Wednesday 22nd August 2007

Today we took Peter out to collect some children, so he could see where they live and the difference that will be made in the children’s lives. As always this was a moving day.  I don’t know how to express in words the feelings, seeing where the children come from, seeing them separate from the world they know, seeing them trying to fit (some are nervous others are excited), seeing the guardians expressions as we show them where we are taking the children, seeing the children we already have and how they react, as well as thinking that they were like these children when they first came, and thinking of how their lives are about to be changed and getting to know them as we do the others. Man that was a big sentence, but that’s how the emotions go also.   

Here are a few pictures that Peter took today, he as everyone involved, was very moved by the days events.

Here is Phil with Prudence and Michael (Brother and sister – below is their other brother Junior):

Junior:

Junior with Prossy:

Here is Elizabeth and Joan (her sister) in the background:

And this is Christian:

And one more of Michael also:

That is the next five children who came to Akanyijuka.

The beds did actually come today, around 6pm, so some of us headed down and set up the beds for them and all was good as we left, the matrons were happy, the children were settling in, everyone had all that was needed – it felt like a great day with things running smoothly!

Wednesday 22nd August 2007 (Kathryn)

Today we received 5 more children into Akanyijuka.  David, Phil, Ps Edward, Prossy and Peter (our visitor from Australia) went and picked up the children.  I was already at Akanyijuka as it was a school day so when they arrived back at Akanyijuka I was so excited and my heart was all a flutter as I waited to see and greet the new children.  It brought back memories of when we took in the first 7 children – a day of mixed emotions.  Once again I was very happy that we had these children but I also felt for them thinking, what must they be going through because even though they were living in terrible conditions, they were still leaving their homes and all that they know.  The grandmother of the three siblings (Michael, Prudence and Junior) came to see the place and she was dancing and very very excited and happy to see where her grandchildren were going to be living.  She was quite a character.

The youngest of the new intakes, Junior, was not very keen about the whole thing at all and was quite attached to his grandmother.  I had to look away at times otherwise I would have cried as he looked so scared and worried.  I think he and Prudence will be the ones to take the longest in adjusting to their new home and environment but I know in my heart that they will be ok as will the other new children.