Perserverance – Page 3

A Lesson in Patience

March 13, 2018March 27, 2019https://gingersnaps.wordpress.comLeave a comment

“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” ~ Joyce Meyer

I spent a day in a South African hospital last month, with my new friend Siphewe. I had the opportunity to meet her when I arrived this year.

Siphewe was involved in a car accident in the Bongani area of the Township on December 24. Christmas Eve. She had put herself in a compromising situation that unfortunately left her with painful consequences. With 6 people crammed into a car, no seatbelt and a driver under the influence, the car in which she was traveling struck a concrete wall. Siphewe was thrown around and broke her back. She was the only one injured.

Afraid he would be in trouble with the law, the driver and the other passengers removed Siphewe from the car, called an ambulance and left her on the side of the road. These people were her friends. Or so she thought. The police were not called. No report was made.

Siphewe woke up in the Kynsna Hospital with no recollection of what had happened. Her friends tried to convince her that she fell down a flight of stairs. They did not want their secret revealed. And although Siphewe lay there on a hospital bed with a broken back, her friends continued to cover for the driver. She eventually started remembering the events that took place before the accident and was able to put the pieces together.

unnamed-7 — Siphewe – still in pain, 10 weeks following the accident.

I met Siphewe in January, because her family had been struggling to have enough food to eat. She is a 30-something year old woman with her elderly mom, an 18-year old daughter, 18-year old nephew and his pregnant girlfriend, and 21-year old niece all living together in a 2-bedroom concrete home with a shack in the back. Because of her broken back, Siphewe was unable to work. Therefore, shy on money. I was asked to deliver some food to her family.

The day I met Siphewe, I liked her. She is very sweet. Quiet. Kind. I could tell she was in pain as she sat on the couch with a back brace, softly talking with me. She had just been released from the hospital the week prior to our meeting. As we talked, she mentioned that she was scheduled for a follow up appointment at the Hospital in George (1-hour away). I told her that when the time came, I would be happy to drive her. I couldn’t imagine her riding in a packed taxi with a broken back. (A taxi is a 15-passenger van)

Well… my experience in the South African Public Hospital was a true lesson in patience!

Here in South Africa, 84% of the population (45 million) poor, mainly black women, men, and children rely on government health care. People pay for services based on income. These state facilities are often over-burdened and under-resourced. The remaining (9 million) people are medical scheme members (those with medical insurance). These people have access to good but very expensive private hospitals. These centers are more efficiently run and less busy. The quality of care in this two-tier system varies drastically.

I experienced the first. A government run hospital. And it was like nothing I have ever seen.

Siphewe had a scheduled appointment with a doctor at the hospital for 8:30 a.m. I picked her up at 7:00 a.m and we drove a little over an hour to the hospital in George.

I parked the car and we walked in to the main lobby before 8:30. We were on time. But it didn’t really matter. It was packed! At least a hundred people or more were already waiting. Then I noticed the strangest thing. Everyone that was seated would get up together and move to the next seat. Over and over again. It was a huge queue of chairs. So, we got in line. Sitting, standing and moving over to the next seat at the appropriate time with everyone else.

unnamed — First queue to pick up her file.

After 1-1/2 hours, it was finally our turn to go up to the desk. We made it! Little did I know that this line was just to pick up her file. Next, we were to go upstairs to see the doctor. Ok. Good. Let’s go.

As we got off of the elevator, there was a line of people in wheelchairs down the hall (in the wheelchair waiting area). We walked past them to enter the waiting room full of dozens of people again! I looked at Siphewe, I could tell she was hurting. After all, she has a broken back!! We found seats and sat there quietly as did everyone else. Waiting our turn. Waiting our turn a little longer. Waiting our turn even longer. Then her name was called… 4 hours later. Yes, 4-hours after getting upstairs to where the doctor’s office was located, her name was finally called. Woohoo, here we go. Siphewe walked into the office, closed the door behind her and was back out within 2 minutes. What? How can she be finished already? We waited 5-1/2 hours for a 2 minute exam?

unnamed-5 — Sit, Stand, Move over a seat.

