Volunteers have been great too and we have had a number of them, sometimes all at once. It's encouraging also to see the number of young guys who come over to play with the children, keep it up guys, babies are not a girl thing only ! We try to encourage volunteer work as much as possible as this keeps our running costs to a minimum, however in difficult times such as these we face, it does take it's toll as many struggle with transport costs to and from the Home. We must not forget to thank all of those behind the scenes, Mel with the garden, Lindsay and Lauren for all your offers of help, and the Doctors who attend to our children when their health does not seem right ! Thank you to all those who have donated clothes, toys and foodstuffs - amazing how a sense of unity is amongst the people of Zimbabwe and even all those out of Zimbabwe who continue to assist us where ever possible, we thank you for your support. As I think of volunteers and how they assist the staff, we must not forget to thank God for his provision of "Foster-families" and I use the inverted commas here as we have a number of families who are caring for some of our children on a very regular basis. Of our 16 children we have 4 out with families. It is so encouraging to know these children are getting the love from a family they so deserve. We continue to pray for more of these foster families. We have before mentioned partnering with "Mind the Gap" in order to fully provide holistic orphan care and we thank them for all their support, we believe this partnership will benefit as many of God's children as possible. They have been an incredible support to us and such a blessing during our difficult times, filling in and helping out where necessary. Thanks Jenny, Angela, Yvonne and Maggie. We are excited because this partnership will soon see the second Home opening in Hillside. The Home in Ilanda is going well with all our "Isaiah's older" children having settled so well into their new family with Mommy {Dorcas} and Daddy {Mark}.</div><br /><div>And now for some news of our babies & children in Suburbs ...</div><br /><div>Firstly, I'd like to share a touching story of love on one of our recent additions to the Home... Pride. The Bulawayo Baptist Church runs a Clinic for the poor and one day a father came to the Clinic seeking medical treatment for his son who was suffering from malnutrition. The mother had been taken back to the Rural areas by her family and the child had been left with the father who was struggling to adequately feed the toddler. Pride is 18 months old, he could sit but was not crawling or doing anything else a child of his age should be doing, simply through lack of stimulation and nutrition. His frail body was the size of 8 month old. After a few days in Mpilo Peadatric Hospital he was discharged and brought into our care. The amazing part of this story is the love his father has for him and the greatest testimony is that this father has come to know the love of God. Weekly he visits our office and every Saturday he goes to spend the morning with Pride. With better nutrition and love Pride has made great progress, he is now beginning to crawl, and from a seated position can pull himself up on the sides of his cot where he now stands and watches the going-on. He is beginning to talk and points across the room, though no-one can actually understand a word, he knows what he wants ! Pride is the perfect meaning of love, his Father's love for Him just as our Father loves us and how with love, such progress can be made.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224825622743715138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfp_MagHmNU_2L7CFGxnoI6jccWne3BJt4OWffS7wnDU2MIPVxHvzJ-gzn2SSWb3pJ39FfEqdGBWcH547xfygp00Aw4AFRkXqL8rC93v0vvTQPzwCZSelkxQNjeWKFQ-eao48qXuxHKg0/s320/Pride+Jul%2708.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Sibhekithemba (6) is our eldest girl now, with her little sister Sithembilihle (2). They were placed in our care after their mother was admitted to a local hospital. They have settled well, although both girls are very quiet, they play well together.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224834637606293810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWquMAbC7BvnQal83Zb4Qzd1Wjmn3vyyWhZlzLhLqIB3NSXEBr-RZyjXjsD_dSF46qpvug4j6X74gQa2dVIJ1WCemOZs5V0lzAiOAUyrS-vpdfbkh7Om8PSBm_GW9GkxkaPutsUfBGEsR/s320/Sisters+Sibhekitemba+%26+Sithembelihle.JPG" border="0" /> <div>Sarah (23 months) continues to amaze me with her caring spirit - she definately fits the role of an elder sister, always making sure Noma gets her share of things. We had a team visiting from USA early this month, they sat outside with the girls whilst they had their tea and as Tina tried to help Noma with her bread Sarah clearly made sure Tina's intention was to give it to Noma and not pass it to anyone else. There is often a tussle with Sarah and Davis as both children clash with their strong wills ! Sarah spends most weekend away with her Foster Family.