Water for the schools in Mwandi

Hi,

I hope that you are all fine .

Our pregnancy is going well and I am growing larger by the day. I am really showing early this time, I am now 21 weeks. My back has been causing me issues but at this stage I am still coping "just ok " !!. We are heading down to South Africa next week for the 22 week 4 D scan.  Lucy is coming with us so it will be a hectic few days in Jo burg.

The weather is getting cooler so this means we need to search the cupboards to find our winter clothing. I always worry about our children this time of year as it must be so cold sleeping on sand/mud floors and allot of children get sick.

The river is starting to slowly drop so that means the fishing will be really good out on the Zambezi in a few weeks time  " So Ruairidh says" I am not really into fishing.Just enjoy eating the fish.

Lucy is talking so much and is she is such a ratbag, last week I purchased some paints in Namibia and so over the weekend we painted and she loves it, she is still enjoying pre-school too.

Its been pretty full on the past month. My Dad has been here in Mwandi with a team of 6 men for the month in April/ May , doing allot of work around the mission.

The guys are mostly farmers and have been working very hard to achieve allot of jobs. The main job they completed yesterday was to install a new water pump and 6 water tanks on towers around the Mwandi Basic School and the new Mwandi UCZ Day High school. 


Running water is something we most certainly take for granted in the west but here its a miracle to have running water , especially at both  the schools. Everything seems to be going well and no leaks thus far !!!!

The guys have also built a new water tank for our new block of land at the OVC and erected a strong fence for security. Its awesome and we are so thankful for the hard work they and all our visitors do for us at the OVC Project.

Lucy has loved having her Grandpa around and she has been giving him plenty of cheek when she can.

A few weekends ago at the OVC Project we had "The OVC Project African Cup" Soccer Competition. What a hoot nearly all the children got involved and played several matches before reaching the finals , if they were good enough.
There are some brilliant soccer players in our village and some of the children at OVC project are exceptionally good players.

Egypt won the competition and then they played the staff who won and then the staff played the " OVC Project ALL STARS" and they beat the staff.

It was a great day had by all and thanks to our friend Stephen Clarke who organised everything for the day. The children were so tired at the end of the competition. The winners won a Arsenal coffee Mug and Can of Coke each and all held up the team trophy very proudly for photos.

The feeding program is always busy with allot of noise and children of all ages coming each day for lunch. We feed children from 6 months to 16 years and the program is one huge family atmosphere.

 The carpentry Centre is now at the stage were the students are making furniture, doors etc for staff and people in the community to purchase . The aim is that a percentage of the sales will go to the project for the tuition and tools etc and percentage will go to the students so we are able to purchase tools for the students when they complete their year of training. To enable them to start up their own businesses. They are doing a great job and we are proud of their achievements.



We have received allot of applicants for College and University starting in July 2012 and January intake 2013. If any of you or your bible studies, work mates would like to support a student in College or University please contact me. Every course differs in price but generally any thing from $1500 to $2500 per year per student. So if there was a large group of you , it most certainly wouldn't break the bank. It is a dream come true for those students who make it to this level of education and it gives  encouragement and hope for other students who remain in school here in Mwandi . Please contact me for more details if you are interested : uczovc@gmail.com


Well that's all from me for now. Please keep us in your prayers especially:

- Financial support for the project 
- The trip to South Africa and that all is well with our baby
- Our visitors coming and departing from Mwandi that they all have safe travels.
- Our children keep warm as possible during our winter


Thank you for your support and love.
Till next time
Fred ( Fiona )