Dr. Neil's Birthday Party

Last saturday we celebrated Dr. Neil's birthday. Dr. Neil is one of the doctors that care for the children in the shelter. He visits every Saturday to check all of the children. The children will take any opportunity to have sweeties and cake, but celebrating Dr. Neil's birthday is an extra-special occasion.

The picture below shows Dr. Neil with his wife Marie and all of the older kids at lighthouse.

All of the kids love Dr. Neil so much. He makes his checkups so much fun that they actually look forward to his visits. He has a magic touch to help the kids be brave in the face of injections and drawing blood. Below they are being silly, showing how their sweeties colored their tongues.

We all have so much love and respect for Dr. Neil. He not only cares for the children at the shelter but he also volunteers his services to the missionary families. He is so very generous with his time, talents, and resources that he is an inspiration to us all.

The picture above shows Madison, the daughter of American Missionary Associates, Lincoln and Jenny Smith, Dr. Neil, and two of the children in the shelter. He is opening his card and gift.
Thank you Dr. Neil and Happy Birthday!

Baby Girl Adopted

Today we took one of our children (4 months old) to be adopted by her "forever family." (For privacy reasons we can't give her real name, so I'll call her Suzie.) We know that her new family will be provide a great home for her. They were so comfortable and at ease with her, I know that they will be a wonderful fit.

This picture shows Lincoln Smith (Missionary Associate from Colorado) saying goodbye to our beautiful baby. It is such a joy to see one of our beloved children find a permanent home.

This is Sophie spending her last few moments with the little one. Sophie is the caregiver coordinator for the shelter. She has been a part of Suzie's life since she came to us shortly after birth.

To Segomotso with Love

On July 21, 2006 Segomotso Masisi went to be with the Lord. She was one of our precious little ones. We'll miss her beautiful eyes and great smile.

This poem was read at her memorial service. It was written by one of the shelter caregivers, Felicia Ledwaba.

To Segomotso with Love
If I did not know that you are with Jesus,
I’d be sobbing over you,
If I did not know that you woke again,
I would be beating myself up with pain.

For I know you woke up in a different place,
You did not wake up on my hands,
But woke up on someone else’s,
In Jesus’ hands.

You are in a place where dreams are not being dreamt,
But are lived as reality.
You are in heaven.

If you should wish or thirst for milk,
The place where you are is the storehouse of milk and honey,
It is heaven remember.

Be still, joyous, happy and rest in peace,
For you are resting on Jesus’ hands.

Adoption Story

Meet Suzie (Not her real name for privacy reasons). Suzie has been one of our precious little ones. She was adopted a week ago.

This is Suzie and Nomhle (pronounced Nomclay). Nomhle is the office manager here at the shelter. This was the last moment we had with Suzie before handing her over to her new parents.

Suzie will definitely have a loving and full life with her new family.