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224826863363382018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdt9GTNaD_iAZh6zo0fflXG0OK8dNfmaHjC7fmtiUXTQT81GUuSOV9J36gL2DbcxuySPiiPzdgfaoRSudKi34nBRMZ_qrXmfsYThwnd7ODuiEwtiieWiNnEeqestgaiM8uT1LqgT_O8Dk/s320/Sarah+Jul%2708.JPG" border="0" /> <div> </div><div>Nomalanga (22 months), who has a tendency of being selective to who she goes to, has settled a bit more since I've been around at the Home. She goes off to play with the others and amongst the children has become quite chatty - until of course spoken to ! We were given a children's musical CD with the Hokey Pokey Song on it, it is so funny to watch the girls dance to it. She loves to play Ring-a-ring-a-rosy with Tarryn and Sue and her school children. Noma's granny visits her every other week and it never ceases to amaze me how a child of that age understands both languages - I of course with my limited Ndebele speak to her in English which she seems to understand and then her granny speaks to her in Ndebele and I can see she totally understands everything being said - children are amazing !</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224825619431403106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qvJqx8UaqsHzAhjz_Q8zESO8rb8jxexlMZqp4CrWuKssmT0Mfux5oRtAoRn3Eg_qRcbo56dPYWA0_7cu0xduMSB4oFI97RFtXkFo9viDr-X-cBO32YbsFPqYljsn2a_ebE_wJTos2zxX/s320/Nomalanga+Jul%27+08.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Davis (14 months) is our "little thug" - he toddles about keeping all the kids in check ! He is beginning to copy most of what is being said and he shouts at the girls if they do not do as he wants. He has a very strong character and if he does not get his way he sure lets you know that he is not impressed. They say dynamite comes in small packages well stand back when this package explodes ! Davis is not a cuddly baby unless he wants to be and he does not like to be left out of anything.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224825612638001938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkh5FC5xoekIoiqcyWoJy-pfybpRunBVnRnIZi_-VKh7NsUTz4Pu07j-oUqNJ-FpAm8bWwrMpiEcMR9q60-3gNxv36o2Bd0VSGDYsCSdJgMsRnU3AsOkXnQ2lXrA3qCv72ru2CGHqREhOA/s320/Davis+Jul%2708.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Junior/Thembani (14 months) is starting to walk along the furniture now, anytime now he'll be off on his own. He used to crawl about with one leg tucked under his bottom in the most awkward looking position but despite this he got around from one place to the next at great speed. He spends a lot of time out with his Foster Family coming back to the Home for the odd day or two. Sorry no photo of him but will definately try get one next time.</div><br /><div>Ruth (9 months) now has two bottom teeth after struggling a little with teething related illness. She is reluctant to crawl as yet but quite happy sitting with some toys in front of her, or lying on her back talking to anyone who will listen. Contact has been made with Ruth's biological mother and we shall soon be working with Social Welfare to re-intergrate her with the family. Whilst it's a difficult situation I believe God would have us all working together and if this family will come to know God's amazing love through the work we do with them, then I trust this is the way ! Ultimately we want what is best for baby Ruth and we will work together for that sole purpose. Her name was specially chosen for her and with special meaning - never rejecting those who have loved her !</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224826860096116626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AEYMTmi9AiQoQcDozZYORSNwhwKsd5ukC5ztA8qxf6oF4S2-_vuSv-phltyskaQxsMQZUu9aZ_erPyck1ANC206waFxyTY-5L5RNfGv9v33yxiaYBdIxxXiy0AhakU5g495D2JJ3jz4l/s320/Ruth+Jul%2708.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Sibusiso (8 months) loves attention 24/7 and does not like to be left unattended for any reason. He will sit on the cushion/mat as long as someone is close by and will talk to him. He is recovering from his recent bout of flu which gave him a nagging cough.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224828615927177858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJ5wLMWzoGyWhsbKT9e0qxRoioe17yUcXK5Rw1DhL1qLffYPQbPkb3mpmhuO4plqY4L5QarzJfXJ5sS-y5iK3ZnCRg7lJd4gGo9XabfiXg9dWBjrSrOTu8z6KyKE4K1-r_2ROiOM4szEg/s320/Sibusiso+Jul%2708.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Bridget (8 months) is making good progress, she is a very strong girl who for the last few weeks has been liftng her body up off the ground as if doing press-ups. She is ready to crawl any minute if only her hands would move forward one at a time. Bridget has always been a very serious baby but recently has begun sharing lots of smiles. She has a good appetite and is growing well.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224820996956737826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjteyfMv2UwmE4sHTETBtCiVQ06BtRe0EbRwLbY1B3823Q7u2_EFgILjmcdqZxEFxofGLWM8oaAQcm1phCzINNKRw76wP6OK-xo9BMoWl3G-VKTcEWbVadRV52e4Uxu9s2ZdP4JMNutfJ9_/s320/Bridget+Jul%2708.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>Bhekubuhle (8 months) has just recovered from the flu. He is known as our Gentleman as he has a very mature look about him - he is often quite serious but will share a smile when faced one on one. He is very placid and seldom cries, unless he is hungry.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224820997816955026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgowtgguVU5wtCUM-W6FXbhjau0OCIOFrtnHGt7J1AGaLnfYPcaU9pejZz_uwzTb-lG_lG8IXwdvJzSyBsPZGQNbWHtlgjQj6OBlJ7ouFcyv03DhpOWcnnqUlxR1h-TwuArkDQBUHhmGZve/s320/Bhekubuhle+Jun%2708.