January 2008 NEWSLETTER

A very happy new year to each and every one of you. I pray that 2008 will bring forth all that is good for you.

For all your support and prayers over the past year - we say a very big thank you. We wish you a very blessed 2008.

The picture included reflects some of 2007's events.

2007 had its share of hardship and its share of excitement. We won't waste time reflecting on the hardships other than to thank God for seeing us through - as He always does.

On the upside:
Siya and Jake are both doing remarkably well on the ARV's; no side effects and no health problems
Siya finished preschool and will now be starting "BIG school"
Justin had his matric dance and wrote his final school exams - he passed and can now move onto the next chapter in his life. - Way to go Justin :)
Justin got his drivers license
Tarryn made the Kwa Zulu Natal Touch Rugby Team as Vice Captain and received half colors at school - great work :)
We had 3 terrific volunteers here for a large part of the year, Cindee, Melissa and Megan, and we were thrilled to have a visit from Carolyn (our old volunteer.)

2008 is looking very exciting and I am anticipating much happening during the course of the year. I do believe that the newsletters will have to go out at least monthly to keep everyone posted.

Cindee arrives back on the 16th and will be with us for a couple of years at least. She will be starting evening bible college and her role at Sinakekele will be to head up and manage the volunteer programme - Welcome back Cindee!

I am looking for sponsors for the current 4 children and one of my previous babies who is currently in foster care with a local family:
Without urgent sponsorship for their education at least I am going to be forced o place them in a preschool where they will be with Zulu speaking children. Although the teaching medium is English - because all the children are Zulu speaking the outcomes are a lot slower.

This will really not be good for Mary who is very bright and will most definitely not be able to reach her full potential.
It will also not be good for Simon and Jake.
Simon's special needs are already known and these will not be attended to without remedial education (AND I AM DETERMINED THIS BOY IS GOING TO GET HIS HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATE (MATRIC))!!
Jakes special needs are an unknown at this point and we can only really get a good idea of his problems if he is in a class where he can be watched and monitored closely.
Torey (Ntombifuthi as you will remember her) - was my hydroceph baby. She has visual impairment and her head is still rather large - but considering that the doctors told us she would probably never walk - she is now a little girl who runs and laughs and walks and talks and is doing better than anyone could have imagined! (Now the problem for Torey to get into a good preschool is the same - financial constraint son the part of her foster parents. They also took my baby Zoleka who is the same age as Mary. Zoleka (Zoey) - is severely cerebral palsied. She is 4 but cannot sit or even hold her head up very well. Janine and Charl have placed her in a home, but a GOOD institution is very costly, and they were not prepared to place her into a "second grade" institution - so they have to cover the costs for this each month which is tough. They also have their own 3 children that they are educating. If you feel convicted to assist with Zoey's needs - that would also be welcome.

SO - it is breaking my heart to even think of putting these precious children into a school where their education will be compromised; but the difference in fees for each one is R300.00 versus R1100.00 per month.

My urgent appeal - if there is anyone who would like to become part of the sponsorship programme (or you know of anyone who would like to) - PLEASE get in touch with me straight away.

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