Passing of Baby Dalubuhle

Dear Friends

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!
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 !
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.
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.
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.
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.
May Dalubuhle's soul rest in peace !
Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always
Sis'Bee

Isaiahs - End September News

Dear Friends

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...

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".

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.

Takudzwa & JuniorMoses - Kudakwashe

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.

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.

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!Amai DalubuhleDaluDalu & His Mom

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 !

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.

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 martinbarrow@hotmail.com and he will add you to his mailing list. Alternatively email me and I shall pass the info onto Martin.

Thank you again and will be in touch soon.

Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always
Sis'Bee

Isaiah's Update July'07

Dear Friends

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...

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 !

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.

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.

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}.

And now for some news of our babies & children in Suburbs ...

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.

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.

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.

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 !

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.

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.

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 !

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 !!

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.

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.

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.

So that brings this update to a close... and again we thank you all for your support and treasured friendships.

Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always

Sis'Bee XxXx

Jan, Feb & Mar '08 update all in one

Hi there friends

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…
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...

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.

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.

Our new arrival Prince ...
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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 !
So show me He did !!! John 9 vs. 3 & 4
“… 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.”
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.

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.
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 !

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

News of the other children :-

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.
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 !

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.

Bridget loves attention and does not like to be left alone.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

May the good Lord keep you and bless you all for the special part you play in our Babies Home of Love.

Luv ‘n’ friendship in the Lord always
Sis’Bee

Vote of Thanks for our Opening Ceremony

Good morning to all our Honorable Guests, Ladies, Gentleman, Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

To those with whom we had the priviledge of planning this day, directly or indirectly, thank you for your team-work.

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.

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 :-

Bulawayo Baptist Church for use of their equipment
Sofia & Beks – African Bush Camps
Plastopak Coldrink Sedgemoor Milk & Cheese Mr & Mrs A. Ncube Matabeleland Inns
Lobels Biscuits Ascot Farm Supplies
Girls College Maria Fidelis School UK
The Security Staff & The Ushers
Chris Poole Photography Services
Innocent & the Video Crew
Oya – Our Sound Man

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.

Jenny Nortier, Tembi & the Baptist Ladies Link Team
Melanie Jones Angela Motsi Aunty Sheila Cynthia Wilson Gladys Wilson Elaine Giga
Saadiya Esat Chantelle Gibson
Rob & Jane du Preez & Family
Martin & Mercy
Selbourne Park Christian Centre Members
The Rock Church Members

We remember those near and far who could not be here today and thank them for their prayers.

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.

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.

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 !

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.

Luv ‘n’ friendship in the Lord always - God bless.

More of God's Blessings ...

Hi to all our friends.

I just wanted to share just how great God's love is ... the amazing provision that God's children never go without !

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 !!!

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.

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.

Just goes to show how working together can make such a great thing possible...


We praise the Lord and give Him all the glory.

Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always

Sis'Bee

Isaiah Children's Christmas Party

As a child I remember Christmas to be a fun filled day spent with special people all around me, we had lovely treats to eat, and lots of little presents to open… not forgetting the story of Christmas and the real “reason for the festive season.” That’s a memory I wanted to create for the children of Isaiah’s Umuzi Wothando – a wonderful experience for them of their first Christmas in their new Home.

What a wonderful day I remember this to be… and just as if it was yesterday, the excitement still stirs up inside of me! Christmas, a time we choose to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

Our day at the Home began as normal, the typical morning routine of up, bath, dress and ready for breakfast. The children had been prepared for this day and so of course there was a little more excitement than usual - as they knew it, another adventure for them – first a visit to the Museum and then to play at Mrs Jones’ house. Little did they know all that was in store for them… All good intention was to leave the home at 8.30am but as you can imagine it’s not as simple as just packing up and walking out the door! We had to be sure we had everything needed for the day out - bottles with formulae, nappies, changes of clothes, treats and all. We finally managed to leave at around 9.45am, heading for the Museum – 13 adults and 18 children, some piled into the 2 sedan vehicles and others walked with prams. Just as well the museum is within walking distance, I’m sure not more than 2km down the road, if even that much ! After much deliberation at the front desk, we finalised our numbers and paid the entrance fee, we then began our walk around. It was fun to watch the expressions on the children’s faces as they passed each display, some displays capturing more interest than others.

There was some uncertainty as we passed by the open displays such as the crocodile by which we took a group photo. It took some convincing to have the children believe that these displays are safe and they do not bite - it’s not surprising when the display is bigger than you are! At first the boys were hesitant to even sit near the animals but soon enough Zorbha had convinced them all was safe.

After a two hour walk around the museum we headed over to Mel & Craig’s house for refreshments and treats! Thanks Mel and Craig and all who helped, a fantastic picnic had been laid out for all.
The children had fun swinging on the different swings available and sliding from the tree house down.



There was also a jumping castle, and even a trampoline for the “bigger kids”!! At this point Martin was more attracted to the colourful jumping castle rather than the trampoline – and now who is the biggest kid of all!!!

The girls (our female carers) had their fun on the trampoline, bouncing each other about, giggling and laughing all the way!

Lunchtime for the bigger kids was a miss as there was far too much happening in the garden. Instead they snacked on home-made pizza, followed by some good chocolate cake, washed down by a glass of juice and back off to play – there was no stopping them!

Inside the décor of “goodie-boxes” was taking place and at this point I’m thinking Chantelle and I were the ones to be having the most fun here. The children dashed in an out stopping only for a moment to glitter or glue, or arrange a bow or a piece of tinsel on their boxes. Mrs Moyo and Joyce mastered the technique of making ribbons bows, and Mel ensured that each child had their own box. Later on the boxes were filled with a variety of sweets, and novelty toys for the children on Christmas Day.

Craig has his bicycle and trailer saddled up and the children took their turn enjoying a ride down Heyman Road and back up again.

After having a fun-filled morning and mid afternoon the children were all taken back home for a short rest whilst we laid the gifts out by the Christmas Tree.

It wasn’t long before the children were up and about again and extra excitement at what lay in the lounge! Joyce, the Matron of our Home, shared the Christmas message with the children, each of them actively participating in the discussion and then came the excitement of receiving their gifts. Each child was given a new outfit, and a toy. The bigger boys were given their school bags and inside were their new school shoes and various other items for school.

Then came in another big surprise, – 2 brand new bicycles for the bigger boys. I’m thinking if I had to do this day again, I’d start with the presents first because by the time the bicycles came out there were renewed energy levels in the children and guess who had to run up and down the driveway taking turns at pushing the children on the bikes – yeah you guessed it – ME !!! It was fun but it was also a challenge as each child had to learn the meaning of “their turn next” – with a few tears this was eventually accomplished.

The day drew to a close when evening came, but the excitement lived on in the children’s hearts – there was much talk about the day’s events for many days thereafter and I do truly believe each child enjoyed their first Christmas in their new Home. Thanks must go to all those who made the day such a great success, all those who contributed gifts or finance towards these, those who contributed their time before and on the day – thank you to all of you who play such a special and supportive role in this our Babies Home of Love.

May 2008 be all that you want it to be – may you make the most of every opportunity that comes your way, may it be full of peace, love and happiness always.

Luv 'n' friendship in the Lord always
Sis'Bee