Anchor Your Life’s American team joined Up With Down’s for an unforgettable trip to Lesotho and South Africa.
Blog
Winter Packs
I wanted to leave you with a few more pictures from our winter pack distribution in Lesotho. Participating in our distributions is one of my favorite moments in the ministry. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to love on these kids.
And of course, the smiles always make it worthwhile!
I’m already looking forward to our Christmas Pack distribution in December!
Time for Winter Packs
The morning we were to deliver winter packs, I woke up to a broken heater in my hotel room. The room was breezy and the temperatures were cold in Lesotho – well below freezing. But, I knew that my circumstances (sleeping under a warm comforter) were nothing compared to the realities many of these kids face in Lesotho. I woke up eager to start handing out winter packs (hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets) to all of the children that we work with. The American team joined the Up With Down’s students to hand out the winter packs.
Last month, the students from Up with Down’s helped package all of the winter packs. They work hard, with much excitement, to make each pack just right. It was a joy to watch Nic and Inari have the chance to personally deliver many of these packs.
We are so thankful for all of the people who have helped give to this project, for those at Up with Down’s who helped package the contents, and for our team who traveled to Lesotho to personally deliver the items.
Thanks to those who have listened to the words proclaimed by James “If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:16-17) … you have taken action! It is through you that we are able to reach these children with the hope of Jesus Christ! And bring warmth to children who will face a cold winter up ahead.
A Place To Play
The Need: A Place to Play in Syferfontein
The Need:
“By far the biggest concern and problem that we picked up during these evaluations is a lack of stimulation between children and parents. We found that this is mainly due to the fact that families lack books, toys, games and parental knowledge and guidance. Children that are not in school yet hang around the streets playing with dirty water or with anything they can find in the streets.
Because of these circumstances we found a big delay in reaching their milestones compared to other children their own age. We found low muscle tone and muscle bulk, poor balance, core stability, coordination and proprioception. These toddlers all appear smaller than their age, weak and with very little muscle strength. They are cognitively behind and struggle with concentration.
Children learn through playing and get stronger through repetition. Due to the vast number of children that we have seen in Syferfontein, we feel that putting up a playground with the correct and necessary equipment to address the above mentioned problems it would be a good start to help them develop.” – Bertha DuPlessis and Karen LeRoux
The Beginning: 
The Challenges:
The Progress: 
Shaded Area
Fence completed!
Low areas filled!
Equipment starts to arrive
You can help us with the playground…
Loving Covers
Last year we began a special partnership with a ministry in Chicago called, “Loving Covers.” The ministry provides special hand-sewn blankets and backpacks which they deliver to needy children all over the world. Each blanket is individually made and uniquely created by the women involved in the ministry.
These are cherished blankets that share the love of Jesus by bringing warmth, hope, and comfort to those who receive them. And we were lucky enough to provide a few of these blankets to some special people in Lesotho.
Thanks Loving Covers for pouring your hearts into this project, your love is being spread all the way to Lesotho, Southern Africa!
Balloon Animals
During our first day in Lesotho we also visited with our village kids who participate in the weekly Bible Study. Under Ed’s leadership, the American’s drew up a special treat for the kids. Balloon animals for everyone!
They are always so patient and sweet as they wait in line. The dogs and hats seemed to be the most popular!
It’s the little things, which bring the biggest smiles!
Thanks Ed and team for showing up and making a difference in the lives of the Lesotho children!
Making an Impression
“Blessed are those who give without remembering. And blessed are those who take without forgetting.” – Bernard Meltzer
Make a secure online donation to help African children
Our First Day at Itekeng
We had 7 Americans and 4 representatives from Up with Down’s with us during our recent visit to Lesotho. Our first day we visited the students at Itekeng Primary School. I always look forward to the swarm of children who greet us as we arrive at Itekeng…it is the perfect welcome to Lesotho!
We visited the first, second and third grade classrooms.
And watched as the students put on a show for our group of a traditional Lesotho dance and song.
Lastly, we had the chance to give out hand-knit hats, which were made by a dedicated group of women at our home church in Sarasota. The temperatures in Lesotho during our trip were a high of 51° F and a low of 6° F. The children are tough as they brave the cold winters with very little to keep them warm. Given the temperatures, we were excited to be handing out winter packs in a few days.
A big thumbs up for the extra bit of warmth!
