| Monday, January 29, 2007 |
| Arandis HPOM Children |
30 Jan 2007
My last day in Arandis.
Here are some short bios of the children here. While I wish I could bring them home, they do have loving and caring foster families here, in Arandis and in their home country of Namibia. With the help of HPOM and their foster families, these children will help change and make life in this country better.
This week, amidst my two biggest tasks - the upgrading of computers and Brenda's presentation, I was blessed to be able to spend some time with the children and their families.
I will post their pictures upon my return to the States. For some reason, I am still not able to include them now with my post.
Charmaine
born October 26, 1992
Salome
born December 23, 1997
Chriselda
born July 13, 2000
The same mother has given these three girls life. She and their father, as well as, her current partner excessively abuse alcohol. The girls have spent most of their life on their own with the older ones caring for the younger ones. When the Social Worker stepped in the girls were suffering from malnutrition and lack of care. Through HPOM they have a “new” foster family.
Asser
born March 7, 1997
Anna
born April 14, 2001
These two children have been in and out of the hospital a number of times due to malnutrition. The sisters at the hospital had come to know them and finally brought them to the attention of the Social Worker. The mother suffers from extreme poverty, alcohol abuse, and promiscuity. She gave no attention to her children who have now found a home through HPOM in Arandis.
Chandre May 17, 1997
Chandre's sister was brought to the hospital after she had been sold by her aunt to a neighbor for sex. She had also been raped numerous times by her step-father. The hospital requested the aid of Social Services for Chandre's sister to be placed in a safe home. At that time, Chandre was on a farm with extended family and also being abused. She is now in the care of a HPOM Christian family in Arandis.
Dennis
born August 19, 1998
Dennis was born out of wedlock in 1998 and is one of four siblings. His mother misuses alcohol and his alleged father has never been present. In November 2001 the mother deserted all four of her children with her father and disappeared. Denis was placed in an orphanage at that point. In June 2003 ,through HPOM, he was placed with a Christian family in Arandis with Asser and Anna.
Elaine
born May 19, 1994
Elaine is one of four siblings. The mother has taken no interest in Elaine since she was born. All the children have different fathers. Elaine’s three siblings board and attend school in Rehoboth. They visit with the mother on holidays. Elaine has been living with her grandmother since she was born. She has no contact with her mother and she considers her grandmother, Mom. She and her grandmother are now part of the HPOM family in Arandis.
Smithley
born November 20, 2000
He is the youngest of three children. Both his parents died from AIDS. His extended family including grandparents is already taking care of 22 children of this current generation. Social Services and Smithley’s family decided it was in the best interest of the 5 youngest children to be placed in a foster family. Smithley and Ismael are cousins and are with Hope’s Promise Orphan Ministries together.
Ismael
born September 9, 1999
Ismael is the oldest of two children. The mother is HIV positive and the father is not anywhere to be found. Ismael has tested HIV negative however he does suffer with fetal alcohol syndrome. His mother and Smithley’s mother are sisters. The extended family is unable to care for more than the 22 children they currently are responsible for. Ismael and Smithley have been given a chance in life through their association with HPOM.
Revival
born September 10, 2000
Revival’s beginnings were a bit rocky as she was born deaf and with what seems like Fetal Alcohol Syndrome symptoms. Her mother at the time was living a very permiscuous and dangerous life style. The father disappeared before Revival was born. Revival’s mother came to HPOM and asked for help with her daughter who was living a life in isolation with her grandmother on the farm. Revival has been placed in a foster family and attends the Talitha-Kumi preschool in preparation for one day returning to her family. |
posted by Don @ 11:39 PM  |
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| 6 Comments: |
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Don- I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes just thinking about all the hurt these kids have been through, and it never should have happened. But is such a blessing to see how God takes such horrible circumstances in our lives and works them out for His good. And I can already see that happening. Safe travels to rehoboth. miss you teammate! i know time is flying by and it's going to be hard to leave Arandis, and Namibia in general... but always remember that those kids will never leave your heart and you will never leave theirs.
praying for you,
<3, amanda
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Praying for you as you leave Arandis. You'll be back there I'm sure. God is good.
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Thank you Don for sharing their stories... they need to be heard...
Blogger just made Darin move too and we can not post pictures either... it's not you, it's not Namibian technology it's all them...
Have fun in Rehoboth! Give Sylvie a BIG hug for me!!
Praying for you & your transition!!
Love ~G
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thank you so much for sending me that IM Don.
To Maderyna,
yes I plan on coming this summer! i love you very much and it was so good to hear from you! I cannot wait to see you again and to talk with you too! i love you and i am praying for you! i miss you very much! ek us lief fer yo!
<3, amanda
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Stay strong my friend, I cannot wait to hear all about your journeys and to see you! praying for you! And thanks for thinking of doing that, it meant so much to me!
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Thank you for sharing that. I sit here with tears in my eyes picturing the precious children and the amazing people who have stepped up to care for them and for Brenda and Sylivia and all those who work to support them! Safe travels. I hope we'll get to see you and hear more about your trip when you get home. May the Lord bless and keep you!
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It's that time again, my friend. Stay strong and have a safe trip home. We are all anxious to hear about your journey! Much love and prayers for you and Brenda as you head back!
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Name:Don (& Chandre)
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Don- I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes just thinking about all the hurt these kids have been through, and it never should have happened. But is such a blessing to see how God takes such horrible circumstances in our lives and works them out for His good. And I can already see that happening. Safe travels to rehoboth. miss you teammate! i know time is flying by and it's going to be hard to leave Arandis, and Namibia in general... but always remember that those kids will never leave your heart and you will never leave theirs.
praying for you,
<3, amanda