the new journey awaits

for the past three years i didn't really think i was going to make it this long for
all the things i have experienced all this gangsterism is not good for the people
that lives in the community but i am just glad i survive through all the stupid
and naughty things that all happened at my school and yet i managed to pass
and now i am on my way to the adult world and yes it sounded so boring at first
but we all have to go through that proses and now i actually can't wait i happy
that there was away for me and if there was one for me there is definently a way
for you who ever you might be

OH NO HIS BACK AGAIN....

Yes I'm back, they say..

"Greatness comes not when things always go good for you.

But the greatness comes when you’re really tested, when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes.Because only if you've been in the deepest valley you can know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain." by pravstalk .

I'm feeling so amped right now.. you wont believe :) in the next 3 hours I'll be on my way to London flight boards in heathrow. ssh..... Not to mention but just about 3:55pm this afternoon I had the privilege of being part of a lock down, now I know you like. "Lock down?" but Yes, Marlon Parker was locked in for 24hours by Rlabs Staff in a small room in their new building they hoping to revamp as their new Head office building. You can read more about it here: RLabs Site and check out live stream.

So excited about my holiday, I will be meeting up with Brent Williams (Facebook Page) in London.

You will be reading more about me here and there also on Facebook.

check it out ;)

WoW! It felt great to be acknowledged for our efforts , I didn't expect to leave with such a strong message like the one I received yesterday...

I realised that we are who we are because of the people surrounding us and how their experiences impact on our lives.

Thanx a lot to all at RLab you guys are truly special

Rlabs graduation 2010

I am so exited.Im smiling with my phone because I feel so awesome.I am in awe of where I am rite now at this very moment.I havent received a certificate of achievement in years.I basically gave up on achieving things in life.Today GOD has even proved my own thoughts wrong by allowing me to graduate today.Ok,for the moment this is all I want to say,but thank YOU JESUS.YOU make everything possible.

Rehab "part2"

I definately dont look at myself the way I use to.Im smiling right now because Im so thankfull that GOD found a group of people that HE decided to save from the destruction that comes through gangsterism and drugs.HE used those people to help me on my feet and now HE's using me to help others back on their feet.Thank YOU JESUS,thank you Rlabs,for changing the world.

Rehab "part1"

I love this phrase: "lives reconstructed from gangsterism and drugs" ,this is just a thank you blog going out to all of the Rlabs family.You guys rock,oviously we know that JESUS is ontop of the name list.Social media for social change is an awesome statement.More of an declaration.I often speak about what I've learnt at Rlabs to others and I realise that people dont look at me the way they use to

blogger

I THEIR,

ENJOYED THE CLASS

Another Chapter Comes To An End

We have spent approximately 14 weeks in the Reconstructed sessions at RLabs. The sessions have indeed been informative, relevant and more importantly useful!

I still marvel at the work of God's hands, understanding and knowing the background of these facilitators, how circumstances could have been so different for them. But thanks to God's grace he has removed them from a life of gangsterism and drugs and chosen them to be leaders, blessed them with gifts and talents to change the lives of others.

The have adopted the slogan "Social Media for Social Change". I am privileged this evening to be a participant in these sessions. And today I just want to thank everyone who has been instrumental in the classes. To all the facilitators: Craig, Brent, Monique, Marlon, Clinton, Clive, Jason and guest speaker Aslam Levy.... YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

May 2011 have an even greater impact on RLabs.

Much love
Tamzin

Prayer is a powerful antidote for negativity.

It's almost 4am on a Saturday morning and I cannot sleep. I'm feeling anxious, a feeling I've come to hate.
Confidence and self assurance are some of my good character traits, and feelings that are comfortable for me. God's inner peace is a daily prayer requirement. It's something He blesses me with abundantly.
But I think God wants me out of my comfort zone sometimes because how does one grow and learn when everything runs smoothly.
I've had a week filled with many emotions: happiness,thankfulness (even when I'm feeling a little negative, I am always thankful for my blessings),contentment,boredom,anxiety,hurt,anger....and it's all normal, I have to remind myself. Show me a person who doesn't experience these feelings from time to time. The antidote for the negative feelings 'PRAYER'.
So till next time, I need to talk with my God.

My Amazing Morning

Last night in Social Media class we were encouraged to blog more. To blog about what we thinking, what we passionate about, etc.

So this morning I want to tell everyone, what an awesome morning I'm having and what I'm thinking.

First of all, I'm feeling rejuvenated,energised,peaceful and happy with my lot in life. I started off my day by sending my beautiful family off to work,school and creche. I'll miss them for the day but I have to be honest and say that, I enjoy my alone time. And when they walk through the front door at night, I'm that much happier to see them. Once they left, I finished my chores and sat down and went through all the different Taebo workouts. I normally do the cardio workout but felt like doing something a bit different this morning. So to my delight I found a workout that is called 'Inner Strength' and while you work out you praise the Lord and call on His name to give you strength. The workout ends with a prayer. And had my tears flowing because I felt so thankful and blessed at that moment that Jesus Christ revealed Himself to me and like He was saying 'Don't worry,I'm here, I'm in everything that you do'. So that was just such an amazing start to my day.

And second of all I'm pondering my unemployment. I know that I need to go work to help my husband because we have set ourselves goals but I am honestly loving it at home. I feel like I have more patience and that I get much more done and that I can tend to my families needs in an extra extra special way. I have an idea for a small business and need to STOP procrastinating because that seems to be my problem.
As I said it's just something I'm pondering and really not something I'm stressing about because it's all in God's time.

Thanks for letting me share my AWESOME morning with you. Hope you all have a great day.

RLabs and JamiiX Mobile Counselling

The last week has been exciting at RLabs as their JamiiX counselling team have been working hard in changing the world one message at a time. JamiiX is a cloud-based solution allowing its users to manage conversations via various Social Network Chat and Instant Messengers. Typically described as a "Contact Centre on the Go". During a session the following is achieved per hour:

- Each advisor have an average of 40 users (250 - 300 users are assisted per hour)
- Average of 20,000 messages are exchanged per hour
- 5% of conversations during a session will receive an offline referral
- 2 out of 5 Users are new to the service
- Bulk of our users communicate via Mobile Chat platform MXit

What really excites us is when we hear stories of people whose lives are being changed because of the members of the community who sacrificially offer their time to help those in need. Today was another such day where one of the JamiiX Mobile Counsellors met with a subscriber to the service offline for further support. Well done to all at RLabs for the amazing work you are doing and we celebrate with you and the rest of the online community through the BEES Awards finalist nomination dedicated to you.

hi
I had one quiet weekend because i had to wright my learners licence for the 4th or 5th time
but anyway .The whole week my dad asking did you study working on my nerves as usaul
,but i went over the learners licence test and stuff and i think if i didnt look through those pagers
i dnt think i would of had it today...so my weekend was good after all so now my next step is to get my drivers code 14 oh yeah i want to drive trucks i think its in my blood lol...

