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Astonishment Mapurisa’s thoughts from his visit to the UK (2005)

This was my second trip, but one with a difference. I found it to be a blessing as Bridgety and I needed time-out after many years of transitional hard work at the MRCH. The Friend’s decision to invite me to the UK together with my wife will always be remembered. The trip was hectic as the itinerary was congested, but it went on very well because I was not ‘home-sick’. With Bridgety on my side, we were determined to stay longer.

We had prepared a documentary on the MRCH, showing most of the current developments: from the new housing units, the clinic and the Community Based Orphan Care Scheme. The trip took us to over twenty-two different and well-chosen destinations, including five NCH projects and addresses to church services. All our hosts were excellent and exceptionally hospitable. This is without exaggeration! Every step of our visit was enriching socially, spiritually and professionally. Bridgety and I remember all our hosts with great love.

We enjoyed the opportunity of showing the video, and our audiences received it with great excitement and enthusiasm. I also enjoyed visiting so many new destinations. We are sure it made positive impact on creating new partnerships and friendships. Bridgety and I also felt great relief realizing that there were so many Friends who were committed to champion our course in the UK. The care and concern that our hosts showed us was very therapeutic. We feel encouraged even today.

Visits to the NCH projects were also very essential. It was reinvigorating to see models of best practices. I am in the process of revisiting my vision and enhancing project write-ups having been inspired by these visits. Our stay with the Withingtons, the Banhams and subsequent meetings with the Bromleys gave us wonderful professional and moral support. I cherish their experiences and enjoy their support.

All those strolls we took in the countryside and in towns, we still remember and cherish them. We pray for all the Friends who sacrificed their family resources to make us happy. Indeed, we came back refreshed. Paddy and Jenny can testify that indeed Bridgety and I paddled in the sea. Ruth and Bob gave us sea-side experience too. Next time we swim! God less you all.

Fuel shortages threaten the Home

A visitor on a business trip to MRCH in June 2005 made the following observations:

“There seems to be an air of depression about the situation as well as uncertainty created by the clearance programme. The fuel situation is awful, people waiting in queues overnight, or for 7-8 hour stretches during the day, mostly unsuccessful. Shortages worse than ever, so MRCH is affected as well. They have had to stop the chicken programme because they can’t get the feed  – hence no eggs for sale or for the children to eat. Pig breeding has also stopped and slowly the pigs are being sold off. The garden remains the only sustainability project in operation. And so….. money from overseas is critical to their survival in the short, medium and long term”

Black tie dinner dance raises 5k

On Saturday 28th May 2005 over 100 supporters of MRCH gathered in the beautiful 15th Century Merchant Taylor’s Hall in York for a black tie dinner/dance. People travelled from far a field, even as far as Kent, to support the event which was a huge success. Almost £5,000 was raised in a variety of ways. Items were auctioned, these included: a Tottenham shirt signed by England star Teddy Sherringham, boxing gloves signed by over 20 former British boxing champions including Henry Cooper, an England shirt signed by the England international stars Jason Leonard, Tim Rodber and Micky Skinner. There were also raffle prizes. After dinner there was a disco. This was a truly excellent evening of fun and fundraising for MRCH – A big thank you to all involved.