October 27, 2004
Construction team writes about experiences
Stephen, Butch and a team of other USA volunteers helped with the construction at the Wasbank and Schoemansdal Life Child Day Care Centres. Stephen, who since returned home, wrote about their experineces...

Stephen writes...

"As we took the winding roads from the airport to the DFL compound, the darkness and thickening mists seemed to match our disposition. We could not tell where the car was heading, and just as uncertain was everything about our current visit. By the time our visit was at an end however, I would come to regard those thick mists as reassurance of the close safety of where we stayed, rather than as a threat to lead us off the road to our deaths. Indeed, the entire time we spent serving at DFL seemed an amazing contrast of circumstance and the grace of God."

Butch, Anthony and Stephen at the Wasbank day care centre

"Butch Lech and myself volunteered at Doctors For Life after meeting Doctor Albu van Eeden and his Wife Karren on his recent trip to the States. We had hoped to help on a building project. We soon learned however, that being flexible is a key attribute if one is to be useful both in God’s Kingdom and at DFL. One is just as likely to be comforting a small child in a hospital as laying block for an orphanage."


The volunteers' accomodation in Wasbank

"Early on, we needed to adjust to new culture, language and companions. DFL sent us out with ten other volunteers. Eight young Americans, old timers Butch and myself, and two interpreters all arrived at Wasbank late one Spring morning. I was totally unprepared for the mass of small faces that greeted us. As we got out of our truck, over sixty little ones surrounded us with excited yammering. I thought to myself. “What do I have to give these children? Help me!”


Butch and Stephen with some of the orphans in Wasbank

"I soon learned that my helplessness coupled with a yielded and humble spirit could indeed be a conduit for the grace of God. Not only was I humbled by my inadequacies, but by the constant care and love of the other DFL volunteers. I think that care is the most notable characteristic of this wonderful organization. Butch and I were constantly treated as though we were visiting dignitaries rather than two simple congregants from a distant church."


Stephen and Butch starting the construction work

"Our team leader Sarah was a great inspiration to all of us. She is prototypical of what the DFL volunteer should be. Selfless, and having an excellent reputation in all the communities were we served, she was a vital tie to all our activity. I am amazed to see such a young woman take so readily to caring not only for her team, but also the community and the children. She knew their names, their stories, their hurts and heartaches. The children love her just as much in return. They often flock to her and she always has time for them."


Butch relaxes at the base camp

"I can hardly begin to detail all of our adventures. There were tense moments of imminent danger, frustration with people and situations, uncontrollable laughter, tears of joy as well as sadness, some cold nights and even hot water (well, warm water anyway). Encompassing all of this was the wonderful awareness of God’s abundant mercy and grace. "


More volunteers joined them with the construction efforts.

"Finally, it seems that there is no better way to get the feel of an organization and its life pulse than to get personally involved. I not only heartily endorse DFL as an organization, but I can speak from personal experience as to the importance and vitality of the work there. I would encourage others to take the plunge and get involved. You will not return the same. "

Digging the first hole for the "arch loo" (pit litrene)


The construction team for Wasbank


All the volunteers who stayed at the base camp in Wasbank

African beauty...

Buthc and Samuel fix the window panes in at the Schoemansdal Day Care Centre



Some of the orphans at the Schoemansdal centre


During an morning devotion


Life in Malelane...

Stephen together with Phinda, one of the children DFL takes care of



The volunteers have fun with the children

During and evening devotion, Stephen led the singing



Pitching their tents in Malelane

Stephen and Butch meet the construction manager of the Schoemansdal centre

The volunteers' shower facilities

Inside their "home"; Leo and Butch

Johanah, one of the volunteers, learns to carry water as the local woman do