" JESUS I LOVE YOU "

Its hard to understand the way " YOU " love me FATHER,Im sure I`ll be trying to understand YOUR love towards me into eternity.

This is going to be a short simple post,its just to tell someone,anyone even if no one is going to read this post,it does`nt matter.Im still writting it.
We have an awesome Heavenly FATHER,who loves us as humans so much that HE abandoned HIS Holiness to come and firstly dwell on earth with man,then went to the cross and willingly sacrifised HIS life for us.HE paid for our sins,HE paid for our mistakes.I dont understand HIS love but I know its real.I feel it right now.No matter how much times I hurt HIM,HE is forgiving.Its so hard to put my thoughts into words.

So all I can say is " JESUS I LOVE YOU " cause nothing I can do can thank YOU for WHO YOU are.

Grab and Run

No, I am not talking about someone's handbag, laptop or cellphone. Today I want to encourage everyone sitting with ideas and opportunities. Grab these and run! Your idea will never take off or be utilised if you do not expose it. Don't be afraid of rejection or ridicule. If you believe in your idea, then believe that it can come to fruition. Not every idea needs capital, your idea may just need careful thought-processing and action. Remember, procrastination allows you to lose momentum, your idea runs the risk of becoming stale or outdated and chances are someone is working on something similar and launches before you. Ask yourself the question: "What have you got to lose?"

Read more about how you can take your idea from conception to inception.

So believe that you can, and follow your dreams.

Hugs xx
Tamzin

"REASONS"

There should be reasons for everything, sometimes we just dont know what the reasons are at times. At times we do the dumbest things that makes you feel stupid for no reason at all but all we can do is laugh it off. WHY? is the question we should always ask ourselfs, before making any dicisions because we should be aware of the consequences. We should think though things and know exactly wat the reasons are for doing it.

Another Life Reconstructed!!Niven Petersen

Today I introduce Niven Petersen to you guys. Niven is one of the young men that have joined our Reconstructed programme. He has been on our programme and has been attending our Reconstructed classes now for the last 3 months. With the help and collaboration of Impact Direct ministries and RLABS, Niven is progressing wonderfully and has achieved lots

This young man comes out of a lifestyle of gansterism and drugs and has been abusing drugs from the tender age of 12 years old .He has had many criminal cases to his name and in one of these counts he has been sentenced to a 3 year sentence to a juvenile facility. The courts have agreed that as long as he is participating in a programme like the Reconstructed he will be able to do his 3 year sentence on the outside and would be placed back into society.

One of his latest achievements was celebrating his 16^th birthday with friends and family and being completely sober on his birthday for the first time in 3 years. Reconstructed Living Lab would like to commend Niven on his achievement and will continue to support him in the reconstruction of his life.

Baba and Kids Indaba 22-24 October 2010

The long awaited Sandton Baba Indaba happens this weekend. I depart on Thursday to work at the show and meet all my clients. Always good to put a face to the name after many telephone engagements and emails. The Sandton show is always a blast. Last year the estimated visitor numbers were 25 000, a whopping 29 878 eventually came through the door. Well this year we are expecting 30 000.

Baba and Kids Indaba is a family exhibition. We see lots of "bumps", yes preggie ladies and young families attending. Babas, toddlers and kids up to the age of 12 are well-entertained at the expo. The Bump and Beyond competition is certainly the highlight for moms as they stand to win the prize valued at more than R60 000, which includes hampers, furniture, linen, clothing, wraps, shoes, and lots lots more.

Much effort and time is spent on the shows and the staff is proud to be a part of the most loved parenting show.

So if you are a mama, papa, baba or toddler or you have an exciting "bump" aka miracle, please do join us this weekend at the Sandton Convention Centre 22-24 October 09h30-17h00.

Thanks
Tamzin

Hi their,

Its only me Vanessa Martin,not much has been happening in my life,lately.
same old same old work,work,work.I've started to walk in the mornings,and home from work,from Mowbray to Athlone,
It's only been two days,but feeling good,im not feeling tired anymore,im very unfit though.My boyfriend and i took a walk on long beach,in the sand last weekend and i c
ould feel the unfitness,

for all jazz lovers out there if you no the song autenm leaves i only learnt the full song on monday and i am a jazz artest.

for all drummers out there bothnners has a mapecks hzb kit for sale so go out there and get it.

if you need to find out more you can email me at brandonaspeling@gmail.com ,,, and don't forget to leave me your email address.

Sustainability is for EVERYONE...*

Good Evening...*

Tonight in our Social Media class, we've been told to blog about whatever we're feeling. So as an Interior Designer/Architect I want to let the whole world know how important sustainability actually is.

Yes we're always hearing about recycling,(re-use, reduce and recycle), but as designers and architects we can even take it a step further by incorporating sustainable design into all the new residential and corporate buildings that are currently being developed. This would include using recyclable and sustainable materials that would still look aesthetically pleasing, as well as mixing it with good building design.

We all have a role to play in our communities whether it be cleaning and beautifying our areas, starting a recycling project or simply picking up that "Simba" chip packet we see lying on the pavement - (but what do we do, we walk right past it)....

After all do we want to be the cause to the end of our planet, or do we want to sustain the wonderful work of GOD for future generations to enjoy......?

If you'd like any more information about designers and sustainability or just some tips for your home or office then contact me on the following email address... seragie@telkomsa.net

Alternatively you could visit the following link:
http://www.ratical.org/co-globalize/giveback.html

Have a great evening everyone...

*..PRiNceSs T..*

Liberating Times and My Return To Twitterville

Hello Everybody

So for tonight, for Social Media class we've been told to blog about what's on our hearts. And tonight I don't know whether I feel liberated or disappointed.