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Amanda is a content 7 month old baby girl who only ever cries when she's hungry or needing a diaper change. She is definately popular with the visitors because of her friendly and ever smily face. She has been identified for fostering and her new family would like to call her Zuvarashe, a name with special meaning related to the day of the Lord, if I'm not mistaken.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224820991338391682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtESw-30qQuU0-sSspqgtibo37zusLN6EYCL7Q-NqNLmiOVr7bMNM5IRqeG6kKkAKDfaADshLcsCD-szjhhLUZBQm3U8zpUzp0dQfRJgwRbRx17HKUhf1YysCQ4uj_fzzAD7K1qRgEW8y6/s320/Amanda+Jul%2708.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>Prince (6 months) with his deep eye brows and big brown eyes will capture the heart of any visitor. He prefers to be held and played with rather than being put down to entertain himself. He does not have a very big appetite although was quite impressed with his vegetables, much preferred to porridge !!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224826859149671810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWM3yJfuyeveeu4lW7JoDr5Fm8UNV6cUoBVQFuu4vwUkaUjj-QYNHfudCAVziIc7E6XBilG5D0V7QbB6hIQqSr2rkDRKTpiBCha6GoNEzUBhQQR2T5jPppF2XT8QsuLjPJHVU-VprOvpb/s320/Prince+Jul%2708.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Mqondisi has spent a lot of time out with a special family and it's not surprising because with his big brown eyes they are enough to melt anyone's heart. He has recovered well from his recent week in hospital and is making good and steady progress now that his milk formula has been adjusted. It's something that has been on my mind a lot lately, especially in poorer countries, I wonder how many babies unnecessarily die because they are lactose-intolerant and it's not picked up in time, or at worse thought, there is no alternative for them. We praise God that this did not happen with Mxo ! Sorry no recent picture but will also try to get one soon.</div><br /><div>Taponeswa (3 months) is doing well, making good steady progress gaining weight. We had to giggle on Friday as Jenny went to weigh our two tiny tots, and suddenly they went from 4.1kgs up to 9.3kg in only a couple of days - we could not understand it but was certain she had not mis-read the figures. She came in to re-weigh the next day only to find the scale was now reading in pounds and not kilgrams. Tapo's big "toothless" smile followed by an attempt to chuckle is enough to brighten any day. It's so good to see this progress and we thank God for such precious moments.</div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224828621302349394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN45yn0np9aRzRYELqP1hyphenhyphenyPpH_dErn19laOLrOZWsPBafkGO3qBZpMPdrR7OEe2yS_zho4hL-St0gwuPSsbg6DD4xaV15AVQI8WSM1CuIKe0XHd9Vm_OOH5lPU2-l0_nBA2FJC5q-9TJM/s320/Taponeswa+Jul%2708.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div><div>Caleb is our "baby" baby - at six weeks old. When Caleb was first brought to our home we worried over him because he was so tiny and his little feet and hands always seemed cold and almost purple, he has never liked being bathed or even having his diaper changed and at these times he gives his lungs a good work-out !! He feeds very slowly but is now gaining weight and his little body is growing into proportion ! He too has big eyes.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224821002280016802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFYFwjMtWLusA4p7ZzgL_6GK6OmeA00aUjFIKg_C4mnvBDgvd4M_axKGBB8r2ikG_uZa1JKXAOMq_Fj0JfOM0YQHnU03Hpqm3_4QYNuEyKm1IhfjIM-XOPAldjEhyphenhypheneV0fB0H2HaMwqGLp/s320/Caleb+Jul%2708.JPG" border="0" /></div><div>So that brings this update to a close... and again we thank you all for your support and treasured friendships.</div><br /><div>Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always</div><div>Sis'Bee XxXx</div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-51509943113496585572008-05-12T01:37:00.002-07:002008-05-12T13:16:07.269-07:00Jan, Feb & Mar '08 update all in one<div><div>Hi there friends<br /><br />It’s been a long time since our last update – in fact we are so far behind … umm rephrase, no actually I think it’s all of you that are just far too forward for us back here in Bulawayo Zimbabwe…<br />I often wonder if things will ever catch up for me or is this how my life has been designed ?? Nonetheless a bit of home-catch-up & testimony and some pictures too...<br /><br />January came and went as the first month of an exciting and challenging year… Exciting because we know God has amazing plans and adventures for us and Challenging as the situation in Zim becomes tougher by each day. Nevertheless we are truly blessed in so many ways by God and by His people.</div><div><br />It was a pretty normal month with the odd cold here and there but nothing too drastic. We received our new arrival “Prince” and this put the carers back on their toes, no more quiet nights as he mastered the art of crying for attention. Davis and Junior got their first teeth and the younger babies, Amanda, Bhekubuhle, Ruth and Bridget all shared some smiles.<br /><br />Our new arrival Prince ...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199533667534159426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="140" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRYWlESnD0BBNyvtB1r38gFhabd2fBbuisGEAD4BzzeiG1ns18zMk-r4d-5QIYXL8nyBXEV4Do5c736ZbC74YTiQLJ0Qcx570pOhjLZdtCsmAVMrbkZZ6RNLB7VkbUweDlrSHNCiX3bzZB/s320/Jan'08+Prince.JPG" width="195" border="0" /><br />The New Year has brought our dream to fruition as a number of children have been identified for fostering with the intention of adoption. Already we have had two children move from our half-way home, one has been adopted and one is being reunited with his extended family. We continue to play a role in this transition period as we believe God’s love continues through each step at a time and is never-ending.