family adventures

seven months later

2011-05-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

It has been sooooo long since I last posted....I even had trouble remembering my blog's address! (seriously)

Life here is steady, as steady as an adventure with 12 kids can be!

Since I have a lot of work to do to get you up to speed on our happenings, I thought I would start with something I wrote recently for my supporters in the USA.

In February 2008, we took in a sibling pair--Mandisa* (HIV+) and Simon* (HIV-). She has blossomed and regained health, better than we anticipated.

Recently I heard from a distant family member that their older brother, Togo, age 22, is dying of AIDS. We have had little contact with this brother by his choice--once in the last 3.5 years. Mandisa’s only early memories are how Togo was in and out of jail and behaviorally difficult. Still, loosing a family member when these children have already lost so much, is quite sad.

We went to the township area to say goodbye. AIDS has wracked Togo’s body, and he is critically ill. He is living in a small one bedroom house where all of the other (6-7) members of his family have also died of AIDS. (Yes, they have all died in this home. To be honest, I just wanted to get out of that house as quickly as possible.)

Mandisa and Simon had an opportunity to say goodbye, and we also prayed for Togo’s peace and comfort. We presented him with a framed photo of a picture from 2009, where he looked radically different as a healthy young man.

I was worried how Mandisa would link her illness of HIV with her brother's impending death (and her mother, granny and other family members who have already died of AIDS). I spent a lot of time explaining how she reaps the benefits of taking the anti-retroviral medication twice daily. Because we access government health care, and supplement with lots of love and attention, her health is completely different. Although we live in a nation where AIDS kills every day, she can live a long, healthy life.

The Lord has been gracious to us. Mandisa and Simon are thriving in the midst of this difficult situation.

Thanks for praying, friends.

catching up on old news

2010-10-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

I last posted a blog entry way too-long-ago. A lot has happened at Child Haven so there has been no reason not to post!

On 9 August 2010 we had our second adoption, and it was beautiful. This little girl, who I'll call Sarah*, was a wonderful blessing to our child haven family for 1 year & 1 week!

This is what I wrote some of my friends the week after the adoption occurred. It says about everything:

Sarah* came to us at 16 months of age in July 2009. She instantly captured all of our hearts, and I spent most of the last year making sure she didn’t get smothered by the other 12 kids. Auntie Anna (our assistant house mom) wakes me up early to pray, and at the top of our list was always a forever family for Sarah*. Things got more complicated in November, when her mom showed up with a 12 day old sister, who went to Baby Haven. Recently an amazing couple from Cape Town decided to adopt the pair, and we spent the last month preparing.

On Monday we hosted a farewell tea, and on Tuesday we had a private ceremony for our other children to say goodbye. It was emotional for everyone, and painful to see our kids, who have experienced so much trauma in their short lives, to have this added loss. (Cape Town is very, very far away!) I cried for them, I cried for me. (now that sounds ridiculous!)

What joy Sarah* brought into our lives! She said to me the other day, “Mama, I’m not a baby....(pause)....I’m a princess." Exactly that, plus she was creative, cute, and our first child haven genius. Not bad for a two and a half year old! It will be difficult to return to church on Sunday without her on my lap during the service. But such is the nature of our work. Some will go, some will stay. What I do with our days together is what matters.

Grace, friends!

avoiding gastro (the stomach flu)

2010-08-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Everywhere I turn these days, someone has gone ill with the dreaded GASTRO (aka stomach flu for my american friends).

Since we opened our doors (more than 2 1/2 years ago), my biggest fear has been a massive attack of gastro on our family. Our staff has a joke that I'm always over buying toilet paper in preparation for the worst. When I was still "single" (which technically I still am), I would imagine caring for 12 sick children and cringe. I still cringe.

So when I visited the school classroom/the shops/our friend's house/church/etc/etc and found people ill this week with the madness, I was thrown into full fledged fall-on-your-knees-prayer.

So far, we have had one incident of sickness (the night before last), but no one else has fallen ill.

I'm still holding out for a miracle....

life is not fair, but God is good

2010-06-08T11:38:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I have last written, but I was struck with God's goodness today and have forced myself to sit and post!

I ran in with my two oldest girls to purchase mince (hamburger) because I had forgotten to defrost and needed to make dinner urgently. Still working on becoming organized!

