It's about time that you get to see a big piece of my world here! These photos are from the campus-wide Open Day at Living Hope that we hosted at the end of May. Although Living Hope's headquarters have been located at the Capri campus for almost ten years now, many changes have occurred over the years and we were majorly overdue for a reintroduction to the world! It was our priviledge to open the gates to host a true open-house expereince, and we were blessed to get to share our everyday jobs with our neighbors, friends, patients, clients and partner churches...some for the very first time! I hope you enjoy your virutal tour of Living Hope! Here we go!
By 8am they were rolling in, despite the grey day, and we were happy to see them!
Meet the welcome crew! Here's where vistors collected their vital info including maps and tours.
If you were lucky, you got a personalized tour! These lovely ladies were both retired nursing sisters and asked lots of great questions. We were delighted to answer them!
Yes the campus is big enough that you need a map!
Off they go!
First stop? A little bit of video to show how and where we work. I loved getting to watch people watch us. It was amazing to get to see their faces light up as the stories unfolded on the screen.
Lots of info to read!
Here, this lovely couple is reading the history of Living Hope. Since 1987 the founders of Living Hope have remained impassioned for the impoverished people of our valley, and we continue to be moved by their dedication throughout the years. It's so important for us to remember where we have come from and how much further we want to go. We were blessed to meet many local church members such as these, that recalled praying for Living Hope for the past 24 years. Without their faithfulness we might not be here!
Onward we go! Next up was a snack break with the Living Grace folks! This kind team of people offered us a little taste of what the homeless of Cape Town get to have everyday at Living Grace: free coffee, soup & bread! And let me tell you, the soup was hearty, hot, delicious and served with love!
Thanks ladies!
Yummo!
Sam & Peter, pictured here, almost single handedly run our drug and alcohol program and we are so proud of the work they are doing. Changing lives one person at a time.
If you were feeling the need to take a load off after your snack, our support group leaders are just the girls to help! These ladies are there for the everyday in's-and-out's of living with HIV/AIDS. A variety of groups meet to support and encourage one another down the long road of treatment with ARV's and to provide an outlet in helping people manage their emotions regarding their diagnosis.
And nothing says support like a good foot massage! Thanks for making our guests so relaxed girls!
Looks like everyone got in on the relaxation including our own Miss Avril!
I don't know about you but this smiling face would be a welcome sight to me... Keep up the good work!
Okay...now that our guests were full and relaxed time for some real work! Here is Sister Sandy giving guided tours of our health care facility. Once just a hospice, we have expanded to a full health care center, offering whatever kind of treatment is required as it relates to HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.
We love getting to show people the Health Care Center. Most people had no clue what services we were able to offer, and everyone was so impressed by the beauty of the facility and the kindness of the staff. We always like to hear that!
Continuing with the health theme, the next stop was Community Based Care. Here we got to show-and-tell exactly what it is we do for patients in their homes. Blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, wound dressing, bathing, medication compliance and so much more. We do it all!
Meet the bosses: Sister Sandy is the head of our in-patient unit and Sister Leigh is our nursing supervisor. Love these ladies!
After touring through the faciliities visitors were offered their own health-screenings for free, including HIV tests, blood pressure checks and blood sugar tests, which we were happy to provide.
By mid-day we had quite the line going!
After all the seroius health checks and education, it was time for a little FUN!
Hi Roger!
Who doesn't love a little face paint!?!?
And how about a bounce house to boot!?!?
Need a popcorn stop?
Spiderman you just captured my heart...
Hi cutie!
Gorgeous!
Having too much fun!
Nathan was on-hand to show us how to rangle some kiddos... He's a professional kid-rangler, seeing as how he does every day in the Life Skills department.
Life Skills group activities...
Sister act!
Yes! We really are having a really good time!
And for our very last stop of the day! More food! Our newest job creation and sustainability project... cucumbers grown in food tunnels!
Here, Itai is explaining how it is exactly that Living Way came to be the largest producer of cucumbers in the Valley... Hydroponics, who knew?
And yet more job creation... our own bakery!
Buy some cookies on your way out, if there are any left!
And that's it! It's time to wrap things up!
Shake some dignitary hands...
Talk the Living Hope talk...
Smile sweetly to get some volunteer sign-ups...
Show the people exactly how much you LOVE your job!
Say thank you to the team!
Pose for some pics!
And get in some much deserved relaxation! Ahhh!
Good Job Everyone! See you next year!
