The good news is that we are now able to feed our 150 orphans three times a week. The vision began early in our ministry as we had the overwhelming task of overseeing the needs of an enormous number of orphans in over 20 villages. Now, the number of villages has grown to 33 and still growing. Although at the time, we could only help 200, the number of orphans we care for remains the same or less. One of the challenges in meeting the needs of these kids is that they move a lot. A relative far away might decide to take them in. So, in that way, it is a good problem that our number has decreased from 200 to 150.
The bad news is that the thatch shelter collapsed last week during a heavy storm. The village chiefs built this reasonably strong shelter to shade the orphans from the scorching sun and protect them from the drenching rains while they are learning or eating. The children were learning and waiting for their meal when the storm hit this past Thursday (1/22) that caused the shelter to cave in. A few of them had some minor injuries. Our next building project is a permanent learning center/cafeteria for the kids, but we have to wait for the funding and time for the workers to build it. One side of the shelter that collapsed was the room for teaching and the other half is where the ladies cooked the food. The cooks have been anxiously awaiting a kitchen that is almost complete (see above).
