Rachel Hay
Rachel Hay is a former TCS student. She finished Year 12 in 2008. After leaving Trinity, Rachel completed a Certificate III at CIT in disability work.
She has had the opportunity to work with children with disabilities and is passionate to see children with disabilities fulfil their dreams.
For many years Rachel has been interested in serving God in cross-cultural mission. She went on her first short-term mission trip with her Mum, Dad and brother, as well as Trinity staff member Narelle Barkley, in 2003. Since then she has been on several other short-term trips, and also spent 6 months with YWAM in Hong Kong in 2012.
Earlier this year Rachel spent some time at an orphanage called Lily of the Valley, in the province of KwaZulu Natal, in South Africa. Together with her Mum and Dad, Rachel is now preparing to go and serve at Lily of the Valley long term.
Rachel-Hay Kids from Lily of the Valley https://www.tcs.act.edu.au/images/galleries/RachelHay/RachelHay-LilyKids.jpg Rachel Hay at Lily of the Valley, South Africa https://www.tcs.act.edu.au/images/galleries/RachelHay/RachelHay.jpg Working with children with disabilities https://www.tcs.act.edu.au/images/galleries/RachelHay/RachelHay-hospital.jpg Lily of the Valley school https://www.tcs.act.edu.au/images/galleries/RachelHay/RachelHay-LilySchool.jpg
On 19 September, Rachel spoke to TCS staff about the devastating impact in South Africa due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. She presented some disturbing statistics, such as:
- 30 people die from HIV/AIDS in South Africa every hour;
- there are 1,000 new cases of HIV infection diagnosed every day;
- and there are 2,000,000 HIV/AIDS orphans in South Africa.
When Rachel spoke to TCS staff she described the work at Lily of the Valley:
As a result of sickness, neglect or abuse, the children that come to Lily suffer from developmental delays and physical disabilities. But they also come without hope. However at Lily:
- we bring them into a loving, happy home, that unconditionally offers support, care, and nurture;
- we feed and clothe these children, get them medical attention and counselling;
- we send them to school and tutor them;
- we let them discover their dreams;
- we provide role models that show them what responsible living and achievement looks like.
One day these children will:
- grow up knowing the love of Christ;
- graduate from high school;
- apply for university;
- get a job;
- avoid contracting HIV;
- and become responsible parents when they are ready.
“These children will have a new future and hope”. You can read more about what Rachel and her parents will be doing on their website: www.haysinsouthafrica.com