A GREAT MONTH IN SOUTH AFRICA

The work in SA and other countries that we visit are going at a rapid pace forward. We feel privileged to witness this growth, even though we are only a small part of it. It's the small parts that the Lord is hoping for in the future to fill the many openings in the Senior Couple pool. Do you want to be a part of it? I know I sound like a poster for recruiting into the Army, you know the one "Uncle Sam wants you". But there are so many areas that missionaries are needed here in Africa alone. There will be an Auditors position open in only 7 months, that is to replace us. If you only knew how blessed we feel to be able to do this work for the Lord and what blessings you derive from this service you would all be lined up to volunteer.



This past month was very busy and oft times tiring but the Lord buoys us up as we move forward. I would like to tell you of some of the places that have topped our "to do" list. The first was a Day Care center Jan visited with Sister Parmley and other Sister Missionaries. It is a place that is supported by the Church, donating food mattresses, hygiene kits, blankets etc. The Church has been a supporter of this Center and many others in Africa. Sister Parmleys philanthropic group of women friends donated the play center that you will see in the yard.


This Center is mainly for little one's who are Aids Orphans, most of them are infected with the Aids Virus themselves and being raised by older siblings who are also still children. The Center was opened so that the older siblings could continue to go to school and the younger would be cared for while they are in school. Look at the faces, I see them when in my quiet moments I remember how beautiful they are and how helpless. The Center feeds them and cleans them of lice and other ailments that are Aids related. The Anti-Viral drugs are administered as well. They are given loving care by the workers and are really happy normal little kids as you can see from the pictures.



PHARMACY

There is an alternative "medicine doctor" on the premises who makes drugs from the barks and leaves from plants and trees. As you can see from the pictures it isn't what we would call a "drug store", but who are we to say they don't work.


SEWING ROOM

The sewing room has all donated equipment that teaches sewing and the clothes they make are mainly school uniforms. Here in Africa the children cannot go to school without a uniform so these are provided for the older siblings of these little ones and others in the village. It is also a skill that the women can use to make their own clothes and perhaps have a little business on the side for their own families income.



THE MATTRESSES

These are donated by our Church for the little tykes to take a nap on, the children are lined up like cord wood snuggling up to each other for comfort and warmth. The Church has also provided blankets to keep them warm in the Winter. These little ones can come to the Center even when they are ill, especially they are not shunned from the Aids related complications that has affected their fragile immune systems. It is a blessing for the community.

THE PLAY AREA
As I said the benevolent women of Sister Parmley's group have provided this Jungle Gym set, the children love it and find so much pleasure climbing on it like any other group of children. The group of Sister Parmley also provide much support to other orphanages around the Area of SA.




THE CLEAN-UP

The people who run this Center are always willing to take suggestions from our Humanitarian Couple here which are Elder and Sister Rix, they do a great job and have helped this Center in so many ways. As you can see from the picture of black mold on the ceilings, this was in most of the rooms. The Rix's told them how to clean it and then which paint they should use on the ceilings to clear up the problem, the next time the Rix's and Sister Parmley came the job was done and the problem was solved. They are teachable!