<br /><br />February was a little more challenging with a few of the children having to take anti-biotics for continued colds. Noma and Davis both had a second course as theirs did not clear as anticipated. The eldest of our children Godknows has had a tough month, he was admitted into Mater Dei Hospital as he had developed a chest infection. In about 5 days he was discharged but we had to administer intravenous medication. For those of us who have experienced this know that it is by no means painless – as an adult can you imagine the pain for a young child, it breaks my heart to see children suffer like this. I cannot explain in words the bravery of this young boy, at one stage the cannular did not work and this left the only alternative being an injection direct into his buttocks. He allowed the Sister to do this with very little resistance, he really does us proud ! Unfortunately Gody developed pneumonia and was again admitted to Mater Dei Hospital for treatment. Today as I write this email, it being Easter Sunday I just remember the phrase “by his stripes we have been healed” and we commit Godknows into the Lord’s hands and ask for a special and precious healing for this child of His.<br /><br />We give thanks for the many people who have come forward with gifts of service. Our volunteers are a really blessing and through this many people have special bonds with the children, it is encouraging to see how many families have opened their hearts and their homes to the children and if you plan to visit on the weekends do not expect to see all the children there! Obviously you can’t just take the children out there are limits set and conformed too for the well being of these precious souls.<br /></div><div><div><p>March has been a busy month for me and although it didn’t begin too well I realise that everything works for the good of those who love God, even in bad circumstances there is always a way that God’s love can be revealed. We just have to trust and obey, there is no other way!<br /><br />I decided at the end of February that I wanted to become more than just a volunteer at Isaiah’s Umuzi Wothando – I’d been asked before to join the team but knew it wasn’t God’s timing – I felt I could reach out more where I was. Hey I had the best of both world’s - working in a job I enjoyed and being with people I considered more than just colleagues, and doing things for the babies home whenever I felt like it – what could be better than that ! Well the problem is when your heart is in two places there comes a point when maybe one area is stronger than the other and you run the risk of letting the other area down. I’d never wanted to get to that point ! The offer came again and after hearing the vision and seeing it more clearly I asked God to reveal his plan to me – with some conditions of course !!! You have to make me sure God this is what you want and I’ll only see so if my family agree and in my work place you put a replacement. It all happened so smoothly and so I knew it had to be a part of God’s plan.<br /><br />A few days after resigning something drastic happened to my work computer and I lost a lot of work – most of my work in 2007, financial year end information and most of my 2008 documents. I knew this had to be Satan’s hand at work because that’s just how he works – when everything goes smoothly he’s losing grip and so he throws a spanner in the works, upsets the apple cart and generally we as humans fall apart! Well I did anyway – for a few days I was a terrible person to be around, the frustration of hours of input just lost – never to be found again ! Then one night I sat in front of my computer at home with my Bible on my lap and asked God to show me a verse or something to reassure me everything was going to be ok, surely He knew how much I needed that sign – I was breaking up and now time was not on my side !<br />So show me He did !!! John 9 vs. 3 & 4<br />“… Jesus said, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life, as long as it is day we must do the work of him who sent me.”<br />From there I felt release of the burden of worry – how am I going to manage to restore all that info in 3 months as well as finish off my December year end. I knew I would manage or if not I would certainly have done my best, and that is all God ever asks of us – to do our best in everything we do – to Him be the glory ! From that night I declared that Satan would not hold me again as he did, he has no control on my emotions and God loves me so he better get used to that! So that was the start of my month of March and I knew I could only look forward to better things.<br /><br />The internet is an amazing network and it connects people all over the world, I know it has it’s downside but only if you allow it to. I have made reconnection with many people who we’d lost contact with and I can assure you these reconnections have been true blessings. A friend from way back when in my youth {phew I make myself sound so old – no offence Gigi but hey it was sometime back !!}, she was touched by our project and decided to raise some money through her school children and church bretheren.