The second service learning site that we toured this week was a haven for children infected, or affected, by HIV/AIDS. Reverend Nicolette has been its administrator the last two years. We met with Reverend Nicolette her first day back from her own cancer treatments. She looked weak, but her spirit was strong. She dreams pretty big on her own: she wants us to help create a garden to supply fresh vegetables for the children's meals. She wants the kids stimulated, and as healthy as they each can be. "Think of fun ways to exercize." She'd love a wooden swing set.
The children range in age from twins who are 6 months, to 14 years. When we toured, the older kids were at school, so we only saw the little ones. Their faces smiled big greetings!
On the way out to our car, we also saw the cemetery where small graves mark the ones who didn't make it.
Heart warming again to read of such dedication.
ReplyDeleteThose smiles are priceless.
My heart soars and aches when I see photos of the Haven kids. In just the year and a half since I was last there, the babies have become toddlers and the toddlers pre-schoolers - I can't even tell who is who. Plus there are some new beautiful faces in the crowd. Give those baby twins a kiss from my twins and please ask the staff to tell the bigger kids (who remember us) that the three of us send our love.
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