It’s amazing how God keeps bringing children with disabilities into my life here. It had really been heavy on my heart that there are so many kids who are hidden away because their familes are ashamed of having a child with a disability. As a result many kids are neglected and abused because their parents do not know how to handle them. On the other side, there are parents who love their children regardless of the fact that they have a disability, but are unable to give them the proper care because they can’t afford it. 

               This is Gloria, she is five months old and lives in Shimo La Tewa. She was born with a mild form of Spina Bifida. Her Spinal Cord is protruding from her back and is getting bigger as she gets older. Her mother is trying everything she can and has saved up about half the money that would be needed if Gloria needs surgery.  There is a clinic next week that will hopefully give more answers about what is the next move for Gloria. Keep her in your prayers. 

Gloria and her mother

Gloria

               Yesterday we went to the children’s officer to and he told us about a child, named Brian, that is in need of a home. He told us that her mother had died and that her father was going into court tomorrow because of how neglectful and abusive he was towards his child. There was a policeman named Masai who said he had been caring for him since his father was arrested. He stays in a soda stand during the day and he takes him home at night.  So we went to see him, so that we could come back the next day to pick him up and take him to live at the baby home. While we were walking up, I was thinking about how awesome it would be if a child with special needs was able to find a home where they would be accepted and treated the way he should be. When we walked into the shop, I got goosebumps the second I saw him. They told us that he was two years old and he was unable to hold up his neck on his own, but he had a huge smile on his face. 

Brian with Masai

              We went back the next day to pick Brian up. While we were waiting for Masai to come meet us we learned that he was actually the father of the child. The mother left him and he hasn’t heard from her since. The lady who works at the soda stand is the one who has been living with and caring for Brian for the past 2 months. She said that she has been working with him and now he is doing much better. She told us that before his arms, legs and hands were stuck in the bent position. Masai has been passing the child off to any good Samaritan that he can find to avoid having to take care of his child that needs a little extra attention. Masai finally showed up and we went with him to the home where Brian is going to stay. When we got to the house we realized that he was drunk. Even though he is the father, and has a good paying job, he is still unwilling to take responsibility and give his child the care that he needs. 

Brian

             I am glad that Brian will now be living in a home where he will be loved and cared for the way that he should be. We are taking him to a clinic on Wednesday to find out what exactly is the cause of his delays. He is such a sweet kid and I am excited to see the improvements he will make. It was so great to sit with him today and see his smile, laughing and even playing a little bit with the other kids. 

Me with Bella and Brian (who was not in the mood for pictures).