READY FOR NEXT YEAR

2010 IS DRAWING TO A CLOSE AND IT IS TIME TO PLAN FOR 2011. THIS YEAR HAS EXPERIENCED GOD'S HAND IN REMARKABLE WAYS WITH THE OPENING OF THE CRECHE AND COMMUNITY CENTER, THE WORK OF THE TRINITY IN SHONGWENI--PASTOR THWALA, SHARA AND JULIA AND THE IMPACT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN SHONGWENI. THE PICTURE PLACED IN THIS MESSAGE IS ONE OF THE 36 HOMES ON THE HILL DURING CONSTRUCTION BECAUSE NEXT YEAR WILL SEE ONE OR POSSIBLY TWO HOUSES BUILT IN THE AREA BUT OFF-SITE. DREW WEST WILL BE LEADING A TEAM IN JULY TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION ON ONE OF THE HOUSES. THERE ALSO WILL BE TEAMS BEFORE DREW TO WORK ON CATCHMENT TANKS AT THE HOUSES AND TEAMS AFTER DREW. IN ORDER TO HAVE THE FUNDS TO BUILD THIS HOUSE, LOVE OF CHRIST WILL BE HOSTING ITS 3RD ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT ON MAY 1ST AT LEISURE WORLD IN MESA, AZ. THE PROCEEDS FROM THIS TOURNAMENT WILL PAY FOR THE BUILDING MATERIALS AND OTHER EXPENSES IN THE COMMUNITY. IF YOU ARE A GOLFER AND WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THIS REWARDING MISSION, PLEASE CONTACT US--KEN@602-692-7492. WE ARE IN NEED OF GOLFERS, SPONSORS AND PRIZES TO MAKE THIS SUCCESSFUL.

SHARA HAS RETURNED TO PHOENIX FOR A SHORT VISIT AND TO RAISE FUNDS FOR HER EXPENSES. SHE WILL BE RETURNING TO FLORIDA TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS WITH HER FAMILY, THEN TO IOWA AND BACK TO PHOENIX UNTIL SHE LEAVES FOR S.A. IN FEBRUARY. AN EVENING IN HER HONOR WAS HELD ON DEC 11TH AND A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL.

MORE INFORMATION TO COME ON OUR FUTURE PLANS BUT MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE AUCTION IN MARCH, THE GOLF EVENT IN MAY AND EVEN CONSIDER JOINING US IN 2011 ON A TRIP YOU WILL NEVER FORGET.

CHICKEN-VEGIES-SOY AND RICE...

... THOSE ARE THE INGREDIENTS OF THE FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN FOOD PACKETS. WITH HAIR NETS IN PLACE AND RED TEAM SHIRTS ON, MEMBERS OF THE AFRICAN ORPHANS PROJECT MET AT LOVE OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CHURCH'S THIRD YEAR PACKING EVENT. THIS EVENT TOOK PLACE OVER THREE DAYS AND WHEN FINISHED ON SATURDAY EVENING, THE CHURCH'S VOLUNTEERS WILL HAVE PACKED OVER 550,000 MEALS DURING THE THREE YEARS.
THESE ARE THE SAME MEALS THAT ARE ON THE WAY TO OUR CRECHE IN SHONGWENI AND WILL BE AT THE DOCK NEXT THURSDAY, THE 18TH OF NOVEMBER. FROM THERE THE PALLET WILL BE TRANSPORTED TO THE CONTAINER ON SITE AND USED DAILY FOR THE CHILDREN'S MEALS.
MEMBERS OF LOC WERE JOINED BY TEAM MEMBERS FROM CHRIST CHURCH LUTHERAN INCLUDING PASTOR ARNIE FRANK. EVERYONE HAD A GREAT TIME AND MOVED PRETTY WELL IN TIME TO THE MUSIC INSPITE OF THEIR AGE DURING THE TWO HOURS. THE MEMBERS SPLIT INTO TWO GROUPS AND WITH THE ONE GROUP PACKING 29 BOXES THAT EQUALS 6264 MEALS AND THE SECOND GROUP, WE MORE THAN PACKED THE AMOUNT OF THE FOOD THAT WAS SENT TO SHONGWENI--7128 MEALS. MILLIONS OF THESE NUTRITIOUS MEALS HAVE BEEN SENT TO NEEDY CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD AND HAVE BROUGHT THEM BACK TO GOOD HEALTH.
MANY THANKS GO OUT TO THE TEAM MEMBERS THAT HELPED AND ESPECIALLY TO WALTER SCOTT FROM LOC WITHOUT WHO THIS PACKING EVENT WOULD NOT HAPPEN AND OF COURSE THE STAFF FROM FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN FOR THEIR DEVOTION TO THE HUNGRY OF THE WORLD AND THEIR CHRIST CENTERED ORGANIZATION.

