WORKING OUT THE FUTURE WITH DADANI TECHNOLOGICAL AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOL... (March 29, 2016 update)

CJ, Janco and I hosted an evening for C.T.  and Gladys Ndlovu, and Alick and Irene Kumalo to discuss how HHTH can continue assisting Dadani School as we move into the future, and how they can assist us in getting our orphans food to them every 3 months for the rest of the year.  We know we can count on Dadani and Kumalo as they have been impeccably honest in all of our dealings.

Meanwhile, back at the school library, Nyasha, the librarian, could not stay away knowing there were 70 boxes of books unopened in her library.   She came in on her own time so she and her helper could get them organized.  From the books you see, there are roughly that many more coming when Janco brings the remainder of the books in July. Nyasha is on cloud 9.  Not only will she be the school librarian, but will serve the community as well.  People in the community are encouraged to come to the DADANI library and check out books too.

They have sorted the books by "kind of book" or subject. Then they will be more finely sorted as the each book finds its rightful place on the shelves.   Dadani perishes a book to show his delight.

CJ gave Dadani and Kumalo the necessary funds to purchase food for the orphans in October and January. Janco will bring the next load of food in early July.  The amount of food we give the orphans will last them 3 months at a time.

HHTH also is giving the school a "kick start" on their next big project to build a building that will be an auto shop for boys to learn mechanics, a design and sewing vocational class for girls, and 3 other practical vocations. Our donation will purchase the I beams and they will easily be able to get their project off the ground.  This helps the children to learn practical skills and become useful.

These are the plans and they will start the work right away.

BITS AND PIECES FOR THE REST OF THE DAY...

David Wakatirinda is one of our very talented carvers.  I brought him the last iPhone we updated for some of his elegant carvings. He has been wanting a smart phone for some time so he can do more marketing for his carvings.

We  brought Nyasha "Beautiful" cologne and body lotion.   She could not contain her wild delight, jumped up and down ending in a great dance.

Let me introduce you to Memory. She sews for the public trying to earn a living.  We believe in Memory and  will help her in her dream. We talked to  Mr. Dadani and Mr. Kumalo about them employing her to teach the females design, how to cut out and sew an entire outfit. They agreed to talk to her and we quickly went to tell her to get ready and we took her to the school for an interview.

This is Mashanga, her husband and their two children Simeon (8) and Shalom (6). Their little apartment is a 5 ft X 8 ft kitchen and sewing area. The curtain partitions off their two beds.  If all works out with the possible job, they will be able to rent another room here. Mashanga is also one of our carvers. We are all intertwined.   We are all one.

This is Blessed today. 4 days ago we were all praying for Blessed because she really didn't look like she would make it. But the power of our combined prayers has given her new like.  We thank all of you who participated in this prayer.

Until the next time... From the Bush.

SPEAKING OF MANNA FROM HEAVEN...THIS WAS A HALLELUJAH DAY FOR 50 ORPHANS AT MONDE!! (March 28, 2016, update)

After receiving clothes, shoes and one term of school fees, the children's guardians could not believe they would get so much food too.  All you who sponsored these children have paid for them to have enough food for year. Believe me, this is more thrilling than Christmas to them. To have food consistently would seem unbelievable to them.

HHTH has made arrangements for food to be delivered to the orphans every three months. This first time each child received 44 ponds of mealie meal (like grits), 2 liters of cooking oil, 4.4 pounds of sugar, one pound of dehydrated kapenta fish (like sardines) for protein, and green tea.

The guardians all showed up with open and grateful hearts. Their burdens would be a little bit lighter.  There was such festivity in the air. They waited so patiently to see what was going to happen. The children were so happy to help unload the trailer and lay all the fox out so it could be distributed more easily.

These are Kai and Shana Schutte's tribe of little people. The children are from the Tonga, Ndebele, Nambian Tribes.

They so patiently let us take photos for all of you.

It is a joy to get to truly know these babies. Their life is harsh, but they find so many ways to be joyful. I just want you to have the opportunity to see their dear faces. Hunger has been their enemy. Now they feel so much less threatened.

