Labor Day, Sept 5, 2011

We have all returned safely to US soil, to our homes, to clean water running through the tap, creature comforts, cell phones and blackberrys, friends and family. Thank you for all who have read our blog; for your much needed support through your prayers and thoughts.

Today we celebrate Labor Day in this nation. I can't help but think of those we just left, those in Bulembu and Lomngeletjane, Manzini and Mbabane, those whose labor is not recognized, those who labor night and day to place a simple meal of rice and fish stew before their families. We think we have gone to Africa to give to others, when, in reality we have been given much more. I pray for those we encountered while we were there, those who receive no rest from the life they live, that they might have seen the loving face of Christ in us, the Christ who says, "Come all who are weary and I will give you rest for your souls." Thanks be to God!
Becky

Rosemary and Jane washing VBS cups

8-28-11

Saturday was shopping day – not just for us but for hundreds of other folks in Swaziland and South Africa as it was payday this week and also the weekend. The nearest shopping town to Bulembu is Barberton, S.A. which is about a 45 minute drive through the mountains full of timber farms. It was rainy and foggy weather but not much traffic on that road. Barberton was founded as a gold town about the same time as Johannesburg but now is mostly a central shopping and services town for the surrounding communities. We started at the Shop Rite which was chock a block full of shopping carts that made the aisles barely passable. Every cart exiting the store was over full with goods for several weeks as transportation to a store is not a trivial matter. Lee Ann was buying supplies for the daily lunches at her Community Care Center for the children living in the local homesteads who have little or nothing to eat. Feeding 50-75 six days a week takes a lot of food. She often buys canned corned beef or a canned inexpensive fish to make a simple stew to put over rice to provide some nutrition.

Next stop was the Pick and Pay – a step up from the Shop Rite and less crowded. We bought ingredients to make our own pizzas for dinner and for stir fry next week. By the time we finished shopping it was 2:30 so we had lunch at the Wimpy's next door as the S.A.-Bulembu border closes at 4:00 p.m. SHARP. If you are late, you have to retrace your steps and spend the night at Barberton.

The reality of Lee Ann's ministry is that there is very little downtime. Unexpected events occur all the time that she needs to help with as she is so caring and willing to provide the transportation to those in need. She is an inspiration to us all and it is a blessing to be able to witness her giving spirit.
We are looking forward to coming home but know each day here increases our knowledge of what the reality of poverty is for most of the people who live here. Thank you for all your prayers, Jane

Saturday August 27, 2011

Today is Saturday and it's our first overcast and chilly day in a week. We have been so spoiled with the weather!

Yesterday we did the “assembly”, crafts and games with the two to twelve year old children at the daycare center. The school age children are out of school for a month (time extended because of Swaziland being bankrupt!) so the older children add a new level of work for the daycare providers. There are 6 working computers for playing games so the older children literally stand in line for computer time. Our morning of activities was a huge success and the kids had a ball.

The afternoon was spent at the Jacaranda house with the girls. Twenty five girls were waiting for us when we arrived and so happy for the chance to do crafts. We had them do two different projects. Sister Carol said they almost never get to be creative so they loved having markers and glitter paint to use to “create”. We gave them over 100 pairs of panties collected by friends in the States and they were thrilled. We also gave them a jump rope and they immediately went outside and started jumping. They were so happy with something we take so for granted!!!!

Our friend, Lee-Ann, got a call at 6:30 or so that a gogo was very sick at her homestead and needed to go to the clinic. Transporting people is not Lee-Ann's job but she has a heart of gold and everyone calls her when they need help. She arranged for a translator and asked if I wanted to go with her. We met Zandy and off we went to the homestead. It was a very bad unpaved road to get as close as we could to the homestead (in the dark)......then the gogo's son and three women carried her to the point where we had to stop even with the four wheel truck. I will always have the image in my mind of the tiny little gogo on the ground with 4 people standing over her. She was obviously very ill with a rapid and “thready” pulse. We got her to the clinic where the nurse met us. It was very apparent that she needed to go to Piggs Peak to the hospital. Lee-Ann and I drove home for some clothes, towels, socks and food for the gogo and her son. Oh yes, for some rand (money), too!!!! The ambulance driver was called and she was transported over that unpaved road to the hospital. We haven't heard anything this morning about her but are anxious to get word. We were told by Zandy that the son and gogo had no food in their “home” and had not eaten in days. The gogo had been sleeping on the dirt floor with only a thin blanket.