<br />She sent some of this money to us and we were able to do some shopping on a recent trip to visit family in South Africa. Excuse me while the excitement of shopping still stirs me up, by only living here you would understand how deprived most Zimbabweans are, shopping truly excites some of us ! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199533676124094034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 163px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="185" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXwnZqZDfO5boGt9riDH7jgdFxrfDcjX-dMy5b-m6xGRTyFQixyPmdk1EESv5jeB_DGmxXtTMaKMDzTXrN9521dIiMuRZVvFaVt0Pn7M0ZOF9ybTX8UagCRWOr7H0jAJYpsIRH0iN1a9cZ/s320/100_0798.JPG" width="163" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199533680419061346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 155px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="182" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi886h-UJVi_gqpbQJmjfRhndqGfDHiKptXHAjpBXPoKBUjLVgM51p2DyW89ovFr5yx8ndgxbn12xzf-bJ-F9qasU0PSu1UNH7WfXveShgv5PbYRG295SD1bvWKPJjn7i0X1UjlKQkRVYPj/s320/100_0805.JPG" width="208" border="0" />During this we were able to buy the real essentials for our babies home – milk formula being the big purchase (one 500g tin here last month cost Z$150,000,000-00), nappy liners, toiletries & creams, foodstuffs like pasta, rice, sugar, flour as well as a few luxuries – coldrink, chips and even some Easter Eggs. Today we had fun looking in the garden for “almost” hidden Easter eggs. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199552470900981362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="190" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jAA-lOOt4iSNxOGQAnLyNVUTwJzLGMJ1t6k_eRq-5PYK7e01BEFwzrN-mjKFTTVYhQrHIOvT8kDeEJvjMEY3ngyxp9RrALAZPZPygWXGZw54wlzDRPsYEBgXBBC4saXzEpAzAAXjCCc5/s320/Noma+finding+easter+eggs.JPG" width="139" border="0" /> When I say people have been a true blessing I cannot tell you enough how supportive the local community has been, and all others outside who assist us in many ways – this is God’s provision and we are always so grateful for He is our God and this has been His promise to us always.<br /><br />The border is always a mission and it never ceases to amaze me how people will try to get a back-hander out of you, this time it was not on the Zimbabwean side which was really quite reassuring. At the Zim-side, we produced our Home Registration Certificate and a letter from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority saying we are entitled to duty rebates but of course we still had to do some sweet talking with those. For me that’s never a problem as I love the opportunity to share the plight of the children with others even if it’s just in the hope that it may make them appreciative of the simple things in life they have. We eventually cleared through the border without having to outlay any cash in duty charges – another thanks to God our Father who knows our needs all the time.<br /><br />The third weekend of March saw our “Official Opening Ceremony” and what a wonderful day – better than I had imagined it would turn out. Ever had that feeling when you know there are a million things you should have done or could have done but you didn’t, and time runs out – well that was me on Friday late afternoon. All I could do was trust it would work out! I have shared my vote of thanks and again I say what a pleasure it is to have so many friends out there who care and share. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199567181163970178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 154px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 184px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="184" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqg8UIgWTWgcr6AU4wtAoSIf2H665uYYoLD-2UoA6TksI_93JCbJSo4AZw1SgC4rWo7h2KdF6kVZ_veQuPFoNIcyYPZVNhM55DLXrFmgvAchCI_wqgSL2ST0xvTkK7PmQsalca6GRqhzLD/s320/Pic+frames+%26+IUW+Statue.JPG" width="184" border="0" />This week saw one of our babies moving to a new home – Jeremiah has being fostered and ultimately will be adopted and it’s beautiful to see him going to such a loving family. I know he will be so spoilt with love and we look forward to keeping up to date with his progress. </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199581212822126402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 198px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="189" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNP6d8a_xoUMTL-hIEnzF7mge5Lxx4F2SVOw5qBIYJOIntk11lSJqQYxJox4Et0wM1fFTKtwvOY1BvsUIPsABds2EikRhDFXcqx65HlZ2FD0tAY-j9lL2LmXwGGT6FoZTUHLya8MnZETc/s320/Jeremiah+Feb%2708.JPG" width="237" border="0" /><br />I always wondered how I would feel when the children were moved – I thought I’d be sad knowing we had bonds with them but the feeling of knowing the love they will receive outweighs any other emotion.<br /><br />With Jeremiah leaving this brought our family down to 17 children, but it wasn’t for long because a few days later we were blessed with another 3 tiny babies – Sithabile {girl} – Thandiwe {girl} and Mxondisi {boy}. The three are getting used to their new home, and much of the morning, today, were quite happily sleeping in the lounge.