I resigned from my one month old job today and am wondering if I threw in the towel too soon, well that's what's happening in my brain but what my heart says is " Well done". For a long time I've been accepting of my circumstance but I guess it's time to speak up.

So here's to my "Desperate Housewife" status once again. I know it puts a bit of a load on my husband but I know he'd rather have a happy wife.

A new chapter, a new episode and to all my Twitter Followers .......I'M BACK, I'M BACK, I'M BACK...

Watch this space.

BACKGROUND

I could play the background.
I could play the background.
Cuz I know sometimes I get in the way.
So won't you take the lead, lead, lead.
So won't you take the lead, lead, lead.
And I can play the background, background.
And you can take the lead.

It's evident you run the show so let me back down.
You take the leading role, and I'll play the background.
I know I miss my cues, know I forget my lines
I'm sticking to your script, and I'm reading all your signs.
I don't need my name in lights.
I don't need a starring role.
And why gain the whole wide world, if I'm just gon' loose my soul.
And my ways ain't purified, I'll live according to your Word.
I can't endure this life without your wisdom being heard.
So word to every dancer for a pop star
Cuz we all play the background, but mine's a rock star.
Yeah. So if you need me I'll be stage right.
Prayin' the whole world will start embracing stage fright.
So let me fall back and stop giving my suggestions
Cuz when I follow my obsessions I end up confessing.
That I'm not that impressive, matter fact I'm............
A trail of star dust leading to the superstar.

I could play the background.
I could play the background.
Cuz I know sometimes I get in the way.
So won't you take the lead, lead, lead.
So won't you take the lead, lead, lead.
And I can play the background, background.
And you can take the lead.

I had a dream that I was captain of my soul.
I was master of my fate, lost control, and then I sank.
So I don't want to take the lead
Cuz I'm prone to make mistakes.
All these folks that follow me gon' end up in the wrong place.
So, just let me shadow you. And just let me trace your lines.
Matter fact just take my pen.
Here, you create my rhymes.
Cuz if I do this by myself I'm scared that I'll succeed.
And no longer trust in You, cuz I only trust in me.
And see, that's how you end up headed to destruction.
Paving a road to nowhere. Pour your life out for nothing.
You pulled my card, I'm bluffing
You know what's in my hand.
Me I just roll to trust you to cause the dice to land.
I'm in control of nothing. Follow you at any cost.
Some call it sovereign will, all I know is you the boss.
And man I'm so at ease. I'm so content.
I play the background like it's an instrument.

I could play the background.
I could play the background.
Cuz I know sometimes I get in the way.
So won't you take the lead, lead, lead.
So won't you take the lead, lead, lead.
And I can play the background, background.
And you can take the lead.

I know I'm safest when I'm in your will and trust your word.
And I know I'm dangerous when I trust myself; my vision blurred.
And I ain't got no time to play life's foolish games.
Got plenty aims but do they really glorify your name.
And its a shame the way I want to do these things for you, yeah.
Don't even cling to you. Take time to sit and glean from you.
And its seems that you are patient in my ignorance.
If ignorance is bliss, its cuz she never heard of this.

I could play the background.
I could play the background.
Cuz I know sometimes I get in the way.
So won't you take the lead, lead, lead.
So won't you take the lead, lead, lead.
And I can play the background, background.
And you can take the lead.

test video 2

that's cool

soccer is hard work

test video

drumer boy

Social Media 4 Teens

Social Media 4 Teens is back, here in the pictures are four young ladies doing their status update and chatting to friends and family via Facebook. Facebook has been a favorite social media platform amongst the Teen group and also a good way for them to engage with other teens. To see more of this group of teens you can click the like to our Facebook group http://tinyurl.com/37lbtmk

cool kid

Good Evening all...*

I'm having a fantastic time at the Social Media classes tonight at the Impact Centre. I'm looking forward to the day that I can use all these tools that I have learnt to empower the people from our local communities....

Thanks to everyone at the RLabs organisation for the great work that they are doing, and I know that GOD is going to use them in even greater ways in the future!

Have a wonderful evening everyone...

God Bless

*..PRiNceSs T..*

airplans

All about me

Hi their,

I'm Vanessa Martin,Born in Cape Town,lived in bridgetown most my life,I'm a single parent wth two boys.Which is sometimes challenging.Teenages think they know everything.
My occupation,receptionist @ Dentist in Mowbray.Love the job but,I need something more challenging.

My passsion is hair dressing,always love working with hair,different styles.
I doing it part time thought.

ThE sEcReT cOdEs Of MeN (BRO_MANCE)

Something that not many woman understands is the extreme relationship many men have with their friends.

Guys tend to care more for each other than the more impotant things in their life and sometimes these relationships are extremely hard to get rid of , but what can i say it's a Guy thing. Like many guys stand up for their friends and not for the woman in their lives , this is mainly because the bond between these friends come a long way and guys aren't really ready to let go of such a strong bond.

Remember your guy probably met his friend long before he met you , so it's very hard to throw that away. A guy thinks the relationship between him and his woman may not last very long thats why he stays so close to his friends because they'll always be there.

All woman can really do if they're in a situation where your guy spends more time with his friends than with you all you can do is support him and become friends with his friends.

The guy codes are extremely had to break so don't attempt it , you might just lose your man.

i'm Back.... from my last post on Saturday March 1st 2008 12:20pm

I'm back, don't ask me where I was or what happen in between. The good thing I'm back from the blogger's grave and Mikey2k has arise. Now equiped and on a quest to empower others and leave a legacy.

I must say i made the best choice to join the rlabs group.The guys are really teaching me alot about social media and how to be in contact with people around the world and to find out more about the people's life styles and who wants to know more about mine.

Well done to rlabs for winning the SA blog awards...

..Atlast I'm actually blogging

Hi Reader

So after much a due stressing about what to write in my first blogpost ,i have just decided to start from the top.....where does one normally start with anything...An Introduction.

Here's mine:

I'm Sue Levy.26 year old media designer and aspiring business owner of web design bussiness.Happily married and very passionate about family,technology and design..oh and did i mention fashion and everything girly.Yip thats me in a nutshell.



What this blog will have to offer,well whatever i love and loath.Hopefully to inspire those with my daily lessons in life.

So here's to my new blogging journey...Yipee :)

Hey my name is aubery not the best name ever been given to someone for the rest of ther natural lives but it was given to me by parents .I am 1.87 M tall big built and i like food espesialy my wifes.

