December 2009 Zimpeto Sewing and Carpentry Program Update

"It has been a busy time here at Iris for both Betty and me. I have been splitting my time between Zimpeto and Maracuene, spending three days each week at Maracuene and two in Zimpeto. The boys and I have been busy with many small projects, in addition to making cupboards, baby cribs, and a bench for the nursery.

"We enjoyed making the doors for the church in Maracuene. It seems now that we can't keep up! We are working mostly on doors and windows but we also made a bed for Pastor Pedro who pastors the church in Maracuene. With help from a group from Ireland we have put electricity in the workshop, which is really saving on using the generator. One of the pictures is of Lulu working on one of the panels for the door, and Batista putting the finishing touches on the window. We are seeing people coming into the workshop asking for prices on doors and windows and once in a while we receive their business (there are now two homes in Maracuene with our windows in them). Next year we are looking to expand and probably train 4 young men, the goal being to have young men earn a living, and have the workshop
operate self sufficiently.

"The sewing program continues to go well. Betty now teaches fourteen girls and three adult women. There has been tremendous growth! This year a professional quilting teacher came from the US to teach the girls to quilt. It was an amazing project and the girls are looking forward to having her back to teach them more. A scripture that is very close to Betty's heart as concerns the girls and the sewing program is Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." 

"We are grateful to God for the opportunity to play a small part in the future of these children. Thanks for all of your prayers and support."