Mary and I were very overwhelmed by all of the children when
we first got to the mission center. It took us a couple of days to learn all of
the children’s names, their personalities, and likes. We quickly realized that
these are some of the most caring, loving, and giving children. We are going to
introduce you to these children over the next couple weeks.
Speaking from personal experience, we all know it is the
youngest siblings that rum the house holds. This is no different in the KCI
Mission center. These 5 children I am about to introduce you to are the best
fed children in the house and receive the most cuddles from the other children.
They spend their days playing, laughing, and dancing which means they are
usually the first ones to fall asleep. Finally without fail these are the
children that get carried to bed every single night. Without further adieu I
would like you all to meet: Madjoa, Ester, Helena, Yaw and, Hannah.
Madjoa is our youngest child at the mission center (6-8
months). When she first arrived she was very malnourished and weak. Someone in
Asikuma found her in a waste bin in town. Madjoa was brought immediately to the
mission center where she received a bath, food, and some TLC. She now spends
her days in the arms of her numerous friends, being fed, talked to, and
constantly loved. Since Mary and I arrived a little over week ago she has grown
so much before our eyes. She can now hold her head up by herself and her limbs
seem stronger. She is looking forward to learning to walk once her legs are
strong enough. She likes a fresh diaper, a full bottle, and when you call out
her name.
The next youngest resident is Helena the destroyer (about 12
months). If there is something to get into Helena will find a way to get into
it. Just today she spent 15 minutes dumping water onto the freshly washed
clothes. She can often be found running around in nothing but a diaper and a
smile. Helena is a people person. From the moment Mary and I arrived at the
mission center she has been very loving towards us. She’ll show you extra love if
you have food in your hand. Helena spends her days in the kitchen or following
around her partner in crime (PIC) Ester. Helena is your classic, happy go lucky
baby. She likes anything that has to do with food, being carried around the mission
center, and taking her daily baths.
Queen Ester (about 13 months) is only a few months older
than Helena, but she has a serious big sister complex. She is called Queen
Ester because whatever Ester wants she finds a way to get. When I pick her up
she doesn’t want to snuggle with me, but she does want me to carry her to
another room or to another person. Ester takes a couple of days to warm up to a
person. She does not instantly love, but if she does decide she trust you
you’ll see she has the kindest smile I have ever see and a contagious
laugh. Just like Helena, Ester can
eat. She receives her our bowl at dinnertime and still walks up to each child
as they are eating to receive a bite of their food. Ester enjoys telling
elaborate stories in her native tongue (gibberish), playing peek-a-boo, and
bossing around anyone who will follow her instructions.
Hannah is 4 years old, but has the sass of a 16 year old. If
Hannah does not like something you will know about it instantly. She can also
be very sweet. She loves to give away hugs and smiles to everyone she meets.
When Mary and I pulled into the mission center she was right there to greet us.
It seemed like she had found her way into my arms before I was even on the
front steps of the mission house. She spends her mornings going from volunteer
to volunteer until everyone in the house has had a chance to hold her. Then she
runs around playing with the other children and dancing to just about any beat
she can find. Once Hannah has lunch she settles in for a well-deserved
afternoon nap. She enjoys sitting on anyone and everyone’s lap, showing off her
latest wardrobe change, and long hugs.
Finally, Yaw is the little big man of the house. Although he
is the youngest in age (4) he is wise beyond his years. He knows exactly how
much of a ruckus
he can cause without actually getting into trouble. On
numerous occasions he has also managed to get two of the bigger boys to put all
of their food into his bowl so they can share. This way Yaw gets all of his
food and a little extra to hold him over. Mary and I call Yaw monkey boy
because he is always goofing around. He loves to laugh. Yaw’s favorite word
seems to be No. If he doesn’t want to do something he will NOT do it. He also
has this uncanny ability to fall asleep anywhere. I have seen him sleep just
about everywhere in the mission house and it is hardly ever somewhere that
looks remotely comfortable. Yaw enjoys jumping around, pulling pranks, and
sneaking food from the kitchen.
We are excited to continue to get to know these unique and
loving children over the next couple months. Stay tuned to meet some more of
our amazing children!
Please continue to follow us on this journey and
share what we are doing. We are always more than willing to answer questions or
give more information. If you feel compelled to make a donation or support the
school in some other capacity please either email us at kccschool15@gmail.com or visit Kingdom Cares
International.
Peace and Blessings,
| Anna |