Feeling Reflective

Hello Friends

Did you know TLC has been going almost 20 years?
20 years!

It has been really hitting home lately as once again the discussions "in the ether" are around the dire situation the South African NGO sector finds itself in and how many of us will no longer be able to work by Christmas. At the same time there are New Reports like this one that make people so despondent: "R90m underspent in Gauteng Social Department"

My emotional reaction has been to reflect a little on just a small sample of the work we have done over those 20 years.

In the very first newletter TLC ever sent out, in 1993, when we were all rosy eyed and idealistic this was the featured picture.

Little Reuel and Joshua, were our absolute delight, we poured ourselves into them with every ounce of energy that we had. A week or so ago they celebrated the end of their school careers with the South African version of a "Prom" called a Matric Dance.

Watching them stand as men amongst their peers, not needing our company and certainly not wanting us to hold their hands anymore :-) It was both sobering and gratifying to watch.

On Saturday I fetched our 809th baby! A beautiful, healthy 3 day old baby boy who will no doubt be someone elses "Joshua or Reuel" - the apple of someone's eye one day!

Baby 809!

These experiences made me reflect on some of the other children I have been privileged to be involved with. So I thought I would share some with you:

James:     Arrived 9months, Now 9 years!

Crispin and Kay, born one month apart.

Crispin full term and Kay prematurely




.



Kay Now 16! A Hockey Hero!

Crispin Now 16! A Rugby Hero

Paul, one of our smallest babies.

Paul (12), an amazing young artist!

Kieran, an inoperable heart condition couldn't keep him down!



Kieran (13), a living breathing miracle!

Murphy, survived a horrific birth against all odds, and now a hard working, eager to please young lady of 10 years old!

Most people know Tommy and all he has been through in his life, we wait to see what God has in store for him.

 Little Ruthie, made no sound when we brough her home. She would not laugh, cry, babble or squeak she was so broken. Now she is so full of love, life and the joys of "girliness". She is a delight and we are privileged to stand with her as she grows into the woman God had in mind.



THANK YOU FOR JOURNEYING WITH ME DOWN MEMORY LANE.

PLEASE PRAY FOR GOD'S PROVISION AS WE NAVIGATE THIS CRAZY ECONOMIC SITUATION!

We Love You All

Pippa