THE PRIVILEGE OF FEEDING LITTLE MINDS AND TUMMIES (June 9, 2017 update)

One of the cornerstones of Helping Hands Touching Hearts ♥️ philosophy was inspired by the  Bible verses Matthew 25:35-40.  "...For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat... I needed clothes and you clothed me... I was homeless and you took me in..."  And the righteous asked, "Lord when did we see You hungry and feed you?  See you needing clothes and clothing you... or homeless and took you in."  

The Lord answered, "... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of these least ones, you did for me."

(Caption: HHTH supports education for the Zimbabwe children at Monde School to " feed their minds.")

Needed supplies are brought where they had none, to support the children's learning.  Each orphan received a bright folder with with a coloring book inside. 

(Trust learns the process of their food distribution.)

He can deliver in our absence.  We have found a reliable source from whom to buy the food.  Neal gives 25 kg of Mealie for the same price as the 20 kg  of Mealie from our original source. So the children get more food. 

Trust and Modestar will deliver the food 3 times this year when we are not in Zimbabwe. 

(Basic needs are treasures to these children.)

Each child also received  food, clothes, shoes, and tuition fees.  These essentials make their life a lot less stressful. 

(Kai and Shana's tribe.)

Twenty six of their 28 children were present to claim their food. They were joyful to also receive a bright, colorful school bag. 

(Guardians happily help the children get their food.)

This means walking a few miles with the heavy load to get it to their settlement.  The children know they will get two meals a day instead of one. 

(Despite their size, the children eagerly wrestle the big bags to get their food home.  

Their meal tonight will be especially delicious!)

(Carrying her weight in Mealie.)

This guardian was undeterred by her size.  African women are extremely strong and durable. There is a saying here, "empower the African woman and you empower Africa!"

(Sidney sewed over 100 wrap around skirts and headdresses for the guardians.)

The guardians couldn't believe that they were getting a new outfit of clothes for themselves. Modestar passed out this box full of exotic colors to everyone's delight. 

(The rest of the orphans get their share.)

The remaining orphans sponsored by various loving people, received their share.  What a difference this act of kindness makes in the lives of these children.  

(All of us, happy 😊, celebrate together.)

We, the helpers, assembled with the last group, and felt honored to serve.  It was so fulfilling to bring a ray of sunshine to the children's lives. 

(Headman, Impala Paul was on hand to help his people.)

He is very happy that we help the children in his region. It is customary to offer a gift to the headman. So, he was also given a supply of food. 

(Teachers are also happy recipients.)

Ruthie (L) is very helpful to HHTH as we work at the school. She has never asked for anything for herself. CJ brought each teacher an inexpensive watch.

This is a video of a teacher receiving one of the Ngula's Sidney sewed. She believes she is a beautiful princess with her new headdress and wrap skirt. Takes so little to please.

("I'm so pretty... O, so pretty, and witty, and gay...")

This teacher felt like she transformed into a beautiful princess when she adorned herself in her new outfit. And she IS beautiful!!

(These precious little girls expected nothing but got a surprise.)

These "Dollar Store" African American dolls put a sparkle in their eyes. 

(CJ let the learners know that HHTH paid their school fees for 2 semesters.)

Our plan was to buy them all shoes, but the guardians all requested school fees be paid instead. Angela and John (our Aussies) bought every child a pair of flip flops. 

(The learners excitedly displayed their receipts.)

This means they get to stay in school for now. 

(The guardians broke out in song and dances in gratitude.)

The guardians ask us to please let them express their appreciation.  It melted our hearts. 

(Never too tired for pizza.)

It was not Pizza Hut, but close enough. The dirt, sweat, and grime were not as bad when you "take the pause that refreshes," an ice cold Coca Cola ( they did not have Dr. Peoper), and a goooood pizza. 

"IT IS HARD TO SAY GOODBYE"

The end of our time here was upon us.  Our hearts were full to the brim and our eyes had to blink back the tears. 

We get to know our children a little better each year, and it is heart rending to have to say goodbye.  

(The children can't let Wayne go without a goodbye to the Madala - "old man with the white hair".)

They feel brave when  they can run up and touch our white skin.  It compares to our American Indians who counted coup by touching the enemy without killing them or getting killed themselves.   But the children instinctively know we love them and we are their friends. 

(They are not afraid to show their love ❤️.)

Their openness, innocence, and their irresistible smiles melt all barriers. 

(BFF. "Best Friends Forever.")

They express their love so freely.  Their friendships are very important in their daily life. They have someone to share their hardships with. 

(Our Carvers requested prayers, and, as usual, asked for us to bless them.)

They believe blessings come to them every time we have been with them. A year is a long time in between our visits,  but many contact us during the year as well. 

(Mashonga and Memory's chickens are in safe hands.)

Since our leaving, they have sent several photos and the chickens are growing crazy fast  like sweet potato vines. The chicks are at the half way mark. They will be selling their first batch in about 3 weeks. Their profit will be a little smaller as they pay back half of what they received so HHTH can help someone else. After that they will reap all profit for themselves. Trust continues to mentor Mashonga in chickens so he doesn't lose any. 

(Farewell to our favorite place to eat.)

The Three Monkeys is new to Victoria Falls, but it has become THE place to go for all the locals and tourists.  They make a "drop dead" gorgeous meal that is really tasty. 

(Wayne caught CJ and Sidney relaxing in the late, cool, African afternoon.)

After the very tiring journey from Zimbabwe to Mutale, South Africa, we were ready to "kick it in neutral" for a few minutes. We are back at our beloved Awelani... What a sight for sore eyes!

We were back "home."

(Wayne tried to "test drive" the new Awelani luxury tent beds.)

But, just like Goldilocks, he fell sound asleep and never found out how comfortable the beds really were. I think they passed with flying colors though.  The crisp white sheets, the gentle African breeze coming in all around him, and the muted sound of exotic birds were just too much for him to stay conscious. So, he shamelessly abandoned himself to the best nap of his life!  zzz 😴💤

There is much, much more. Tune in again soon. 

From the Bush, Sidney