Today we are going to South Africa (only a few minutes drive to the border) to shop for a few things.....toilet paper, ingredients to make more chocolate chip cookies, etc. and I need the ATM!!!

Only a few more days to be here in this little bit of heaven!!! It is a very hard life here but everyone is so warm and welcoming.

Thinking of you in California and missing my family.

Rosemary

Lunch in Malanda

Yesterday, Aileen and Vickie returned to the US while Jane, Rosemary, Barb and Becky are here for another week in Bulembu. We are staying with Lee-Ann and Freddy Mc Farlane for the remaining week in a wonderfully inviting home near the edge of town.

Lee-Ann is the director of Enduduzweni Childcare centre in the heart of the town. The children who attend the centre are mainly children of workers of the sawmill in town and the other enterprises of Bulembu Ministries Swaziland (BMS). It is independent of BMS in it's funding and receives funds from other limited sources.

The families of the centre mostly come from the neighboring town of Malanda, up the hill from Bulembu. Again, it is another very poor, rural community and the people come to Bulembu because this is where work will provide income to feed their families.

Lee-Ann has several outreach projects to serve the people of Malanda, including a baby care at the centre (formerly the centre provided care for preschool children only) and most recently she has initiated a community lunch program for the Malanda women. Once a week, lunch is cooked for the community (food provided by Lee-Ann's ministries) and the women, children and a few men gather at the church (a small, half-cut timbered building). While the people gather, they also work on knitting projects that hopefully will become an enterprise to create income. The gathering also provides a time for the women to socialize and create a sense of community.

We served the people (about 45 women, children and men) rice and fish stew, cooked in large, black kettles, prepared by one of the women of Malanda. It was a humbling experience to feed these people and to provide them with a hot nourishing meal. I feel blessed by the experience and am thankful for Lee-Ann's heart for this neighboring community and its people.

On a side note, a very special moment for me was when I recognized someone I had met 3 years ago when Lee-Ann first introduced me to to the town of Malanda three years ago. She also remembered me and introduced me to her other children and grandchildren. She has the most beautiful smile!
Becky

Yes, feeding the gogos was really rewarding. A few had grandchildren on their backs and many other children following them. We fed many hungry people and that felt so good. They all seemed so appreciative. I got to love up a 3 week old, and 2 two month old babies. The gogos are very happy to share.

Today I told the story of the lost sheep to the children and we sang lots of songs. We had tea with the sister who heads up the Jacaranda house for abused girls. We wanted to figure out when we can go make cookies and do crafts with the girls. The calendar is set so that's good. This afternoon we went back to the daycare center and worked there for several hours. It was another great day and I am so thankful that I have had the opportunity to come back here.

Thanks for your prayers and your encouragement for me to make this trip. It's so much better than a “vacation”, per say!!!

Rosemary

Tuesday - “Visiting the Ministries”

Today we enjoyed a wonderful opportunity to visit some of the various ministries in action in Bulembu. We were joined by a “Year of Your Life” team of youth from South Africa. They were spending their “gap year” (the year between High School and whatever is next”) doing a year of mission work in Africa. They will be spending three weeks here being with the children and doing construction work. They were very inspiring and wonderful kids.

Our first stop was Bulembu Babies (previously Abandoned Babies for Christ) which has grown from one building to five residences. They have 28 babies and over 30 toddlers age 1 to 4 in residence. The recent arrivals were a pair of twins unwanted by their mother (James and John) age six weeks and a little girl found abandoned on the street. The founders of that ministry, Robin and Jerry, gave us a God spirited testimony about how each chapter of their life had prepared them for the next step of their ministry. Their faith in God and in following God's call was beyond anything most of us have experienced.

