All Things New

Written by Tracey Williams

As I somewhat belatedly (sorry!) sit to write this post, Christmas has long since come and gone and the fireworks of New Year's Eve are distant memories or points of discussion. Our focus has turned to the "Back to School" with holidays coming to a close and the children that were able to leave the centre to visit family, are returning to their dormitories.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas several of our children were able to participate in a 3 day long residential VBS type programme where the theme was "Tudo Novo" - all things new. It has been a significant point of discussion with the teens in my household as we look at what "Tudo Novo" might look like for 2022.
For the girls of Zimpeto , "Tudo Novo" looks like a brand new space to live in - officially opened in December days before Christmas but finally moved into last week. It was the fruition of a 7 year dream of our base directors, Steve and Ros Lazar. Almost two years ago we tore down the old and much worn down girls housing, laid the new cornerstone surrounded by prayer and watched as the new arose. It felt like it took forever as the girls settled (temporarily!!) into our visitors compound. Slowly and steadily the new appeared - first a recreational area then a new sewing programme room and kitchen - and at last the four "houses". New beds were made, bedding and mattresses arrived in a container gifted from generous supporters in the Netherlands. Rooms were painted, sheets were made, curtains hung and on January 8th, 2022 the ribbons were cut, speeches were made and a giant cake was shared by all.
A new girls dorm for Zimpeto, Tudo Novo , long imagined and awaited and now a day to day reality.
It was a wonderful way for us to welcome in the New Year and give thanks for God's faithfulness in fulfilling dreams and providing for every detail. As I shared with the girls on Jan 8th, God always has His best for us.