Young girl with baby

Young girl with baby, originally uploaded by rsa1980.

At the informal settlement near Margate, we came across this delightful young girl with responsibility for the baby. She had a quick and ready smile, but certainly had some pain in her eyes. The baby did not even have a diaper. We would like to provide diapers for the baby and clothing for both of them.

Children at informal settlement

Children at informal settlement, originally uploaded by rsa1980.

These children are wearing all the clothes they own to keep warm in the unseasonably cold temperatures of 50-60 degrees F. They are still barefoot, however.

Safe House "Ready Packs:

Along with the Baby Packs that Val continues to assemble, there is a need for older children's clothing. A "Safe House" in the area provides a place of refuge for children in danger from abuse or neglect. The children range from 18 months old to 16 years old, and frequently arrive in only the clothes they stand up in. The Child Welfare responsible for the children would appreciate "Ready Packs" of sets of clothing for boys and girls of different ages. AC4C members are assembling packs and duffel or tote bags for the children, along with a small toy or game.
For girls, we would like to include:

1. dress or skirt
2. pair of shorts or capris
3. pair of jeans or slacks
4. blouse
5. t-shirt
6. underwear (panties, slip and undershirt)
7. pyjamas
8. ankle socks
9. sandals or flip-flops
10. sweater or jacket
11. knitted or crocheted cap
12. toiletries ( toothbrush, comb, washcloth)
13. toy or game
14. The bag to put it all in!

For Boys:

1. Shirt
2. T-shirt
3. slacks or jeans
4. shorts
5. underwear (boxers/briefs, undershirt)
6. pyjamas
7. socks
8. sandals
9. sweater or jacket
10. knitted or crocheted cap
11. toiletries (toothbrush, comb, washcloth)
12. toy or game
13. The Bag to put it all in!

Gently used clothing would be appreciated as would handcrafted items. Many AC4C members are making sewn tote bags or crocheted bags. A simple skirt can be sewn from a rectangle of cloth, with a simple elastic waist. Please keep on the lookout for sale items.

Hope For Our World

Award -winning fiber artist Hollis Chatelain graciously gave permission to show her AMAZING quilt called "Hope For Our World." The quilt depicts Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa ministering to the children of the world. This quilt was judged the Best in Show at the Houston Quilt Festival. Hollis's other work includes "Sahel", which was named one of the top 100 quilts of the 20th century.

Namaqualand Wild Flowers

Namaqualand Wild Flowers, originally uploaded by Martin_Heigan.

Every Spring the desert comes alive with wonderful color. This beautiful picture captures the vividness. Do you see why I love bright colors and where I got the idea for the colors of the little girl's dress and bloomers seen below? Just look at the bright, bright blue of the sky.

Lilac-breasted roller - Coracias caudata

Lilac-breasted roller - Coracias caudata, originally uploaded by -WayuU-.

A beautiful bird from South Africa whose colors would make another beautiful outfit for a little one.

African Crowned Crane

twycross 22082007-044, originally uploaded by Walwyn.

South African National bird. Wouldn't a baby outfit in these colors look just adorable for a little boy? A little hat with a pompon on top would crown it off beautifully!

Handknit sweater

Handknit sweater, originally uploaded by rsa1980.

Another handknit sweater that the owner enjoys showing off. Her face is hidden as she is in a safe house in KZN somewhere. These children arrive with only the clothes they are standing up in, and the need is desperate.

Handknitted sweater worn with pride

More handknit worn with pride, originally uploaded by rsa1980.

This young girl lives in an informal settlement near Margate. She obviously cares about her appearance and she has tried to coordinate her T-shirt and sweater. She was also wearing a green skirt. I'm sure she would appreciate something else to wear. What a beautiful smile she had. Imagine parenting at such a young age, living in a makeshift dwelling. The baby on her hip did not even have a diaper. The BPP has a great need for simple single layer flat cloth diapers; each pack includes a single diaper or nappy.

Baby girl outfit for BPP

Baby girl, originally uploaded by rsa1980.

Love the bright colors. Kwik-Sew Pattern 3035. The bloomers are SO cute.

Doll worn around waist

Doll worn around waist, originally uploaded by rsa1980.

Little girl at informal settlement wearing her doll on her back.

Babywearing

Babywearing, originally uploaded by rsa1980.

Little girl at informal settlement wearing her doll in the way she has seen babies carried

Soccer Fever in South Africa

South Africa has been selected to host the 2010 Football (Soccer) World Cup. The South African team is Bafana Bafana, and its colors are yellow and green. Baby Packs and children's clothing in these colors would go over very well. Soccer themes would also be great. Link to South African Football Association page with pictures:
http://www.safa.net/index.php?page=gallery

Baby Packs being sorted

Baby Packs being sorted at the Baileys', South Africa, November 2007 originally uploaded by rsa1980.

Assembled Baby Packs under window in plastic bags. DH's ear at bottom right; he's unpacking items from the suitcase we took with us. Val took more pictures which she is going to send along with a DVD detailing more of the clinics served by the Baby Pack.

Back from South Africa

Arrived back from South Africa 3 am Monday Dec 3 South African time. Just a little jet lag after 25 hrs of travelling! What a wonderfully inspiring trip. I'll be posting more pictures as the days go by, but here are a few to start.