Day 24 - Wednesday July 11, 2007

Friends:
We thank you for your continued prayers, and ask that you continue to lift up the children, the Minks, and the children at Mafuta village. Today two of us, Jackie and Sarah went to Mafuta where we saw children who are more needy than most. These children are orphans, but have no "home" to which they can go. Some are cared for marginally by friends or extended family, but most people are not able to take care of the ones they have, let alone any stray children. We took them the items which our VBS kids brought in for their mission moment. Last night after dinner we spent the time making "care" packages of the soap, toothpaste, washclothes, toothbrushes and bandaids which you all sent in. Each package had those items; we made 116 of them, and still had items to spare. The 116 were for the kids themselves who are fed there daily. The remainder of the soap and other items we gave to the volunteer workers there to use for themselves, and to continue to distribute to the kids. They are very needy. 
This morning they were not able to start the fire on time, as the men who begin the fire were not there. Therefore, when 10 am came about, the time they usually get a hot breakfast, they only recieved a half an apple to carry them until the next meal, which is sometime in the afternoon.
Jackie and Sarah did a lesson with them on how to use the toiletry itmes, as well as teach them some songs and had them practice spelling their alphabet.
The others of our team were busy at the children’s home doing other things:
This is Kevin. I am taking over the 1st and 2nd Grade classes for the summer. I am trying to remember all the things I learned in my reading integration class from college. I have seven kids which is nice. I am still kept very busy because the curriculum is very individualized. Everyone is working at different paces so I do a lot of running between desks helping the kids. I also have a local monitor. I almost have all the procedures learned. Other than that there are a couple of pre-schoolers who have either taken a liking to me or think that I am a tree to climb upon. They call me by my name though so I suppose that they realize that I am not a tree and do enjoy my company. 
    This is Jackie.  Going to Mufuta was very sobering because it was such an example of how much help the people here need.  I thanked the pre-school teacher and praised her for the work she was doing.  Giving me a hug she thanked me for what we were doing, and I couldn’t help but think how insignificant my help seemed.  When I returned to the Home I shared some letters written to the COZV children by 4th graders at my school.  The Winfield kids had also made friendship bracelets.  The children wrote letters back to my students and were very diligent about it.  Their writing skills are very good and I was impressed!  Even though Kevin and I find the curriculum very different and oppositional to what we are used to, it has obviously worked for most of the children.  In the afternoon I helped with crafts again.  It is very common to see any of us sitting at a table with 4-5 kids hanging onto us!  As a teacher I’m loving being able to hug, cuddle and hold kids.  I can even tell them that God loves them and they love to hear it.  They also love to hear about our families and also about our trip to Namibia.  We have also ALL fallen in love with the other kids (goats!)  Many times we find excuses to "help" the children with their chores so that we can hold one of these adorable animals.  Hello to all my family, I love you.
 And finally, this is Carol.  I have been able to see the Children’s home from a different side, as I spend my days hobbling around the kitchen and teaching the very new cooks some new recipes.  It has been a challenge for me to learn how to cook for 70 at each meal, and to communicate with the African cooks here so that they understand the new recipes that we are cooking.  The children make the hard work in the kitchen quite worth it though, as they love to eat and are so appreciative of everything that we make for them.  The smiles and hugs are abundant and, during morning devotions, when a small one crawls into your lap for a hug, you thank God for the opportunity to give, if only for a short time, the love that these children so desperately need. 
Jamie, Melissa, Courtney and Linnet all helped out in the classrooms again today and entertaining the kids during craft time.  Chore time is always all hands on deck, so everyone helps out.  Jamie is busy making us all dinner right now, for which we are all grateful.  Thanks to you all for your support of this trip and this ministry.

With love, 

Your Namibia Team #2

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Published:
7.11.07 / 1pm
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