“THINGS GET BETTER” (April 22, 2018 update)

Each child was allowed to choose clothes for themselves. 

They felt like they were getting to shop in a regular store. 

They all wanted a Bible, so they chose one. 

Then they wanted their photo taken with  their pencils by Melinda, 

shirts and Bibles from Kenwood  Church, Bags by Chuck. 

Then the children were allowed to select a home made bag by Chuck Burton, 

our friend in Florida, or Sidney. 

Little Thandiwe (pronounced Tan-see-wee, with a "d" not an "s") 

expresses that sweet pleasure they feel. 

Thanks, 

Sidney

"Sending Gratitude Across the Ocean" (April 22, 2018 update)

This video was taken after giving all the orphans clothes, uniforms and shoes; then, all the guardians were given a new wrap skirt and headdress. 

They wanted to thank us and Kenwood with their special song. 

Love to all our Church Family,

Sidney, Wayne, & CJ

"A Glorious Day" (April 22, 2018 update)

It was time to distribute clothes and shoes to our 52 orphan children in Zimbabwe.  HHTH, Angela and John Saussehrd met at Monde School for the distribution.

Angela and John (our Aussie friends) brought new shirts, uniforms, track suits, socks, and shoes for all our orphans in Zimbabwe.

CJ fits them to each child.

Ashton, shows his appreciation with his infectious smile 😊.

Shamaine  (Alan & Ann) was so proud of how all her garment and shoes matched.

The guardians eagerly dressed the children in all their new clothes, of course, this was over all their other clothes.

Standing talk in brand new clothes and shoes!  Seeing the children so happy made it a “glorious day” for all of us. They can feel good about themselves, proudly wearing their new uniforms.
We humbly give our gratitude for this huge gift.

Until next time... from the Bush with love,

 Sidney

"LIFE KEEPS GETTING BETTER AS HOPE BECOMES REAL" (April 19, 2018 update)

This is the material our source, Jonathan Flanary, of Aiden’s Fabric gave us for Memory when we were in South Carolina in February. (Literally a suitcase full).  She will be able to make clothes, table cloths  or curtains and sell them.

Angela, (L)brought Memory a brand new serger from Australia.  Memory was thrilled when we explained about her going into her own business.  Currently she pays two dollars a garment to go rent a serger to finish her garments. With her own machine she cuts this expense, and can also rent out serging herself.

This is a dress Memory sewed for her daughter, Shalom. She is a professional.

The value of the Overlocker is $800. and Angela gifted it to Memory with condition she pay HHTH $150. In return so we can help someone else. CJ prepared the contract for her to sign.  And she was excited to do so.

HHTH has hired her for one of our projects.  In their tiny one room house, she is cutting out reusable feminine pads.  (Her goal was to cut out 10 for the day).  Part of our mission is to encourage children in their education.  Because they don't always have access to feminine pads, the girls will stay home during their period. Missing that much school is a problem.  CJ has wanted to do this for some time.  We now have a material source, and an expert seamstress to get the job done.

The pattern CJ furnished her folds up so they can carry one to school.

The actual pad is constructed with terry cloth on the inside and non-absorbent material on the outside.  The wings on the side go under the pantie and snaps into place.  They can be washed after use and used for about one year.  We want Memory to make at least 3 for each of our orphan girls who are of age.

And, much to our delight, Chico, a lady at the Lodge where we stay, wanted to know all about what we are doing.  She heads a group of ladies working here at Lokhotulu Lodge who contribute money to help girls this way. So we are talking to her about Memory also making an order for them! 
Please pray about this for us.  It is a win-win for everyone.

At this point, Memory has already sewed 30 pads. She will get $2. per pad.  It is an outstanding opportunity for this lovely family.  She and Mashonga have brought light to the old ways and have elevated their life!

Until Next Time.... with Love¸ from the Bush,

Sidney

“A DREAM CAN BE AWAKENED” (April 19, 2018 update)

This is a story we love ❤️ to tell.  HHTH started Mashonga  and his wife Memory in a chicken business last year in Zimbabwe.  He is one of our carvers.  They received $400. as a gift from HHTH, and owed $400. as a loan. They have faithfully paid their payment all year and only have two more to go, then all profits will be theirs.
He has been holding on to a wonderful surprise until we got there.
In Mashonga’s words, “Because of being helped to start the chicken project, I could see that our life could change because we could have this business.  I thought it would be possible to make a better income if I had my High School certificate.  So, I went to night school all year and paid for it with our chicken money. I have passed all my subjects and have just received my certificate.  We have saved it for a surprise for HHTH; it was because you helped us that I even imagined to do it!”

"A WOMAN NAMED SHIRLEY" (April 18, 2018 update)

This is her daughter, Thandiwe, and now , along with her 12 year brother. We just discovered Thandani has diabetes. Shirley was taking her to the village Sangoma (medicine man).  The child was in serious trouble so we took her to clinic.  When we saw Shirley’s circumstances, we knew we must help her. She has no one. Husband, Mother, Father and Grandmother are all dead.

We took them them clothes and food. Also she had no water, and must travel a long way to get it. With her handicaps, it leaves it to the little girl who can only haul a little at a time. We brought her many gallons. 

This is her hut, which is only about 10’ X 6’ with dirt floor. Never had window panes. The roof is full of holes and when a storm comes she gets very afraid. The water rushes in to make mud, and she has to stand against wall wall in one small part to escape the mud and rain.

