I worked with Kwathu Children’s home for eight months. I often tell people it was the most challenging eight months of my life, but by FAR the most rewarding and something I would do all over again. Having to hold down the fort at times was messy, difficult, beautiful, heart-warming, and filled with the Lord and His goodness.
I have so many stories from my time with the children, the house mommas, and Phiri family, but I would like to share one story in particular that will always hold a place in my heart. The children’s home is surrounded my mango trees, and when they are in season, it is the best afternoon snack. I would spend every Monday eating mangoes with Rozaria, one of the little girls; we called this ‘Mango Monday’. Coming through the gate one Monday, Dawn and I found Peter, one of the older boys, at the top of one of the mango trees. Dawn asked, “Peter, you pick mangoes for us every day, why?” He so sweetly responded: “Because I love you.”
Day to day responsibilities changed on a….day to day basis, but primarily I was to give administrative support, build relationships with the kids, and help the mommas in any way that I could. There are so many moments I will treasure forever and I am so blessed that the Lord called me to this work during that season of my life. I am now pursuing a social work degree because of the impact Kwathu Children’s Home had on me. I am forever grateful and cannot wait until the day that I get to see them again.