GRAND OPENING

WE JUST RECEIVED WORD THAT THE CRECHE OPENED TODAY. THE NPO APPROVAL WAS GRANTED AND THE NURSERY OPENED WITH 36 CHILDREN AND THERE WILL BE MORE ATTENDING IN THE COMING WEEKS. WHAT WAS A DREAM JUST A FEW YEARS AGO HAS BECOME A REALITY. THE SHONGWENI LUTHERAN CHURCH AND ITS FACILITIES WILL BECOME THE CENTER OF ACTIVITY FOR THE COMMUNITY. NOW THE CENTER OF COMPASSION COMMUNITY CENTER PREVIOUSLY DEDICATED, WILL BE USED AS A KITCHEN FOR THE NURSERY AS WELL AS A TRAINING CENTER FOR THE WOMEN TO PERFECT THEIR CRAFTS. THE MOTHERS NOW CAN LEAVE THEIR LITTLE ONES IN THE CARE OF COMPETENT TEACHERS THAT WILL GIVE THE CHILDREN A SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION AS WELL AS A HEAD START IN SCHOOL.
CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT WENT ON TODAY WHEN THE CHILDREN EXPERIENCED ALL THE LEARNING TOOLS IN THE BRIGHT ROOMS THAT WERE JUST COMPLETED. THANKS GO OUT TO LAKESHORE LEARNING CENTER FOR THEIR HELP WITH MANY OF THE ITEMS IN THE CLASSROOMS. ALONG WITH THE DAILY EDUCATION, A HOT MEAL WILL BE PROVIDED. THE FOOD SHIPPED FROM FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN WILL SUPPLIMENT THEIR DIETS AND IS ONLY A COUPLE WEEKS AWAY FROM ARRIVING.
WITH THE PASSING OF HER FATHER LAST WEEK, SHARA WILL REMAIN IN THE STATES UNTIL JANUARY AND DURING THIS TIME SHE WILL BE WITH HER FAMILY AND THEN TRAVELING TO SOME OF OUR SISTER CHURCHES AROUND THE COUNTRY. JULIA HAS HER HANDS FULL AND PLEASE INCLUDE HER IN YOUR PRAYERS AS SHE OVERSEES THE DAILY TASKS OF THE CRECHE AND CENTER.
GRASS WILL BE PLANTED ON THE SOCCER FIELD AND BEHIND THE COMMUNITY CENTER THANKS TO THE DONATIONS FROM OUR GOLF TOURNAMENT HELD LAST SPRING. THIS EVENT ALSO PAID FOR THE GRADING AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE SOCCER FIELD AND WHEN COMPLETED IT WILL GIVE THE BOYS MANY HOURS OF ENJOYMENT.

AFRICAN EXPOSURE

NOW THAT WE HAVE RETURNED FROM ANOTHER BLESSED TRIP, KUDOS HAVE TO GO OUT TO A VERY IMPORTANT PIECE OF THE AFRICAN ORPHANS MISSION. WITHOUT THE HELP OF THE TEAM AT AFRICAN EXPOSURE, OUR TRIPS TO SOUTH AFRICA WOULD NOT BE SUCCESSFUL. SHOWN IN THE PICTURE ARE THE GENTLEMEN THAT MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT--CARL, BOB, ALF AND GAVIN. THEY ALL GO ABOVE AND BEYOND THEIR NORMAL DUTIES OF TOUR GUIDES AND HAVE BECOME INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHONGWENI COMMUNITY WHETHER WE ARE THERE WITH THEM OR WHEN WE ARE BACK IN THE STATES AND NEEDS ARISE. THEY PLAN OUT OUR STAY FROM THE ACCOMMODATIONS, MEALS, SHOPPING AND SIDE TRIPS WITHIN THE COUNTRY. THEY MAKE THE ADVENTURE ENJOYABLE AND KEEP US ON TRACK TO ACCOMPLISH OUR GOALS ALWAYS WITH A SMILE. THEIR WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SOUTH AFRICA FROM PLANTS TO ANIMALS TO THE CULTURE OF THE PEOPLE IS APPRECIATED BY ALL. HOW CAN SOMEONE HALF WAY AROUND THE WORLD KNOW ABOUT OUR SHERIFF--JOE ARPAIO (ALF). ENJOY YOUR PINK UNDERWEAR!!