I have three beatiful children they are all gifts from god.Some ask why so many kids sometimes i ask the same ? but then they do the most amasing things that just melts your heart .Life has throwen lots of curveballs at my wife and i .But we have knocked each for a six ,so bring it on.

Steps to finding a job!

First you would have to draw up a cv, send it away to different companys them wait for them to get back to you. When getting a reply you would then have to go for an interview, they would then contact you to let you know if you got the job.

Pride starts taking over lives

Many are consumed by pride and do not realise how it affects their everyday lives.

We are ignorant in believing that we are entitled to our pride , but are not aware of how bad pride can be and how far we are willing to go because it has this way of controling our lives.We are the owners of our lives but too many times we fall into this constant trap and admit defeat to it.

Even in the youth of today , no one realises the power of bargaining.Why not go with the all time favourite of a Win Win .When all parties win , we are slowly defeating pride together in ourselves and everyone loves the taste of victory...

... So take don't pride and do not let it rule your lives forever.
It's a sense of freedom to everyone.

LETS TRY AND RID OURSELVES OF PRIDE.

To blog or not to blog

In the #reconstructed class tonight at RLabs, information was shared with the participants about blogging. It remains a choice whether to blog or not, but if you have a story to tell and many of us have more than one story, it's always great to share with others. Some people will choose not to blog, however once the "blog bug" has bitten, I'm afraid you will want to blog. Personally I love to to pen my thoughts or in the techno world type my thoughts. I have a personal blog which I use to encourage people. I really enjoy my blogging moments, I must admit though thatI should be posting more often.

Till later
Tamzin

This is Rlabs

I am enjoying the Social Media Class at RLabs. It's a break away from being a Mommy and is very interesting and lots of fun.
It draws out my creativity that I thought I left behind in Matric English class.
And it's not just another class, it's interactive and the Teachers are interesting to say the least.
What was really exciting for me this week, was the fact that they won the SABlog Awards.
So proud of my Cuzzy, Shesthegeek.

The only thing I am not liking about Social Media, is that I am loosing SLEEP.....all I want to do is TWEET.

Till later when I am feeling more inspired.

Missions Trip to Blikkies Dorp

These pictures were taken on 29/07/2010 in Blikkies dorp. Hilary and Pete came down with a team from their church in the UK.

While here they wanted to see the feeding program in Blikkies dorp. Aunty Sharleen and Johan makes the soup to feed the children, and

the Mac’s and their team assisted on this day .They were shocked to say the least at the level of poverty ,compared to what they know and are familiar with. The amazing thing about the people in Blikkies dorp is that they were living on the street and as a church we fed

and clothed them for almost 4 & 1/2 years. And now since they living in blikkies dorp they on a waiting list to receive RDP homes, but have

in turn felt it upon their hearts to want to help others. And so we see them doing to others what was done to them.

And for this we give GOD all the glory and praise.

via Elder Deon Willie

Seniors Getting Creative...

Today the Seniors embarked on a new journey,



where by they have tried their hands at creating works of art.


It seems the ladies really came into their own when asked to be creative, they were quite excited to show their artistic flare.

Walking in the SUPERNATURAL

So I was encouraged by a dear friend who read my previous posts,to tell this story aswell.
It was the saterday evening prayer meeting before my brother recommitted his life to JESUS CHRIST. We were praying and I don’t remember if we were thanking GOD for all the things HE is doing in our lives and how HE answers our prayers, or if we were asking for more of HIS glory to be manifested here on earth.When all of a sudden, Pastor Roger stops us and sais that HE has a sense that an angel has entered the room and that it is an angel of great authority. At that time I`m sure that everyone could feel the intensity of the presence in the room.We all got to our knees and laid on our faces.The word came to us that whatever we are going to ask from that moment would be answered/given to us as we ask.I just had one thing in my mind and that was an thought. This is what I said to GOD.
“GOD please remember my brother Garth”
The next morning my brother and his wife was in church and he committed his life to JESUS.
#JESUS IS LORD

"The annointing" part2

So like I said in (part 1),three weeks ago my brother returned to the heart of worship.Two weeks ago,I shared my testimony with Ps.Roger and this past sunday (29 August 2010) GOD did something amazing to and through me and my brother that would change our lives forever.

Pastor Roger got into contact with Garth,asking him if he could remember the episode I had shared with him,garth said yes.Then he was asked if he could remember the song he played that specific day and if he would play it in church this sunday past(29 August 2010) and garth agreed.Originally I knew nothing about the discussion between Garth and Ps Roger.

So during the service Ps Roger calls me to the front to come and share with the church what I spoke to him.I got up from my seat and started making my way to the front.When I reached the front I saw my brother on stage going to sit behind the electric piano and while I started speaking,Garth started playing that song(come breath in me).I finished speaking and he continued playing.I was sitting down and closed my eyes and thinking of how good GOD is to me.Because about three years ago,me and Garth were enemies,I hated him,and here we are in unity,being used by the creator of everything,"YEHOVAH".To speak about HIS goodness.

I opened my eyes to the sight of people standing,arms stretched out to GOD,crying in thankfullness of how much GOD loves us.I could just be so thankfull for the how GOD has changed and used my brother and I together and the bonus is the love that has been restored,lol,actually doubled.

ALL THE GLORY BE TO YEHOVAH
#JESUS IS LORD

"The annointing" part1

The awesomeness of GOD blows my mind.I`m trying to put into words what GOD is busy doing in my life and just as I think I`m about to start,the picture changes and I realize that "YEHOVAH" is too awesome to exsplain.So I`ll just tell you a story of how JESUS changes my life.

About two weeks ago,I shared an episode of my life with a man that I regard as a father figure to me,Pastor Roger Petersen.We were speaking about my brother Garth who recomitted his life to JESUS 3 weeks ago.I mentioned the fact that how I exsperienced the presence of GOD descend like raindrops falling softly,whenever garth plays the keyboard in worship of "YEHOVAH".

I remember the times I was on drugs and involved with gansterism,I use to stay away from home about for an week at time,many times more.Often as things would heat up and I needed a place to hide I would return home for a day or two.At this point,fights between me and my dad would break out regularly and it brought an evil atmoshere into the house.Eventually I would go to my room,laying on my bed,cursing and thinking evil thoughts towards my dad.I tell you at that times,an evil possesed me that I would not wish apon anyone.Many times I tried clearing my mind but it just would not help.Evil was busy consuming me.

