Here is the latest correspondence from our friend and HFL supporter, Cristina Kessler and her husband Joe, who just returned from a visit to the Vhutshilo Mountain School in South Africa.
Cristina is a generous philanthropist, a noted
author, photographer, and world traveler who lived or traveled in over 92
countries. Visit her website at http://www.cristinakessler.com to see her full list of published books.
She and her husband, Joe, currently live on St John
in the U.S. Virgin Islands. We are so happy to hear that the trip was a
rewarding one.
Dear Magical Evening Supporters,
In June Joe and I had the sweet experience of
visiting the Vhutshilo Mountain School in Venda. It’s taken me this long to start sorting through photos and videos
that I shot of the amazing program we have supported for three years. The
combined total for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 Magical Evenings is an impressive
$26,813! Our money has been very well-spent and highly appreciated.
Today,
VMS has 71 students, the highest number yet. The teaching staff is fun,
motivated and engages the kids in plays, dances and basic school activities.
The kitchen staff eagerly joined the dance program, shaking it up with abandon
and enthusiasm. The cohesiveness of the team, led by Sue Anne and Khathu,
provides a loving and positive environment for these kids with health and
poverty challenges. All the students were well-dressed and ready for the cold
South African winter.
Sue
Anne and Khathu both expressed heartfelt thanks for the money we have sent that
has contributed to; the building of a classroom; sponsored 16 kids; bought
seeds and tools for the community and home gardens; goats (a special thanks
Fernando from them both); clothes; meds when necessary and transport to and
from the school. Sue Anne continues to be dazzled by the generosity of St.
John, which she describes as, “such a small place filled with such big hearts.”
Lisa,
from Cause to Wonder, and I hope to host a fourth Another Magical Evening next
year, so expect to hear from us and see the videos. Visiting VMS was the
highlight of our trip to the Kalahari, Venda and Swaziland. Seeing our group’s
money in action made me profoundly proud of what we have accomplished together.
Thanks to you all, and to Hope for Limpopo for making VMS possible. We hope to
see you in 2016 during another evening of having fun while making a difference.
Hugs
and many, many thanks, Cristina