THANKS AFRICAN EXPOSURE FOR ALL THE LAUGHS ALONG THE WAY AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO A CONTINUING ASSOCIATION. IF ANYONE IS READING THIS AND IS INTERESTED IN A TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND AFRICAN EXPOSURE.

SUNDAY BEST

SHARA AND JULIA SHOWED UP TODAY IN THEIR SUNDAY BEST AND ARE SHOWN HERE WITH THE DAUGHTER OF HANS BEIER. THEY WERE NOT THE ONLY ONES DRESSED IN THEIR HERITAGE CLOTHING. MANY CAME WITH BEADS AND TRADITIONAL ZULU SKIRTS, HATS AND JEWELRY BOTH YOUNG AND OLD. OUR ESTIMATES WERE SPOT ON, AS BOB RICKARDS WOULD SAY FOR THERE MUST HAVE BEEN FROM 300 TO 400 ATTENDING THE CHURCH SERVICE AND THE DEDICATION OF THE CRECHE. MANY PASTORS FROM ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA, PENNSYLVANIA USA AND OF COURSE PHOENIX USA TOOK PART IN THE CHURCH SERVICE THAT INCLUDED 2 BAPTISMS AND 2 CONFIRMATIONS. IT WAS THEN OFF TO THE CENTER WHERE THE GRANITE PLAQUE WAS UNVEILED AND SEVERAL SPEAKERS WISHED THE PROJECT WELL AND SPOKE ABOUT THE FUTURE IMPORTANCE OF THE CENTER. WE WERE ALSO BLESSED WITH NATIVE DANCING AND SINGING FROM THE CHILDREN.
THE COMMUNITY CENTER WAS PACKED AND THE CROWD EXTENDED OUTSIDE AS IT DID DURING THE CHURCH SERVICE. COMMUNION WAS ALSO GIVEN DURING THE CHURCH SERVICE AND EVERY TIME THAT I WITNESS THE COMBINED SERVICE OF WHITE AND BLACK, I HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT ONLY A SHORT 17 YEARS AGO THIS WAS NEVER POSSIBLE.
AFTER THE FORMALITIES, EVERYONE WENT BACK UP TO THE CHURCH WHERE THE LADIES HAD PREPARED LUNCH AND DID AN EXCELLENT JOB OF DISTRIBUTING THE FOOD TO THIS LARGE GROUP. THE CHURCH WAS USED AS A DINING HALL FOR EVERYONE.
ANOTHER TEAM HAS LEFT ITS MARK IN SOUTH AFRICA AND PREPARED A CENTER WHERE CHILDREN CAN BE SHELTERED, EDUCATED AND FED WITH NUTRITIOUS FOOD AND THE WORD OF THE LORD. WE HAVE TOUCHED MANY LIVES BUT STILL ONLY A SMALL PART OF THIS LARGE COUNTRY. OUR WORK HERE IS FAR FROM OVER AND WE WILL HAVE TO RELY ON THE LORD TO LEAD US IN 2011 AS WE PREPARE THE TEAMS TO TRAVEL TO SHONGWENI.
TOMORROW BEGINS OUR TRAVEL HOME, FIRST TO JO-BERG THEN ON TO DAKAR TO DULLES TO DENVER TO PHOENIX. WHAT A JOURNEY THIS HAS BEEN. HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED KEEPING UP WITH US. THE BLOG WILL CONTINUE WITH UPDATES.

SKUMBUSO IS GROWING UP

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THIS MISSION OVER THE YEARS, THE NAME OF ONE BOY IS FAMILIAR. SKUMBUSO WAS ONLY AROUND 2 YEARS OLD WHEN THE PROJECT BEGAN AND AROUND 3 WHEN I FIRST MET HIM AND HIS SHOE SKATE THAT HE PUSHED FROM ONE END OF THE PROJECT TO THE OTHER. THE PICTURE OF SKUMBUSO AND PASTOR ARNIE USED IN OUR FIRST PROMOTIONAL LITERATURE WOULD BE FAMILIAR TO MOST OF US. WE SAW HIM AND QUITE A FEW OF SOME OF THE CHILDREN FROM THE EARLY YEARS ON FRIDAY BEFORE WE LEFT. ONE OF THE GIRLS THAT HELPED US MIX CONCRETE AND CARRY BLOCK WHEN WE WERE BUILDING IS NOW OUT OF SCHOOL AND WORKING A FULL TIME JOB. WE ALSO GOT TO SEE MAVIS IN HER HOME. SHE IS THE LADY THAT CAME TO THE FIRST SEWING CLASSES WITH HER OWN SEWING MACHINE--CARRIED ON HER HEAD. WE THEN SENT HER MACHINE TO PINETOWN AND HAD IT REFURBISHED. SHE WAS HAPPY TO SEE US ALL.