Until my brother entered the house.At that time I really didnt know how he knew there was something wrong,he probably felt the atmosphere was very tense.All I know is that I would hear him play the piano(come breath in me) and I tell you,its like a tap being opened over me and all those evil thoughts I just had was being washed away.I realised that it was the presence of GOD entering our home casting away all evil.Leading me to repentance.

I would move into th living room and garth would be sitting on his piano chair still with his bag on his back,he just came in from work,my dad would be sitting on his chair watching tv and my move would be standing in the kitchen singing to the song my brother would be playing.I would ask them to forgive me,they would and the peace and unity would enter our home again.

ALL THE GLORY BE TO JESUS!!!!!!!

Senior Mobile Sessions (SMS) Never too old to learn

We at Rlabs are introducing our senior to different kinds of technology like how to use their cellphones better, gaming and the World Wide Web. On Monday morning our seniors were so excited about the World Wide Web. Our facilitator Michael started by teaching them the basic's of the pc components like the mouse and key pad. Most of them have never played around on a computer before and were very nervous to get started. Helping them to play around on the computer were great fun and Michael soon had them doing Google search. We are looking forward to the next session with our seniors and to watch them develop. Stay tuned to see more of our sessions with the seniors.

Rae's Girls

Aunt Rae was very busy facilitating a Facebook session this week. It was my first session with the ladies and we had great fun getting started on Facebook. These ladies were so excited and immediately started to build their communities and searching for friends on Facebook. The ladies are attending City Mission Educational Services school (CMES) in Bridgetown and its our role to impart knowledge using Social Media Tools. Keep watching to see how they develop in the next few months.

Mom's 3.0 doing Video blogging

Our moms were excited to do vlogging (video blogging)this weekend even when technology is fairly new to them. Especially in the month when we are celebrating women it feels good to empower the moms of our community. here are some of the video blogs that was done on Saturday.

Launch of JamiiX in Europe

The second leg of the JamiiX World Tour was Helsinki, Finland where it would be the first time JamiiX will be made available to Europe. JamiiX is a Web 2.0 technology that manages and aggregates conversations via (Mobile) Instant Messengers and Social Networks in a central place. The story of JamiiX is that it is the first Web 2.0 technology conceived and developed on the "notorious" Cape Flats in the Western Cape, South Africa.

This European launch of JamiiX was a follow up of the Cape Town event a few weeks ago. With guests from various industries and technology companies including (Nokia, Mobile Brain Bank) including our hosts and partners (Pajat). The event was held at a stunning venue the Royal Ravintola Klub and Terrace where we welcomed the guests with some great South African tunes and Cape Town atmosphere.


The event was co-hosted by Aalto University and sponsored by SAFIPA. The evening was an opportunity to share the history of JamiiX and the people behind it as well as share some key points about JamiiX:

1. It is currently using the FREEmium model.
2. It is a distributed system to manage mulitple conversations via web
3. It is easy to register
4. It is hosted on the Cloud and make use of the Software as a Service (SaaS) model
5. JamiiX eXchanges have special features that was on demo to the crowd
6. Push Technology and conversation management tool is changing the way people will manage conversations
7. Introduction to the JamiiX Open API
8. JamiiX as Contact Centre 2.0
9. JamiiX on mobile


The partner in Europe was also revealed at the launch event with lots of interest from various sectors. The guests at the launch were able to play and test JamiiX after the presentation and Q&A session. Overall the JamiiX technology was very well received with possible contacts and clients to be revealed soon. Thank you to everyone who attended and Helsinki for opening the JamiiX doors to Europe. This adventure is also a testimony that innovations from the dusty streets of Africa can have a global impact. Well done to everyone at RLabs and the community who are the reason for celebrating. Next part of the journey will be in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Source: Reconstructed Living Lab

Human Face to technology

Over the past weekend the RLabs Team was again in the Academia space. This time it was not a Social Media Surgery but sharing stories. Cape Peninsula University of Technology had an open day and they invited the RLabs Team to do a presentation and to share the RLabs story. Some of the team members shared their personal experiences of how they are using technology to empower communities through innovation . Monique Ross (She's the Geek) shared how creative one can be in IT and IT is just not on a PC but working in a real world bringing it together to reconstruct lives. . 343 kids attended the CPUT Faculty Open Day this past Saturday.

RLabs at Baba Indaba

Diapers, cots, prams, bottles, soft toys, baby clothing, teething gel are just a few thoughts that spring to mind of an expecting mom. To enrich parents and parents-to-be more about baby stuff was the SABC Education Baba Indaba. The Baba Indaba was designed to inspire new moms to delight in their pregnancy, bring fresh ideas to parents, stimulate toddlers and entice kids with various essential, interesting and fun products.



This annual event was held in Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. On 23-25 July the CTICC was the venue where parents, babies, toddlers and tweens were entertained, inspired and encouraged to discover a world of fun and education with a variety of exhibitors. For the first time in South Africa the Kids Indaba, which focuses on children between the ages 6-12 years, was part of the already well-known Baba Indaba.

Among the necessary new-born products, nutritional and healthy food, educational cartoons and maternity fashion shows, was Bridgetown’s very own Reconstructed Living Lab (Rlabs) to stimulate the children via computers. Rlabs was determined to take Social Media Surgery to the younger generation, who were eager to interact with technology. Rlabs aimed to increase the understanding of technology and to educate the children between the ages of 6-12 years about various educational sites, children from as young as three years old were playing games on the Wii, X-Box and the PC’s.

Most of the children who passed-by showed an interest either by pulling their parents towards Rlabs or running towards a pc or the games projected on the screens. They were knowledgeable as well about the internet and exchanged their favourite sites with the Rlabs team.

Technology has weaved its way to the very young ones and to enhance the phrase “...if you can’t beat them join them,” Rlabs encouraged the parents to embrace the ever transpiring evolution of the online world by introducing them to sites beneficial to their children’s development.

Me and YOU

A walk with GOD in the most intimate way is what I desire.To be HIS friend.

Its the 24 June 2010 @ 02:10 in the morning,I cant sleep.Im all exited,its really hard to explain to you this that I am feeling right now,but it is a joy unspeakable and full of GLORY.Imagine being lost and you being found.Imagine being blind but now you see.Imagine being deaf but now you hear.There is nothing in this world that can give me what I have right now,"LOVE"!!!!!!!!!

