love awaits

Hello Friends! We have news that we may be getting another baby Monday. Again, we don't know many details other than the social worker is removing the baby because the mother is involved in prostitution. Baby Lerato now has a real name (which is why I can continue to put "Lerato" on my blog). She is ten and a half months old and HIV negative for sure. Almost two weeks ago, we were able to place her in a hospice care site where she would receive tube feedings. She continues to have diarrhea but is officially gaining weight. We received her development chart from the social worker that indicated she was once 7.1kg (nearly 15 pounds)! This means she lost nearly 5 pounds with this sickness. Luckily, she is back up to 6.7kg and although we know that the tube cannot stay in forever, she is at least improving. Another twist to her story is that her auntie came into the picture. We found out that she has two siblings who were living with the aunt. When there is family in the picture, the baby will always go to family. She may come back for a week or so, but once the court changes custody, she will move in with them.

We celebrated Baby M's first birthday on Thursday and with that, she is beginning to stand and take steps. Hopefully, she will be able to show off for her follow-up OT appointment on the 1st of Sept. Yikes! Did I just say Sept??!? That means a month has gone by and I have to start thinking about school. : (

I have been enjoying my Friday and Saturday off. I was able to go to coffee with Caroline (she started the Havens with her husband David and 5 kids). Caroline is full of so much life and it was just a joy to be able to spend time with her. She gave me a tour of her home and invited me to come to dinner and watch a rugby game with her family. She tells me David isn't much into sports but that she is the sportswoman of the family, lol.

Last night, I was able to see James Blunt at Joburg's Coca Cola dome with a few of my fellow international volunteers. He was amazing even though I only knew 2 songs. This morning I'm headed to a Rhino/Lion park with a volunteer from Florida and a volunteer from Germany. It's like a mini safari that's fairly close to home.

I wish I was able to put up more pictures because I have tons but I forgot my USB cord to plug my camera in. Oops, always forgetting something. I hope everyone is enjoying the official start of summer at home. The end of August always pulls through. Maybe you can enjoy the river, or a waterfall hike, or just an outside BBQ with the fam. Blessings to everyone at home. I send my love and soon enough I will be back!