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