December Newsletter from Sinakekele Children

Here's a news update from my family in South Africa. Its full of encouraging news, which is by far the best Christmas gift this year. I can't wait to go back!

December Newsletter

Hello all

2006 is almost history! Already!

The last few months have been rather interesting. Mary and Jake almost flooded the entire house. They started running bath water in one bathroom, and then went to bath in the other bathroom! Well – we mopped!
Jake sank his teeth into Siya in the middle of the shops. . .
Simon stuck a raisin up Siya’s nose. . .
Simon asked me why I had dogs hair growing on my arms.
The kettle started to boil with insufficient water in it, so Jake asked if the kettle was farting???
Oh the fun there is to be had . . .

On a more serious note: Sinakekele as been “adopted” by Grace Family church. Sinakekele is now a ministry of Grace, and it is feels SO good to belong. I have been attending Grace for about 8 months and am just so very happy there. I really do believe that this relationship is an important milestone for Sinakekele, and also believe that this relationship is no coincidence.

Our long term lease with Pastors Salina is in the process of being finalized, and our plans are with the architect. In the new year we will look at how we can raise the funds needed for the building.

I do believe that 2007 is going to be an exciting year.

I would like to say a very BIG thank you to all our supporters, and our volunteers. To everyone who in any way has helped Sinakekele during the course of 2006. Thank you, Thank you. You are all very special to us and we value your support.

KIDZ NEWS:

The kids are all doing really well. Everyone has been really healthy and I am very thankful for this. Simon has been seeing the occupational therapist weekly and has an assessment lined up with the speech therapist for January.

I think the highlight of my year was getting all 4 children into Broadacres Pre School for 2007. I had booked Simon in there as they have small classes, and include music into their curriculum. The principle also runs an integrated learning therapy class for children with learning problems, which is just what Simon needs. The costs are a tad higher than the other preschools in the area, but Simon needs the extra care, and I figured we would just “bite the bullet”.

Anyway, the principal phoned me to advise me that an American couple will subsidize Siya’s school fees (so he can also now go to Broadacres), AND provide Simon with a years free extra music lessons, AND the principal herself will subsidize the two little ones school fees. SO instead of having the 4 kids spit across 3 different schools they will all be in the same school and 3 of the 4 will be subsidized. This has been the absolute best part of the year for me. Sounds silly I know, but it really made my day, my week, my month, my year! The classrooms are log cabins set in this tranquil forest setting with a waterfall, chickens, birds… it is so lovely, and I know the kids are going to love it!

Tazz and Justin are on holiday now and are doing well. Justin has been selected as a prefect for next year, and his best friend is head boy. He had an accident on his motorbike about 2 weeks ago. I am SO thankful that he is alright. He had a few scrapes and bruises and that was it. He swerved to avoid an oncoming bus which was turning a corner on a downhill and going over the line into the oncoming lane. It was raining and he over swerved and lost control of the bike. Fortunately he swerved into the pavement and no other vehicles were involved. I am thankful that there are still good people around, who stopped to help him, phoned me, stayed with him until I arrived and helped us to get the bike home as well. I thank God for his protection over Justin’s life.

Tazz is enjoying the holidays. She goes into Grade 9 next year and is still really enjoying high school and the variety of sport.
Simon and Tazz both celebrated birthdays. Simon turned 5 and Tazz turned 14. Fun was had by all.

Kylie started walking and is doing well. She and her Mommy have moved on now, but I would ask you to please keep them in your prayers.

OUR NEEDS:
Still the same:
Monthly funding to cover running costs, finances to build, Volunteers and much prayer.
I have gone back to work to help cover the costs, but that’s OK, I see the work as Gods provision. I am sure it will only be for a season, and for me personally, it is just too hard to imagine that God is not in control.

And from my heart:

To each and every one of you, I wish you a very blessed Christmas. Take hold of the true meaning of Christmas. Embrace the gift of salvation. What a gift!

Take 2007 and use it to make a difference.

As always, thanks for your continued prayer and support.

Yours in God’s service.
Ruth