Table View, South Africa (day 40)
Let me tell you about the children I work with. I will call them hope's children. I have worked with many beautiful children sice coming to South Africa. Right now I would like to tell you about the children living in the residential unit I am working at.
Simba* is 5 years old. He is HIV positive and has Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. Simba could be the poster child for FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). As I can no legally show you a photo of Simba I will attempt to paint a picture with my words. He is has a small, wiry boy with a tiny head. His nose sits flat against his face and his ears are practically non existent. He was found abandoned when he was still a baby, eating his own feces to curb his hunger. He has been abused in every way possible. Simba brings me to life. He has a cheeky smile and struts around like a little man. He is hyperactive, witty, affectionate and I love him to pieces.
Sheila* is 9 her head has been shaved which means she is often mistaken as a boy. She can be seen in the backyard in the background sucking her thumb. Once you puncture her protective layer you discover a intelligent, empathic and sensitive little lady.
Carl* is ten and is the oldest of the children. He can do amazing back flips. He occasionally sneaks over for cuddles, despite his obvious desire to be the man of the house. Carl along with Sheila are keen to help with the babies and are very caring.
Zed* is 6 and is moody at times. However his good days more than make up for his strops. He often seems dissociated and distant and you think he is on another planet. But then her surprises you by answering the question you were sure he did not even hear you ask.
Then there are the babies. Mar* (3), Lutho* (2), Oly* (20 months), San* (20 months) & Talia (16 months) being the only baby girl.
Mar was found living on the streets only six months ago. He was a little fighter and was acutely damaged. When he smiled it melted your heart. He has been moved into foster care now and I only wish the best for him.
Lutho is another poster child for FASD. He is underweight, hyperactive, adorable and feisty. He has also been confirmed as being HIV positive. Lutho keeps my life interesting and has been a joy to work with.
San is the most affectionate baby you could ever hope to meet. He is chubby, uncoordinated and has googly eyes. San steals the hearts of everyone he comes into contact with and I will miss him dearly.
Talia is demanding and stubborn, however this seems to make her more endearing. I was there when Talia took her first few steps. I have been there since coercing her to continue
Oly is an affectionate, patient and loving little boy. He is physically beautiful with long eye lashes and a gorgesous smile. Oly was born premature and has FASD. He had an operation called a tracheotomy due to his lungs being underdeveloped (a tracheotomy is a surgical operation that creates an opening into the trachea with a tube inserted to provide a passage for air). Oly now has a tube sticking out of his neck that has to be cleaned regularly. Oly sits patiently as I insert a suction tube into the hole in his neck. He smiles as I sing to him.
I hope that I have been able to contribute a little to each child's life. For they have made such an positive impact in mine
Sheila* is 9 her head has been shaved which means she is often mistaken as a boy. She can be seen in the backyard in the background sucking her thumb. Once you puncture her protective layer you discover a intelligent, empathic and sensitive little lady.
Carl* is ten and is the oldest of the children. He can do amazing back flips. He occasionally sneaks over for cuddles, despite his obvious desire to be the man of the house. Carl along with Sheila are keen to help with the babies and are very caring.
Zed* is 6 and is moody at times. However his good days more than make up for his strops. He often seems dissociated and distant and you think he is on another planet. But then her surprises you by answering the question you were sure he did not even hear you ask.
Then there are the babies. Mar* (3), Lutho* (2), Oly* (20 months), San* (20 months) & Talia (16 months) being the only baby girl.
Mar was found living on the streets only six months ago. He was a little fighter and was acutely damaged. When he smiled it melted your heart. He has been moved into foster care now and I only wish the best for him.
Lutho is another poster child for FASD. He is underweight, hyperactive, adorable and feisty. He has also been confirmed as being HIV positive. Lutho keeps my life interesting and has been a joy to work with.
San is the most affectionate baby you could ever hope to meet. He is chubby, uncoordinated and has googly eyes. San steals the hearts of everyone he comes into contact with and I will miss him dearly.
Talia is demanding and stubborn, however this seems to make her more endearing. I was there when Talia took her first few steps. I have been there since coercing her to continue
Oly is an affectionate, patient and loving little boy. He is physically beautiful with long eye lashes and a gorgesous smile. Oly was born premature and has FASD. He had an operation called a tracheotomy due to his lungs being underdeveloped (a tracheotomy is a surgical operation that creates an opening into the trachea with a tube inserted to provide a passage for air). Oly now has a tube sticking out of his neck that has to be cleaned regularly. Oly sits patiently as I insert a suction tube into the hole in his neck. He smiles as I sing to him.
I hope that I have been able to contribute a little to each child's life. For they have made such an positive impact in mine
No comments:
Post a Comment