I had such an amazing Christmas miracle happen this December.
It was so unexpected, so unbelievable; definitely one of those "WOW" moments in my life.
A few months ago I blogged about a very special lady named Mama Tracey.
I wrote about her life and work caring for some of the most needy in her community.
If you didn't read it, you can read it now. I'll wait :)
A dear friend of mine read the above blog, and unbeknownst to me, sent a link to our biggest radio station, 94.7 Highveld Stereo.
Every December they host an amazing program called "Christmas Wish".
It's about lending a helping hand, and changing lives.
They ask the people of Joburg to send in their wishes on behalf of someone else, and then find sponsors to make these wishes come true.
I've listened to it year after year, often with tears streaming down my face.
I've thought many times of sending in a wish, but always figured, what are the chances, there must be thousands of wishes sent through, and so I did nothing.
Thankfully, my friend decided to send my blog through to them, and they called back asking for more info!
They were very interested, and a few days later I took a group from 94.7 out to meet Tracey.
Before promising anything, they wanted to meet her and make sure there was something they could actually do to help.
She has so, so many needs, but before long I had narrowed them down to three big needs. Food for the 60+ children every day, clean water that was close (she has to walk nearly 1 km each way for water), and proper fencing to keep her and the little ones safe.
The team from 94.7 decided they wanted to throw a party for all the little ones.
They would bring presents, treats, their "Truck of Love". . .and Father Christmas!
While I thought this was great, I was worried they would do only this, so I kept saying how wonderful a party would be, but could they please also try to do something for her that would last long term.
They would say sure, sure, and then talk about the party again. So after a while I would remind them again of something longer term, and they would smile and say sure, sure, then more talk of the party.
I finally gave up, and hoped for the best.
They called me that evening to say that they would do Tracey's Christmas wish that Friday - only 2 days later! Could I please make sure to be there with her at 7:30 in the morning when they called, so that if her phone didn't work, she could use mine. Well, I was still teaching at this point, but my friend that had sent in the wish also happened to be my Vice Principal, and so I was given the day off :)
I arrived at 7:30, and dear Tracey had already been up for hours, cleaning and tidying. She still didn't know there would be anything more to her wish than the party later in the morning. So when she received a call from the radio station, she was more than a little surprised.
If you click on the link below, you can listen to Tracey being told about her Christmas wish.
Please listen, you really do want to hear this!
So did you get that!!!!
Spar is one of our grocery stores here, and they have sponsored her. For the next 2 years, she will be given R5000 ($ 600) in food vouchers each and every month!
She was also given a huge water tank, so she no longer has to walk nearly 1 km for water 3 times a day.
AND. . .she is getting safe fencing around her property!
Here I thought all they were interested in was the party, and they had planned to sort her for all three needs I had mentioned.
I had hoped they would do one - I had never dreamed they would do all three!!!!
As Tracey was listening to all they were telling her, she slowly sank to the ground. She was completely and utterly blown away. . .
She later told me, when God opens the doors, he also opens all the windows, and his blessings just flow down. She didn't stop praising her amazing and wonderful God all day. There was such thanksgiving.
Later in the day the 94.7 breakfast express team arrived with Father Christmas and the "Truck of Love".
Here are the children lining up for presents
Father Christmas had such fun giving all the little ones a gift
Waiting oh so patiently
This little boy was not from Tracey's creche. He was watching with such a wistful expression.
Of course Father Christmas brought extra gifts - so he got one as well - such joy!
94.7's "Truck of Love"
Playing with their party packs. . .
Such fun!
They all had a blast :)
Here, they're delivering her water tank!
This is a delightful video they took of the party! You might even notice two of my kids :)
Truck of Love- Tracies Miracle Day Care
The following week I received a call from Tracey saying someone had phoned with donations for her.
Could I please fetch them?!
Turns out they were donations from a big bank here in Joburg.
It took both Keshia's and my car two trips to bring all the donations!!
There were bags and bags of gorgeous clothes, presents for all the kids, food. . .
Here they were with the first installment of bags.
Tracey looked stunning in her traditional clothes :)
The kids were so delighted to receive ANOTHER gift!
I could eat this little one up
Such joy
Ear to ear grins
For the most part. . .
This little one was less than impressed
They were THRILLED!
Enjoying snacks and presents
This all happened during the first few days of December, so my Christmas joy began early this year.
I have been so, so blessed to see God work not only through Mama Tracey, but this Christmas season, to also see her blessed in abundance.
I could never have thought out such wonderful blessings. They truly came from our Heavenly Father above.
Tracey received her first food voucher earlier this week, and I am so delighted to know that her and her many little ones will have full bellies this year.
For those of you needing a little or big miracle this year, I can just hear Mama Tracey say: "When God opens the doors, he also opens the windows, and the blessing just flow down".
I pray that he opens those doors and windows of blessing for you today. . .
Until next time,
Blessings from Africa. . .