ON FRIDAY WE COOKED UP A BATCH OF THE FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN FOOD AND SERVED IT TO A GROUP OF THE CHILDREN. I MADE AN ERROR AND PASSED OUT FORKS BUT WAS TOLD QUICKLY BY SHARA THAT THEY DO NOT USE FORKS BUT SPOONS ARE THE CULTURAL EATING UTENSIL. MOST OF THE TIME I SEE THEM JUST USING THEIR FINGERS. THEY STILL ATE EVERYTHING. WE HAD THE LADY THAT WILL BE THE COOK AND ALSO THE PRINCIPAL IN THE KITCHEN WITH ME. THE BALANCE OF THE FIRST SHIPMENT OF FOOD WILL BE AROUND NOVEMBER 18TH.

ON FRIDAY EVENING, WE HAD A BRING AND BRAAI AT THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN WESTVILLE--THIS WAS A LOCAL BAR B QUE BUT BRING YOUR OWN MEAT. THERE WAS A LOT OF GERMAN SPEAKING GOING ON.

TOMORROW WILL BE A BIG DAY WITH THE DEDICATION OF THE BUILDINGS AND THE SERVICE WILL INCLUDE 2 BAPTISMS AND COMMUNION. IT WILL BE STANDING ROOM ONLY IF THE 300 PEOPLE THAT WE EXPECT SHOW UP.

THANKS FOR FOLLOWING ALONG THIS WEEK AND THERE WILL BE MORE TO COME.

ALMOST THERE

YES, WE ARE ALMOST AT THE FINISH LINE COMPLETING THE CRECHE. I HAVE INCLUDED 2 PICTURES TODAY INSTEAD OF JUST ONE TO GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF WHAT THE INSIDE LOOKS LIKE. REMEMBER THAT THIS CRECHE IS NOT JUST A PLACE TO DROP OFF THE CHILDREN FOR THE DAY, BUT A CHRIST CENTERED LEARNING CENTER TO GIVE THEM A HEAD START ON SCHOOL. A FEW MINOR TASKS TOMORROW AND A CLEANING AND WE WILL BE READY TO OPEN THE FIRST OF NOVEMBER AND BE PREPARED FOR THE DEDICATION ON SUNDAY. WE WILL BE OPEN FOR A MONTH AND THEN JULIA AND SHARA WILL BE COMING TO THE STATES AND THE SCHOOLS HERE ARE OFF FOR JANUARY BECAUSE THAT IS THEIR SUMMER.

OUR FIRST STOP THIS MORNING WAS A VISIT TO THE HILLCREST AIDS CENTRE IN HILLCREST. A WONDERFUL FACILITY THAT THE METHODIST CHURCH SUPPORTS. THERE ARE 25 BEDS AND ALWAYS FULL AND SOMETIMES WITH A COUPLE MORE. THEIR WORK IS NOT ONLY WITHIIN THIS FACILITY BUT THEY GO OUT TO THE HOMES TO PROVIDE IN HOME CARE. THERE IS A BRICK WALL IN THE GARDEN OUT BACK WITH ALL THE NAMES OF THE ONES WHO HAVE DIED FROM AIDS--MANY, MANY. THEY HAVE A PLANT NURSERY WITH PLANTS THAT CAN BE PURCHASED AND A GIFT SHOP WITH ARTICLES MADE BY THE LOCALS WITH ALL THE PROCEEDS SUPPORTING THE CLINIC. ONE OF THE DIRECTORS SPOKE WITH US AND GAVE US AN OVERVIEW OF THEIR WORK. SHE ALSO IS A GO-GO (GRANDMOTHER) AND WHAT ENTHUSIASM SHE HAD ABOUT HER WORK. SHE MENTIONED ONE OF THE AIDS WORKERS THAT HAS LOST 9 CHILDREN!!

IT IS AMAZING HOW THE WORD GETS OUT IN THE COMMUNITY ABOUT US WORKING AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER. EVERY DAY MORE AND MORE CHILDREN SHOW UP AFTER SCHOOL. TODAY FRAN HAD ABOUT 50 CHILDREN IN THE CENTER TO GIVE A DEMONSTRATION ON DENTAL HYGENE AND HOW TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH PROPERLY. WE BROUGHT TOOTHPASTE AND BRUSHES WITH US.