This is what every human being searches for in their lifetime.We search for it in soooooo many things,many have even died and lost their souls to eternal condemnation.(HELL)

HE is always just one step away,call apon the name of #JESUS and the truth will set you free!!!!!!!!

#JESUS IS LORD

Cape Town Stadium turned into an abattoir

Yesterday Portugal faced off against Korea DPR at the beautiful Cape Town Stadium today at 13h30. I was one of the lucky 63, 644 fans to witness a goal scoring feast that happens to also be the highest score at World Cup 2010 thus far.

I was pleasantly surprised at the efficiency at which the transport system operated from the CBD to the drop off point near the stadium. Looking at all the fans queuing to get into the stadium I must admit I was a bit worried we weren't going to make it in time for the kickoff. Then again without much hassle we were in the stadium listening to thousands of fans blowing their vuvuzelas.

All in all I had a fantastic day in the Mother City being pleasantly surprised by the efficiency at which everything ran building up to and including the match of the day. But the highlight of my day was watching a high scoring match seeing that I only had this one world cup ticket.

Angel and the 23,000

Another exciting project that RLabs have been involved in has been the Angel on MXit project where we offer people support and advice in the areas of substance abuse, abuse, depression, debt counselling,stress and coping via their mobile phones. This partnership with MXit Lifestyle will allow us to scale our services and also provide much needed access to all MXit users. The Angel project allows MXit users to "find their Angel" where they can get help for the social issue they are dealing with.

Over the next few weeks we will increase the capacity of our mobile counselling support centre and grow it to support thousands of MXit users across South Africa. Since starting our new campaign yesterday we've already attracted more than 23,000 users to the service.

stress

If only people can go to an exotic place just to get away from all the stressful people
around them maybe some day someone will find a place that we can just get away from
and I know if I could go I would go because I know if I was in a person shoes with so many
stress I would feel very much the same.

lifestyle

Today is such a cold I felt like sleeping Whole day but i couldn't because i have to
be at a computer class a very important class and i think this will be a good
start for the future and you never know where that might lead you
maybe one of the days you can be running your own computer business

Mary Louise Saaiman

Its very hard for me to start writing about this woman.She one of the most amazing people I have ever and will ever meet.

Ladies and gentle man,this blog is about my mother.

I remember the nights when I used to come in the house and she would be sitting and playing tv games waiting forme to come in from the road,probably praying every moment that I was on the move.Drugged up I use to go and lay on the couch and start talking to her.Funny enough,I only talked to her when I was drugged.And she dare not fall asleep even though its 3 in the morning or else I would throw a fit and would blame her for not listening and that would be the reason for me not drugging.I put her through alot but not once can I say that she did not love me.

I remember the days when I was living in the drug house.Even though she knew I wasnt going to come home,many a days she would come and call me knowing I was inside,even though I told everyone to say Im not there.She would sit outside waiting for me in the hope that I would come home with her.No matter what time of the night it was.

I remember how we use to call on her when we were in trouble and she use to bail us out,even those that we not her own children,she would love us all the same.

I remember this one night,this was probably one of the worst things I could ever do,I forced her to light a mandrax pipe for me with an match because I wanted to smoke alone and not share with others but I needed someone to light the pipe,so I tricked her by saying,that if she did not light it for me,I would go to any drug den and find someone to smoke with.At that time,we were in a war,so me moving alone at that time of the night could end up in me getting shot.So to avoid that,she lit me up.After that hit,I hated myself for years.

I remember how she use to come into my room at 3 in the morning and pray for me,the nights i use to sleep at home,how she would annoint my feet at home,I would hear every word,naturally I would not be asleep because I was high from tik,but I always kept me asleep while she was in the room,and many times after she left my room,just went on drugging again.

"She never stopped loving me,she always projected JESUS CHRIST to me."

I remember the look on her face the DAY :"JESUS CHRIST saved my life from eternal condemnation and delivered me from drugs"

Today is her birthday,I couldnt buy her anything,I wished her,but I couldnt go home to her,she released me to do the will of the FATHER.At the moment,thats the best I can give her as my mother,to be obedient to CHRIST.

A true woman of GOD!!!!!!!!

My mother!!!!!!!!!

Mary Louise Saaiman!!!!!!!!!

Street ministry 2010

I can only thank my LORD and Saviour JESUS CHRIST for what HE did for me today.
"Its like DADDY bought me a bran new bycicle"

Thats the best way I can describe the way that Im feeling.You know what makes me happy,satisfied,wealthy,its the sparkle in the people`s eyes after we have ministered the Gosple and finished prayed for them.I don`t know what they might be going through.Are we all not good in putting up masks,sometimes.

Imagine a life without the HOLY SPIRIT guiding us,prompting us and even helping us to do the will of the FATHER,this would be a crappy world,no love,no worrying about each other.(GREATFULL HEART)Thank YOU JESUS for sending us the HOLY SPIRIT.

Im laughing now,because I feel this is going to be one of those blogs where my heading sais one thing,and my content sais another,laugh out loud,thank YOU LORD for the joy YOU have given me.(VERY BIG SMILE).

I`m sitting and I just drifted away thinking how GOD has changed my life around(DEEP BREATH) I LOVE YOU JESUS.

#JESUS is KING

GOD only knows

Only tears can exspress my grattitude towards how GOD makes me feel inside,but tears of joy.I ministered to a 14 year old today.He is on a 4month drug rehab program.I dont even know how to write this Blog but I feel I want to tell this story.

Listening to him speak about his home,sory I should say,his house.Thats not a home.There is too much hurt and pain to call it a home.I was sitting there and so much things went through my mind.Emotions went throw my body,anger,hurt,pain.

This is just one kids story I am hearing,there are thousands that even die under these circumstances.Parents who drug,opening their houses to anybody to move in and out just so their addiction can be met.One instance is when a man they didnt know just walk into their house and started beating them(the kids) because his wife was hidding in their house,the man said,but he was halusanating from the drugs.Their parents couldnt hear them screaming because they were sleeping in the next room drugged up.

GOD allowed me to give the boy my testimony of my life on drugs,you see,we just know each other for a month now.And for some reason,he just kept coming to be around me but he didnt know where I came from(where GOD took me out of)but he always tells me he would like to be like the guys here where I am.We all serve JESUS CHRIST.

