Out of Africa – Aug 28, 2011
On Aug 20, we particiapated
in a day a serve at a orphanage in White River which is 20 km north of
Nelspruit. It was wonderful to help with
tasks that were needed at the orphanage.
There were lights to be replaced, rooms to be painted, and gardens to
plant and leaves to be raked. The
orphanage has small infants to 1, 2 and three year olds. There are only 3 women who run the orphanage
and act as the mothers that these precious children do not have.
It was wonderful to plant a
vegetable garden for the home, especially
since I was not able to plant a garden which I love before I left for my
mission. All the Elders and church
members pitch in to dig the garden and expand the plot. It had lots of roots of grass that we had to
remove. Sister Nichols got down on our
hands and knees to accomplish the work.
Elder Van Heerden is digging
a new plot of garden and Sister Nichols is pulling out all the roots on
her hands and knees. The Elders and Branch members worked to
repair the play ground equipment and of course the Elders had to check it out.
Here we have a newly cultivated garden
spot. Sister Nichols is loving one of
the little gardeners as they prepared the ground. The children were very interested in the
progect.
It was fun to help plant the vegetable
and water the plants. Elder Stewart was
patient with all the children who wanted to help.
Well, it is all done and
there was a moment of satisfaction of helping the orphanage have a wonderful
garden to take precious vegetable as they mature.
Elder William is testing the
playground equipment after it received a needed repair and lubrication. Of course, it was tempting to be a kid again. Yes, Elder it works fine. Thank you.
Painting the mural was
exciting as it developed. In time all
the Elders and I helped paint this pictures that will be treasured by the
children for years.
Spring is close now, and we need to
rake all the leaves. Elder Williams has
been too long here in Africa I think as he transported the leaves like the
ladies do here in Africa.
Here Sister Nichols and a
little helper get the last of the leaves picked up. It was a wonderful activity that tugged at
our hearts to see these tender children and wonder helper that were taking care
of them. It was a day of service that
blessed our lives has we shared a little time a help others. I know they appreciated it so much. I hope we can come back often to help again.