TOMORROW IS FRIDAY AND WE STILL HAVE PLENTY TO DO.

SALA GASHLE (STAY WELL)

UNIFORM DAY

HERE IT IS WEDNESDAY ALREADY AND WE HAVE MADE GOOD PROGRESS ON THE CRECHE. YESTERDAY WE HAD A SPRINKLING OF RAIN BUT WERE ABLE TO CONTINUE WORK ON THE JUNGLE GYM AND WITH TODAY'S BETTER WEATHER IT IS NOW 95% COMPLETED. DURING THE TIME THAT WE WERE PICKING UP OUR TOOLS AT THE END OF THE DAY, WE TURNED AROUND AND THERE MUST HAVE BEEN 20 OF THE CHILDREN ON THE TOP PLATFORM, MORE ON THE LADDER AND CLIMBING RAMP AND SOME ON THE SLIDE. IT PERFORMED WELL FOR ALL THE ACTIVITY.
KATHRYN AND STEPHANIE HAVE BEEN ADDING SOME HAPPY AND BRIGHT PAINTING TO THE CLASSROOM WALLS INSIDE THE CRECHE. THERE ARE 3 TOTAL ROOMS PLUS THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE, SMALL BUT SUFFICIENT. WE HAVE PAINTED THE FLOORS AND BEGUN TO PLACE THE TABLES AND CHAIRS AND SHELVES IN THE ROOMS.
FIRST THING THIS MORNING WE VISITED THE CHARLES PRIMARY SCHOOL. I HAVE BEEN TO THE OTHER 2 PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE AREA BUT MY FIRST VISIT TO THIS ONE. WE PRESENTED THE PRINCIPAL WITH 4 BOXES OF BOOKS AND SOME OTHER TEACHING MATERIAL AND WE WERE ENTERTAINED BY THE STUDENTS WITH SONG AND ALSO THE TEACHERS--17 OF THEM--BLESSED US WITH SONGS OF GRATITUDE. THEY HAD SOME OF THE CHILDREN THAT WE HAVE PROVIDED HOUSING FOR, COME TO THE FRONT TO THANK US. 468 CHILDREN IN THIS SCHOOL. A FEW TEARS WERE SHED DURING THE SINGING. EVERYONE WAVES WITH SMILING FACES. THIS SCHOOL IS IN NEED OF THE MOST WORK OUT OF THE 3 THAT I HAVE VISITED--BROKEN WINDOWS--BROKEN WALKWAYS AND MINIMUM SUPPLIES.
JOHN AND DONNA ALONG WITH LINDA AND BOB VISITED A CLINIC YESTERDAY AND IT OPENED THEIR EYES TO THE HOSPITAL CONDITIONS IN SA. JOHN IS A RETIRED PHARMISIST AND DONNA IS AN RN. HALLWAYS LINED WITH PEOPLE TO SEE ONE DOCTOR. BEDS LINED UP CONTAINING BABIES OR ADULTS. SAD BUT REALITY.
THE BOYS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN PLAYING SOCCER CAME AFTER SCHOOL AND WE ALLOWED THEM TO DRESS OUT IN THE SOCCER UNIFORMS THAT WE BROUGHT WITH US FROM THE SCOTTSDALE, AZ BLACKHAWK LEAGUE. WE TOOK THE REQUIRED PICTURES AND THEN THEY SCRIMAGED ON THE FIELD. IT WAS A JOY TO SEE THEM LINE UP TO RECEIVE A SHIRT AND PANTS AND THEN FOR THE OLDER BOYS TO PICK OUT A PAIR OF SHOES AND SOCKS AND THEN TO WATCH THEM LOOK AT THEIR OWN TRACKS ON THE GROUND FROM THE CLEATS.
RAIN IS AGAIN PREDICTED FOR TOMORROW BUT WE STILL HAVE ENOUGH WORK TO DO INSIDE AND I BELIEVE WE WILL ALL HAVE A CHANCE TO VISIT A CLINIC IN THE AREA.
GOT TO CLOSE, GETTING LATE