The child (diagnosed as a psychosocial dwarf, see my last post) said something profound. At the front of the shop sits a security bar that she used to be able to walk right under because of her small stature. But this time she had to bend to make it under the bar. She said, "Look Mama, I've grown and I remember when I was so short I didn't have to bend!" And then immediately (almost without a breath) she said with great boldness, "God is good!"

I don't think I have ever been so proud of her. I couldn't stop smiling as we finished shopping! Based on her horrific history, she doesn't have much natural reason to proclaim God's goodness. Life has not been fair to her. She has been thru more trauma in her first eight years then most people experience in a lifetime. But she is learning to praise God, her savior/creator/father/lover of her soul/healer in the midst of the pain. He is worthy.

Baby steps.

five feet tall

2010-03-11T07:43:00.000-08:00

Went to the government hospital yesterday with L*. We left the house at 6 AM to avoid a high traffic area and the lines to see the doctor. I'm still tired, but it was worth it.

We have been seeing the endocrinologist every few months since her arrival on January 8, 2008. At that time, her size was very concerning to the doctor (she was much shorter than her sister, who is younger by two years), and she received a diagnosis of a psychosocial dwarf. In my limited understanding, it is a condition where growth is stunted due to abuse and neglect. The doctor told me the only treatment was lots of love, nurture and attention....

She has made excellent progress and is now on track to be four foot eleven/five feet tall. We are in the 5th percentile now, which is a miracle! I'm five feet, so although I would prefer her to be a bit taller, we are happy with that!

Here are a few pictures of her journey at Child Haven. The first two are the early days when she just came, including the ride home.

The last is her 10th birthday last week. Isn't she beautiful? A lot has happened in two years--in her body and most importantly, in her heart.

will you be my valentine?

2010-02-12T06:55:00.000-08:00

Since I have five little boys now, I mustn't worry about having not a thing to do on valentine's day this year. Sure they can't buy me flowers, but those die anyway! Our Sunday afternoons are always a bit exhausting for our team, but we will find something special to do to brighten our single-lady-spirits and teach the children about God's love.

This little but now big boy has been with me two years now (this weekend). I distinctly remember thinking they were a fantastic gift! T* and his big sister (who has just turned 10) have rocked my world, kept me on my toes, and challenged me to navigate the south african system to seek help for their physical and emotional needs.

hurting hearts

2010-02-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

Tough week. Lots of hurting hearts. And it is only Wednesday.

I had very little sleep last night, and when I approached my vehicle this morning I found the battery completely dead. When you are a single woman like me you can't figure out how to charge the battery fast enough to get the kids to school and to their appointment, so I had to take the ministry car, which thankfully was available but unfortunately does not have power steering which makes driving for me extremely challenging. I could barely get out of our driveway. I'm a driving wimp.

So I was in a bad mood. I was grumbling to the Lord about how hard the week had been with specific kids and how I really needed to see break-thru in these kids lives ASAP, and threatening him that I was going to cancel driving this long distance in traffic to therapy if nothing happened this very morning. A very ugly attitude on my part.

In his mercy, God showed up!

Each of the children had break-thru in therapy today. Each went deeper into their pasts and closer to healing. One young 8 yr old girl sobbed all the way home in the back seat after opening her story.

I wasn't quite sure what to do with her...there is NOT a manual for this. (I selfishly wanted to take a nap then run to the shop while the kids were sleeping...) By God's grace I somehow pushed through my own feelings of weariness and entered into her space. I rocked her, held her, prayed, sang over her, spoke the truth of God's word, put lotion on her hands. Kate, our volunteer from the States, helped pray and sat with me so I wouldn't give up too soon, which I tend to do!

What a privilege for me to lead these children to Jesus. A dream fulfilled..and it is only Wednesday!

a sunny 82 degrees Fahrenheit

2010-02-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,

Emma O'Brien took this photo of our "baby" and I love it! It captures a typical afternoon so well.

We have had a particularly rough week as a family (behaviorally). We still have some staff members finishing christmas holiday leave so we are also not fully staffed, which is always an adventure.

