One of our regional managers in South Africa took this photograph of a 'home' near Johannesburg, as a witness to unimaginable suffering. Here a social worker found a mom, who was dying of AIDS ; too weak and too poor to care for her baby. The baby was no longer alive. She just sat there staring into space; holding her dead infant and rocking gently back and forth.

The children in the Acres of Love extended families aren't delivered in the normal fashion. They are delivered to our doorstep by police and social workers. These children are found locked in corrugated iron outhouses. They are discovered living with dogs. They wander alone in parks. They are abandoned in hospitals. They are thrown at birth down long-drop toilets. They are often found beside their mothers' dead bodies. Their own families refuse to help them. They are starved and beaten. They are seldom more than 5 years old.

The infants and children who make it to Acres of Love and our beautiful Forever Homes are in a certain sense fortunate to have been rescued in time. I am saddened to share with you that there are thousands of invisible infants and children in rural communities in South Africa and 'informal settlements' around major metropolitan areas that are suffering today. They suffer because no one knows them. No one loves them.

"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it's in your power to help them" Proverbs 3:27

Ryan and I believe that the plight of the innocent infants and children is the challenge of our time; we are very grateful for your proactive help and we are hopeful that we can do even more in proportion to the challenge ahead.

Warm regards,

Acres of Love now has 27 children from the 15 Forever Homes enrolled in the 2 Acres of Love Preschools. These preschoolers are perhaps the busiest people at Acres of Love, filling our days with their limitless energy, boundless joy and keeping us constantly on our toes!

On July 3, 2007 a celebration was held at Casalinga Ristorante in South Africa to dedicate the iThemba Forever Home, and the Acres of Love children who live there, to the Lord. Joining the staff and children of Acres of Love for the ceremony were the Davies, Dusebout and Schuck families who had traveled from Santa Barbara, California to see the home and meet the family that they have lovingly supported since its establishment one year ago.

Prayers of dedication were said by John Davies and Drew Dusebout, giving thanks for each and every precious child's life that has been saved as a result of the iThemba Forever Home. A highlight of the day was a song performed by Enoch & Rachel, the iThemba Forever Home house parents and Siphiwe, one of the home's young residents.

It was a day full of memories to be cherished by all in attendance!

October 29, 2007 will bring the Second Annual Acres of Love 100 Hole Golf Marathon. On that day upwards of 20 golfers will meet for a shotgun start at 8:00 in the morning for a day full of swing after swing after swing.

Last year's event was such a success that a number of our inaugural year golfers are coming back for more, determined to outdo themselves by raising even more awareness and support for Acres of Love.

We hope that you'll consider taking part in this event by choosing a golfer to support as they cover the green for these precious children a half a world away.

On Wednesday July 4th, the first residents of the new Champions Forever Home moved in! The Champions Forever Home is the fourteenth Acres of Love home and will eventually provide a haven for 10 little girls.

Dollhouses, princess castles and dress-up clothes seem to fill the bedrooms (all painted pink!) as our 6 little girls have already made this house a home.

Already, in the few weeks since its opening, two more children have moved in and the home has been filled with additional joy, giggles and tea parties!

It is springtime in South Africa and the children at Acres of Love are basking in its warmth! On September 1, 2007, some of our children were invited to join in a Spring Day Celebration hosted by Kwalety Youth Development. The Kwalety Youth Development team has generously sponsored a number of children from Acres of Love to attend 4 months of singing, dance and drama lessons at Star Quality Performing Arts School.

Past experience has shown us that a few of our children clearly have a flair for the dramatics arts, and we are so thankful that they have been given the opportunity to put those talents to use!

Though the evening was rainy and cold, acclaimed jazz artist Warren Hill turned up the heat on August 25th for an Acres of Love Party With A Purpose in Tacoma, WA. Warren Hill's talent on the saxophone captivated the audience as he played both contemporary and classical pieces.

Marc Valdes, a Tacoma resident who has volunteered twice with Acres of Love in South Africa over the past year, organized and sponsored the entire event. Marc's generosity has ensured that 100% of the funds raised over the course of the evening will go towards covering the emergency medical costs of children living at Acres of Love.