Unexpected blessings are like a hug from God. Our Ya Bana children received a special blessing from the Hatcher Family Memorial Fund to cover the cost of clothing for a year.

We thank God and praise Him for the beautiful people He places in our lives to help with this God-sized task! Look at the smiles on the faces of our Ya Bana children after receiving their winter robes, pjs and slippers!

"Dear Ya Bana Village:

Love you all! I want to say thank you for taking good care of me and making sure I am alright. I wish I could make something nice for Ya Bana Village. One promise is that when I grow up I will visit Ya Bana Village."

The sweet message shown above was sent from this beautiful young girl named Mpho who lives in our White House. Thank you to all our beautiful mothers, Village Father, Social Workers and other staff and children for making not only Mpho but ALL who come to Ya Bana Village feel welcomed.

The African proverb "It takes a village to raise a child" is so true.

After one year and four months, international travel to South Africa has resumed. Finally, God has made a way, in His perfect timing, for me to return to our Ya Bana Village July 1st through August 7th. I love these children, and the distance that separates us has, at times, seemed unbearable. I cannot imagine how they must have grown! And there are some little ones that I've never even met. I can't wait to see their beautiful smiles and get to know them better! I am elated to say the very least!!!

Baby Becky, Michael's and Nana's beautiful baby girl, was born on May 29th of last year. As her granny, I get to meet her, hold her, kiss her for the very first time and celebrate her birth! God is great!!!

I look forward to spending time with all of the children and staff; time to catch up and hear all their God stories and share mine as well. This is the time to thank our Lord for being with us every step of the way throughout this difficult time and encourage others in their journeys.

It is our hope to plan a retreat with the children while I am there. Please pray for provisions for possible venues, good weather and safety.

Meetings will also be scheduled with the Ya Bana Board of Directors, contractors, engineers, and school administrators. Please pray with us as we discern God's will for upcoming projects that will greatly impact our Ya Bana children and their futures.

And friends, thank you all for your tremendous love, financial and prayer support all these years. You have made Ya Bana what it is today! You have given these precious children a hope for a better tomorrow, and for that I am forever grateful!

Chive Bloom Dip: Snip blooming buds from chive stem. Wash and dry. Pinch purple petals off the flower while carefully removing any small green stems.

Mix with cream cheese and enjoy with Wheat Thin Crackers. Chive blooms can also be used to flavor vinegar or use as a garnish on soups, salads, and vegetables. Whole (cleaned) blooms can be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Mix together 8 oz. of softened cream cheese, 1 box of 10X powdered sugar, and 8 -12 segments of mandarin oranges (drained of juices) from a can or snack pack. Mix with a fork or blender. Serve with fresh strawberries or apple slices.