Oct. 3, 2013 Missionary update

From: "Brenda Lange"
Date: October 3, 2013, 7:21:59 AM CD
Subject: Blog, Oct. 3, 2013

NEWEST ORPHANS BLESSED BY AMERICAN GIRL’S GIFT

Late yesterday afternoon, Felicina, a grandmother with 5 orphaned grandchildren, walked in with 5 children dressed in rags.
She was desperate as she had no more food in her house.
I was alone at our mission base, but with our guard’s help, we managed to organized emergency food, clothes, plates, cups, deworming pills, and baby food for 7 month old, Celestino.
(We feed children, not worms, so this is protocol upon entry to our food program.)
The mother of these children had died last week from heart problems. The father of all 5 children had abandoned them while the mother was pregnant with Celestino. So Grandma was in a fix and couldn’t thank us enough when she left with her arms full, and 5 smiling children!
They came back today to receive a week’s worth of food, and are now officially part of our family.

Left to right: Grandma Felicina (Fell-i-CEE- na) is holding Baby Celestino. Brothers: Jacinto, 11, and Almeido, 5. Sisters: Delosa, 8, and Deolinda, 2.

When I opened my e-mails at 4a.m. this morning, I had a letter from a father named Tom, who’s young daughter had saving her tithe money to send to an orphan. He researched online for orphans, found us, and watched our video on our website. His letter was to inform me that he was sending his daughter’s gift to bless an orphan. Her $31 gift has now blessed these 5 orphans with our “start up kit”, and will also provide them with another set of clothes later this year.

I am so, so blessed when children of this world show true compassion for those children who don’t even have the basics.
GOD IS NEVER LATE, AS HE KNEW THE NEED AND SENT THE SEED JUST AS WE NEEDED IT.

GIRL’S DORM RECEIVES TOY DOLLS MADE IN OUR OWN SEWING SHOP

Have you ever seen more joy on sweet little faces?

Little girls and dolls - a natural combination !

Our girls were in need of toys, so I asked Atumany (Ah-too-mah-nee), head of our clothes making project, if he could make dolls for our girls.
The photo says it all, as those girls were ear to ear smiles as they hugged their new toys.
He made the dolls for $3 each, and we can make more if anyone wants to give dolls to our other 40 girls who live in our church housing.

CONSTRUCTION IS MOVING QUICKLY

Construction on our 3rd orphan complex is moving along swiftly. Our construction crew is "The Best".

Last week I showed you the beginnings of the foster mother’s house at our 3rd orphan complex. As you can see, our men work quick, as we started the roof today.

BUSH BUNNY OFFLINE FOR A DAY

I’ll be heading out to do a supply run tomorrow and won’t be back till late.
Time to restock baby formula and bolts of material so we can start making the 98 school uniforms for our orphans to wear in 2014.
Our schools run Feb. to October, and because we use FOOT PEDAL Singer Sewing machines to make all our clothes, we have to get a head start.
Will answer e-mails on Saturday for sure.
Have a great weekend.

Blessings from Balama
Bush Bunny Brenda