 

We took her a lot of food and she was very worried about it being stolen.  Her old brother is not right in the head and when he runs out of food comes, breaks into her house to get hers.  He is too big for her to stop.  We gave him food and he left her alone until we can secure her house. 

Here you see her left leg. She wears a sock to cushion her toes. She walks just on her toe tips. 

Our Aussie friend Angela and John Saussehrd, who come from Australia to help us. They were Helping us problem solve on how to secure her hut and make it more human. 

Janco took measurements, we talked with Headman Mpalapaulm about getting people there to put on new roof, cement floor and solid wood door.  We purchased all supplies and returned the next day. The builder, his helper and Mpalapaulm were waiting. 

They had already removed all her belongings so they could do the work. She sleeps on bare springs because She doesn’t have a mattress. 

This is Shirley’s kitchen. We will use the old zinc to shield the kitchen. 

She received light weight rake and broom. She was ecstatic. 

Mpalapaulm carried the door down from where we had to park our trailer. 

“THE POWER OF A LOAF OF BREAD” (April 17, 2018 update)

Khumadzo works at CashBuild where HHTH bought the 3,000 liter septic tank for the Palace of Mercy.  He had helped us get it ordered and processed, along with other help we needed.   So, we rewarded him with a sucker and a loaf of bread.  He broke into a dance to our surprise.
Very humbling that someone could get so excited about a loaf of bread.

 

“FEEDING PROGRAM FOR 30 CHILDREN” (April 17, 2018 update)

Around the Masisi Community, we have identified 30 children amongst the poorest of the poor.  Christina is from a one parent environment which means there isn’t a man to earn a living.

Mabila’s parents both died.  She is at the mercy of who ever will take her in.

Ritshidze also is without parents. Many have died from aids.

Little Thabo is living with his grandmother. His parents fight, and the mother is in jail.

Dzakani is just in great poverty.  She needs attention and besides food, security.

Dzakani’s Father has such bad Parkinson’s disease he cannot work to earn enough money for them to live. H is totally dependent.
These and 24 more were chosen by their Headmen as the ones needing the most help in their village.

The Palace of Mercy, is centrally locates so it is used as the center of distribution. 

Each child got Mealie, sugar, tea, salt, cooking oil, beans, milk and other things.

Pastor Budeli shared scripture, blessed the food and prayed for these little ones.

Mike and Cathy McCarthy backed this program through a small grant that they wished for the money to be spent on food or education.

Happy tummies walked away of dreams about what their dinner would look like.

This lady dropped her package of beans and my heart ached for her.  Not one bean got away. She hunted down every little bean.

People are walking around with a smile on their face knowing they will be able to eat dinner tonight.
All of you generous donors keep this work growing.

Until next time... With love from the Bush.

Sidney

“A STITCH IN TIME . . . " (April 13, 2018 update)

Here, Memory was ecstatic to receive all the beautiful material Jonathan Flanary, of Aiden Fabrics, allowed me to bring to her in Zimbabwe.  She will make many wonderful garments from this awesome gift.   

Our friends Angela (on right) and John Saussehrd from Australia, brought an Overlocker machine and donated it to HHTH.   We named Memory as the recipient because she is an accomplished seamstress.   She was overwhelmed that she gets such a valuable machine to sew for the public. 

This one room is their entire living space for their family of four. 

Memory and Mashonga live in this small house with their lovely children Shalom and Simeon. 

CJ explained the project requirements.  HHTH pays 1/2 of a project and the recipient pays the other half.  In this case, since Angela provided the $900 Overlocker, Memory is only required to repay $150 to make sure she has a stake in the project and feels some ownership. 

Everyone was happy 😊 today!

“HEARING THE CRIES OF 30 VULNERABLES” (April 8, 2018 update)

HHTH continuously seeks to help the most needy in the Villages we serve.  Pastor Budeli went to each Village Counsel and talked with the Community Leaders in each Village to hear their pleas.
Because conditions in the Villages have literally worsened because there is no work, hunger has become a huge issue.  HHTH’s Mission has 4 paths , Food, Education, Health and Hope for assistance, and we chose to seek out the poorest of the poor and get them food packages.

After children were chosen by the Community Leaders, HHTH team asked for quotes from 3 small shops in the area. We placed an order with this small shop for 30 each of Mealie, beans, sugar, tea, salt, cooking oil and cookies.

Children like Ritshidze, 12, were chosen. He has no Mom or Dad and lives in Masisi.

Mudau also is without a Mom or Dad.  Most of these parents were lost to Aids.

Thabo is only 3, with no Father and the Mom is in jail.

Matodzi is 6, and has very difficult home situation where she suffers from neglect.

Gudani, 11, has no Mom and the Father has advanced Parkinson’s disease 

which incapacitates him. No work, no food.

HHTH made arrangements to distribute food to the 30 children.  Will publish the Blog when the food is delivered.

For only $30. per month, you can sponsor these children and they would get food and clothing on a routine basis.  Just contact Sidney or CJ

Sidney: 248-514-3022
CJ:          248-496-3052

This is a family we have known for 6 years.  They too, have fallen on hard times.

Frank is on the left and Jane on the far right.  Whenever possible, we employee him and others to help us with projects.

Here you see the food and clothes given to this family of seven.

Vivian is their youngest child and was jubilant to get a sucker.

We have all of you to thank for making life a little better for these people.  We are talking with Jane about a chicken project. She could feed her children on the income as well as, having them help her to take care of the chicks.

We send our gratitude... Until next time,
From the Bush with Love,

Sidney