We also visited the foster homes for the orphans (age 4 to 18)--all who have devoted house mothers and fathers. The homes are small but immaculate and the children are happy and loved. Bulembu has grown since we were here two years ago. There are now about 1200 people living here and 281 orphans now in the embrace of God's love. They have established homes for the over 18 year olds and are busy establishing vocational training for those finished with their education.

We also visited the Medical Clinic, new Bakery and water-bottling plant and where they make the delicious Bulembu honey. The vision for the town is to be totally self-sustaining by 2020 so it is important to establish successful enterprises that provide income and employment to the town. Others operating here are a dairy, lumber mill and carpentry (much of the furniture here is made here), and a new technology center to teach catering and train chefs for the hospitality and tourism industry.

We had a great pizza dinner at the Lodge to end the day so we aren't suffering any hardships. Vickie and Ailene will be travelling to Johannesburg on Wednesday to fly home and the rest of us will be moving to Becky's friend Lee Anns to stay with her for our final week. We miss our friends and family but are so priviledged to meet the dedicated people working here, hear the stories of the children and be surrounded by God's love. Jane

As many of you “blog follows” know, I was very taken with a precious little guy 2 years ago. He had just arrived at the ABC nursery the day before our arrival, having been abandoned in the bush. Thankfully a gentleman heard his weak cry and rescued him. When he came here to Bulembu, he was very close to death. Because we had come from California the “aunties” named him Arnold (after our former governor)! I have been thinking about dear Arnold and praying for him for 2 years and was very anxious to see him again. As I had thought, he does have Down Syndrome and a very bad skin conditiou (probably one that would be diagnosed and cured in the States). BUT he's now walking and even saying a few words. I can tell he is loved by the aunties and accepted by the other children even with his disabilities. From what I have seen, he is the only child here with Down Syndrome. Anyway, I have a picture with him now as as 2 ½ year old that I will be very anxious to show you when I get home. I can't help but think God has a plan for this little guy saved from sure death in the bush.

This time in Bulembu continues to be wonderful, exciting and amazing. I am really getting my baby “fix”!

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Love, Rosemary

Being here in Bulembu has been an inspiring and humbling experience. This is a community of wonderful caring people who reach out to aid and support others. I have learned so much from them and have been blessed.

Aileen

Monday, August 22, 2011

Warm Return

Back to Bulembu-Yebo! After a weekend visit to Hlane Wildlife Park, we made it back and the spirit and hope that is Bulembu is so alive that it sends my heart to rejoicing and thanking God again and again. The road from Piggs Peak was a 4 wheelers dream (like Mr Toad's Wild ride/Bunking Bronco mixed all in one.) Thank God the rains happened a week ago and the road had the chance to dry a bit. Last night we were invited to a going away party for the former headmaster and his wife, Jon and Jude Skinner, who are returning to the UK. Saw many folks from years back and were warmly welcomed. Lee-Ann and son Freddy were among the dear ones who greeted us. Today the welcome continued as we saw our teacher aides at Enduduzweni: Zandi, Nomsa and Mavis (from our 2009 VBS trip).

Wednesday some of the team will return to the US. Please hold Vickie and Aileen in your prayers for a safe and uneventful return (especially that their bags travel and arrive with them.)

Glory to God in the highest!

Becky

Yes, there has been a warm return in Bulembu. I almost feel like I am “home”. The air feels fresh, the scenery is magnificent and familiar and the people we met two years ago seem so happy to see us! They see lots of teams come through but they acted like they were waiting for us! My imagination, I am thinking! There are lots of changes here.......the bakery is open and we were the first customers yesterday morning. We had been told they open at 7 so three of us hiked down the hill at 7:10 only to find out they open at 8 on Mondays!!! Swazi time is very different than “time” in the United States. Tuesdays they open at 7:30 (maybe) and so on through the week! We bought bran muffins and “fatcakes” and walked back up the very steep hill. Yummy!!! The people of Bulembu are refacing (with brick) an old rundown building for a new church and making the old church into a vocational center. I'm happy to think they are planning ahead and trying to teach the children a skill so when they leave this safe place someday they can make a living.