Ntombezihle, pronounced N-tom-be-zil-ee. She wore her new dress from the day before.

CJ stands by her child, Shylet, and her daughter's child Kymberlea.

Brig and Francine Sorber's donation will feed Tinevimbo and Methembe for an entire.
We will continue to introduce you to the children to you as we go along.

Most of the children walk an average of 3 1/2 miles one way to school. They get one meal at school, so most of them come to get the meal. But the weekends are rough.  We were able to drive many of them closer to their huts.

We thank God for helping us find these children. What a thrill to be such an important part of changing their life for the better. For those of you are are sponsoring these children, we give our deepest appreciation. What a privilege to extend a helping hand.

Have I told you about the hostile Baboon in our living room.?

Until next time... from the Bush...

Knowledge is Power . . . Books are Liberating . . . and the Day was Intoxicating (March 27, 2016 update)

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER...

     BOOKS ARE LIBERATING...

AND THE DAY WAS INTOXICATING...

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS HAD FINALLY ARRIVED!!

After making it across the border without torture, we could see the books safely to their destiny.  This was to be a glorious day of celebration.  Dadani School would finally have possession of the books.  After an opening of prayer, the children sang in precious harmony "I want to thank you Lord, I want to thank you Lord.  I want to thank you, for the rest of my life..." Boys formed a brigade and loaded the books on stage. At first there was a hushed silence,, still they put box after box on stage, stacking them on top of each other.  Now, with every box the excitement grew until there was a throbbing, continuous "aaaahhhhhh...." emanating from the youngsters' throats and it swelled to a crescendo.

Mr. Kumalo introduced me and I spoke to the children about the Proverb, "People without a vision perish," and recalled how this school started with only one boy who had a vision of a good education. He came to Kumalo, Dadani and Caleb (biology teacher) and told them, you are the best teachers, please teach me so I can be well educated. " So, they started with just one boy who had a dream... And they had a vision for Dadani.   Kumalo, Dadani and Caleb told the boy, "but you are only one boy." He said "Don't worry, I will convince all my friends to come here." That one boy is now a man in the Ukraine working as an important aviation engineer. Now about 345 children attend Dadani Technological and Vocational  School.  And it all  started with just one boy and dreams. I told them of Kumalo's dream of a library.  The journey of the books. And summed it up with, they must have a dream, work hard, get educated, sacrifice  (like giving your prized Mickey Mouse watch away) and show gratitude.

The books are a precious gift to these children. They have never stepped foot in a library. Now they can compete better with children who have. These boxes are not just books. These boxes are full of dreams, hopes, new horizons, un-imaginings,  bold adventures, life shaping possibilities and more!

Gladys Dadani, designed this wonderful celebration and she continues to inspire the children to "REACH."

As a conclusion, we formally handed over some of the books to Mr. Dadani and Kumalo as a symbol of giving them ALL the books. The children finished by singing a very touching song "Thank you Jesus, Amen," in English then in their native language. 

Our cups were full to overflowing.

Young girls danced their traditional dances for us. It was only their voices and clapping that provided the "music," and it stirred our blood. Mr. Dadani was so moved, he jumped up and danced with them!  Two of the boys joined in to make an awesome dance. Then two older girls quoted a poem about the importance and liberation of education.

Eighteen older boys carried all the books to the library and could not resist opening the boxes. Nyasha the librarian grabbed the scissors and started ripping into the boxes. Two years was a long time for her to wait.  Everyone was so respectful in how they handled the books.

There are thousands of books from a book drive done by Kenwood Church. Now it is all paying off.  There are encyclopedias, math books of all levels, history, "how to," reading, science, computers, novels and so many more.

The one that really thrilled them was one of the little books with sounds. They were absolutely delighted to touch the choo choo box and hear the sound while reading the story. The innocence is enchanting.

