DEEP PEACE TO YOU

The last few weeks have been full of goodbyes here at Gentlecare.
Henderike, our Dutch volunteer has gone home. Her three months flew past like a dream. We are going to miss her dearly! She is such a wonderful person and did everything with so much love, we wish her all the best and that all her dreams come true.
We also had 4 deaths:

Liza, the lady that was so broken, just stopped wanting to live. Her condition on arrival was heartbreaking but for 4 months we were able to be part of her life and offer her a little comfort before she finally passed.
Ouma Elsie Coenraad, Karins ouma, passed away last week. At the age of 77 she decided it was time for her to leave. We will miss her deeply, and I am sure that Karin was aware in her heart that her grandmother was here.

We also lost Frank in the mens ward, and Renso Blom one of our farmers who had a stroke, and spent some time at Gentlecare. We were blessed to have had him here.

This really has been a busy month for our wonderful patients, exchanging their earthly life for an eternal life.  Our lives are touched and changed with each life we encounter here at the care centre and our prayers are ever with them.

Deep peace of the
running waves to you.

Deep peace of the
flowing air to you.

Deep peace of the
quiet earth to you.

Deep peace of the
shining stars to you.

Deep peace of the
Son of Peace to you.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The heat of December saw us through a wonderful Christmas and the end of 2010. Rotary in De Aar very kindly came to share their gifts and tender words of comfort to our patients over this special time.

Karin has been  up and going,  walking stronger everyday.
KARIN :) ... on her way to the beach with her shades!

Olga was extra happy as she got a visit from Aubrey, a Gentlecare patient from a year ago. They enjoyed the lunch together immensely.

 What a fun Christmas it was!!

Unfortunately, December did not go by without some sadness.

After one of our patients passed on we tried to assist her very poor and humble family to bury her.

We have very little resources, so we have to make do with what we have.

Digging a grave is hard labour as the ground is just rocks. Not having straps Tommie uses rope to lower the coffin. This can  be very nerve raking at times!

And so we head into 2011 as busy as ever. We hope you will keep walking with us as we journey into this new year in the service of God and the suffering people of South Africa!