This is what the social worker had to say about the mom of the baby we received today. And I wholeheartedly agree. The little cutie-patooty is plus/minus 5 months old and super charming. His mother has been known for abandoning him at local daycares for weeks at a time. She is a prostitute herself and most likely using the money to fuel her drug habits. Now that he is in our care, the mother has 6 months to get her life back together or else they will begin the process of severing her rights. I highly doubt he will be going back. When the auntie was given a chance to take him, her response was unfortunately: "just get him out of here. I don't care where you put him, I don't want to know anymore". I pray that the process for putting him up for adoption goes smoothly and that he can find that family that also loves him to pieces.
Also, good news! Baby T is officially being adopted by a mom who has waited 50 years for her very own baby. She is a nurse (woot woot!) and is absolutely wonderful! She comes to visit him once a week until he gets to join his forever family on September 26. Last visit, she walked in and told him "Mummy's here!" It's so great to have these reminders because this is what the Havens are about. As much as we love these babies to pieces, we know that we play only a small temporary part in the plan God has in store for them.
Baby J is working so hard to get up on all 4's and begin crawling. He is our over-achiever around here, although he is about on target with an American baby. We got word that he will also be able to join his family by the end of the month, granted the court keeps up their end of the bargain.
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| Tummy time is always more enjoyable when supplemented with some Vit D |
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| Sunday's best picked out by me! |
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| The I found mommy and daddy smile! |
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| We love the sun! |
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| This is what happens to me by the end of the day too! |
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| All smiles in our summer outfits |
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| It's a boy! Our newest addition Baby S |
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| He know's he found a good place for now |
As for me, 1 week left here at the Havens. It's a strange feeling knowing my time is already coming to an end and not knowing if I will ever see these people again. There are so many unfinished stories, I cannot even begin to think about saying goodbye. Even with all the devastating stories I've read, heard, and experienced, it would be a mistake to overlook the joy and grace that is present here in South Africa. I have seen so much, experienced so much, and grown so much. I've had times of being so frustrated, so sick, and so disappointed yet when I look back over my time, those are never the memories that stick out to me. Instead, I am overwhelmed by the love I have received by so so so many people here. I cannot describe what it's like to hear "that baby is the product of rape" or to even wake up to the sound of the homeless working through the trash bins outside your window on garbage day. However, by daybreak, the birds are always singing and the sun is always shining. God's grace on His people is evident here in Joburg and I can't help but long for this experience to never end. Perhaps God is not finished with me yet. I have to leave my heart open at least because that's the only way I will be able to say goodbye when the time comes.
I love all your pictures! Some of them almost made me cry, because I want to take one of those kiddos home so bad, and I'm not even the one volunteering! You know, it's hard to see some pretty hard and dark lifestyles happening in the world, but things like this happen in a lot of places, even here. I often heard/still hear of stories of the kids I've tutored over the last few years, and the only way I didn't break down in tears every night was to say, "Lord, you are in control, but not only that, you are good, and I give their life up to you, because I am helpless to do anything about it (or because I need your help to know how to help them)." We have a wonderful God, who comforts us, loves us, is just and at the same time is mighty to save those whom he has opened their eyes to see their hardened hearts and their deep need for him. Have hope and comfort! Zephaniah 3 reflects the cries and hopes that I've read in your posts for S.Africa. Have hope and comfort! Love you and see you soon!
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