A GOOD START FOR THE WEEK

SUNNY AND BLUE SKIES MET US AS THE TEAM ENTERED SHONGWENI AND PAST THE MANY HOMES THAT WE HAVE CONSTRUCTED IN PAST YEARS. ANYONE THAT IS OUTSIDE THEIR HOMES WAVE TO OUR VAN AS WE RECOGNIZE SOME OF THE CAREGIVERS. PAST THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THAT WE VISITED LAST YEAR, AND THEN TURN LEFT TO THE LUTHERAN CHURCH AND COMMUNITY CENTER. OUR FIRST TASK WAS TO UNLOAD ALL THE SUITCASES CONTAINING THE MANY ITEMS WE BROUGHT FOR THE CRECHE AND CHILDREN. CONSTRUCTION BEGAN ON THE JUNGLE GYM AND WE MADE A LOT OF PROGRESS TODAY WITH THE DIGGING OF THE POST HOLES, MIXING AND POURING THE CONCRETE FOR THE POSTS---DAGA, DAGA, DAGA---OY, OY, OY. HERE IS A PICTURE OF KATHRYN SCHUSTER AND MLONDI PHUNGULA AS THE PLATFORM WENT UP. PRETTY HANDY WITH THAT DRILL KATHRYN. WITH ANY LUCK WE CAN FINISH THIS PROJECT TOMORROW.
HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE NEW PRINCIPAL OF THE CRECHE--HLENGIWE MZOBE AND ONE OF THE TEACHERS--REJOICE NDLOUU. YES HER NAME IS REJOICE. PAINTING A PARTITION WALL BETWEEN TWO OF THE CLASSROOMS WAS NUMBER ONE ON THE LIST OF INSIDE WORK. ONE COAT OF PRIMER AND TWO COATS OF WHITE PAINT AND WHAT A SMELL!! IT WAS THEN TIME TO SEAL THE FLOORS. MOST OF THE FLOORS WILL HAVE RUGS FOR THE CHILDREN BUT WITH SPILLS AND ACCIDENTS, THE SEALING WAS NECESSARY.
SOME OF THE BOYS FROM SOCCER CAME BY AND WE ARE GOING TO SEE THEM ON WEDNESDAY ABOUT THE EQUIPMENT. THEY DID FIND THE CASES FULL OF UNIFORMS AND SHOES AND WERE EXCITED ABOUT THEM.
WHAT A JOY TO HAVE SHARA AND JULIA HERE WITH THE CHILDREN. THEY JUST RADIATE PATIENCE AND COMPASSION, SOMETHING THAT MOST OF THESE CHILDREN NEVER EXPERIENCED BECAUSE OF A LACK OF A REAL HOME LIFE.
TIME TO TURN IN. MORE TO COME. JUST TO MENTION TO ADD 9 HOURS ON THE TIME OF EACH POST BECAUSE THAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICAN AND PHOENIX TIME.

WE HAVE RETURNED

HOW COULD A YEAR GO BY SO FAST? WE ARE NOW BACK IN SOUTH AFRICA AND OUR TEAM OF TEN WILL BE ON THE SHONGWENI SITE TOMORROW MORNING. TODAY WE WORSHIPPED TOGETHER WITH THE CONGREGATION OF WESTVILLE LUTHERAN CHURCH, A GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH IN THE TOWN OF WESTVILLE. SOME OF THE YOUNG ADULT ZULU GIRLS HAD BEEN TO MORE PLACES IN THE U.S. THAN I HAVE. THEY WERE DELIGHTFUL. PASTOR ARNIE FRANK GAVE THE SERMON AND WAS GLAD TO CONVERSE WITH SOME OF THE OLDER LADIES AFTER THE SERVICE IN GERMAN. WE THEN WENT TO OUR FAVORITE LUNCH AT THE POT AND KETTLE. WE ALL LOVE TO HEAR THE SOUTH AFRICANS PRONOUNCE THE NAME OF THE POT AND KETTLE. THE DAY WAS SUNNY AND BEAUTIFUL WITH THE VALLEY OF THE THOUSAND HILLS IN THE BACKGROUND AND A MUSICIAN PROVIDING THE WONDERFUL MUSIC. THERE WAS SOME SHOPPING AND THEN TOMORROW WILL START OUR WEEK OF WORK.
SOME OF THE PROJECTS ON OUR LIST FOR THE WEEK INCLUDE BUILDING A JUNGLE GYM, PAINTING IN THE CRECHE AND SETTING UP THE CRECHE, PLANTING SOME START UP GARDENS AND OTHER PROJECTS. IT WILL BE LIKE CHRISTMAS OPENING UP ALL THE SUITCASES WE BROUGHT. WE HAD SUCH A CONCERN ABOUT THE EXTRA BAGGAGE BUT EVERYTHING CAME THRU AS WE PLANNED AND WILL PROVIDE THE COMMUNITY WITH EVERYTHING FROM CLOTHING, SOCCER CLOTHES AND FABRIC FOR THE SEWING COMMUNITY.
I WILL TRY TO KEEP THIS BLOG CURRENT ON A DAILY BASIS BUT PLEASE REALIZE WHERE WE ARE AT AND KEEP US IN YOUR PRAYERS.