<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199571454656429746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOSvgUcqCna6VSDCNmgi5UMxw0VT55svivtll35gtAoph2RJI1O-gTWfooykfoc3XtqOs4glXZB5GRddHoaB8CJQbS6LXLuDA0KHUQx_f9bmT6h2f3TJCHVsmIIildJTN8XVmDKebScl6/s320/3+little+mites.JPG" border="0" /> News of the other children :-<br /><br />Godknows – plez pray for the treatment he is receiving, that his body will positively respond and that he shall be healed. We’d love to see him playing soccer again soon. </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199568894855921298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 174px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="206" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Jz3moe9RMZ6OQ_s26W-M7F-sR7ITf8thM0-Pt0l_8o-YytmHCmJAFGize_KSQUOmLDPLhWlBj-qTl8b0poVqxZsqJyuLUU0FTsp4ypjYXAps-Fg5JSPHvleSZnvME1WQwJzUYs5hp5xA/s320/Godknows+%26+Sam+playing+soccer.JPG" width="146" border="0" /><br />Nhlanhla is missing Gody terribly. As the first term of school is officially closed, despite being home for a few weeks due to a Teacher Strike, we look forward to spending more time with him. Generally he is a very quiet and reserved boy. Please also pray for him as has an ear infection, and although he doesn't seem to bothered it must cause some discomfort.<br /><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199568907740823202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 136px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="243" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkgv0j14VJtLhyphenhyphentUSAeVmiVhpTmwQjWsQLJrnCkvrRVTU6_QjyR-qYl8qLy7KWlz4F9pmfXQdGBWOgcG7LBEETLYNCsMXYUrydxYAD3bgaYMG8HZo0o4_69j63un8QuYiEbEYhoFLi4wgt/s320/Nhlanhla+Feb%2708.JPG" width="136" border="0" /> <div>Munaso is our active “spark” – he is always running about, playing with one thing or another. He has mastered riding a bicycle without training wheels. </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199571471836298946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="155" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6pbsc64yBDO9bEtFMnTzVKaazwiBlw4xsvtq-B2iebPvr3U46TYlKa2zPAJpaex1aVTd9YPrm9MOem1_rGU1M4PAunbbgefhUZH9JuPYz6L_EReSjK-cDrN3BuUp1Hay3MvxlOFb2A6iU/s320/Munaso+Feb%2708.JPG" width="170" border="0" /><br />Mathew continues to imitate everyone – copying you word for word. From pre-school he has acquired the art of sulking when things don’t go his way. He’ll get over it soon enough when he realises no-one is paying much attention. </div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199573516240731858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="153" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16ANeypWF3Vd-aAnxdE68TAyA6KttGX-de06bB6XHnMsvr-JeWUdyuaPBYwnq64xQ4TjioD8Ov_viU164mUnPX57Tj7cs84fCaD8ObObFMuxsiwkCPac7FPpvreCkiBtOHAhpegW9cBFF/s320/Mathew+Feb%2708.JPG" width="153" border="0" /><br />Kuda loves his wheelchair, he tries to push himself around but as he is using only one hand at a time he tends to go about in a circle. He is getting more vocal and doesn’t like to be left out of anything – he loves the little children and is extremely gentle with them. </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199573524830666466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 191px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 256px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="266" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCfM-nYN144rLr42CFr-YZiGj0ziJH8BqaQr3cNf1RSOSWAt7M-qFv3xfe5YU3iAJT-mah35L95mO_3CsOqmExDyh-JgUyVwfd1j17F7r2Zku6axak6BbTt_UIdoybk3jTJ3VdMskTYZ1/s320/Kuda+Mar%2708.JPG" width="191" border="0" /><br />Panashe seems to have grown from a toddler into a little boy now. It really amazes me how much he speaks, and not just words but actually sentences. He is a very caring child who always shares the toys he has with the others. <div><br /> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199573524830666482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="202" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7jPcPsK_UqM-D5LGRk6EBh-JnMHDXr6npI8c1_I9_A__CF45b1-8mbQVqobKorytM5sN8QXxK_NoqtOAaInxYsD4h1wQpyb4EAKm2LyjKBOfJSrd6anjCjgHAJY20gLnAVMM24LNttYP/s320/Panashe+Mar%2708.JPG" width="259" border="0" />Nkosi, it seems, is particular about who he speaks to, he has a special bond with Mark who works with our Social Concerns Ministry at the Church, and so it would seem that Mark is one of the lucky ones. Every now and again I get a “hi” but thereafter it’s a head shake or nod. He is always off playing, if no-one plays with him he is happy to play alone. Nkosi and Panashe spend a lot of time together now that the others are off at school.</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199585374645436242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="162" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8JsIicU0WVDWtXOcw94rWh7fidUURTObR-K9cOK2jevA3hcSvalhXK47rTqQwYTSl1dFzIY1IPhXzkzWztYCA0HEUxYSL3gP2Pry5_Du5sGDsarn0wlY973x_MJnDahgwQ07Ow8w0-Ce/s320/100_0961.JPG" width="247" border="0" /><br />Sarah is speaking more and more and now you can actually hear the words she is saying, as opposed to a whole jumble of nothing which only she understood – and maybe Joyce understood too. The other day whilst off loading the shopping she found the children’s aquafresh toothpaste – there was no way hiding what she had been up to with the tube – it was all over her mouth – guess it tasted good then ! All I could do was but laugh at her – it was a precious “Kodak moment”.