Hello Everybody š
Itās definitely a case of Blink and half of the year is gone!! At least the weather is warming, for which I, personally, am very happy!
Letās start with the news on our CYCC, our childrenās home :
Johnson, our boy in college, is battling with his maths. I have sent him various options on YouTube and TikTok that may assist him, but to have a personal mentor would definitely help him so much more!
One of the organizations that work with us started a 6-week program with our kids and set up the Joy Dogs Day, a movie day, and various other events once a week for the duration of the 6 weeks. The children absolutely enjoyed this so much, and we are truly appreciative of the work they do with our kids! They are also arranging a Career Fair to be held in October this year.
Our soccer boys are still loving what they do and excel at soccer, although the leagues didnāt do too well. But Prince and Skylar are so into their soccer!!
Kingston has been doing so well in his woodworking classes, I have shared some pics of his work and he got a special mention in his class! All well-made and perfectly finished off! He also offered to help at the office with the soup kitchens, gardening and mechanics during the school holidays and was accepted, much to his delight š
Our children are working hard and are getting extra lessons where needed. Their schools are really stepping up with assistance and extra time with the children that need it, and this is testimony that teachers care! Our Grade 11 boy is even doing study skills in the afternoons.
Our two new little boys have really settled in nicely and have already learnt who to ask for treats ā lol !!
Letās do the birthdays now:
At David House, we only have one birthday in the month of September and that is Prince on the 16th. If you would remember, Prince is the younger brother of the family of 4 who came to us some time ago, where the eldest brother mentioned that this is the first time they are sleeping on a bed! All four of them are really doing well with their school work and extra-curricular activities and are truly handsome children. I keep telling them they should be doing modelling as they are really beautiful children!
Among the staff children we have Bokang, whose mother is a caregiver at Camelia House for quite a few years already and is much loved by the residents. Bokang will be turning 8 on the 5th and Theko, our housemother at Cameliaās son will be turning 6 on the 26th.
We have one birthday at Camelia House for George Potter on the 30th September, and he will be turning 83. What a distinguished and wonderful old gentleman George is, and he also loves his woodwork. He has made little earrings and necklaces with crosses out of wood for most of the ladies there at Camelia.
Two staff members are also aging š ā Isobel, our McGyver Desmondās wife and caregiver at David House is turning 37 on the 24th, and our precious Sharon, fundraiser for many years with Resthaven already, is on the 19th.
Two of our fundraisers are pensioners and do their calls with absolute gusto, faith and trust in God! It also helps them somewhat with a little extra income to supplement their pensions as I donāt think one can live on a government pension with the rate of living costs.
We love our children and oldies with a boundless love, and always try to do our very best for them!! But the past few months have been really difficult!! We still operate and do our calls for funds in complete Faith and Hope, and we still know that our God is Faithful and we are praying that He touches the hearts of the people reading this Newsletter today to assist us with whatever they possibly can!
Some sad news this month is that our precious Barbara has gone to Jesus. She suffered with dementia and used to start singing āJesus loves me, yes I knowā in the middle of the night quite often. Barbara worked with Resthaven as a driver, taking children to school and fetching them, collected donations and did distribution for many years. We are genuinely going to miss this dear soul!!
However, so often we receive calls from elderly people, who have no support systems and no-one to help them, and they are looking for accommodation. As Iāve mentioned in last monthās Newsletter, we really need all the help we can get to prepare our old office building into another home for the elderly ā especially with more shower cubicles and geysers (solar or gas), and whatever else is required to make it cheerful and welcoming for the less-fortunate elderly. It is heartbreaking that there are so many pensioners who require assistance:
Because we have been somewhat pulling at the short end of the stick regarding finances, it has also affected our bi-weekly soup kitchens! Since covid, and due to joblessness in our country,Ā there are so MANY hungry, unemployed and homeless people in our community that we feel duty-bound to supply a meal for them, at the minimum of two days weekly. We encourage those who are able to assist with soup ingredients or food parcels?
Those of us who are blessed should always be prepared to reach a hand out to the less-fortunate. I, personally, believe that the more one gives, the more God will bless him/her š
News at Camelia House, is that our elderly residents had an opportunity to go to the Barnyard Theatre to see a show, and even meet the stars of the show. They absolutely loved it, and some were even swinging in their wheelchairs:
O my word, and there are two things that I must really not forget to tell you: Camelia House is having solar panels installed, and the residents are in their element with this occurrence!!
And number 2: the young man that started Sole2Sole, (Iām sure you have all heard of him handing out shoes to the less fortunate? Heās been on social media about his much-needed philanthropy at his tender age) and his family was at our Mandela Day event ā do you know that they went home shoeless as they gave the very shoes on their feet to those who needed it? Now, if this does not warm your heart, then I donāt know š
Oh my gosh, this is the longest Newsletter Iāve done ever!!! And Iām sure you must be tired of reading by now ā hahaha!
And may the love in your hearts blossom as the flowers do in Spring š May God bless you all according to His Riches and give you His Peace!
Lots of love to you all,
Gerday at Resthaven Fundraisers