Palms and U.K. brick exchange!

Yesterday was a great day for Kimbilio. We were joined by the Anglican Bishop of Katanga who alongside each child supported by Kimbilio planted a palm tree which will form an avenue of palm trees at the entrance to the Maison Kimbilio site. It is our hope that as we see the palm trees growing that we will also growth in the project and in the lives of the children we are supporting. Bishop Kasima also placed the first brick in Josue Manda House. This will be the first of the homes for the children and is to be named after Josue to honour his memory and his significant contribution to Kimbilio. We are hoping to complete this house by July 2011 and we welcome any contributions towards the building in memory of Josue. This first brick was sent from St Helen’s Church in Wheathampstead, U.K. This brick is believed to have been handmade well over 100 years ago. It was removed recently during St Helen's Church Yard wall repairs. It was sent to Lubumbashi as a token of the interest, love and blessing of the people of St Helen's Church for Maison Kimbilio and the young people there. One of the Kimbilio bricks was sent to St Helen’s so they can include it in their renovations to symbolise the link between us both. After the tree planting and brick placing all present assisted by carrying one or two bricks up from the brick kilns to the site where we are currently building a shower and toilet block. We were very thankful to everyone who came and helped out in so many different ways to make the event a real success.