February 2015

The new year rushed in full force as does a storm, with so much happening at the school/orphanage but like a storm the morning after is fresh and all new as it has been with so many of our children that have begun their education with us, and for some made a new home with us in the orphanage.

Over the years I have become Mother to many of the children at the school and they are strongly embedded within my heart, their problems ours, and their joys we have the pleasure and privilege of experiencing.
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It is hard not become involved in their daily lives, and the lives of their family, it is not only our work but also our commitment to them, and like any mother you never stop worrying about your children. Sadly though when we find a child that needs help, we cannot change their attitudes overnight, or their circumstances, we see children that are in dire need of help but through their living experiences on their own for so long, in the wrong company of others or through sickness and death we are forced to let go.

It is the same in ones personal life, our own children grow, and with hope through nurturing into wonderful beings,  but there comes a time when you have to let go, let them face their own challenges, make their own mistakes and discover their own joys…we as parents can only stand their behind them and be there when there is a need for comfort and to celebrate with them when their lives bring them joy.

Everyday our children at Gabriel’s grow, their little minds are like sponges, they feed off knowledge. We wash away their tears, but in return we see the biggest smiles and their arms surround us with thanks.

Having the orphanage/refuge now brings to me as a ‘mother’ a deeper dimension. I am absolutely appalled at the treatment of a child, we have cases of rape, battering, having been sold into marriage at 7 years of age and abandonment. There is no need of a maternal instinct installed within to be absolutely horrified to see some of our children so abused, physically and mentally, we all know it happens, and shockingly it happens in so many parts of the world and not just in third world countries, but I can never understand how humans set upon another, let alone a child.

Our new orphanage is fast becoming a sanctuary but soon enough we will not be able to take in all those who beat at our doors.
What will we do then? As we say in Kenya, ‘we go with the strengths that we have’ and one of our major strengths is being able to give education to children, teaching them the equality of both sexes, the respect for themselves and for others no matter color, social standing, disability or means.

I return to my second home in April and look forward in meeting more of our new little ones, to take on their challenges with them and watching again, as I have done for 5 years now, them grow.  Being a Mum is a huge responsibility as it is with all parents, and carers but even through the bad times and the disappointments, being in the life of another and being able, with the help of so many, make the hard times some of the most joyous and treasured times.
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I love being a Mum!