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199581195642257186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzB2wYjkXsrTtj4YkJ6QWJiin2jQAZ2TZIYGaUvih25rgA0zJiGJwY4bSEDJhjbdmm9pwZ3eX9x1xBbOrUBo7gNFXmJuB2e2wMU-4Se1bzYAx7XDAVU0PYaaVkyL6zdcKlUPt7yElFpoyu/s320/Sarah+so+cute+!.JPG" border="0" /> Nomalanga, like Nkosi is particular about who she goes to – people say it’s because she has been spoilt but someone in particular !! Who could that be ?? Okay, yes maybe - she is special but I do try to be fair to all the children, I promise I do!! I love taking her to church with me early on Sunday morning as “generally” she is pretty good, she sits quietly until she hears “Amen” then she repeats it and repeats it and repeats it – too cute for words. She doesn’t like to sleep in the afternoons, would rather be harassing Joyce whilst she is trying to work – calling her repeatedly – Biba, Biba, Biba. If not Joyce then Dorothy whom she knows as Tete, and I’m called BeeBee – looks like we all have nicknames already ! </div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199576484063133458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 205px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="158" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLj_6BZgwk2UBZu774R5_zuj9BzdQfQwnyy5dXwm1nc82z9hpCIIfDK7TnPHwk0GazJF0pHy9HSl7MEvhL4ZFqgusLgPyeWnz0gm2m3Qf9rkXpJeX-9DTceHK_4KmoG3wr8-uMQXGX57iy/s320/Nomalanga+Mar%2708.JPG" width="236" border="0" /><br />Ruth is a content baby who is always smiling. She loves to gurgle and talk to Bridget as the two girls generally sit alongside each other on the couch.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199581204232191794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSf95EJz1tTOtq5BpX1__vmPcalGJPgEg2WKuW2FDYRyurrCeGT_t4JlSEVsNFJcm4tYk8LqslyzhZGwn80DP_mNzVf_wt_n2WEXGzRYCadbnDSHJ_KRT0Yey7Df_KHo8Gj1ECjdsfUQ4f/s320/3+middle+mites.JPG" border="0" /><br />Bridget loves attention and does not like to be left alone.<br /><br />Amanda has gained a good amount of weight, she also has big eyes which seem to brighten up when she smiles. She is a relatively placid baby.<br /><br />Sibusiso is smiling now too and is also quite partial to attention. He loves being propped up to sit so he can see all that is going on.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199586388257718130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKvA5RjGk4taLrc7FFPlDQYt1hplJFqFD-kMKUK7B0s5s0Xs1pJgL2mu1Mb5pOcTCin_zD9inKQaFBhYGDXU4Q-HUI-JEJf9SMOdBwMOHQK9rvW3iEd6cFcOA0VCl6FsykQtzwuYG2lds_/s320/Little+guys.JPG" border="0" /><br />Bhekubuhle is growing more in length – he is going to be a tall boy. When he smiles his whole face lights up, he enjoys being raised in the air and brought down again, and is beginning to chuckle.<br /><br />Davis is now walking, he is quite steady on his feet – he knows what he wants and now he has the ability to get where he wants to go. His laugh keeps everyone smiling but you know about it when he isn’t well.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199585378940403554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5vRYDbtpxQwiFSoI17jfV857iLB7i0dYUyyD3Tosu-7Qiz-SsQMClGOJQrTq5B4c8uXN6yPuOFX9CeSzdVMdI3wejsawEOx9Am0nSjaPd1wyhqQa5s-QuxvtLDNR38zx4n58N1QmL9gx/s320/Middle+guys.JPG" border="0" /><br />Junior is becoming more mobile and more vocal but does prefer to sit and watch the going-on’s. He often spends weekends away from home and out of town with special family, he is a happy boy.<br /><br />So that’s a little news on each of our children and it brings me to the close of this update. It’s been a rather long one because I’ve left it so long – hopefully one day they will become a monthly update.<br /><br />May the good Lord keep you and bless you all for the special part you play in our Babies Home of Love.<br /><br />Luv ‘n’ friendship in the Lord always<br />Sis’Bee</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-61992508211583688392008-03-21T08:55:00.000-07:002008-03-21T09:16:37.116-07:00Vote of Thanks for our Opening Ceremony<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9fUt1Eqj30zwh9DWdi-PkQHi8jklCTnfkiEktDjQVtluR44WgHpSs9oyeQ5731w52L0DnccaA2vbiR8yz0uNen4O_eLBOBFF-Rov9qkZfqxQYg4EltN4GkOkyYKobGtC4INfqUfkI9Fa/s1600-h/100_0833.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180226812381081282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9fUt1Eqj30zwh9DWdi-PkQHi8jklCTnfkiEktDjQVtluR44WgHpSs9oyeQ5731w52L0DnccaA2vbiR8yz0uNen4O_eLBOBFF-Rov9qkZfqxQYg4EltN4GkOkyYKobGtC4INfqUfkI9Fa/s320/100_0833.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Good morning to all our Honorable Guests, Ladies, Gentleman, Brothers and Sisters in Christ.<br /><br />What a fantastic opportunity this is for me to give you the Vote of Thanks for this Day. “The Official Opening Ceremony of Isaiah’s Umuzi Wothando”. <div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5180226825265983186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwINVTUDNNUeeNPjn8H1ZTezshPpA7A9ZIEE4K6icyk8q1_NitIJJxckGVyVxcLKA8EtgDoEkKxSxmBJ11fNSULBESLN6Xl9vUZfknBGFlF0FtabQRGKs69ELKQ8IYGNnjLbfixgf1RTKb/s320/100_0829.JPG" border="0" /><br />Just like the Body of Christ works together as one so our Team has done to make this day what it has been. Not one person has worked alone but we have all worked together, some have done more than others but without each one - the enjoyment of this day would not have been possible.