There is an African saying… “It takes a village to raise a child.”

We have adopted this at the Village of Hope and on Wednesday afternoon we were so very proud, as 3 y.o. Natasha returned from a surgical repair of her umbilical hernia, and staff from the Village all over, came to check on her, to lay hands on her and pray for healing and a quick recovery.  2 days later, she is doing fabulously and is weaning off her pain medication, sitting up and eating full meals.  What a blessing!

Thank you to Lighthouse Christian Assembly for providing the funds needed for Natasha’s surgery!

Another purpose filled week!  As we welcomed into care little Moses from a past of abuse, and beautiful Memory after being abandoned.  Please pray for these new 4 children as they start school at CHAPS, get settled into a new home and new ‘mom, brothers & sisters’.  They are so very precious!  Wish you could meet them in person!

Moses

(Bear Tinashe &) Memory

Takunda

Lessie

Over the past 2 weeks, we’ve welcomed into residence Lessie & Takunda.  Lessie saved from a life of abuse.  Takunda saved from a life on the streets.  Both are now living with Housemother Rachel in a newly opened Wasaga Beach Home!  We praise God for this development and a place for Lessie and Takunda!  We’ll be officially dedicating the home with the arrival of a missions team from Wasaga Beach early March.  Please pray for these 2 new additions, for their healing.

Sometimes it’s overwhelming how emotions can change day by day, minute by minute.  The highs we hit are…

- having a team here and how incredibly hard they worked finishing their projects in half time

- the beautiful new durawall and walkway for our children away from the cars.  And the 120 CCP parents and guardians who volunteered their time to make it all possible.

- Lisa hit 9.9 kg this week!  She is standing and clapping and attempting steps and has such a proud smile each time she ‘gets it’.

- Evans started walking.  Another proud moment!

- A new Children’s home is being opened this week, ready for their housemom and 3 little girls as a start to the family.

But amongst the days, a few dark clouds passed.  Please keep praying for these situations….

- the start of a new year and new children each day in the classroom has brought 2 new cases of abuse to light.  These are always heart wrenching to deal with.

- Lisa developed a fluid filled lump on the side of her head which needs some investigating.

- a local 2 yr. old boy fell into a drainage pipe and lost his life.  Please pray for the family.

- a boy in CHAPS grade 2 was struck by a live wire of 240V and was burnt and hospitalized for several days.  We praise God that Munashe’s life was spared!  Please pray for continued healing.

- the team lost a day at the VOH as their flight out of Victoria Falls was cancelled and a contingency plan was made.

Despite it all, God continues to move.  His hand is evident here.  Thank you for taking time and being a part of ‘Village life’!