Riziki News – November 2023 Dear All, More news from Liz has just arrived. Dear Ian and Diana, It's really good to get to sit down and write to you. You have been in our prayers for grace and recovery, and we are happy to hear that Diana's recovery is going well. We are all doing well at Riziki, the children have closed school and are at home for a two-month holiday. We have eight still in school as they wait to do their end-of-high school and primary exams. It is a long holiday, but we have some activities planned alongside their school assignments. As they wait to start a new school year, we have noticed that for a lot of them, their uniform has worn out, and shoes and socks in particular will need replacing. I am happy to report a new addition to the Riziki household. A lamb the children named Sharon after our Sharon. She has been good entertainment for the children, they are always in her company. We had a good maize harvest despite the challenges with rain, that we are grateful to God for, please remember to add it to your thanksgiving prayers. Last Saturday we planted beans hoping the rains reported to go on till the end of the year persist. Typical wear on a sweater elbow A rather worn-out shirt collar Shoes end up in a dreadful state 2 We were happy to welcome Sarah Hunwicks, Hilary Wilson and Angela Lawson to Riziki this month. The children had such fun colouring and doing different activities with them and enjoyed listening to bible stories from Sarah as well as very animated devotions led by Angela and Hilary. It was nice to see the children proudly show them around the place they now call home. Ian and Diana this was just a short note. You continue to be in our prayers, thank you always for your love and support. Also to all that pray for us and support Riziki in any way, a big God bless you. Baraka Liz Our intended itinerary to Kenya included our friends, Hilary and Angela, joining us for two weeks. They continued with their visit to Kenya and here is an article from them, just received, about their time at Riziki. In October Angela and I had the privilege of visiting Riziki children’s home. Our thoughts are as follows: This is a very happy home where everyone, child and adult alike is valued, love oozes in abundance and everyone cares for each other. Obviously, there are issues, children are there for a reason and their “baggage” is sensitively and caringly unpacked and they are helped as required. There is a great sense of community not only in the home but with their neighbours and the local Churches. I have been aware of Riziki and supported it as able for many years, so it really was a joy to be there. The older children were still at boarding school but the younger ones, 14yrs to 4 and a half years, made us very, very welcome. As we were there at a weekend, we were able to spend time with them, play, chat, and dance with them, share Church, as well as daily devotions – the children do one hour of devotions 6pm to 7pm daily, themselves whilst the evening meal is being cooked. Liz the assistant director is an inspiration as she helps, runs the day-to-day business at Riziki, and cares for the children. She is a constant presence in their lives and is very clearly loved, respected and a confidante to them. Until the new social worker is appointed Liz currently works 7 days a week at the home so we pray that a new appointment will soon take place to free Liz up to use her many other talents and skills. There are many challenges for them and there is a determination with Liz’s help and support to become as self-sufficient as possible. This is not easy with a lack of mains services, transport issues and “Africa” time scales; that said they are focused and doing amazing things. It is certainly a place to revisit hopefully next time with Diana & Ian. 3 Hilary & Angela Our comments and prayer concerns. We, Diana & Ian, are pleased to report that Diana is making a good, but slow, recovery following her hip replacement. She is walking around the house without sticks. Prayer concerns We give thanks for good crops this season. We pray that Riziki finds a new social worker who can be fully committed to the welfare of all the children. We pray for Julius as he settles to having his dialysis in a new place. We thank God for the continued commitment of the Riziki staff. We pray for all the children preparing for examinations at the end of the school year. Many blessings, Ian & Diana
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