Right now on one side of the house I've got a toddler crying herself to sleep with a temper tantrum and the two older girls (10 yrs) in my room finishing challenging homework. In between I have a whole lot of other kids who are angry at me for putting them to bed a tad early. I'm such a mean mommy! :)

Grace. Grace.

a few of my favorite pictures of 2009

2009-12-29T12:38:00.000-08:00

our annual family photo (courtesy of Emma O'Brian: December 2009)

I have always loved this picture because it gives me a glimpse of the young man he is becoming

courtesy Brad Kerr: March 2009

Our magic number: 13

the best decision I have made in a long time!

courtesy Brad Kerr (March 2009)

a leader who is a joy to be around

dance is finally over! quite the journey

she's with a forever family

mid hair style completion

a special thanks to Auntie Anna who keeps our girl's hair looking fabulous!

courtesy Emma O'Brian (December 2009)

christmas in jozi

2009-12-28T04:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We have had a delightful holiday. School starts again on 13 January so we still have a ways to go, but we continue to enjoy one another and all of our friends that have visited.

our christmas family photo 2009 (an extra special thanks to Auntie Kate who sacrificed christmas with her family in the USA to be with ours)

making delicous christmas cookies (thanks Auntie Ms. Jean)

a baby's first christmas (we borrowed S*'s sister from Baby Haven for the week so we they could enjoy each other over the holidays)

enjoying the family rides at Hedgehog Lane a few days before Christmas

christmas baptisms

2009-12-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

I'm still glowing from our first adoption placement yesterday (see earlier post), but I had to share what happened right before the adoption...we baptized our three oldest girls. It was a beautiful moment! After choosing in their heart to follow Jesus, they wanted to make a public confession of their faith by getting baptized. Jonathan and Joanne (our children's pastors) kindly opened their home (and pool) to us and Jonathan did the dunking. Pastor Andrew and Carol were also on hand to edify the girls with a word of encouragement from the Lord. Many of our friends and volunteers showed up to support, to which we were so thankful. Here are a few snap shots, courtesy Emma.

getting ready by introducing girl #1 who was very nervous

girl #2

in one of the most significant moments, pastor andrew spoke a father's words of encouragement into this child who has never known a father

encouraging number #3 who was wanting to share her heart verbally...it was profound...."I believe in Jesus and I want to be baptized to follow in His ways."

future believers

our first adoption

2009-12-20T10:09:00.000-08:00

Almost exactly 2 years after I received my first child, I saw another child placed in a forever family in our first ever adoption! Our oldest, A*, age 10, was showered with love and tears as we bid her farewell. After a year and a half of caring for her, it was very bittersweet to see her go. I'm sad for us but thrilled for her! I'm not quite sure how we are going to function without her because she sure loved to help out around the house! Nevertheless, we have seen such healing and maturity happen in her life during her time at child haven.

Her new family is amazing. Her dad spoke such edifying and encouraging words as he welcomed her into his family. He spoke about how special it was to receive his first and only daughter. There was not a dry eye in the room, especially amongst the kids she left behind, who were wailing. It is late now and a few of them are still very fragile. I expect we will feel the "loss" for weeks!

(in the first picture: Anna (our assistant house mom) and myself beside this beautiful child and her new family)

(in the second picture: The dad speaking words of life over his new daughter)

our baby has a baby.......sister

2009-11-30T10:15:00.000-08:00

Back in July we received a young toddler who we affectionally termed the baby of the family. At 18 months she was the youngest of the 13, so all of the older "siblings" smothered her with love and kisses and lots of attention. She has grown into a healthy, happy, almost-two-year-old.

Last week her mother (who had not made any contact after abandonment last July) appeared at the child welfare office with a 12 day old baby. Fortunately, she spent time at the office signing both children off for adoption, so they will be able to be placed in a loving family together. The newborn was placed at our other home, Baby Haven, and I rushed over with "big sis" on Saturday morning to record the first pictures of the two sisters. They look so much alike!

I'm believing for a forever family to take these two precious girls!

AMY

it's November....swimming season!

2009-11-17T13:07:00.000-08:00

Trivia question: What's more dangerous than 13 kids and a grumpy mama stuck inside all day due to rain? Answer: 13 kids swimming!

We were honored to be asked to Uncle Wayne/Auntie Maria's house last Sunday. I was so proud of how the children behaved. We didn't steal and we didn't destroy. Granted, they had child-proofed their house (at MY request!)

