Website:www.fosakids.org * Email: friendsoffairfield@yahoo.com

Hello from FOSA!

In order to meet the ever growing and changing needs of the children at Fairfield Children’s Homes and the Fairfield community, we are excited to share some news about the steps being taken at FOSA.

As I am sure most of you know by now, we have been updating our materials to reflect the new face of FOSA. In keeping with our new look, we are working to improve our service to both the children and our sponsors. In the past, we have sent out mailings at various times throughout the year. We are now planning to do more of our communications through newsletters, the FOSA blog and the website. Please feel free to contact us at any point with feedback and comments! You can do this on our website (fosakids.org), by email (friendsoffairfield@yahoo.com) or by regular mail, see our address below.

When FOSA started over 10 years ago, we could only imagine that we would be where we are today. With the love and support from all of our sponsors, over the past 10 years, we have been able to meet the needs of over 100 children and others in their immediate and nearby community. As we approach a new era in Zimbabwe, we are hoping to broaden our outreach and work with the children. Some of the children are already approaching adulthood and will be completing high school. This raises additional needs concerning university, trade school and other life choice alternatives. As we evaluate these needs and the projects needed to address them, we will reach out to you and those around you, because without you, we would not be able to continue our mission.

Through improved communication and an ever dedicated group of people, we will keep you abreast of all of the happenings at The Homes!

As always, thank you for your support.

PEACE TO YOU - Bob Greising FOSA Chairperson

9451 North State Road 267 Brownsburg, Indiana 46112

Fambai Zvkakanaka (Travel Well) FOSA Newsletter

Spring 2010

One Board Member Shares Her Memories from a Recent Trip to Fairfield Children’s Homes…

I have recently returned from my fourth trip to Fairfield Children’s Home. I was lucky enough to travel with my husband and another board member, Lynn Norman. This was Lynn’s 12th trip!

Let me share a few of the highlights from the trip. We were blessed from the moment we arrived. As we pulled into the driveway of The Homes, we were greeted by the moms, workers and children. The singing and praising began immediately and the joy was evident. We were so warmly welcomed! It had been two years since my last visit and what surprised me the most was how the children have grown and matured. Some of these children I first met in 2004, when they were still at the ‘old’ orphanage just up the road. For those of you who had the opportunity to see the children living under those conditions, you know the old orphanage was not really a place of peace and harmony, even though the staff truly tried their best with the resources they had. Now that the children have been living in The Homes since the summer of 2004, they have blossomed and grown under the care of their new moms.

We were fortunate enough to be there at the end of the school term. The children were so proud to show us their report cards. They would come running to us with huge smiles on their faces waving the report cards in hand, so anxious to show off their good grades.

Lynn and I were privileged to be guests at the Fairfield Creche graduation. The graduation was a festive affair. The children came dressed in their Sunday best. They sang songs led by little Rutendo, they danced and praised God. They each received a diploma and were happy to show it off for the camera. The event ended with snacks for all. Beginning in January

2010, these children will be in Grade 0 at Hartzell Primary School.

The two oldest children at Fairfield are Nyarai and Forward. These two are growing into mature and responsible young adults. Nyarai has been studying so hard for her exams, she wants to really succeed in school and with her determination, she had a bright future ahead of her. Forward is taking the role as the oldest in his home very seriously. He feels it is his responsibility to be the best role model he can be for his younger brothers and sisters. Forward led devotions one morning for all the staff. His inspirational message left us with little doubt that he will succeed in whatever he pursues. I wish I had more room available to say something about all the children. I would say how much Charity has overcome her shyness and would sing songs for us, or how Makanaka would hold your hands flat against her cheeks and squeeze them as hard as she could, or maybe I’d mention what a good job Justice is doing in tending his chickens.

All of the children are so precious and have their own gifts, talents and special qualities. Please remember all of the Fairfield children in your prayers. And thank you for your continued support.

Bonnie Naas

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To learn more abut other ways to get involved, visit the FOSA website

FOSA Projects: Highlight

Garden of Good Hope, Garden Project: Started many years ago and with the support of many Africa University students, the garden has grown over the years. Through the work of the Fairfield Children’s Homes’ staff and the Africa University students, the garden is an opportunity for the children to learn some responsibility and gardening skills. The Garden of Good Hope is a self-sustaining project, with the capacity to provide food for all of The Homes. In the past year, an accidental fire destroyed most of the garden, but hope and dedication have provided the Homes with caring individuals who are invested in reviving the garden for the children and staff at FCH.

Sponsors Needed! Chipo R Gender: Female Born: 06/06/94 Age: 15

Chipo was only a few months old when Social Welfare Department first brought her to Fairfield Orphanage. She is one of the most athletic children at Fairfield and can often be seen running, jumping hurdles, skipping rope or climbing a tree. Her energy is truly boundless. She is growing up fast and is doing well in school. Many times you will walk into her house and see her working on her homework while all of her siblings are playing around her. Her favorite color is red and her favorite classes are Religious and Modern Education (RME) and English.

Solomon M Gender: Male Born: 09/01/99 Age: 10

Solomon was found as a young infant in the Mutare area and came to Fairfield shortly thereafter. As a toddler, Solo could be a little out of control, but now is very mature for his age. He is calming down as he gets older, but when he is around the rest of the kids, he can still have some wild moments. His favorite color is yellow.

Website:www.fosakids.org * Email: friendsoffairfield@yahoo.com