You Are My Hero

 

You give me hope when I think there is none

You give me love when there is no-one

You make me laugh through all my tears

You may never know all my fears

You make me smile through all my sorrow

Do you know you are my hero?

Many nights when the world is asleep

With my head on my pillow I gently weep

When I think of your re-assuring smile

It makes me less tearful for a while

Whenever it feels like there is no tomorrow

Do you know you are my hero?

Sometimes I know that you can’t always give

After all, life’s not easy to live

Whenever you think it’s much too small

Just remember I really don’t have much at all

Even although your face I may never know

Do you know you are my hero?

Hands of Raham visited Alfonso Childrens Home on 11 August. What a joy to be able to fill two chest deep freezers  - one with frozen vegetables of all types and the other with meat. When we arrived the deep freezers were empty with only a packet a fat in one freezer. Stop for a moment and think about that – it is INSANE that children do not have food. We also took other grocery items and arts and craft material. Most of the older children were on an outing at Menlyn, but we spent time “creating” with the small children and few older children who were there. We also provided lunch and “Tinkies” for the children.

Thank you to all the generous, open hearted people who are providing donations to Alfonso Children’s Home.

“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

On the 7^th July Hands of Raham spent a fun day at an old age home in Eersterust. We took along home-made soup at the request of the residents. They were thrilled at receiving the soup. We also bought them ceramic mugs, as they only have plastic mugs to drink tea and coffee. We spent the afternoon chatting to the residents. One of the ladies we met was born in 1917. She told us about the time she met “Oom Paul” (Paul Kruger). All I could think was, “Wow…….. and I learnt about this in history and here I am meeting someone who lived this.” We met many people who have very little with regard material belongings, but are rich in life experience and attitude towards life.

From humble beginnings and a dream to Do something that will bless others, Hands of Raham have experienced an amazing two months.

On our first visit to the children's home, we shared hotdogs and sweets with the children and took along a few supplies that the nuns had mentioned were in short supply.

No cupboard doors

After our first visit to the children's home we were all like shell-shocked reality survivors. No ignorance, no heedless pursuit of small issues - instead a consciousness of the less fortunate. The tragic stories of abandonment and abuse are heart-wrenching. In the midst of this, as an inspiration, are three beautiful nuns who have dedicated their lives to God and everyday share His love.

Our second visit included new plates, bowls, cups and a meal of Kentucky Fried Chicken and cup-cakes for the children, while we accessed the extent of the maintenance that is required at the Children's Home. On leaving the home, we were informed that the home would run out of essential food, cleaning and toiletry supplies by the end of the following week.

Roof leak, no light fitting,
missing trap door

Wall Damp

This was the beginning of discovering the heart of South Africans. We realised that the need is so enormous that we will have to ask friends for donations of food, cleaning materials and toiletries. People gave so generously that my little car could not take all the supplies collected.

The following Saturday, with much excitement, Hands of Raham packed the remaining donations, cleaning materials, soft toys, new toys, plastic motor bikes, newly purchased tables and chairs for the little children (as they had no chairs/ table and ate their food on a blanket on the floor), bread, rolls, lasagne and salad (prepared by a chef) into cars. We also took a professional photographer with us in create a photo album of the children. On arrival at the children's home, the Hands of Raham ladies split up into teams, each with a group of older children and cleaned house. At the same time, a construction company had donated their time, labour and materials to start with maintenance - a maintenance team was chipping out damp in walls, applying sealer and filling this. Then the children, Hands of Raham and friends shared lunch together. Before we left each child was given a pack with a face cloth, soap, tooth bruch and toothpaster......and to spoil them......two chocolates. Exhausting, but an unparalleled experience!

Thank you to all who gave donations. Below is a potpourri of photographs from our day.

Hands of Raham Members

 

Luke 10:33-34 (KJV)
33But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.