Thank You!

Kiaora everyone and welcome to another Mphatikizo newsletter in what has been an extremely busy few weeks here in Mtubwi. Pictures often speak louder than words so I will give you a brief outline of the progress to date, pictures and then where to next and that ever elusive opening!

Water Tank going up ( note health and safety )

Water!

The above should read Show Love, Give hope, Inspire Faith; perhaps lost in translation!!

Thursday night English for kids!

Our Volunteer Teachers

Isaac the electrician installing solar system

View from the Road

So what next ? Last week saw Regina and I at the lawyers in Blantyre going through the documents required for registration. This is a two-step process comprising first the actual registration and then application for the certificate of operation, which is, what is required to open. The length of time for this process is somewhat unknown at the moment as the certification requirement was only introduced late last year. The lawyers have assured me the first stage will be completed by weeks end and then we can go to the Commissioner for the all-important certification. This whole process will cost Mphatikizo about $400 NZ dollars including Lawyers fees but unfortunately is now a necessity.

Weeks end should see all work completed leaving us with the purchase of a gas bottle ($150 NZ) and a replacement solar panel, inverter and battery, which were damaged when the roof was blown off in a storm. A fridge and the required solar equipment will be purchased once the Orphanage is open. We currently have half of the beds already taken and although it has been a long journey and a little frustrating at times, when you see these kids it is all very much worth it.

Thank you as always to all our long time donors and those who in the last few weeks have donated some much needed funds required finishing the Orphanage. Without all your love, support and help from New Zealand none of this would be possible, the impact you are making to the people here in Mtubwi is huge.

Much Love The Smedley Family.

![endif]--![endif]--![endif]--![endif]--![endif]--![endif]--![endif]--![endif]--![endif]--![endif]--![endif]--![endif]--![endif]--