Haha. No. “We must go downstairs to get an x-ray”, she told me in her quiet voice. Well of course. I figured she would need one. This was, after all, a follow-up for a broken back. Really? They couldn’t have sent us to x-ray first? It took, at this point, a 5-1/2 hour wait for a doctor to tell us to go get an x-ray.

While I was trying to be patient, Siphewe was patient. This is how things are done here. Nothing out of the ordinary. Go from this line to that. Sit, stand, move over.

Downstairs to x-ray we go. You guessed it. Another line. This one was only 1-hour though!

My patience was really running thin when I found out that our next step was to go back upstairs to see the doctor that we had waited so long to see earlier. He needed to look at the x-ray and determine what to do next. What if we have to wait another 4-hours for him? Fortunately he only kept us waiting for about 30 minutes this time. He prescribed some pain medication for Siphewe and basically told her it would just continue to heal on its own. To keep wearing the back brace and return in another 6-weeks. Wow, all that time for the doctor to say, keep doing what you’re doing and come back and repeat this process again soon.

More than ready to leave, I escorted Siphewe back downstairs to the main lobby. Before we got to the front door, she said we needed to stop at the pharmacy in the hospital to get her medicine. I bet you can guess what I saw when we got there. Yes… another line! One more hour of waiting.

unnamed-6

8-hours for a scheduled appointment.

As I sat there agitated and frustrated with this ridiculous process… Siphewe, the one with a broken back and in so much pain, exhibited patience and grace. She had received care. That is what mattered.

Sitting, standing and moving over a seat. Never complaining. ~Tracy Cooper

God-size Dreams

March 8, 2018March 27, 2019https://gingersnaps.wordpress.com2 Comments

“God would not have put a dream in your heart if he hadn’t already given you everything you need to fulfill it.”~ Joel Osteen

I must admit, often I feel like I am living in the book, “The Help”, when I am in South Africa. IF employed, most black african women and coloured women are employed in some capacity of the service industry… Often as domestic workers (or as we would call cleaning ladies/house keepers).

It hits me in the face as I leave our “gated neighborhood” in the morning and see lots of women of color getting out of the taxis on the other side of the gate. (When I talk about taxis, these are 15-passenger vans that travel to and from the township to town. They generally cost riders about $1-$2 per trip). The women come by the dozens from the township, as there are about 600 homes in this neighborhood. And many employ domestic help.

The ladies show their credentials at the gate, sign in and then begin their walk to the home where they are employed. It is a strange 1960-ish site.

unnamed-14 — Domestic workers walking to the home of their employers in the morning.

These women are all domestic workers. A job coveted by the many that are unemployed. A job that pays about $12 per day. That was not a typo. $12 per day, not $12 per hour.

At the end of the day, the taxis do not return to the entrance gate of our neighborhood for pick up. Instead, the women must walk 1-2+ miles to the “Taxi rank” in town to get a ride back to the township. That is just the women in this neighborhood. It all depends on where someone works as to how far their trek to the taxi rank may be at the end of the day. Rain or shine. Hot or cold.

I’ve watched this for years now. It just doesn’t get any more acceptable to me. And although most of these women are grateful for the job, it doesn’t make it any less oppressive.

This brings me to my friend Thokozile (Thoko). A black South African Zulu woman I had the privilege of meeting last year. And a domestic worker in our neighborhood.

Thoko is a faithful Christian woman raising two sons on her own. She is an amazing mom to her boys and has taught them to be polite, to do well in school and be grateful for what they have. Several years ago, when Thoko moved to Knysna, she knew she needed to have a stable place for the boys to grow up. She saved a little bit of money each payday to be able to purchase her own small home in the Concordia Township. Since then, she has saved diligently and added on to her home, making it comfortable for she and the boys. This was/is a project that takes years. Instead of putting herself in debt, Thoko hires someone to do what they can as she has the money to pay for it. The total project is not complete, but it is really coming along. She has been doing this on a salary of $16 per day.

