Last day at Future Hope

With 10 days left, the tough task of saying goodbye has begun. I spent my last day at Future Hope orphanage, ironing and washing dishes, and holding little Neema.

I will catch you up on her story....                                   

                                                                                          Jane and Neema

A week after her arrival at the orphanage, the mother contacted Jane at Future Hope, asking to have her back. It turns out that the whole story of Neema being abandoned, found by a dog, left on someone's doorstep...was a lie! The woman who brought her to the police was actually an aunt who didn't think the mother could take care of Neema. Jane had to (reluctantly) return her and found out that the mother was HIV+, was prostituting herself, and really had no means (nor wish) to care for the baby. The maternal grandmother was trying to encourage her daughter to take responsibility. After about 3 days, the grandmother called Jane, concerned that Neema was very sick, and asked if she would take her back - permanently.

So Neema is "home", recovering from a severe chest cold, but is eating well. She will be cared for and raised with 16 "brothers and sisters". The biggest bridge to cross now is to have her tested - is she also HIV+?

I will only find out after I return home, but hope that her past can be left behind, and she can live a happy, healthy life. I am comforted knowing that no matter what, she will be loved by all at Future Hope.

Tabatha

I said goodbye to my friend Tabatha, who is the woman I was helping with the dishes and ironing. She always laughed when I arrived - she couldn't believe that I would come to help her do her work! I bought her some pot scrubbers, dish sponges and soap, which I hope will make her work a bit easier. She cooks and cleans for 16 children, plus 8 adults!! But she was always singing!

                                  Teddy

I also said goodbye to my "helper", Teddy. Teddy used to come with me when I ironed. He would sit on the pile of clothes, watch me iron and hand me the next item when needed. What a sweetheart!!