A special post by the love of my life, my super hot hubby, Leif (pronounced lay-f).
Passing through the slum, our van paused in front of a gray metal gate. Voices were already singing on the other side. We pulled into the courtyard of the church that hosted Compassion’s Child Survival Program.
Two lines of women danced and sang to greet us. Children peeked from around their skirts, staring at us “mzungu” – Swahili for white people.
As I stepped out of the van a little boy, dressed all in red, came out from behind his mother, walked straight up to me, and raised his arms in the universal sign for “pick me up”.
My heart melted as I looked at this handsome child who wasn’t afraid to interact with someone so completely different when all of the other children stayed with their mothers.
As we took our seats in the church, the child seemed content to be on my lap as we listened to stories of how the Child Survival Program had changed the lives of their entire families.
The mother of the young boy eventually picked up her son, but I would have sat with him all day if given the chance.
Eleanor, one of the women, shared that she had been a “quarrelsome” wife before coming to the program. But now she experienced Christ and the tools she needed to become a better wife and mother. She now had the parenting knowledge that I took for granted (way to go mama Oines… 🙂 ).
In the Child Survival Program the importance of family planning, nutrition, and income generating activities are taught to groups of women who are pregnant or have just given birth.
The women were so proud to show us the various ways that they had learned to bring in income for their families. Small groups of women demonstrated liquid soap making, baking cupcakes, sandal making, and beading. The products that they make are handy, beautiful – and tasty!
Margaret picked out a purse that she loves.
Part of the program that struck me most was the stimulation room. The small room full of color, toys and activities provided the children with an environment very different from the monochromatic one-room, dirt-floor homes they live in. As the mothers are taught about engaging their children visually and tactilely with toys they can make at home.
Will you join me in making sure that the children that have benefited from the survival program continue to thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually? [Tweet this]
For $38 dollars a month you can help transform the life of a child (and their family), click here to sponsor a child today.
