Love - Part 4

One of the memorable experiences of this campaign was clothes, underwear, socks and shoes. Because of the generosity of many, we were able to share much-needed items to the children of Thulwane. I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to go into Manzini with Kriek, Crystal and Squeaky (team-mates) to purchase shoes. Lots and lots of shoes. During quiet times I often thought about our four children. What would I do for my children in these circumstances? What about my girls? What if they were dressed in a dress that hadnt been washed, maybe ever? What if the dress was several sizes too small? What if they didnt have panties or socks or shoes? Well, Lord willing, I would take care of those needs! So we did. With a very careful eye and many suggestions, I picked out Love a new shirt and dress. And shoes and socks. And, for what I am sure was the first time for her, some cute panties! My intention was to give the clothes to Kriek so she could get them to Love at a later time - however, that wasn't how things worked-out. I was completely caught off guard at the carepoint when Crystal asked me to come inside and clean Love up and put her new clothes on her. I was moved beyond words.

After cleaning our little Angel up and dressing her in new clothes, she made her grand appearance to the other children of Thulwane! If I only had a roll of red carpet......

Just a few minutes after Love's 'parade' around the carepoint (her escorts were several team members!), she and the other three children who live together were slowly disappearing up the hill toward their mud and stick hut. And then we got a big fat dose of reality. It was time for the home visit. All of a sudden I was sick to my stomach. And I knew that Natalie and Alexis were feeling the same. Zwakele showed us where the rice, beans and oil were so we gathered our belongings and headed up the hill. The walk isn't that far. The hill isn't that steep. But it was literally like running stadium steps during football workouts. I am not kidding. Mostly because I knew what was waiting for us. I knew that we would encounter the man responsible for the abuse. I knew we would come face-to-face with the source of the neglect. We felt so nauseated. And mad. Really mad.

Part 5 will carry us through the visit and what we saw, smelled and experienced. Please pray for Love and her little buddies. Also pray for the AIM staff that they will create a way to right this wrong. God Bless.