Uncle Wayne is the topic of another blog post because he sure has helped us as our handy man!

Now, I must say...the problem is not in the children's swimming skills...it is in their over-confidence in their swimming skills. They jump into the deep end with little capacity to even dog paddle.

Amanda (our volunteer from America) was so kind to me and did the in-pool supervision as I stood on the sidelines with both eyes open and yelled out instructions and retrieved the drowning child after rescue (I'm not really kidding!)

I'm so thankful we don't have a pool.

But we did have an AWESOME time. The kids were on such a high...they love swimming!

growing up!

2009-11-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

This picture I snapped yesterday so captures Themba's* sweet spirit and personality. As we approach the beginning of the school year in January 2010, I'm quite nervous about Themba attending grade 0 (kindergarten). He has never been to school before (with the exception of sunday school!) and struggles attending to a task for any length. His hyperactivity/inattention has made it difficult for him to learn. I'm hoping his teacher falls in love with him as we have, and sees past his severe speech/language delay and other problems. He really has grown so much! As we are diligent to do our part to prepare him (practicing the SSSSS sound, he/she, basic vocab), God continues to surprise us with his handiwork!

breakthrough

2009-10-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

We had a breakthrough with one of the children on Monday, and it was amazing.

I have been struggling with one of the children's behavior for quite some time. First, 13 kids is a lot and each of them have traumatic histories, but there is a supernatural grace in our home. Most of the time the days are wonderful. Some times they are very difficult.

I have known that this particular child's history was probably very dysfunctional but have had very little details. I often came up short in the LOVE department when I needed to be an example of God's love for her. I often lack the patience and grace I need for this child.

On Monday Nosipho (not her real name) came home and the other kids reported that she had loudly proclaimed that she wanted to have sex with one of the other boys (also in my care) in front of a lot of kids at school. She is seven, he is six. She has been stuck on inappropriate sexual conversation for the past two weeks or so, which has been concerning in itself. I've tried my best to provide wise answers to all of her questions and her attempts for attention.

So after poking and prodding after this school incident....and a lot of listening....she began telling us a few significant abuse memories. It was devastating to hear, and overwhelming as well. In her own 7 year old way she told us over and over again what it was like to be abused.

I knew we were at a crossroads and that we needed a miracle. We happened to be sitting in the kitchen making supper so Rebecca and I headed into my room with this little girl. We began praying and asking God to do a miracle in her heart. Nosipho began sobbing and it was evident her true emotions were coming forth. So then we asked Jesus to come and speak to her.

I didn't know how it was going to work, this child really struggles to communicate and put sentences together with basic vocabulary. We needed supernatural intervention. BUT JESUS DID COME, and it was amazing. Nosipho told me she saw Jesus when she closed her eyes, and he was sad about what happened to her. He told her what the man did was wrong. And HE told her she did nothing wrong. And she had peace.

She left that room a different person than when she came in. Yes, we have a long road ahead of us. But we are on the way towards healing!

Rebecca and I were floored with God's faithfulness, first to Nosipho, who needed healing and restoration, but to me, a weary mom standing on a mustard seed of faith! I was filled with a supernatural love for Nosipho, and a new resilience to walk through these difficult times with her, guiding her to our Lord.

a "small" outing

2009-09-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

We had received an invitation for an event in Soweto so on Saturday off we went! I had received an email about this function, and I assumed it was a small party for a few children's homes similar to ourselves. Well, we were in for quite the surprise. We were ushered into a secure area where about 400 other children were having a party with guest musicians, tv personas, etc....with very little adult supervision. Some groups of 50 kids or so had one adult. Children were just wandering aimlessly. Many of the children were off the streets and served by community centers. (this was a total eye opener for our kids, who are "spoiled" by all the donations of clothing, food etc). I was a nervous wreck that we were going to lose someone!

Auntie Anna had come down with the flu suddenly before our departure, so it was only myself and Rebecca with the kids. For a small outing, this would have been stretched but okay (only having 2 adults to 13 kids). For this "party", we were completely unprepared! Thankfully, we arrived late and left early, avoiding most of the chaos.

the gang as we were going in--we don't look tired yet!

This 20 month old can really eat....she devoured this whole hamburger.

I think this was some type of 2010 world cup mascot. It was all very exciting!