The books are where they are supposed to be and will be joyfully read.  HHTH wants to thank all of you who helped or prayed for this project to finally reach fruition.  To see this kind of gratitude is so heartwarming. I only wish you could witness it yourself. You must come visit Wayne and I when we have the short DVD completed of this visit, and we will share it with you.

More to come from "the Bush."

But it wasn't over yet...

When All You Have Left Is Prayer (March 26, 2016 update)

This is Blessed.  She owns the Building Trust and Modestar are renting for their Tuck Shop.  Blessed is only 38 years old and needs our prayers very badly. In 2006, she had a terrible headache that culminated in a spinal tap causing some paralysis and the folding of her fingers as seen in the 2nd photo. It hurts badly to see one so young with such issues. Last week she had another stroke which hospitalized for several days just now.  She really looks like she won't make it to me. I told her our Church Family would pray fervently for her. I formed a heart connection with Blessed when we were negotiating with her about the shop. Could you put her on our prayer chain and pray for her on Sunday during Church please? I know God will hear our pleas. I have been laying hands on her and praying for her when I see her.

Thank you very much Todd.
 
With love and hope, Sidney

Some of the Babies (March 25, 2016 update)

Just want you to meet some of the babies that are sponsored by so many of you. Many of them must deal with AIDS because

Justin Mathe, sponsored by Kai and Shana Schutte.

Ethen Sibanda (Kai and Shana) holds his tub of shorts, and other goodies.

Joel Sibanda and Joyce Kamtera have letters from their sponsors David and Allison Brownstein. They were so happy to receive the letter and photos of people so far away that cares for then.

Praise Mdimba, Kwenzakwenkosi Nowakme, Shein Sibanda, and Marther Milazi send their love to Sponsor Mom Betti Alessandra.

Chelsea Sibanda sends a happy smile to her Sponsor Gail Bramlett. 

Khulekani Sibanda and Prichard Ncube are so glad Barbie Weisserman took them in.

One child couldn't wait to get his new shoes on.  All these children read the letters from their sponsors and it felt like a peace came over them and they belonged once more.

This is Babongile Thebe who is sponsored by Ginny Wisely.

She is so thrilled to have a sponsor Mom. It poured out of her heart in her  little letter to Ginny. It is written below, but to make it clearer, it is typed.

Dear Ginny,

I am delighted to write this letter to you, thanking you for the presents that you gave me... The Almighty God continue blessing you and your family. I miss you Mom. I love you so much. I am so blessed for you sponsoring me. Come and see me Mom, Father, Sister, Brother. 
I love you all Mom and Dad.  I thank you very, very much for my dress and dish tub for washing my plates and cups. I am so happy.
Lots of Loves, yours faithfully sponsor. 
I miss you my lovely Mom,

Babongile (Bab-on-gil-ee)

Signing off from the Bush, Sidney

Sweet Voices Calling From the Bush . . . (March 25, 2016 update)

Ruthie, L is one of the dedicated teachers at the Monde Primary. She faith ly helps us in organizing the distribution.  We discovered these children in the Bush last year and have worked all year to get them sponsored, sewed clothes for them and planned on how to get them food for the year.

We first organized the children with the correct name. We are so grateful for all of you who have agreed to sponsor these children until they complete High School. What a huge caring act on your part. Up until 3 weeks ago we were 29 children short of being sponsored. God answered our prayers and sent us Kai and Shana Schutte to sponsor the remaining 27 to 29 children. 

Each child received an outfit of clothes. Kenwood Church held a T-Shirt and collected 215 new brightly colored T's. So every child received a shirt and the boys got shorts... girls received a dress. Those that needed them received  shoes.

Because of Janie Bellairs' (Charlotte, NC) giving heart and Jonathan Flannery's generosity in supplying material from his Aiden's Fabric store in Mt. Pleasant, SC, we were able to make lovely dresses for all the girls. In fact, orphans in our South African villages will also benefit from Janie's and Jonathan's selfless sharing.

These children are part of the Kai and Shana Tribe.

The children quickly put on their clothes while their face beamed with joy.

They proudly displayed the tubs they received.

