It's quite a task to keep up with Iris Mhlanga, she is a tall statuesque woman, but she moves with the gait of a feather when the needs of the Community are involved.
Today a call to assist a family whose house has burnt down, tomorrow a message to garner help for ten children and their grandmother, sheltering together in an abandoned outhouse in the middle of an overgrown field....there is so much need but Iris is unflappable!! Calls are fielded daily and no one is turned away.
Her evening blog instantly solves her immediate crises as well wishers come forth with food, clothing and assistance.
And then there is her usual work week, including numerous soup kitchens throughout Bulawayo, requiring mountains of produce to feed hundreds of needy children.
Today we visited the Mustard Seed Community Orphanage in Woodville, where there are over 30 children from tiny abandoned babies, to wee orphans, and dozens of children with special needs.
Mustard Seed Communities worldwide work quietly and steadfastly
'caring for the most vulnerable'.
The home in Woodville, Bulawayo is incredible, trying hard to become self sustainable with produce. In the complex are four lovely homes where warm family units are provided for the children under its shelter. They also have a training facility for both male and female aspirant nuns and priests plus a beautiful Rosary Garden and a Grotto which reflects perfectly the peace and tranquility of the institution.
The daily feeding scheme was underway, 130 children have been identified in this area alone. Masks are obligatory, sanitation paramount, registration is necessary, but often these generous hearted ladies will turn a blind eye to those in genuine need, even if unregistered.
Neat lines of tiny folk queue patiently for their daily meal which today is a delicious meat, pap, beans and vegetables stew, plus a pint of nutritious mahewu, a healthy millet drink.
How can you help
Virtually Adopt a Child - $50 per term or RTGS equivalent)
(three terms in a year)
which covers school fees and uniforms.
Local donations RTGS
Nozizwe Mother of Nations
Trust NMB Bank
Bulawayo Branch
Account 210708472