30th birthday pictures

2009-08-18T06:07:00.001-07:00

This was the lovely table that Caroline prepared. Please note the cake shaped as a tea party hat on the top left. It was too cute. The other cake had 30 candles and a big "30".

the little girls at their table

part of the gang that attended minus a lot of the children who were on the trampoline

birthday bonanza

2009-08-17T00:06:00.001-07:00

hello friends, I'm sick in bed today (yes, that is a full week after I wrote last sunday saying I was almost done with being sick!) The good news is that the kids are all better. I'm the only one!

just wanted to write briefly about my 30th birthday party that Caroline hosted for me at her home. I gathered as many lady friends as were available, had them bring their daughters, and Caroline put on a beautiful tea party. Our 9 girls were there and the boys went out on a separate outing. I will take the boys out once I get better.

Many of my lovely friends shared encouraging words with me, and just as I was getting ready to respond with my little speech of thanks, one of the almost-4 year old girls pooped in her pants ( I strongly believe it was for attention). So my speech wasn't quite as eloquent as one expected. Oh well.

I was bummed not to have all my american friends with me as well. That would have been the best way to celebrate (with two worlds colliding!). I plan on having another 30th birthday/5 years of ministry in south africa party when I visit the USA in july or august of 2010. Although by that time I'll be 31. :)

Pictures will be uploaded soon!

cough cough cough

2009-08-08T23:20:00.000-07:00

It is 820 am and I'm at home with six sick kids while the others are at church. Bummer, but I'm not feeling that great myself so perhaps not going to church was a good move! Between administering nebulizer treatments, cough syrup, tylenol, and taking temperatures...I'm way over my head! Taking care of sick children is a personal area of weakness because I often don't know what to do. Learning as I go I suppose.

Please pray for our family that we all feel better soon! I'm on my final day of antibiotics so I hope to be back to normal soon!

laughter and lunch preparations

2009-08-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

I posted this on facebook, but since I'm a blogger-loser I thought I should start updating this site! Life with our baker's dozen (13 kids) has been a joy these last few weeks. The baby, who arrived 3 weeks ago (she is 19 months), has adjusted well under the circumstances. At 19 months, she is the love and delight of ALL twelve older kids. I have to raise my voice sometimes to stop the smothering of hugs that she receives. I'm wondering when the novelty will wear off..I hope VERY slowly because it is so much fun to watch!

When "the baby" first came, she screamed for days whenever I approached her. It was difficult for her to adjust to my white skin (she would go to anyone and everyone else!) But now she is calling MAMA to me and smiling and coming to me on her own accord. Isn't God good?

With gratitude for your continued prayers,

AMY

a box, and some beautiful hair

2009-05-07T13:51:00.000-07:00

Child Haven bought me a gliding rocking chair recently. I'm using it to spend more time connecting with the children as I hold them in my arms, especially after correcting them for poor behavior. But the box brought more joy to the kids than the chair! We had it outside for a good 24 hour period before it was destroyed. I had to resort to timing sessions in the box because there was such bickering.

I just had to show off the girl's hair. Anna, our child care worker from the Congo, is an amazing hair-lady extraordinaire. Instead of being the cause of many bad looks (like I was in the beginning, before we hired Anna, and the girls hair looked HORRIBLE)...I am now the recipient of many compliments when I'm out and about!

looking towards the future

2009-05-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

When you are in the middle of parenting a difficult three year old, it can seem like time stands still. Day after day passes and you see very little positive results...but you trudge forward with God's grace.

But then I saw this picture. It reminds me of where we are going. A young man who is full of joy and fears the Lord. A young man who is connected to his mama (and other caregivers) ...and is not living out of the detachment that characterizes so many abandoned, neglected children.

