Each morning when we arrive in Shongweni there are six to ten women anxiously waiting to start sewing--they are eager to learn. The ladies have made a small tote bag and today they graduated to fashion an apron. The sewing has turned out to be a great project and the women are very grateful for the sewing machines and lessons. It has been easy to teach them as most of them have a basic understanding of English. The women help each other to translate the conversations. The smiles on their faces after they have learned to make their tote bags and aprons are amazing. Everyone wants their picture taken and after I return to the states we will collect photos and sent them back to Shara to distribute.
We made good progress on Margaret's house today. A truckload of block arrived early in the morning and were carried or pushed in wheelbarrows up the hill. About 12 of us worked on the house construction today mixing daga, carrying blocks and shoveling sand. This work is no easy task for people that are not accustomed to this type of labor. Keep in mind that this is a house with only three rooms and Margaret is so looking forward to enjoying her new "dining room." One of the Team members asked when the electricians and plumbers would be doing their work. This house does not have indoor plumbing or electricity. We are duplicating the home that she will be moving from on the church property. Tomorrow the block work will be done and we will be installing the roof. Dedication is still planned for Friday, our last day in Shongweni.
The kids are flocking around and playing with the toys, markers, paper, lego blocks and hula hoops, and of course enjoying all the books.
Submitted by Norma Holen and Shannon Smith
Well, I hope all of you are looking at the back of your eyelids as I send this at 4:30 pm in Arizona on Wednesday. Thanks everyone for updating the blog each day! Looks like things are going well over there, glad you all made it safe and sound! May God bless each of you for all you do with your hands and your hearts for the people of Shongweni! With you in spirit, and pray for everyone each day. Tom & Brooke Osterman
ReplyDeleteSounds like everyone is working very hard. All of you are truely inspirational people. Keep up God's work. Bernie O'Keefe
ReplyDeleteHey!
ReplyDeleteThat's Norma by the sewing machine. Is Shannon sewing or building the house? It is cool to see you. I suppose I need to check your other posts. Our church is praying for you.
Joan