GETTING READY

Well here it is, less than 2 weeks before we leave and received 2 bits of good news today. First is that United has allowed us to take 4 extra bags at no cost. Since we only have 10 members going this time, our luggage capacity was only 2 bags each of 50 lbs. Now between the 10 of us, when you include the carry on, we can take almost 1500 lbs. The picture I have included shows some of the soccer uniforms collected from Scottsdale Soccer League. Thanks to all that donated. We will be able to outfit a team--pictures to follow. Among other items is fabric for our sewing ladies, by the way we have approved purchase of 3 more machines, also learning materials from Lakeshore Learning and other items. The 2nd good news is that the South African gov't has approved our importing 5500 lbs of Feed My Starving Children Food ( see previous article) during the next year. We will be releasing the first pallet for shipment containing over 7000 meals in the next few days.

I am not sure whether or not I will be able to keep up with the blog during our stay this time. We will be staying at a new place and I have been told that it does not have internet. I may be able to use Gavin's laptop to keep you informed of our progress.

Still have bags to pack and be sent off with the blessings of the congregation on the 3rd. Keep us in your prayers.

FOOD FOR THE CRECHE

One of the important issues to resolve as we prepare to open the creche this October is how we are going to feed the children. The picture to the left is an answer to our problem. This is a MannaPack from an organization called Feed My Starving Children. It is a package weighing 13.6oz and containing fortified rice and soy protein along with other ingedients including potatoes and carrots and will serve 6 meals. Love of Christ Church has been involved with FMSC for several years in that we host packing events for 3 days and volunteers package these meals. Last fall LOC with 2 other congregations in Phoenix packaged over 1 million meals in those 3 days and plans are underway for another event this November.
I have been working with FMSC over the past several months to become a recipient of this food for the creche and to provide a hot meal for the children on their way to school. Laurell and I attended the grand opening of their new packing facility in Tempe and the Lord led us to meet and talk to the president/CEO of FMSC and discuss our needs in Shongweni. Although FMSC is still working on requests from 2009 approval was just granted to have 2 pallets of this meal shipped to Shongweni. 2 pallets contain over 14,000 meals and it will be a good start to our program since we could be serving over 1000 meals a week. This food will replace the porridge that the children usually eat and contain more nutrition. Plans are being worked out to ship the pallets to Durban where they will be picked up and trucked to the container on site at the church before we arrive in October. FMSC does not charge for the food but it is our responsibility to pay for the shipping.
It is now 3 months before our team leaves on October 5th and we will return on the 19th. There is a team from Pennsylvania that will be going in September. While we are there we will be able to worship with the congregations in Westville and Durban and have a dedication ceremony at the nursery and community center with the new bishop of South Africa. Our plans include working with the community and primary school in Shongweni.

2nd Annual golf Tournament

NICE HAT!! Loren Olson and Del Lawrence slaved over hot grills in the afternoon in order to provide enough food for the hungry golfers upon their return from the links. Our postponed golf tournament was a huge success without any rain and especially without any temps in the triple digits. With a field of 36 golfers and wind gusts in the 40mph range, the shotgun start began at 1:00 at the Leisure World, Coyote Run Course in Mesa. After months of meetings and phone calls, all of us were anxious to finally see the results of our labor.
The planning was the key with the help of Matt Weatherly, Paul Schuldt,
Gary Dana and me. A loud shout out to Tom Osterman with his acquisition of brats, drinks and of course Dreyer's ice cream. These items along with BBQ chicken, beans, cole slaw and potato salad were the menu for dinner. Leisure World provided an indoor dinning room complete with kitchen and podium.
Tom Osterman was also responsible for the guest speaker, Bill Lewis from the Arizona Cardinals, who not only spoke about the future team but also played in Tom's foursome. Prizes were awarded and a drawing was held for various gifts. Top prize went to Paul's team and Paul also won the grand prize of a vacation at Torreon, for collecting the most donations, but turned it back in to be auctioned off. Dr. Pete Gariboldi won the auction with a bid of $750 that added to our total donations for the day. Dave Goodnight won closest to the hole--two feet--if it would have gone in he would have also taken home a new Lexus.
Many thanks to all the volunteers and Leisure World including those home owners that donated their carts for the day. The donations from the tournament will go a long way to continue our work in Shongweni.

