Since getting back from the UK in July, Sean has been preparing for the launch of an evening church service in Avondale. We have secured the cinema as a venue at least for the first few months. The service will start in October, with a big event on Saturday night with the winner of Big Brother Africa being interviewed, and then an invite to hear more on the Sunday evening.
Sean has also been running Alpha with a group of homeless white guys who are living in tents at Cleveland Dam. They are usually found begging at Eastlea or Newland shops. They are all alcoholics and some have AIDS. After spending intensive time with them there have been many positive changes seen. Doug has now been off alcohol for 8 months and is now staying at the Salvation Army and helping at the AA. Peter and Linda have been off alcohol for 8 months, which has helped them rebuild relationships with their children who are in Harare Children’s home, and have enough money for food and school fees. They are also less abusive in the community and to each other! ‘Johnnie Walker’ who is also well known at the Eastlea shops has currently been off alcohol for 10 days. They are now meeting once a week on Tuesday mornings. The challenges have been confronting them on their begging, lying, lack of interest in finding work, alcohol, relationships with family etc. Through this group relationships with Alcoholics Anonymous have also been built.
Sean has also been running the Alpha Course at a Residential Centre in Braeside. The residents are mostly poor and elderly, and many are alcoholics or have other social issues. It has been hard work, but some good discussions.
Debbie is continuing her work with FSP, which trains farmers in Foundations for Farming. She does the monitoring and evaluation for the programme. The rains were pretty good this year, and with the more stable political situations we are seeing an increase in yields nationally, and especially amongst the FSP farmers. See www.foundationsforfarming.org for more information.
The children have been on school holidays, and whilst they go to a crèche during the holidays Kate has also enjoyed a holiday club at Granny’s church, and a week of gymnastics. However, they are looking forward to going back to their usual pre-schools and starting swimming etc. again next week.
Joe is turning 2 this month, and becoming very independent not wanting help with anything. He is also obsessed with cars, spending several hours a day sitting in ours. Debbie is building him a wooden car to tempt him into more child-friendly (and car-friendly) pursuits. He also loves balls, music, playing his ‘guitar’ (a tennis racquet) and his sandpit.
Kate is now 4 ½ and loving her pre-school, especially the art and craft, and playing with her best friend Ayla. The teacher has commented that she is the favourite in the playground because of her crazy imagination and the games she’s makes up. She loves pink, princesses, puzzles and presents!
As we go into September we are looking forward to the start of the church services, and then the run up to Christmas when Sean’s brother and his family come to out to visit, and his sister have their first child, due on new year’s eve.
