It was time to say our goodbyes and that was fairly heartbreaking. Anita had done so much for us and stood up to some amazing challenges while we were under her care. She manages Awelani under some pretty severe conditions. This was our second year with her and we have grown to love and appreciate each other. So when this year's final curtain was drawn, we all cried like babies.
Then there is our dear friend Hennie. Hennie has gotten us out of many scrapes, received and stored shipments, advised us, shown us what to do on many occasions. His wise counsel and loyal friendship has made life easier in so many ways. Hennie will be sorely missed. His gentle nature is soothing to our souls. This network of such great people is our great treasure here.
And then there was Sam. What do you say to such an incredible "Earth Angel?" She came after our second week in Zimbabwe and wove her way into our work and our hearts. There are so many things to appreciate about her. Sam is an astute business woman and our synergy expanded with all her contributions. She is a hard and dauntless worker, compassionate with the people we are engaged with and Sam is a great problem solver. What a welcome addition to our team! Today we will have to say farewell, but we will stay in touch as she plans to come back and help again next year.
Woo who!
Working with Gilbert and Edison to feed orphan school children and provide them other essentials has forged a partnership of world changing events in the lives of their precious school children. These two men are selfless in their passion to help their learners create hope for their future. It is such a privilege to cooperate with such honorable and great men. This was a sad goodbye in deed.
The three families that we've helped for three years to create a community garden under enormous hardships has been inspiring to say the least. The wives, Aida, Rosine, and Jane worked out in 110 to 115 degree sun scorched weather hacking out huge thorn bushes to clear the land while the men fenced it off to keep cattle, donkeys and goats out of their fields. These sturdy people do not carry water out to the fields because they walk there and back; the water would be too heavy. I don't think I could do it. We have become family; goodbye was painful.
Janco and Henriette have become such an important part of all that we do. Janco is our guide, master fixer of all things, and knows where to find everything we need as we go about our business. Henriette tolerantly allows us to store our clothes, camping equipment, dishes, pots and pans, even fans at their home. Janco repairs the Landy as we travel, finds the best and unique places to stay, and is a splendid driver through the roughest terrain, most of the time with a loaded trailer. We are so happy for them for just getting their HiLux pickup truck. We had such a tearful parting. Saved only by the fact that we know we will see each other in just a year.
We are eager to return to see how our (your's and our) 49 orphans in Zimbabwe. We have made arrangements for another 3 months supply of food to be delivered to these children in July and October. Then we will be back for the next distribution. What a magnificent honor to bring life and hope. It could not have been done without you. Hope ever so fragile lives in the hearts of these children and their guardians now.
It was a thrill to continue to witness Trust, Modester and her sister start up another successful business with their Tuck Shop. They sell chicken by the piece also in the shop. They continue to inspire us with their drive and hard work. Now it has extended to another family member who can now take care of her 4 children.
Getting the Dadani Library finally got more than half the books we sent 2 years ago. Janco will take the rest of the boxes in July when he goes to take food to our orphans in Zimbabwe.
How wonderful for all these children. And Nyasha is now Librarian over a whole room full of books. Kumalo and CT have written me twice thanking us again and again for all the books. What a successful effort our community, Church, and friends accomplished!!
STILL REMINISCING...
We are anxious to find sponsors for these 23 High School orphans. I will send you samples of their letters of gratitude in another Blog. Their ability to stay in school and to focus so they can learn is increased one hundred fold just by feeding them. If you would like to be part of a noble endeavor and become a sponsor to one or more of these children please call me on 248-514-3022 or email me on sid4wayne@gmail.com. You will be giving life and hope. That is a pretty incredible thing to be able to do.
We will sorely miss these little guys who still know how to experience joy. It is so gratifying to help them.
And these children who run along side us when we drive through the villages.
Our seven orphans at Tshikuyu Primary School are in our hearts and also need sponsors.
Sights like this child drives us to work harder to help them. The reward is unspeakable.
And these little guys who couldn't believe people from far away care enough to bring them shoes.
It is hard to leave such an untamed and exotic setting. How amazing that our Venda people can live in such an unsure environment. Africa is imprinted on my soul with its people and wild life. To see the elephants and giraffes sharing a watering hole with Impala and zebra is pretty incredible as we go about our work. I will miss this unique place. Watch for more as I draw this year's experience to a close. So, here I sit in my Michigan home (just got here) at this very moment feeling the conflict of a yearning to be in my beloved Africa and the joy of being home with my family and friends. Until the next time... A little more will come about The Bush. I still must share a few other experiences. O, There was the hostage situation!!!! But now that it is safely over, I'll save it for... The next time...
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