GOING ONCE--GOING TWICE

Another fund raising auction has come and gone with many thanks to all the volunteers and the many hours of planning accomplished by Linda Funk. Here is a picture of one of LOC's team members, Norma Holen, hob-nobbing with Representative John Shaddeg-R-Arizona and his wife as Norma sells raffle tickets for a case of South African wine. Way to go Norma--it is a long way from the Onamia, MN jet set to Arizona. In spite of the economy, this year's auction turned out to be the most successful. Trips to Branson, MO, Carlsbad, CA, Colorado and Washington, DC were auctioned off with much interest. There was plenty of South African art and crafts auctioned in silent bidding that went home with happy winners. Included in the bidding was a signed football by Kurt Warner and a tour of the capital with John Shaddeg. All proceeds will go a long way to continue our efforts in Shongweni.
Who says it does not rain in Arizona. Our golf tournament, that was scheduled for March 7th, has been postponed and rescheduled for May 2nd. A call was made on the Friday before and with an 80% chance forecast for Sunday, it was the correct call. It rained most of the day on Sunday. We have had our yearly rainfall amount in only 3 months. Plans will continue to have as successful a fund raiser as the auction.
Shara now has a helper in Shongweni that will be with her for a year. Many activities are taking place including vacation bible school and preparations for the team that will be arriving in May. That team will probably be involved in painting of the nursery to complete the work for opening this fall.

No, this is not a picture from our team in South Africa but it is a picture of some members of our project serving lunch in Phoenix. This is a Habitat for Humanity Home that is in the last stages of completion, built by volunteers of the Lutheran Coalition of Phoenix. Our church, Love of Christ, is a member of this group and this is the 7th home we have been a part of building. Some members of the African Orphans Project have not only built homes in South Africa but also have been a part of the building projects here in the valley. Every week different groups volunteer to serve the lunch for the workers and this week our team chose to do the cooking. The picture shows members Gary and Judy Dana, Laurell Ondrejko and Norma Holen. Also pictured is Roy Sakorsky, a member of Christ Church Lutheran, a team member of the African Orphan Project and an intergral part of the Phoenix building program.

The home you see in the picture is the result of thirteen Saturdays of building with volunteers and the dedication will be held on February 20th. If you have not been involved in a Habitat build, do yourself a favor and find one in your area. Just like our project in Africa, a high skill level is not necessary just a desire to work with your hands--remember " God's work, our hands."

The 2nd Annual Shongweni Golf Tournament is almost here. Here is a picture of the beautiful Torreon Golf Course in Show Low Arizona that is going to provide a 3 day golf vacation for the golfer that raises the most donations. This year the tournament is being held at the Coyote Run Course at Leisure World in Mesa on Sunday, March 7th with a shotgun start beginning at 1:00 PM. We are limiting our field to 18 foursomes and it will be a scramble format. All donations to our tournament will benefit the African Orphans Mission (AOP) and we are still in need of donations, hole sponsors, gifts for prizes and donations. It will be free golf and food for the golfers but they must collect the minimum donation of $250 to participate. All checks are to be made out to Love of Christ Lutheran Church for tax purposes and can be sent to Ken Ondrejko--kondrejko@yahoo.com--call Ken for information--602-692-7492.
Remember that this golf tournament and our auction in March are our only fund raisers for this mission and without your help our efforts would not be possible.

The roof is on the creche in Shongweni and construction should be finished by March. There are plans to hold a soccer match on the new field in March for youth. Some of the mission teams this year will be painting and putting the final touches on the buildings so that it may be operational this year.

Shara has visited all the homes that have been built for the orphans and interviewed all the caregivers and children. There were children that needed uniforms and clothing for school and the AOP board approved funds to purchase the necessary items. This was done by Shara and Pastor Thwala and greatly appreciated by the community.

This year there will be 4 teams traveling to Shongweni with the possibility of a fifth. The first 2 teams will be going in April and May and then Sept and the team from Love of Christ will again be an October journey. Our plans have to be made around the World Cup being played in South Africa in July. The November team is tentative and is being made up of teachers from Christ Church Lutheran to work in the schools around Shongweni. An informational meeting will be held at LOC on February 9th at 7:00 for those that are interested in going this year.

Thank you for your interest in this mission.