After I gave him my testimony,as the HOLY SPIRIT lead me,I truly saw a twinkle in his eye.I know that JESUS touch him.As Im sitting in this chair right now,there is nothing that I believe more than GOD is going to use this boy as an evangelist to spread to Gospel of JESUS and use him to set many captives free.

My name is Gary John Saaiman,I am servant of my LORD JESUS CHRIST.

The flip side

Today,I can only thank my LORD and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST for what HE has been and still is doing in my life.How HE is restoring my life to what I have been created to do,to lift up the name of JESUS and to preach HIS good news,which is the Gospel.

Im one of the facilitators of a holiday club that we are running over the school holiday period.These kids love me,and Im realising the opportunity GOD is giving me,an opportunity that I dont deserve but one that Im grabbing because of the mercies pouring down on me that is setting me free.So I just wanna tell you a small part of my history that I thing is significant to what GOD is allowing me to do.

Back in Atlantis,my home town,I was an assitant youth leader to about 150 to 200 youngsters on a friday evening.About after 2years,GOD allowd me to run my own youth in Mamre,a neibouring town to Atlantis.I was on high school at the time.GOD useed me to lead a couple of youngsters to JESUS CHRIST.HIS presence was truly with us as a youth.

Then came the time I turned my back on JESUS and went to go serve the devil.Firstly I became addicted to drugs,TIK being my favourd drug.I then got involved with the first tik wholesaler in our erea.At that time I basically tikked away most of my convictions.I truly thought hell was my destiny even though I knew that JESUS CHRIST is LORD.In this time I introduced three of the youngsters that I lead to the LORD,I now introduced to the evil(tik),actually got them hooked.I was selling for my friend at the time to support my habbit.

I will never forget the words of one of the boys,"Gary,if you should serve the LORD again oneday,we will too".

At that point I thought,drugs is my destiny,this is who I am,this is what Im going to do.

BUT!!!!!!!!

When the power of JESUS CHRIST gets hold of you,through,mothers and fathers and aunties and whoever the LORD uses to call your name,I tell you the truth.You will still think you the man one moment,the next,you will find yourself worshipping the MOST HIGH,ALL POWERFULL,my word is not enough to describe GOD.

One day Im selling my possessions,stealing things in my home to sell for tik,A man of GOD lays his hands on me and calls apon the HOLY SPIRIT to come and set me free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Im a fulltime worker in an organization that reconstructs communities.Im a servant of JESUS CHRIST and GOD entrust the lives of our future in my hands.

All GLORY be to #JESUS

Missions

You know what is so amazing,this past month up till now the Holy Spirit has been ministering to me about the dreams I had when I was a bit younger.I often use to have day dreams of how I would minister the word of GOD to single individuals at a times and leading them to JESUS CHRIST.The most favourite one I had(daydream) was one were I would imagine me being David.I would just be worship GOD in our own world.I dream`t of living for JESUS CHRIST,my greatest dream.

This mornings message in church was about missions,brought to us,Cape Town Christian Fellowship,by two Uk missionaries who are basically Capetonians by now,so long they have been here already.They are our family and we are theirs
.I might be drifting away from the point a bit,I tend to do that sometimes,lol,but Im just going to flo.

So one of the things that came forth is the fact that what do we have inside of us that will help forward missions,wether its us going to the nations or us helping others go and spread the gospel of JESUS CHRIST.The last and only hope that is able to save mankind and unite his relationship with our Heavenly FATHER,YEHOVAH.

I like making money,sometimes its like playing the game manopoly,I think Im good in it.I can serve people,its one of my best abilities.I can actually,through the grace of GOD,do alot of things that can bring in assistance that can support someone in missions.

So here is my mind,body and soul LORD.Either YOU can send me to the ends of the earth to preach the Gospel or YOU can use the abilities you place inside of me to assist others.It doesnt matter to me,either way,"Every knee is going to bow and every tongue is going to confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD and KING".

HE is GOD!

What else can I say,than!

I love JESUS CHRIST.I know I say it many a times,but it never has the same meanings.Im actually giggling now because Im thinking! to someone else,JESUS might just be a baby in the cradle,or a little cross with a man on it attached to a chain around your neck,but to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HE is the KING of GLORY,none before HIM,the AMAZING,never changing,ever remaining,the only ONE who can rock the microphone consistently with the same blazzing.

GOD who came down to earth to come and die for HIS people "to set me free".

That is why I speak in liberty,declaring that JESUS is my KING.That one day every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that JESUS is LORD.

I,Gary John Saaiman,just plain and simply,love JESUS CHRIST

SA vs FRANCE (RUGBY MANIA)

Today,Newlands stadium is the place to be.Im with the boys at the game.The atmoshere is pumping.Im loving it,really loving it.Clive "HBK" has got the crowd at least thinking,Im sure in a hours time he'll actually have them going crazy."WE LOVE YOU CLIVE".This is what Im talking about,living life without drugs,alcohol and all that stuff.#JESUS I thank you for this life you given me.I'll honour YOU

Occupying a negative space for positive change

Bridgetown is where it all began.A wise man once told me that anything that is started out of good intentions but does not include GOD as its strenghth,will turn out evil.Today the Americans is the biggest gang in South Africa with members all over.

For years the American gang have occupied a vacant space in an shoping complex in the Bridgetown area.One can just imagine all the evil that has taken place in that space.People getting hurt,robbed,drugs being dealled and used.For many years it has been the hangout of this gang and people associated with this gang.

But God has answered the prayers of HIS people,"praise the name of JESUS".Its about + - a month ago that we have started to occupy these vacant spaces.At the moment I am assiting Bradley Naidoo with the substance abuse program under the banner of Impact Direct Ministries.Bradley is an ex-member/leader of the americans gang in the Bridgetown/Athlone erea.

Im also assisting Bradley`s uncle as he is heading up the renovations of this building.As we are preparing it for ministry.You know what blows my mind,this man who Im helping,Bradley`s uncle,i dont want to mention his name now,he is one of the for initial members of the americans gang,"The operations exspert".The man with the plan,but the plan plan has changed.

