We are happy and proud to announce that on 7 December 2010, Marc Yorinda graduated from Wits University after 5 years of study as an electrical engineer. Marc is the third member of our Mercy House Family to get through this degree.
In the picture we see our graduate together with Mrs Marlen Ritky who has assisted and cared for Marc in so many ways, as if he were her own son, infact, she commented at the graduation that he should add “Ritky” to his surname! “No, ” retorted Marc, “someone may just think that I am Irish!”
As a young boy, Marc was orphaned in the genocide in Rwanda. He came to Mercy House a long time back and we put him into school. He did exceptionally well there, getting quite a few distinctions in his matric. One day he came and asked: “Please can you give me 25 stamps and 25 envelopes.” His plan was to apply to 25 companies for a bursary to do tertiary studies: he did just that and he succeeded. He managed to get a bursary with a large company that will employ him from January 2011. Well, it couldn’t be better could it!
But Marc is the one who deserves all the honours: it was his own determination and amazingly positive attitude, his unflinching faith and plain hard work that have got him to where he is. Marc you are an example to us all: if only we could emulate your positive attitude to life. Thank you for showing us what can be achieved if one has the will to get there. In spite of the most sad and difficult circumstances of his early life, there is absolutely no trace of bitterness in our Marc, only humble gratitude and openness for the positive hand of God working in our lives. Well done Marc and wishing you EVERYTHING the best – as you truly deserve. God Himself will be rejoicing over you!
Generous Friends
On Friday 3 December the St Vincent de Paul of Bez Valley gave their annual Christmas treat to Mercy House: a braai. It was a simply delightful evening and we are most grateful to Gus Wilcox and Valentine (both in the picture with one of our residents), Tanya and Heidi who worked so hard to make the evening the great success that it was.
A good time was had by all!
Another resident whom we are very proud of is Bertraud who is the first refugee that we know of who has completed the 97.5km cycle marathon. This cycle ride was held on a Sunday in November 2010.
In the photo Bertraud happily shows off his medal of which he is justifibly proud. Again, it is Bertraud’s admirable determination that has got him there and we are sure that he is also very grateful to BA pilot Stefan – who visits us whenever he flies to SA – who did him the kindness of getting him a racing bike. So we pay tribute to Stefan too.
MEET SNOOPY
Jacinto, a young Angolan orphan whom we have been helping since 2004, is very fond of dogs. He seems to attract the waifs.
Recently he took in 2 unwanted Rottweiler puppies, one being Snoopy. Unfortunately a visiting dog attacked him and mauled him badly. He seemed close to death. Mercy House stepped in and took the puppy to the vet and saw to his healing. He is seen here happily recovering after his attack.
Snoopy also has a voracious appetite. Any takers?
