Walter Project Update February 2007
The project for orphaned children from AIDS in the area of Ngculwini, Swaziland was begun in late August 2005, with the first planning meeting with John Weatherson, the emergency food and agriculture coordinator. Since then 76 individuals and organized groups have given donations of money along with their prayers to build the Project to where it is today, 1 ˝ years later. Of these 76 who donated, 21 have given more than once, with a number of these folks having committed to giving every month so that the work may continue. It is no longer “my” project, but “our” project under God’s Plan to bring Hope, Health, Love and Life to the orphans of Ngculwini in Swaziland.
Our gardens and those of farmers and communities all over Swaziland have been lost due to the severe drought in the country, as described to me by John Weatherson. We in Minnesota understand draught for we have experienced it over and over. Our gardens were planted in Nov/Dec so that by mid January, the corn crop was a total loss and the rest of the garden is damaged beyond repair. Corn (maize) is a staple in Swaziland and will cause great loss to the diets and income of thousands of people. John states it is too late to replant corn, but we will replant the garden as before but with more beans to help allay the lack of corn in our community.
We drilled a well (borehole) last year to 140 feet but have not had the funds to finish the water system. On 5 February, 2007, I spoke with John Marrengane, our builder, regarding the need to get the water system to where we can water the garden. I told John we do not have the funds in hand to pay him (We still owe him $3500 on work completed for the school and toilet/shower building) but asked how much work is needed to fill the gap for water for the gardens. John did not answer my question as asked, but stated the people had to have the food and he and his crew would see that the water system was in place within 2 weeks. He is building the system permanently, instead of a temporary shortcut as I suggested due to lack of funds. John Marrengane said “God will provide” and is trusting us to help God raise the funds to pay for it. This is difficult for me as his is a small company and he has men to pay and supplies to buy while he waits on payment. Both he and John Weatherson are solid Christian men who give of themselves to care for God’s little children. They see a need and fill it. I also want to do my part..
The school is ready for use when the last of the electrical work is done, when the desks and chairs are purchased and placed and a teacher and assistants are in place. It appears this will be about the time I go there the end of March or first part of April. The school will accommodate 90 students. In addition, there are about 35 preschool children for whom we will provide small children’s chairs and a teacher’s desk in another building close by. We had not accounted for preschool children in our original school planning, but over the past year, their needs have become apparent to me, and I cannot ignore their need.
The feeding kitchen and teacher’s home are needed, and will be the first on our “to do” list after the water project and past debt are paid up.
I extend my grateful thanks to all of you who have joined me in our project, and I encourage others to check it out. There is no better feeling than to know you have made a difference in a child’s life, a child who has lost everything in life, but who has the trusting heart of a child, a child who already knows Jesus.
God Loves You and So Do I
Bonnie Van Schaick