Children!

Being here at Lambano is a constant reminder that children indeed are a gift from God. The children here at Lambano are so dear and sweet to me. I’ve always said, and I will say again, “I came to love these children, but they have in turn loved me.” What a joy it is for me to be here! Below are some pictures of a few of the children…

Ok, I know that I say I love all the kids and I really do. But, this little girl has a special place in my heart. She is soooo sweet! She came to us and we thought she was negative, sadly she has proven the opposite. She was recently rushed to the hospital because of PCP which is a complicated form of pneumonia that is common with HIV children. PCP can be deadly but thankfully she has been diagnosed at an early age. She is unable to breathe on her own so she is currently on oxygen. I call her my, "dolly wolly polly." Did I mention that she is sooo sweet. I love holding her and singing to her. I really love her so much!!! :)

This little boy has been back with Lambano for a few months now. He has hydroencephalitis which is water on the brain that causes pressure and a stunting of the brain which can eventually lead to death. Because of this he was sent to Lambano to die, he was however, negative, so he was placed in another home (Lambano is a home for positive children). While at this other home, he was left in a crib with minimal stimulation, as a result, he digressed severely. Another American missionary (Barbara) loved and cared for this child, she would not just give up on him. After, having repeated surgeries and a lot of prayers, he is now back with us at Lambano. Now, he is talking and singing, sitting up etc. God is an AMAZING God!! He is now in neuro-physio therapy in order to develop his muscles with hopes of someday being able to walk and have a normal life. I have the daily task of exercising his legs. Because of the tenderness of his legs, he screams and wails whenver I touch him. I became the mean Auntie. But, I think he still loves me, because he always calls me "Anti Tieta" and he lets me hold him. :)

Yesterday morning I went into the "baby house" to greet the children. As I was saying hello, I noticed that this little girl, who is permanently on oxygen for lung failure, was playing with her doll. What struck me was that she tied a piece of pink ribbon around her dolls face which symbolizes that her doll was also on oxygen. This was too cute!

"Children are a gift from the Lord...Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!"

(Psalms 127:3 , 5)