Forty "Little Angels"

 

 

May 13, 2013 (Monday) Another day and another birthday!  It’s an exciting day and a very special day as “Linda’s Little Angels” will open for the first day of school.  The church we built last year will now be used during the week for three classes. The academy was named by the natives as a way of showing thanks. They wanted to give something in return but their hands were empty.  We thank all of you in the USA for giving these little ones the opportunity to go to school!  It is a dream come true.

 

 

When we arrived at the church in Taito the parents and children were already there. It was a nice morning and everyone seemed content as they visited outside with one another. News of the school opening was traveling through the village and parents continued to come.

 

We had planned for thirty children but when we were finished registering we had accepted forty and that was the max.  Most of the forty children come from Taito and the neighboring village, Maiko.  HIV is not a stranger here and it has changed the course of so many lives.  There are many widows and orphans because of it and the quiet village shame is held within so many.   Seven of the children who have registered   are orphans and six children have one deceased parent.   All the children are between the ages of three and six with the exception of two ten year olds that have never gone to school.  Financial restrictions have kept children from attending school and now the door has been opened for many to have the opportunity to learn.

Every week each child will bring two pieces of fire wood so that porridge can be made over the open fire.

Registration is a slow process and it shows on some of the children’s faces :)

 

Then there is the process of taking measurements for more uniforms and shoes.  

 

Photos of each child are taken outside for the school records and also a group picture of the first day of school 2013. Aaron, one of the fathers, thanks us over and over again.  It is a day that he thought he would never see…. his son is going to school.

 

 

My heart rejoices as I see what God is doing in the midst of the village.  Some of the widows here have nothing but love and it is love they give when they open their door to the little ones that have no place to call home.  It is a place that has suffered and mourned but a place that has a heart willing to help others.

 I Corinthians 16:14    Do everything in love.