My wife had the opportunity to visit the Promise Center in Mozambique last year; it was quite an emotional experience for her. I was supposed to visit them the past weekend, but due to the flu running havoc in our house it was not possible.

Here is a recollection of her trip in 2009:
“To sum up what the Mozambique trip/visit to The Promise Centre meant to me - A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE!
First of all the EXCITEMENT I felt when Leandra invited me to accompany them, planning the trip, realising I needed a passport and applying for one on very short notice!

Excitement turned to a feeling of being SCARED, not knowing what to expect and will I be able to contribute. What was expected from me...? The closer to our destination we came, the more uncertain I felt, what was I doing??

Meeting Emile, Katy, Hannelize, Drikus, Arno & the kids were amazing, one could feel the love and happiness in the air, the excitement of having us as visitors for the weekend.

Then came Saturday ... I again felt so scared when we arrived at the centre, not knowing what to expect and then BANG, children streaming out of the house, hugging us, hanging onto us, sitting on our laps, eager little faces waiting their turn for face painting. I could see that they were happy and content despite their short comings, they belonged together and they were a family. Older children were comforting and holding the younger ones which looked at us a bit tentatively, also not sure what to expect. With a little hesitation they stepped forward, sitting close, letting us hold them and play with them.

Then came the overpowering feeling of SADNESS that life can be so cruel, they didn't ask to be treated badly or to grow up without parents! I wanted to take all of them home with me, wished and prayed for money so that I can give them more of what they deserve.

Then I realised, they don't want money (although it will help), but what they now need is love, unconditional love and education (school and life skills) and that is what everybody working at The Centre give to them and mean to them. Sunday was a fun day on the beach, walking with them, playing soccer and just being with them, watching them enjoy the picnic. I didn't want the day to end.

When we had to say goodbye, I couldn't hold back the tears whilst they were singing and praising the Lord for bringing us to them to visit and enjoy the weekend with them. On Monday on the way back home I felt as if I completed the Comrades marathon. I was mentally and physically drained, didn't want to leave, but also couldn't wait to hug my kids and to tell them how privileged they are and to be thankful for what they have. I now know and fully believe God had planned this - I had to go to get me out of my comfort zone. To spend time with my children and to listen to them when they try to tell you a story is more valuable than all the money in the world!

I stand amazed at what Katy, Emile, Arno, Drikus and Hannelize and all the others at The Centre are doing. I pray for them everyday, for love and strength, endurance and faith, to be strong and to know GOD is with them every step of the way.”

Special thanks to Johan van Zyl who donated a blesbok, which we were planning to process and take along. We were advised by the Promise Centre not do this, as the meat might be confiscated at the border. We therefore made biltong and droëwors, which we sold. The proceeds will be transferred to their account for them to use as seen fit. For more information feel free to contact us.