When Lydia was offered a relief teacher role at Eden Cottage, it was one of the best things that could have happened for her family (husband Samuel and their two children). Not only did she have a job, she also received invaluable help from Visionwest during a time of need.
SAM: “Having Lydia working at Eden Cottage meant it seemed good to send our daughter there but what we really like are the Christian values.
LYDIA: “I think values are important, like respecting your elders, being patient, sharing with other kids, waiting your turn, these are things that we value. That’s what I wanted for our daughter.”
Lydia smiles as she describes her daughter’s love for Eden Cottage.
LYDIA: “Before, when I went to get my daughter ready for daycare, she’d say, ‘No. I’m tired.’ Now that she’s going to Eden Cottage, she says, ‘I’m coming,’ and she’s waiting all weekend for Monday to come. She just loves everything about daycare at Eden Cottage.”
Lydia and Samuel’s relationship with Visionwest deepened when, pregnant with their second child, Lydia went into labour prematurely.
LYDIA: “Our son was born in the 30th week. He weighed only 1.2 kgs and spent two months in hospital. During that time, Crystal [Eden Cottage Head Teacher] phoned to ask if we needed any support. She introduced us to Heather [a Visionwest Community Connector].”
SAM: “After our son was born, we were suffocating. I was working, I had to look after my daughter, my wife was in hospital, I had to travel from home to work to hospital … and we were nearly financially broke. It was hard.
“Heather asked what we needed, not only for the kids but also for Lydia. We thank God first of all for His help and, secondly, I give thanks to Heather and Visionwest Community Trust. They’ve been a big help for us. They provided everything for our new baby; a bassinette, car seat, clothes, diapers and toys.”
LYDIA: “And groceries too … Heather arranged for us to receive help with food. I still sometimes get a kai parcel from the Pātaka Kai.”
SAM: “I have told so many people about Eden Cottage and Visionwest. I had one friend who couldn’t afford to pay the fees at another daycare, but Eden Cottage is free fees. When I told him, he was so happy and now his daughter is coming here.”