Now I can see more clearly why I'm doing what I'm doing---it is a privilege to lay down my life to serve God, to lead His children into His grace, mercy and healing.

seven snazzy sneakers spotted at school

2009-01-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

In South Africa, we start the school year in January rather than September. January 14th to be exact! We operate on an almost-year round schedule, so the children just finished a six week break. (I'm so grateful to just have five kids at home, rather than twelve, all day every day ...to be completely honest). My little "students" were thrilled to be wearing their new uniforms and sneakers! The grade 0 (kindergarten) students don't wear the traditional red, just "sevies" (regular clothes). So that is why one child isn't a match. Many thanks to Nikki R. and her faithful supporters that provided the finances for these school clothes and shoes. We are so blessed.

virus undetected

2009-01-15T08:02:00.001-08:00

Dear friends, I posted earlier this week about M*'s 9th birthday. Since then I took her for an every-three-month appointment at the HIV clinic. After almost two years on the anti-retroviral drugs, her viral load is almost zero. In other words, the virus is now undetected. Isn't that just wonderful news! Our staff/team is just elated....we have been praying for her, and God has answered with a miracle. She will remain on the ARV's for life, but she no longer needs to take the daily antibiotic. One less medicine was enough to put a smile on M*'s face! She doesn't understand everything about HIV yet, but she knows mama is so happy with this development, and so she is happy too!

red robots

2009-01-12T10:47:00.000-08:00

Dear friends, this weekend (Sunday at 1 AM to be exact) I took L* to the emergency room (they call it "CASUALTY") at the local government hospital. We actually received good care (this is unusual given our other experiences)! She had started wheezing very badly and was having trouble breathing so I took her in just to be on the safe side.

I was a tad worried about being hijacked on the way there (welcome to South Africa...it is a reality), but God was faithful and protected us! I took our ministry car rather than my own and did not stop, but did slow down, at most red lights. One of the other kids (who had heard the gossip) came up to me today and said, "Mama, is it true you didn't stop at the red robots?" (Robot means traffic light in south African lingo.) Oops.

Anyway, it was pneumonia, but I had to come back today to have the xray officially read and a few more tests done for tb (let's pray it is not that!). L* is feeling a lot better with a lot of meds, TLC, and some good movie-watching.

birthdays

2009-01-11T10:18:00.000-08:00

dear friends, I know my posts seem to be very un-meaningful (if that is a word). I don't usually have the time or energy to compose more. But I'm resolving to do so. Today was M*'s 9th birthday. She is HIV+, but so healthy right now. Being that she is one of 12 kids that I care for, I can't say I spend too much time creating life-time birthday memories and purchasing creative gifts. Instead, we had cupcakes, ice cream, some small gifts, and a lovely family over for tea to help us celebrate. But as we honored her today around the table I realized (again) what a privilege it is to care for her. What joy she brings to my life! Each day is precious, and counted by the Lord, her Father. On Valentine's Day 2009 I'll celebrate one year with her (and her brother) in our home. It has been humbling, fun, and quite challenging. But M* is one year older today, and I've seen such growth in her---she knows Jesus, she loves Him, and she wants to obey. May the Lord provide many more years together for us to celebrate!

what's missing from this picture?

2008-12-26T06:26:00.000-08:00

That's right, I'm missing! This picture is my USA family using the web cam to SKYPE with me on Christmas day. It was so fun, especially for my kids here to see my family back at home.

from our family to yours...Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T07:03:00.000-08:00

latest family pics

2008-10-28T13:08:00.001-07:00

Juliana took this funky picture....

this is my best pic yet of the whole family...we even got smiles!

shame

2008-10-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

As they say in South Africa to indicate dissapointment, "shame!" I sent our child care staff member to the goverment hospital to seek treatment with T*. It took five hours (only!), and a transfer to another hospital when the first did not do "casting". (go figure, I thought all hospitals provided casting for broken limbs). My camera captured this smile but he had been crying all day!

haven't posted in ages

2008-09-04T17:57:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I'm a blog-failure. I just can't do it....care for these 12 kiddos and blog about it at the same time. The only reason I'm blogging right now is because I'm at home in the USA for a brief visit to raise support!

first day of school

2008-06-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

thanks to the support of our faithful sponsors, and the super team of lynn & jenny; three of my little ones started kindergarten today. The school is called Jack and Jill Primary and there are only 25 kids in their class (this compares to 40 at the government school where the others attend). Sounds like they behaved ok and they certainly looked happy when I arrived, although you certainly can't tell from the picture! It was quite the rough morning because we could'nt find all the "teckies" (sneakers in South African lingo). Don't worry: I'm organized now!

back in the old days....

2008-06-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

Back before I was a "mama" I was able to help care for these little ones. Of these four precious children, three have been adopted and one returned to a family member. Natalie took this video and it still brings a smile to my face!