I have never heard a mean word come from Thoko’s mouth. Not a complaint. She is always smiling, encouraging, and inspirational. She loves the Lord and she loves her family. She is joyful. She is smart. She is sweet. I can go on and on about Thoko. She is my friend and I have great respect for her.

The reason I met Thoko was because our passion for working with girls in the township intersected last year. I launched a program for girls in 2016 called Girls Talk (Please read the previous post “Girls Talk”). At that time, I had three women agree to work as a team and lead the group of girls on Saturdays. It was a great experience for both the ladies and the girls; however the leadership team was burned out by the end of the year.

unnamed-19 — Thoko wearing her credentials while walking her employer’s dog.

As I got ready to fire up the 2017 Girls Talk group, I was without a leader. Some good friends of mine knew Thoko and suggested I contact her. She agreed to come to the information meeting and volunteered right there on the spot to be the 2017 leader. This was an answer to prayer. As I mentioned earlier, Thoko does not have daughters. She works full-time as a domestic worker and is raising two boys on her own. None of that could stop her passion to work with young girls.

Thoko and I met and planned a loose agenda for the year. And after I left to go back to the U.S.A., she faithfully met with the girls every Saturday afternoon. She led them in prayer, discussions, games and community service projects. She listened intently as the girls talked about things they would never discuss at home. And she intervened when she found out a male teacher was touching some of the girls inappropriately at school. She loved and mentored the girls well.

Thoko helping the girls with an art lesson.

Thoko (rt) helping the girls make “Dignity” packets.

When I returned and met with Thoko in January, I was prepared to hear her say that although it was a great year, she is burned out. But no. Thoko is ready to volunteer again for 2018.

I have always had such big dreams for Girls Talk. God size dreams. Dreams that don’t match up with the resources I have available. And I always believed if I wanted this program to grow, I would need to figure out how to pay a leader.

This is where our AWESOME GOD shows up big! As I mentioned in the previous post “Girls Talk”, YFC (Youth for Christ) has agreed to incorporate Girls Talk into their ministry programs. They believe it is such an important program that a full-time person should be running it.

So what does that mean for Thokozile? After meeting with her, the YFC immediately offered her the position! A full-time professional position. A career. A passion and dream fulfilled.

Like me, Thoko has God-size dreams. This was one of them. A chance to grow spiritually, intellectually and professionally. She excitedly seized the opportunity and accepted the position.

When we left the YFC, she wanted me to drop her off in town instead of driving her home. Her boys were just getting out of school, so she wanted to meet them at the taxi rank and ride home with them. She couldn’t wait to share the exciting news. As she got out of the car, she stood up tall, smiled and turned to me and said “Today I will walk down the street with my head held high.” I smiled through tears. I knew what she meant.

She will no longer be a “Servant”, but instead a “Servant Leader”.

Praise be to God for this awesome lady and this amazing opportunity! ~ Tracy Cooper

Sidenote… Because YFC is an NGO with a limited budget, employees need to raise most of their own support. Thoko will begin working on March 19, 2018 and her salary will be set at $385 U.S. per month. Yes, per month. If you feel called to help support Thoko’s salary monthly or with a one time gift, please click on the attached link and type “Thoko” in the comments. All donations are tax deductible and will go directly to cover her monthly salary.

https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000WKZkVEAX

The “Unprotected” – Part 2

February 26, 2018March 27, 2019https://gingersnaps.wordpress.com3 Comments

“Every child deserves a champion — An adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” – Rita Pierson

In my earlier blog post, “The Unprotected”- Part 1, I introduced you to four of the children living in the Lukhanyiso Safe House with Mamma Ella. Now, I will tell you how the Safe House came to be, and introduce you to a few more of Ella’s precious children.

In isiXhosa, the word Lukhanyiso means “The Light”. Ella decided to call the Safe House Lukhanyiso to bring Light to the brokenhearted.

I met Ella in 2014 on my first trip to Knysna. Two of the things I love about her is her passion to help people and her passion to share Jesus. She is ALWAYS on the go looking for people in her community to help and share the Good News.

