Sunday, February 27, 2011

A visit from family.

We were blessed to have my nephew Jeron and his girlfriend Hannah with us for two weeks in February. Hannah is on her first of hopefully many trips to South Africa. She has spent quite a bit of time in Cape Town working with one of the special needs orphanages, Sibongile. On her off time she is enjoying getting to know some of Jeron's friends at YWAM and seeing the sights of the Cape.

Jeron and Hannah

We took a drive up to Hluhluwe - iMfolozi game reserve and had a great time viewing all the animals from the safety of our car. It is a little unnerving when you stop for lunch at one of the picnic areas and hear a rustling in the bushes behind you as you munch a sandwich and think, "Will I soon be lunch?". 
iMfolozi Cheetah

If you would like to read more about Hannah's visit to South Africa you can check out her blog at http://frashabella.wordpress.com/ .    It was a real pleasure getting to know Hannah and watching her and Jeron explore the world around them. They will be greatly missed when they head off to Texas in March to start a new chapter in their lives. We send all our love with them.

Hannah, Jeron, Bridget, Rodney and Trina

Twins!

When we left South Africa in November we were expecting to return well before the February due date of Battie and Sylvie's little one. Surprise! In January, Sylvie finally got an appointment for a scan which not only showed two blessings but that they would need to be delivered early by the doctor.

 Raphael and Tryner, the Lingala version of Rodney and Trina were born a month early but are strong and health. Perfect is loving being a big brother but thinks two babies are a little loud for him.
Battie, Sylvie, Perfect, Raphael and Tryner
We enjoy loving on and spoiling all our African kids. They are truly blessings.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Groutville Orphans

 We had the opportunity this month to spend an afternoon with a group of 145 orphans at a Groutville primary school.
Each of these children are aids orphans who either head a household or live with various families in the community. It was such a pleasure to take part in blessing these children.
The Grouville Fire Department turned up to demonstrate their skills to these young orphans. Not only will these kids know what to do when disaster strikes, but they will be able to dream dreams of becoming firemen and women when they grow up.

The water spray was great fun on the hot KZN day.


Hannah giving treats to the kids.
Some extra special treats for each child were provided compliments Cadbury’s and Woolworth's.

Louise passing out apples.

  This is a government school which provides meals each day but many of these children are not able to pay school fees so they are not allowed to take part in the meals. The Courier, a local news paper was on hand to take pictures and do a little write up on the event.  Hopefully this will raise the public’s awareness to these little children’s plight.

Farewell to Nika

Nika was our three year old rust colored Rhodesian ridge back. She was a great companion and amazing protector and is greatly missed.