In Loving Arms

To earn money on the weekends (and sometimes during the week) I take care of two very adorable, lovely children (pictured above, reading The Cat in the Hat for the umpteenth time). The other day I was talking to their mom (Gail) about my time in South Africa. I told her about some of the kids who were taken in with bellies bloated from starvation, dehydrated and bruise and broken from walking miles to find help. She said she couldn't even imagine not being able to feed her children, of all things. I could hear her heart break as she thought aloud.


I assured her that the kids at the Cottages do get fed three square meals a day with all the proper nutrients. It got me thinking, though - reminiscing about the kids and the amazing love they show to one another. When I was there I remember sensing this all-encompassing LOVE... care, hope, concern. And it was contagious.


Even on our first day there, the kids instantly trusted and loved on us. Mfundo (right) insisted I carry him, and was very intrigued by the zipper on my vest. The toddlers (Mfundo and Kwanele) were especially cuddle-prone.

Here is Marissa with Khaye, Kwanele, Zippo, and Mfundo. They loved sitting on laps and playing or reading stories.


This is Levi, with Mfundo (left) and Kwanele (right). The kids primarily saw him as a lifting machine. "Go to Levi and he will give you a ride!"









(Left to right) Asanda, Zippo, and Kwanele wait around as the primary school kids gradually start their two-mile walk to school. Asanda and Zippo get a ride to Crèche (pronounced "kresh")


Ms. Dianne taught at the local primary school for a few months and acted as resident nurse when she stayed at the Cottages. This is on her last day, saying goodbye to Sinethemba. It certainly was no easy task - I think they were there for at least five minutes.

On the team's last day, we walked the kids to school one last time. This is Amber and Nothile.





Nothile and I holding hands and walking to school for the last time. On my first day there, she grabbed my hand and sweetly introduced herself, "Hi, I'm Nothile, what is your name?" I still remember her kind, gentle tone.. and her silly laugh.

Here is Florence, or Flo, the resident cook. She's holding her baby, Kozi. That's not actually his name (I forgot his real/whole name) but they let the outsiders call him that. She usually takes his blanket and wraps it around her back; hard to describe, but it allows her to carry Kozi on her back and still have her hands free. Like this.



Kwanele kissing Kozi.. one of my favorite pics from the whole trip.

Jessica K. Nguyen
Junior - Accounting
Michael G. Foster School of Business
University of Washington, Seattle
accountingforAfrica.blogspot.com