For what the devil intended for bad,GOD is taking that same lives and HE is displaying to the world that JESUS is LORD.

life stories

hey guys and girls let me tell you something about me all my family members

thought that i was a sweet and innocent child up until last year i started

hanging out with some new and wrong friends that my mother warned

me about and i did not listen to her at times till they started experimenting

with drugs and they wanted me to try it and the 1 time i was so stressed

with things that happened at home that i try smoking dagga but i thought

to myself why should i have to waste my life with that when there are

better things in life if i had not done that i would've been such a pure

child and up until today i think back on that and say why did i have to

be so stupid and i still feel sad when people use that stuff against me

so boys and girls do not go down that path it is not the way to go

it is a cold and dark place that you would want to stay away from

the new twitter class

hey everybody i haven't been on the reconstructed for a long time it was because i was quite
busy with my school work and but today when i came to the class i was so amazed how
quick people learn how to use the Internet and i think that it was very good for middle
aged people to use the Internet so that they can learn whats new in the world.

i can't actually wait for the next class because i know that it will be fun
it is so nice when you can teach people new things i think that it's
awesome.

The cafe session at Rlabs

Mom’s 3.0

This morning there is a nervous excitement in the air at RLabs because the mom's will soon learn how to upload images to their individual blog posts on the MOM3.0 blog. This session was facilitated by Monique Ross (She's the Geek), a lady who needs no introduction to blogging. She was soon guiding the mom's with their images and their new blog posts. Successfully the mom's posted their pictures to the blog and are very excited to be contributing to the World Wide Web.

giving thanks

now that i have my daughter traveling by train
i am free to commune by cyber space
she have received her financial-aid praise the Lord

Seniors Game Day...

Seniors having their annual games day.

Healing and Restoration...

We met 3 weeks ago with the owner of the shop next to the dilapidated building and Bradleys uncle, who is giving his full support and backing for this initiative. The amazing thing is that his uncle is the founder of the American gang that is at present the largest gang in South Africa and responsible for most of the drug and gangster activities that is going on in the Cape Flats.

The building that we are moving into is one of the active hang out dens of this gang. This is like a movie being played out before our eyes. Only God is capable of doing something like this.

Bradley and Brent will be the two Community Developers heading this up. They were both previously involved in this gang with Bradley having run and led the operations for almost thirteen years, which drove the Community to have petitions drawn up against him to try and ban him from the community.

Their aim at the moment is to firstly use the one part of the building to create a space and environment in which they can engage with gang members operating there. The idea is to try and develop a Reconstructive Program in conjunction with these gang members similar to how we did with them. I am confident that they are going to pull this off with greater success than we did with them. They have just finished hosting the World Banks International INNOVATION FAIR using the skills and program they were part of developing.

Bradley Naidoo's Transformation...

To those who have an interest to read the story of an individual who didn't really understand what life was really about, who neither had a positive guide to teach and show him how to make the right choices in life, if they told you what was right they would always do the opposite of what they say. Well I think nobody gets to choose the situation they are born into, but I guess, and I firmly believe that you can change your situation or your circumstance. Change is inevitable change is possible only if you decide you want change, the whole world is talking about change, and yes there has been change but are we living for the change and the difference that we can make in our Families, Homes, or community, country or nation.

My name is Bradley I am the second oldest of five kids, I am currently situated in Cape Town Athlone Bridgetown, I have been living in Bridgetown all my life, Bridgetown is one of the most popular areas in terms of gangster ism and drugs. I grew up with a single parent my father was shot and killed when I was to 2 years old, my younger brother from my father side was shot and killed, then I had a cousin who was also shot and killed in gang related activities.
Why I am saying this is because one of the most Notorious gangs the Young Americans have been birthed out of our community not only did it start in our community it was actually a group of men that I new on very close and personal level, well my Father at that time was chosen to be the leader of this so called gang who had just emerged.

My uncle, who was involved in strategic planning, as to what the gang planned to do. 3 Generations later I found myself in the same cycle, and wasn't sure if I was going to spend my life in prison or end up dead as my father. In our society we look up to gangsters and drug dealers as our role models, we have no one to guide us neither is there any compass to direct our paths, and so we choose our destiny to die for what we stand and believe in, it has been 16 years of my life that I have been enslaved and controlled by gangsterism and drugs.

Brent Williams Transformation...

My name is Brent Williams and I am currently 32 years old. I hail from a community called Bridgetown. I grew up in the area and have been living her all my life. I don’t come out of a wealthy family or house but out of a very good home. I did not have everything but also lacked nothing so to speak. I have very good parents that always gave me their best.
I started drinking at the age of 13 years old and drank up to the age of 29 years old. (Drank for 16 years). I started using and experimenting with drugs at the age of 21 years old and used for 8 years, up to the age of 29 years old. When I started using and experimenting with drugs I got involved with gansterism and a notorious gang called the “Americans”. To support my drug habit I eventually started to sell drugs in my community and it did not matter to whom I sold (Old or young). When using the drugs (methamphetamine) it affected me mentally and I had terrible hallucinations .I always thought that the world was out to kill me. One evening I help my parent’s hostage with a long butcher’s knife threatening to kill them. That is when I know that I needed help.
My mom then brought me to the Impact Centre where I was counselled but most importantly introduced to Jesus Christ. That is where my journey began. I was counselled, mentored and disciple by Impact Direct. After that they saw it fit for me to go on various workshops and training. I eventually became part of the staff here and am one of the counsellors .I am also a Community Developer now and works and serve our community. This has been a very exiting journey thus far. Looking forward to what God is still going to do and my progress and development here at Impact Direct Ministries.

Improving the Knowledge Exchange landscape on the Cape Flats using Web2.0

One of our papers titled "Improving the knowledge exchange landscape in the Cape Flats, a developing community in South Africa" published in the South African Journal of Information Management (SAJIM) explores the use of Web 2.0 services to ease the access to information by people living in a socially and economically deprived area. Even more barriers exist, namely that the community is affected by gangsterism and drugs. The article reports on an investigation into the use of Web 2.0 technologies to enhance the information flow within the community to assist preventing the growth and spread of gangsterism and the use of drugs among South African communities, especially those in the Cape Flats. The findings showed that, through the use of Web 2.0 technologies, interviewees (ex-gang members and ex-drug addicts) learnt to use, exchange and disseminate information that could be used to uplift their communities. This paper was based on the work at the Reconstructed Living Lab (RLabs)and it is amazing to see how the team have developed since the time the paper was written.

Source: http://marlonparker.co.za

Day 2: World Bank Innovation Fair

Catch Day 2 of the exciting World Bank Innovation Fair below: