Working at a charitable organization gives us a front row seat to see the generosity and kindness of others at work. This past month we have experienced many great examples of what it looks like to give, love and care for others.
Pastor Peter treating us to some meat on their last night here.
We received wonderful donations in March, in different shapes and forms: from the Shelly Beach team led by Pastor Peter who gave of their time and skills, to Cassie in the UK who ran a half marathon to help us raise money for Epap and nutritional supplements.
We had a visit from Chris and Denise on behalf of the Geocaching community in Port Elizabeth and Wayne from the USA. As a community they created a fundraiser around Wayne finding as many geocaches as possible in a one month period. With the amount raised they donated a brand new trailer to PCC, and didn't stop there. Instead of just handing something over, they went to the effort to get it through customs, and registered in PCC's name. Those extra efforts from people really mean a lot.
Our trailer being put to good use
We appreciate all donations. Sometimes they are things that don't go directly to the children, but are still necessary and help us keep things looking good. One such item was a brush cutter donated by Greg and the team from Riverside. It's such a valuable tool to keep PCC looking neat.
So, for all donations, large and small, those that help the Centre, and those that help the children directly, we are so grateful.
Our new brush cutter in action.
This month we were also so excited to see local Basotho people really caring and helping each other. After a few days away, we returned to find the staff had taken it upon themselves to completely remodel the store room, plastering, painting and putting-up ceilings. This is in addition to the great steps they are taking to continue a high level of care for each child.
Two of our HIV children started attending Baylor Clinic in Mohales Hoek. Both children suffer side effects from their anti-retroviral medicine and need expert advice from the Baylor doctors. The children are already experiencing improvement and able to return to school. Seeing a Masotho doctor, and other staff at Baylor so committed to their work was also inspiring.
Thabo, our smallest and newest arrival, is like a flower beginning to bloom. He is speaking, smiling, growing and looking healthy. We are excited when we see such direct results from a child who has only been here a couple of months. It's fun to see how his improvement motivates our staff, and reminds them they are doing a good job.
Sometimes it can feel like we are working towards results we will never see. But when we experience these few examples, children getting healthier as a result of better medical care, or Thabo getting stronger simply by getting good nutrition and attention, it reminds us that we are here for worthwhile purposes.
The peak of Thaba Putsoa is the highest peak in our area, at around 2900m. Only a few shepherds, and anyone who wants to do the FKT, wander up to its peak!
There's usually too much news to mention everything here. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more regular updates, and always check out the website for new projects and new information. One such project is the Thaba Putsoa FKT which is a fun, adventurous fundraiser we created to get hikers and runners out to experience the Maloti mountains. Check it out at www.pulanechildren.org/fkt.
Before signing off, we were so happy to celebrate our daughter Jane's second birthday at the end of March. We can't believe how big she is! As Jane would say, "Happy to you!"
Thanks for the support,