11-1+3= FULL!

Driving home to Mum and Dad

The last week and a half as been very busy at Village of Hope. Last Friday we said goodbye to our 22-month-old boy. He had been with us since July 2013. When he came to us he was operating at the same level as a three-month-old baby. He was one year’s old and couldn’t even sit up! We’ve watched him grow and develop into a fine little boy. The parents have been committed to him since he was placed at Village of Hope, visiting weekly - despite the having to travel 45 minutes by taxi - and have worked with the social workers on the areas needed. The family where very excited and had planned a welcome home party for him. It has been a very positive story to play a small part in and it was joy to be able to drive him home and see the family reunited in their community. Saying goodbye is always bittersweet as the longer the children are here, the more difficult it is to say goodbye and entrust the children back to their parents. However we know that, in most cases, children belong with their families and we entrust him into God’s hands.

Within a few days of the little man leaving we were able to accommodate a family of three brothers which has taken us to full capacity. The children’s unit is now very busy and it is great to see so much activity and hear the children playing and having fun. The three brothers had lived with their grandmother due to their mother not being able to care for them. More recently it had become  increasingly difficult for the grandmother to continue to provide care for the boys due to personal circumstances. The grandmother was desperate and needed someone to care for the children for a short period during this difficult time. We are honoured that we are able to provide help and support for a family in need as often situations seem so desperate and there is nothing we can do to help. Although it is exciting having new children, it also brings new challenges for the house mothers, volunteers and staff but we welcome new challenges and love seeing the children’s personalities come alive and continue to develop as they settle in at the Village of Hope.