<br /><br />Please accept my apologies if I fail to mention you by name, this is not intentional and for those of you who know me, you know that public speaking is not one of my strongest points – nonetheless I will do my best to remember – or should I say at least read them from the list I have compiled.<br /><br />Firstly to all of you who are here present, what a testimony of God’s provision – each one of you has played a special part in the fruitation of this Ministry – Loving God’s Children. We thank you - no matter how big or how small you deem your deed to have been, thank you for being a special part of this Team.<br /><br />To those with whom we had the priviledge of planning this day, directly or indirectly, thank you for your team-work.<br /><br />Special mention of Mrs Beauty Moyo who has co-ordinated all of us for our specific tasks & also Mrs Joyce Mbiba who has managed the same. Thanks to Mrs Kalinga of Ladies Link for assisting in the arrangement of the teas. Occasionally we liased with Martin and Pastor Ray – just kidding guys - your input was important.<br /><br />Despite financially tricky times, it never ceases to amaze me how generous the Bulawayo Community are. Many people have contributed to the success of today’s events either in providing finances, goodies or services. We’d like to thank them all for their gifts shared with particular mention to :-<br /><br />Bulawayo Baptist Church for use of their equipment<br />Sofia & Beks – African Bush Camps<br />Plastopak Coldrink Sedgemoor Milk & Cheese Mr & Mrs A. Ncube Matabeleland Inns<br />Lobels Biscuits Ascot Farm Supplies<br />Girls College Maria Fidelis School UK<br />The Security Staff & The Ushers<br />Chris Poole Photography Services<br />Innocent & the Video Crew<br />Oya – Our Sound Man<br /><br />The spread of teas was definitely a joint venture and special thanks must go to all of those who played a part in supplying these eats, and serving them too.<br /><br />Jenny Nortier, Tembi & the Baptist Ladies Link Team<br />Melanie Jones Angela Motsi Aunty Sheila Cynthia Wilson Gladys Wilson Elaine Giga<br />Saadiya Esat Chantelle Gibson<br />Rob & Jane du Preez & Family<br />Martin & Mercy<br />Selbourne Park Christian Centre Members<br />The Rock Church Members<br /><br />We remember those near and far who could not be here today and thank them for their prayers.<br /><br />Our families are always there to support us and in the midst of all our rushing around we often forget to thank them, so I take this as an opportunity to thank my husband for being such a great support - thanks Kev. I'm sure I speak for Martin too - thank you Mercy for always understanding. Thank you Kulekane for all the running around you do for us, especially the errands you run, collecting and dropping off the children. Yours deeds do not go unnoticed.<br /><br />The Staff of Isaiah’s Umuzi Wothando have worked tirelessly as they always do and we thank each one of them for their dedication to this Home. We really do appreciate the hours you spend with our precious children.<br /><br />When we all leave this place today we remember those who stay behind to clean up and continue the work of the Lord. Thank you to the carers and the volunteers. May God bless you for the work you do !<br /><br />Thank you again to each and every one of you for your support, yesterday, today, tomoro and always. Each one of you is a blessed and special part of this Home.<br /><br />Luv ‘n’ friendship in the Lord always - God bless.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9004416032606872368.post-182020556301713342008-03-03T11:27:00.001-08:002008-03-03T11:56:58.394-08:00More of God's Blessings ...<div>Hi to all our friends.</div><br /><div>I just wanted to share just how great God's love is ... the amazing provision that God's children never go without !</div><br /><div>On the 29th of February 2008 through a very kind donation from friends we were able to purchase a wheelchair for Kudakwashe ... locally available, payable by cheque and specially fitted just for Kuda !!!</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173603991606244930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZY3o-O-zzLunwOiH4nBK_eEAgGawND5NWZZLATtYgT-2EYNwPKw3SzGdsU-H6TptYHQkkLrBjkQMRYAvVU5C7PfeahrFU6lORmF0qrECaeFCIsrpHW333Os-d_Gz6Qk6ciuwtYSPGbx2p/s320/100_0769.JPG" border="0" /><br />Kuda loves being in his wheelchair and is already mastering the technique of pushing the wheel to move. The children love to take turns at pushing him too, little Noma and Sarah aren't quite strong enough to push yet but that doesn't stop them giving it a try.<br /><br />Thanks Rose, Yvette and family for making this possible. Thanks also to Joyce and Kulukani for running around getting the quotes, taking Kuda for the fitting and finally collecting the wheelchair. Thanks also to the Management of Nimr & Chapman for their assistance.<br /><br />Just goes to show how working together can make such a great thing possible...<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173604000196179538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="264" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh1-lSlf8Iku-w0TZT1IjKv32-w_uaTn_t3yVr4cuaGaHPonVuoxrwonCoI00YIV98cljWS9gHiJzS0gc16rXwdlt-ZCSnlYgKIfAC8zQkFQvx3D_vvFuiu7M_JytlRPabiiw9HXsBamv/s320/100_0773.JPG" width="215" border="0" /><br />We praise the Lord and give Him all the glory.<br /><br />Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always<br /><br />Sis'BeeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0