celebrating our 2 year birthday

the village of hope has been open for 2 years today, wow that is something to celebrate. over that time we have successfully provided a home to over 20 children who are either infected or affected by HIV, AIDS or TB, 7 of whom are still with us and 18 who have been placed back home with either their immediate family or foster care.

each child who we have helped has an amazing if not difficult story, stories of neglect, abuse and disease, but through the help of our wonderful team of house moms, headed by maz and mel, and the volunteers we have welcomed onto the project over those last two years, we have made a positive impact into each of the children's lives and that is something we can be very proud of.

on saturday evening we had a party with a few carefully invited guests who joined us at the south hill vineyard to eat at the amazing venue, which is run by gordon and emma manuel, a great time was had by all (i think?), with good food and wine, provided locally by elgin ridge and elgin vintners. during the evening we were able to share with those present about the work we (and thembacare) do in grabouw. we hope to have a few photos to share with you later but our google/blogger site is running very slow at the minute so please bear with us. but for now you can visit this link to view the video that we showed, please take time to have a look.

it's hard to think of life before the village of hope, and we want to thank so many wonderful people who have helped us to make a difference, even if it is to just one child, those who helped with the fundraising in england and the setting up, building works, and painting. cutting down trees, erecting fences to keep children in and animals out, plumbers and electricians, handy men and women who have given so selflessly, those who have worked with the children directly, whether here on the project or out in the community via our sports outreach, those who have organised sports events, set up soup runs, built homes for people in the informal settlements or taken time to get to know children individually getting down on their level and providing a shoulder to cry on.

you guys know who you are and we thank and honour you.

here's to the next two years and hopefully with your support, many many more!