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Joanne Zheng:
We are so grateful for God's protection and wonderful weather thus far! This is my inaugural visit to South Africa and it has been an eye opener to see the extreme standards of living here. We visited a shantytown at Soweto yesterday. Although the community in Soweto lacks of proper sanitation, safe water supply, electricity, hygienic streets, or other basic necessities, they are contented with what they have.
It was nice to see some of the kids in proper school uniforms because you know they are receiving proper education. They are a very genuine bunch of little ones and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to interact with them.
Today, we had the privilege to visit Acres of Love Provision House and were warmly greeted by Gerda Audagnotti (Founder of Acres of Love) and David Potter (a staff with Acres of Love). David brought us through the history of Acres of Love, what they have been doing for the kids at the different forever homes in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The quote on his first slide - " When children in need thrive, not just Survive," caught my attention. I am glad to know that the work of Acres of Love has definitely helped many kids to thrive. They took care of children with special needs, who were abandoned or had other medical conditions. They ensure that these kids get proper education, providing guidance and journeying with them like how parents who love their kids would do.
David showed us pictures of the kids from each home. He remembers most of their names and would tell us the amazing transformational stories of some of the kids. To intentionally remember the kids' names and their beautiful stories just shows how much Acres of Love cares and loves their kids.
I am touched and blessed by the dedication and care Acres of Love has provided for each kid. They have responded to God's calling to make sure that all the kids get the best and no less. I pray that Acres of Love will continue to touch more lives with God's guidance. May the kids in Africa thrive in the future for the next generation!
Michelle Gan:
It is my second day in Johannesburg and it has been an eye opening experience thus far.
Today, we visited Provision House (Head Quarters of Acres of Love). It was a beautiful place with people of great love for children. Children who are abused, abandoned, sick, handicapped and have special needs.
David Potter, a staff with Acres of Love, gave a meaningful presentation of their works in the different homes all over South Africa. We saw pictures and heard stories of many kids coming to Acres of Love who were at the brink of death, and thereafter found love, hope, peace and joy as they grow and flourish with the care given.
I was greatly touched by the transformations of the different lives. Acres of Love is not just merely feeding or giving the children a roof over their heads, but providing them a place where they can call it their "forever home". Each house parent and caregiver treats every child as their own, giving them the best consistent care, love and education that they can possible get. They provide them a road to recovery from their traumatic past experiences, allowing them to find their own identity and to pursue their dreams.
I'm truly amazed and encouraged by the love and dedication that were poured out to every kid under their care. I was reminded of God's unconditional and sacrificial love, and His love is for everyone.
In order for the children to learn more effectively, Acres of Love set up preschools for the children to learn at their own pace as many of their children started education later or had development issues, they lacked behind as compared to their peers in public schools.
We also learnt about the horror stories of newborns being flushed down the toilet bowls or found in garbage bags. Due to this, many organizations had "a hole in the wall" concept where parents can just abandon their kids there instead. Even though it's disturbing to hear reports like these, it is heart warming to know that there are people who truly care and are willing to go all out to make a difference regardless how bleak the situation seems.
So it got me thinking, what can we do to make a difference? We just simply have to pray, to open our hearts and to show love through our actions. I believe we can all play a part in God's redemptive story in someone's life wherever we are.
