Virginia and the boys from last year...back at the village again this year. She asked them everyday what they learned in school and to tell her what they learned.
Stella, always smiling, even while she worked.
Stan has two of the children under his arms...carrying them out with him. Look at the smiles on their faces.
Stan had everyone singing "Happy Trails" and waving our hands in the air during one of the final group shots. Such a happy, joyful, sad moment.
Scott participating in the Zulu dancing with the children. Look at him go!!
Scott and Senzo taking a picture after all of their hard work! They were such a great team.
Carl and Pastor Thwala shaking hands and saying thank you for our hard work and a job well done. They make a good team and really know how to get things done for the community.
Pastor K and one of the children sitting on the playground, cuddling and enjoying quality time.
Karen and her lovely garden. What a nice site for the eyes!! Adding a personal touch will keep the memories going here at the village.
One of the kids at the community where the houses were built. Just too cute not to post.
Our attempt to get a majority of the kids together for a final group photo. Talk about hard work.
Scott participating in the Zulu dancing with the children. Look at him go!!
Scott and Senzo taking a picture after all of their hard work! They were such a great team.
Carl and Pastor Thwala shaking hands and saying thank you for our hard work and a job well done. They make a good team and really know how to get things done for the community.
Pastor K and one of the children sitting on the playground, cuddling and enjoying quality time.
Karen and her lovely garden. What a nice site for the eyes!! Adding a personal touch will keep the memories going here at the village.
One of the kids at the community where the houses were built. Just too cute not to post.
Our attempt to get a majority of the kids together for a final group photo. Talk about hard work.
The 4 team members from Celebration Lutheran Church, plus Shara, plus Carl in the van we commuted in each day. Of course, we all crammed in the back seat for this picture.
All of us watching the kids doing Zulu dances. The put on a show for us and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Can't wait to show you all the video some of us were able to take.
The kids love to have their pictures taken. Here are some of the children that came on our last day to play and dance. They also showed us how to enjoy the spirit of laughter.
These children reminded Carl of a challenging memory and we asked him to share his story. Two of these precious kids mother was in one of the Habitat houses on the hill in severe pain from complications from HIV/Aids. She was severely malnurished and couldn't move herself. Carl and some of his co-workers had to carry her into the back of a pickup truck while her children watched her being driven away. Carl said their faces are etched into his memory as tears rolled down their cheeks. This was the last time they saw their mother. A story that has likely been repeated hundreds of times throughout the village. This highlights why it's so important to help these children.
Bob, Carl and Gavin from African Exposure.
Carl and Gavin checking out the new football we bought. The Sharks are one of the countries teams. Full support from the locals.
What a fabulous view behind the houses in the community. Breath taking.
The AIDS center started with two nurses and a bag of medicine. Now she has a staff of employee's that run the center. They give away clothes to women in need, sell plants in order to make money to run the center and have bead classes to teach women how to make jewelry so they can be sold for a profit. Their hospice is called respite. Women and children come to the center to die peacefully, but then 50% of them ended up recovering, learning a skill and live healthy lives. The wall that you see behind her is a brick wall built by one young man and the individual blocks are names of those who have passed away since the center was built. For more information click here
Carl and Gavin checking out the new football we bought. The Sharks are one of the countries teams. Full support from the locals.
What a fabulous view behind the houses in the community. Breath taking.
The AIDS center started with two nurses and a bag of medicine. Now she has a staff of employee's that run the center. They give away clothes to women in need, sell plants in order to make money to run the center and have bead classes to teach women how to make jewelry so they can be sold for a profit. Their hospice is called respite. Women and children come to the center to die peacefully, but then 50% of them ended up recovering, learning a skill and live healthy lives. The wall that you see behind her is a brick wall built by one young man and the individual blocks are names of those who have passed away since the center was built. For more information click here
The first steps on the playground we built. How wonderful is that?
Julia Wehrenberg
Born in Austin, TX has been doing work in the church since she was 15. She enjoys holistic care, which is the physical body, the spiritual body, the emotional body and the psychological aspects of a person. "You can't help a person without knowing all of the dimensions they are faced with. (pictured below)
Shara Cunningham Born in St. Vincent, West Indies has been doing mission work for 7 years. She has a background in the medical field and has always enjoyed caring for others. She has done missions in Mexico, Peru, Uganda, Rowanda and now South Africa. "I can't imagine doing anything else. It's in my blood. To be the hands, feet and eyes of God is an amazing thing. I've always wanted to help people when I had the opportunity at my feet. I just feel pulled in." (pictured below) For more information click here
Julia Wehrenberg
Born in Austin, TX has been doing work in the church since she was 15. She enjoys holistic care, which is the physical body, the spiritual body, the emotional body and the psychological aspects of a person. "You can't help a person without knowing all of the dimensions they are faced with. (pictured below)
Some of you may not know this, but Pastor K makes a great swing set. The kids love hanging on him.
These are all of houses that have been built by Habitat for Humanity and African Exposure. There are approximately 36 houses here on the hill. They are truly appreciated by the women, orphans and community.
Spent a lot of time at the school with the children. They were singing for us and we got to introduce ourselves. In the end we sung the National Anthem as well.
This was the best blog yet. So neat to see so many pictures, especially the ones with the children. It is really encouraging to see so many organizations working together to try and find an answer, or just to provide help for these children and their futures. Wondering what the dates are for next year....seems like this relationship is going to go into the future. Hope everyone has a safe flight tomorrow, and is able to sleep on the airplane:) See you guys Sunday. Love ya Scottie, Jessica
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the inspirational stories and pictures. The children seem very appreciative and happy - great to see their smiles! Oh, and Scott...great dance moves!:) Have a safe trip home!!!!
ReplyDeleteSondra