December 07 Newsletter

Whew! What a December we had, it felt as if we had 60 days in December and not 31, so much has happened and we have been so blessed.

At the end of the school year we were blessed with some good results from all our children. Wendy passed grade 11 and is promoted to Grade 12, lots of hard work next year but well worth it in the end. Cindy passed Grade 8, and came 3rd in the grade. Damon came tie 1st and goes into Grade 3 next year and we have Carmen going into Grade 1 next year.

We were given the opportunity to wrap gifts at the Bluff Pick 'n Pay, the paper was donated as well as the sticky tape, and all proceeds came straight to Isiaiah 54, we are very proud to say that the response from people using our services was very positive and we managed to raise over R3000.00 for the children, which made all the hard work by everyone well worth it.

We had the privilage of meeting Eddie who works with the poorer communities in Harding and Newland's East and does mass feeds for the people, we were able to give him 12 bags of clothes and 4 bags of toys for the people and he took them to the people in Harding. We look forward to working with Eddie at more of the feeds, to give our poor people some dignity. This of course means lots of sorting for our volunteers from Holland, due to arrive early next year. Hopefully we will have some photos soon of the feed in Harding.

When I first started working on the Bluff I was told that the community is a very closed community and not very willing to help others, well htis December has definately proved that wrong, most especially compared to the past years, we have had good years but this year the Community has spoilt us, dropped off clothes for the poor, toys for the children, swimming pool for the children, snacks and sweets aplenty, and groceries to fill our cupboards and we have had the joy of meeting all these wonderful people and introducing them to our little angels.

On 4th December we were honoured to hold a Christmas Party , partnered by Tabansi and W.O.W. for the poorest of the poor children of Wentworth whom we work with, mostly from the flats area. We had approximately 350 children attend the party, each child received a party pack which was kindly donated by Eureika Singh of ABM and her friends, and a gift, which were kindly donated by the community throughout the year. Agnus brought along her candy floss machine and Jayshree brought along popcorn machine and the children had a ball. We played games and managed to give alot of the children prizes and a big hug while playing. Fun was had by all.

The Sai Group have been wonderful by taking on the children's birthdays, we had two during December - Cindy and Donovan, they were really spoiled and really enjoyed their parties, which the Group put together.
On the 15th December we were given a Christmas Party by Outspan Old Age Home in Umbilo, they had Ponies, face painting, and lots and lots of fun, a big thank you to Adam and his team as well as Hannelie who always goes out of her way for us.
Rajesh - our Volunteer Benefactor took on the big task of organising a wonderful Christmas Party on the 22nd December, we had a Marquee, tables, chairs, a clown who did a magic show, face painting and wonderful food, and we were all spoiled with wonderful gifts, a great day was had by all.

That was two of the organised parties, we had many visitors arrive with a Father Christmas, gifts, meals, snacks, etc and not to mention good company. We were truly blessed by all the wonderful people who came to share with us. Christmas day we did not have to cook as a meal was supplied, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

We were also invited to join the Hope Ministries Party in Merebank, the children had a good time and rendered a dance item along with Rose, which the people enjoyed.

Paul and Tanja (Our granny Lillies son and Daughter in Law) had a wonderful company party at Harlequins and we were invited to join them, we had a wonderful time and the children were very spoiled.

On Christmas Day we were invited to join St. Monica's Home as well as Ocean View Place of Safety, for breakfast, which was organised by Paul Naidoo of the Sai Group and others, we had such a lovely time and were very spoiled, having our every need taken care of, it was really lovely.Aunty Zama went home for the holidays, she left on the 17th December and returns on the 9th January, only coming back to join us for the party on the 22nd. Leon and Cindy also went with to spend time with their granny and aunties and cousins. We wish them a good rest, prepare yourself for some hard work next year aunty. Wow am i going to miss them.

Our little Isiah, well he was supposed to have his operation on the 13th December and when we arrived to admit him, we were told that there were too many 'Emergencies' and he was not able to have his operation. It has been postponed until 28th February 2008. What a long wait for a little boy of 3 months who is in pain every day. But the good Lord knows better and we will leave it in his hands. Isiah is still growing at a rate of knotts and still smiling, which means he is strong.

May the Good Lord Bless you and keep you.