January Newsletter
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Elizabeth Norrie
Feb 5, 2013, 3:34:58 AM2/5/13
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Dear Friends of the Village of Hope Zimbabwe -
Attached is our January 2013 newsletter. This is an active, growing place of ministry that is not only meeting the needs of over 700 children on a daily basis but is also providing enrichment and employment for over 50 others as well. Over the years we have defined 'ministry' as 'meeting needs with love'. I think that aptly describes the on-going work and activity here at the Village of Hope Zimbabwe. From the churches and individuals in Canada who pray and give, to the Moms, teachers, groundskeepers etc. working here at the Village together we are 'ministering' from hearts of love and compassion that have been touched by the love of God.
Again this Christmas the outpouring of love and generosity on the part of the Canadian sponsors of our children was overwhelming. It was a huge job but a most enjoyable one to gather and distribute gifts amounting to about $4,000.00! Many families received boxes of groceries, other children received clothes, books/games or a knapsack. You could only imagine the joy these gifts brought to these children and families. Thank you so very much. Christmas for most of our children is very, very different than it is for children living in Canada.
The school is such a big part of Village life here. It brings us great pleasure to watch the students from Preschool to Form 4 (Grade 11) enjoying school life and being given 'Hope for Their Future' which is our motto. Due to the damage done to our admin offices in a rain/wind storm in November we are temporarily using one of the not-yet-used classrooms in our Secondary School as an office. While having 5 people work out of one room isn't always conducive to productivity we (Gaye & Elizabeth) are enjoying being among these wonderful teenagers. We cannot totally identify with them (age does make a difference, as does culture and life experience) but we certainly enjoy being among them. It will be a very exciting time when our first students graduate from Secondary School in November of this year. Those pursuing higher education will attend other schools for advanced courses.
This is the rainy season and everything is lush and green. Our grounds are looking lovely and our crops are doing very well. Things grow very well here as it is an almost perfect climate. Currently our groundskeepers are unable to keep ahead of the speedy growth of grass.
We will be returning to Canada in May for a few weeks when we'll have the joy of presenting the ministry of the Village of Hope in some of the churches in the Maritimes - the church Elizabeth attended while growing up, and at least one of the churches we pastored in the 70's. We'll also be visiting some of our supporting churches in Ontario to give an update. On our way to Canada we'll enjoy a visit with Ranette, Danny and our grandsons in Bristol, England where they are living for a year while Danny is pursuing his doctorate. Hopefully we'll be able to see many of you receiving this newsletter while we are 'home'.
We appreciate all the love, support and prayers that come our way from you. God bless each one of you.
Lovingly,
Gaye & Elizabeth
Attached is our January 2013 newsletter. This is an active, growing place of ministry that is not only meeting the needs of over 700 children on a daily basis but is also providing enrichment and employment for over 50 others as well. Over the years we have defined 'ministry' as 'meeting needs with love'. I think that aptly describes the on-going work and activity here at the Village of Hope Zimbabwe. From the churches and individuals in Canada who pray and give, to the Moms, teachers, groundskeepers etc. working here at the Village together we are 'ministering' from hearts of love and compassion that have been touched by the love of God.
Again this Christmas the outpouring of love and generosity on the part of the Canadian sponsors of our children was overwhelming. It was a huge job but a most enjoyable one to gather and distribute gifts amounting to about $4,000.00! Many families received boxes of groceries, other children received clothes, books/games or a knapsack. You could only imagine the joy these gifts brought to these children and families. Thank you so very much. Christmas for most of our children is very, very different than it is for children living in Canada.
The school is such a big part of Village life here. It brings us great pleasure to watch the students from Preschool to Form 4 (Grade 11) enjoying school life and being given 'Hope for Their Future' which is our motto. Due to the damage done to our admin offices in a rain/wind storm in November we are temporarily using one of the not-yet-used classrooms in our Secondary School as an office. While having 5 people work out of one room isn't always conducive to productivity we (Gaye & Elizabeth) are enjoying being among these wonderful teenagers. We cannot totally identify with them (age does make a difference, as does culture and life experience) but we certainly enjoy being among them. It will be a very exciting time when our first students graduate from Secondary School in November of this year. Those pursuing higher education will attend other schools for advanced courses.
This is the rainy season and everything is lush and green. Our grounds are looking lovely and our crops are doing very well. Things grow very well here as it is an almost perfect climate. Currently our groundskeepers are unable to keep ahead of the speedy growth of grass.
We will be returning to Canada in May for a few weeks when we'll have the joy of presenting the ministry of the Village of Hope in some of the churches in the Maritimes - the church Elizabeth attended while growing up, and at least one of the churches we pastored in the 70's. We'll also be visiting some of our supporting churches in Ontario to give an update. On our way to Canada we'll enjoy a visit with Ranette, Danny and our grandsons in Bristol, England where they are living for a year while Danny is pursuing his doctorate. Hopefully we'll be able to see many of you receiving this newsletter while we are 'home'.
We appreciate all the love, support and prayers that come our way from you. God bless each one of you.
Lovingly,
Gaye & Elizabeth
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