The Carvers Blessing (March 20, 2016 update)

Washanga's Blessing in English and his language

CJ Developed Blood Clots (March 19, 2016 update)

We had to take my sweet daughter to the hospital today and discovered she has a blood clot in her right calf. She got 2 blood thinner shots today and will get 1 a day for the next 5 days. She must stay in bed 3 days and seriously limit her actions. The doctor said she will be fine so we ask that you just lift her up in prayer that she will be back on her feet again very soon.

Hello from "The Bush!" (March 19, 2016 update)

Hello from "The Bush!"

This used to be my watch, which I loved and wore daily.  Let me tell you a story... But first, sing with us...

HALLELUJAH!
Hallelujah.... Hallelujah!
HALLE.... LU...JAH!!

We got to the Zim Border Post from Botswana.  It was all smiles on the Botswana side with lots of jabulani... And lots of frownie faces and pouts on the South African side. I had gone out to the trailer of books at 6:00 am the last 3 mornings to pray while laying my hands through the bars to touch the books. I prayed for God to give us that one window... that one moment where greed did not prevail, and send us the RIGHT person  who would have compassion for our plight. I promised to do whatever He wanted me to do and I would be in total submission to His will and His way. We prayed that the charges would be legitimate and as little as possible. Mr. CT Dadani,founder of the Dadani Technological School was at the border with his wife Gladys. Most of the people seemed to know and respect him. When the man in charge of clearing our trailer came out in this hot African heat, I told him we had been trying to get these books to the children for 3 years now.  And pleaded with him to help us. This "earth angel's" name is Takura and he just happened to be a good friend of Mr. Dadani's son!  Since our shipper had gone out of business and stopped helping us, hope was dwindling fast. HHTH had no documentation except a letter from Our Minister Todd Lackie and our Chairman of Elders Dion Parker. Takura took up our cause almost as if he knew us and convinced the highest officer to help us. We had been warned that even though we had paid over $9,000. for the original shipment, to get it on into Zim would cost over $1,400. +14% Vat tax on the original goods.

L to R Sidney, Dadani, Takura, Gladys, CJ at Zim border.

I asked God to raise His hand against the extortion and to open hearts. Besides our prayers, so many of you were lifting us up in prayer. It worked! Takura came back and informed us to pay only $20. !😄 and go on across the border!  We were overwhelmed with gratitude and the depth of grace shown.
So, Takura has my prized Mickey Mouse watch and it was so worth it. I just hope my beloved Wayne will buy me another one when we come home. I loved that Mickey...

Janco, our guide, proceeded to follow Dadani and Gladys the 70 kilometers to the school. Caleb, in white hat behind Gladys, organized the older boys to help unload the books but changed his mind. Instead, they want to have a "Handing Over of the Books" special Ceremony on Wednesday. It will be a formal recognition of our two worlds coming together as "one family," because in the end, we are all one.  So, all of you, my dear friends who have faithfully helped us make their dreams come true, will be with us in heart.   We especially give thanks to Kenwood Church for the book drive and many other contributions, and Elwine Burger from South Africa who rescued us and not only found our shipment, but re-directed it to our friend Hennie Van der Colff, when all others gave up. And our gratitude to Hennie for storing it until Janco literally loaded it on our trailer and now has it in the hands of those for whom the books were intended!!!  A MIGHTY LONG JOURNEY.

Our next stop was to see our precious Wood Carvers. You have not tasted welcome until someone welcomes with Agape Love. It makes your heart soar.

Below is Trafadzwa who is apprentice to his older brother David who is a true Master. After all the hugs and hello's and got down to the beautiful process of ordering carvings for fund raising from these extraordinarily gifted men. Trafadzwa carves uniquely shaped and decorated bowls.

(L to R  Mashanga, Enoch, CJ, and Sidney)

Mashanga carves panels and bowls, and Enoch carves rings of elephants. In spite of their hunger and poverty, they are of happy continence and joyful in their faith. We will go back soon to help them with clothes and their mealie food.