We spent the afternoon at the day care center and now that there are babies there I was in my glory holding and cuddling. Two very fussy babies fell asleep in my arms so that felt very good. The children all long for attention and a tender touch. I can do that!!!!

I stayed up at the lodge last night reading emails and sending them....came back to the lodge alone in the “very” dark with a lousy flashlight! I tripped and took a very ungraceful fall that seemed to take a minute for landing. I lost my grip on the computer and my glasses were about 4 feet ahead of me. It took me awhile to get organized and find the computer, glasses, adapter and power cord and get up. I thought I wouldn't tell anyone but when I got back and accessed the damages, I realized there was no getting away with being quiet about the fall. I was somewhat of a mess. My team was so sweet, mopping up the blood, running for ice, bandaids and neosporin! I do have a “fat lip” this AM and a very sore hand (I still can type, thank goodness) and knee but nothing serious....nothing broken. I couldn't take that trip to Piggs Peak and the hospital there! Your prayers for me, I'm sure, is what kept me from being more seriously hurt!!!! Thanks.

Hope to get the blog off this AM so when you wake up tomorrow you can get our news. We are well and very happy and content in Bulembu!!!

Much love, Rosemary

Hi, I'm here in Bulembu and I loved and played with the most adorable babies!

Aileen

We arrived in Bulembu on Sunday afternoon and was amazed by the beauty here. It's like living in paradise It. It seem as though we drove forever up a dirt road to get here, But it was all worth it.

The people here are great and all the children seem to have a very sad history. But they are in a wonderful placebeing taken care of by very passionate people. We ask that you continue your prayers..

Vickie

I'm here in Bulembu and it's like heaven!

Barbara

Friday, August 19th

This has been an exciting week. The children were so eager to do all the things we had planned. Finger painting was entirely new to them and they loved it. Our animated Bible stories held their attention. Oh how they loved learning our songs and singing their songs to us. Lovely melodic voices all blended together. I'm happy to be here. - Ailene

Today is Friday, our last day of Vacation Bible School. It was a beautiful, warm day and we all shedded several layers of clothing! We had about 60 children waiting at the school for us and by the time we set up and started our assembly, there were 90! The songs that we taught through the week were like second nature to the children and they sang a few of their songs for us. They really seem to enjoy teaching us! The story was about Daniel and his faith in God. The team each played a part with stick figures as a team member told the story of Daniel being thrown in the lions den. We handed out “prayer bracelets” that children from one of our California home churches had made. They were thrilled with the gift and kept admiring their bracelets throughout the morning. The games were fun for the children........they did the parachute, jump rope, relay races with Beanie babies, tag and other activities. They colored during craft time. They all seem to love crayons and paper and just having time to color inside the lines. The attention to detail was really nice to see. At the end of the day, the children all got their own bag full of “goodies”. They loved that part!!! There were lots of hugs as the children left for their homesteads. It was sad to say “goodbye” knowing we will probably never see these precious people again.

Homestead Visits

After VBS in the morning, we returned to Manzini to pick up supplies to take to two homesteads about 20 miles outside of town with Chris, and several Manyano (Methodist Women). For all of us, the experience was extremely difficult to see the face of poverty in two families we visited. We brought a month's worth of food supplies along with some clothing and shoes. We sat with them and took in the destitute surroundings and listened to their stories. We cannot put into words the feelings or experience that would do justice to the moment. Our hearts are broken to the core.

Chris gave us bracelets on Wednesday night with these words that seem to be the only way to see hope in the situation we faced today. It says, “God is Big Enough.” We must cling to this thought to find any hope for these people. Becky

As we started our last day at VBS we knew it was going to be hard to leave the children we had spent so much time this week, The smiles the hugs and all the thank yous and all those beautiful smiles.

As the children are telling us how much they have enjoy the time we have spent with them we're trying so hard to let them know how important it has been for all of us to be able to be here and spend this time with them. All I can say is” Thank You Jesus” Vickie