Bountiful Harvest (May 16, 2015)

Let me introduce you to the people who now can grow crops not only for their own family, but also sell their produce to support their families. This is Thiafate who lives in Dovho.  HHTH made a micro loan to Thiafate and he has already begun to enjoy the fruits of his labors in his garden.

Our 7 Men and a Garden have steadily worked in clearing, plowing and installing irrigation in their large garden. Their's will give these 7 men (and eventually more people) jobs. They have planted a huge field of okra that is now ready to harvest. Meanwhile, they are growing seedlings of tomatoes, onions and several other vegetables that will be ready for planting once the okra is harvested. Okra is a very popular crop not only for people, but farmers like to buy it to enrich the food they feed to their pigs.

This is one of two ladies who grow a garden at Dovho primary school. For their labor, they get 40% of the harvest and the school gets 60%.   Previously, they did not have adequate tools or seeds. Now they can reap a plentiful crop.

 There are other projects we will share with you later. All of this has only been possible because you who are reading this have supported our efforts in Africa. It is with a deep sense of gratefulness that we thank you for caring enough for the plight of others that you have
given from your hearts. You must just believe me when I say, YOU have made a dramatic impact on the lives of these people. They can see a brighter future, they can feel hope in their hearts. Please lie down tonight knowing you make a difference in this world. Thank you. 

With love, 

Sidney

The Thrill of Learning a Skill (May 16, 2015)

Five women were selected to learn to sew.  The Headmen of the five Venda Villages selected one person each to send to sewing classes.  These ladies had to walk or find transportation to attend classes taught by Sidney and CJ at Awelani Lodge where we stayed.

Here Hangri is learning to cut out a pattern.  They learned how to use their machines, sew different stitches, and finally produce a garment.

Marri was steady and intense as she learned to turn down edges and sew a straight seam.

By the end of 4 days they had successfully sewn themselves a table cloth, 2 headdresses And a wrap around skirt. Toadsi, 2nd from left, was determined to learn so she could make things for her children.  At the end of the classes each one was given their machine,  scissors, notions, material and a new table. We found out none of them owned a table.  No, not even a dinner table. So, HHTH got
them each a folding table they could use for eating on and for their sewing. They were very sad when the classes were over because we had all created a loving connection.  It will be fulfilling when we return to get back together.

Chickens All Over the Place (May 16, 2015)

We have shared the story of Trust and Modester's chicken business. Here are two more families on their way with their chicken business too.  Maurice, 2nd from left and Mpo (standing behind the children) have also launched a successful venture. Between the 2 families, they have 200 Chickens. They take care of them for 6 weeks then sell them for broilers and get 100 more each to go for another 6 weeks to sell another batch.

When the time is right, people in the Village of Sarani come chicken shopping. 

This discerning customer asked Maurice to let her see two chickens she had picked out. She hefted them in each hand and took the fatter one in her right hand. She marched happily home with a good chicken stew on her mind.  These two families now have good food for themselves and get to produce income by selling to others. Interesting side benefit from HHTH's networking... Gilbert, Fethani H.S. whom we also help, needed 25 chickens to celebrate a huge school event.  CJ asked him to please get the chickens from Maurice and Mpo.  He did and everyone benefitted.  I want to recognize the children and others at Kenwood Church whose funding made it possible for these two families to go into business.

Get a Chicken to Go (May 16, 2015)

We see a bright future for our chicken business owners. Modester and Trust will expand to selling to local restaurants in their area. Then their chickens can even be bought "to go!"

"Light In A Mason Jar" (May 16, 2015)

I have told you of the conditions at Brondal.  Another hardship they face is no electricity.  The sun is a wonderful source of light. HHTH purchased 18 solar lights. They can be set in the sun for a few hours then will produce light for 3 or 4 hours at night.

Recipients were chosen by Brondal's Community Committee.  We taught them how the lights worked by just putting the Mason Jar out in the sun for a few hours.  They marveled that they could magically get light without "plugging in" to electricity. So, we were happy to "put a little light in their life."

The Proof is in the Pot (May 16, 2015)

Let us go back to Trust and Modester and their chicken venture. We were just back in Zim to check on all our projects there and went back by to see Trust and Modester. They started with 102 chickens,
did not lose one to accident or illness. They dress the chickens and put them in a freezer to sell so they never have to worry about having to feed chickens beyond their due date and lose profit on feeding them. They sold all 102 of their chickens!  Two of them Modester sold to Trust. I ask her why she would charge her husband for 2 chickens. She said, it is a business and we must account for every chicken!!!  Trust had actually bought the chickens to have a celebration brie (cook out) with us. They shared the wonderful news that with their first batch all sold, they were able to pay all their daughter's school tuition, buy a small freezer for their chicken business, buy 125 chickens and all the feed and medicine for their next go- around. So they have increased their business by
25%. Trust and Modester both have experience in raising chickens from agricultural school and believe in slowly increasing their business. It was thrilling to celebrate their success.

Thembalethu Creche (May 16, 2015)

You were introduced to Brondal Settlement in the last blog.  It is composed of about 200 + dwellings that are constructed of scraps of wood, plastic and foil liners with dirt floors.  There are no toilets so they use the Forrest behind the settlement, which is a very unhealthy situation. And they have not had
water near by until HHTH helped get an existing bore hole repaired. Their situation is poverty to the  extreme. Their children can't go to school because most of them can't afford to pay tuition (they have to pay for primary and secondary schooling).  We found a good man, Roy Wakefield who has a prefab business and had him build them a Creche so the preschoolers can attend and get one meal a day. Apparently the government will subsidize them if they have a proper Creche. The people all got
out and cleared the area for the building, cleaned up the rubbish and will erect a fence with materials HHTH is having delivered. The name of their new Creche is "Thembalethu" (Tim-ba-me-Ty) which means "Place of Hope." We are working with local farmers and businessmen to transform this situation into a decent living community.  Donors Stephanie and Ian Mikne gave us the funds to build this Creche. Peter Pelser who repaired the bore hole did it for a huge discount,and Roy Wakefield also gave us a Large discount. Nothing is impossible for God.  He opens hearts in all corners of the world.