Ella Mapurisa (Mamma Ella) grew up in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. When she was 6-years old, her parents divorced and her mother found employment on a farm, moving Ella out to a very rural area. In order to get an education, Ella had to walk over 6 miles to school every day. She did this with no shoes for several years and vividly remembers getting her first pair of shoes at 12-years old!

Because her mother was an alcoholic, she was not always able to function at her job. Ella soon had to step in and cover for her mom. At just 9-years old, she was trying to go to school and complete her mother’s chores on the farm. She knew that if she didn’t, the two of them would be kicked off of the farm and left homeless. This was a lot for such a young girl to carry.

With no guidance and no support, she dropped out of school at the age of 16. It had become too much. Too far to walk. Too much work to be done on the farm. And no money to buy her books.

In addition to the pressure, her living/work conditions became volatile. It was not safe for a Xhosa girl to be working on a farm… a farm owned by a white Afrikaans farmer… during the Apartheid era. Ella was abused. Unprotected. Trapped. No real education. No money. No connection to people off of the farm. No hope.

Until… At the age of 22, a missionary came to the farm and told her about the love of God. She did not believe there could be such a love. She had never experienced true love from anybody before. She desperately wanted to be loved. But she feared if she accepted this Jesus, she would only prove the missionary wrong. There could not be such a love. Could there? In the days to follow, she accepted Jesus Christ and her life was forever changed. The missionary took her home with seven other children and helped to cultivate a strong faith in her. He put her back in school at the age of 22-years and finally at 25-years old, Ella matriculated from High School. It was then that she moved to Knysna to start her new life. A life full of love, hope and faith.

There is a lot more to Ella’s story, and the impact of it all shaped who Ella is today. She knew that “when” not “if” she was able, she would pay it forward. She would help women and children living in fear and danger. And she would share her Jesus with everyone! Her strong Christian faith and her positive attitude kept her moving forward toward her goal.

Now, self-employed and co-owner of Emzini Tour Company (Township Tours) she knew it was time to help. Time to build a safe house, a refuge, where women and children can go when they are in danger. The tours are designed to show a positive side of the townships, and create an income to support the Safe House.

Ella in traditional Xhosa dress.

Ella

Currently, Ella has 14 children living in her home and has agreed to financially support 12 others. We met 4 of these children in an earlier blog. Today I would like to introduce you to a couple more…

Siblings: Imange and Takunda

Imange is now 10 years old, but came to live with Ella when she was just 5. She is a very gentle and sweet young lady. At the age of 5 years, Imange and her 2-year old brother Takunda were left at home alone when their parents decided to just walk away. Walk away from their two young children! We are not sure how long they were alone, but when the children were found, Imange was actually cooking, feeding and caring for her younger brother. Image was 5-years old! Even so young, Imange showed such great love for her little brother, and still does today.

Imange

Takunda, a soft-hearted little chatter box, is 7-years old. He really never knew his parents since he was only two when they walked out. His birth name is Lithala, but his grandmother was calling him Madala (which means “old man”). Ella’s husband said, “We can’t have a child being called Madala. I am going to call him Takunda” (Takunda is a Shona word meaning Victory!).

Takunda today.

A younger Takunda.

These two siblings are no longer living in the Safe House. Unfortunately their grandmother insists they live with her so that she can receive government money.

The shack that Imange and Takunda live in with their grandmother.

Knowing that the children would not be cared for properly, Ella continues to pay for all of their schooling, clothes, transport to school, after care, food and other needs that arise. Although they are not under her roof, they are still part of Ella’s family!

Meet Abigail –

Abigail, a complicated 14-year old, comes from a very rough background full of drugs, alcohol and uneducated family members . She is the only person in her family to ever attend school; and that was not on a consistent basis. There was no food and no supervision in her household. As a very young girl, she found her way to Ella’s looking for food. She continued to visit for food and started to trust Ella. Soon Ella learned that at 6-years old Abigail was sexually molested. It was then that Ella moved Abigail in with her.

The trauma this young girl survived is devastating. She has a lot to work through and is highly needy for attention. She is healing. Slowly. Abigail now attends a private school in town where she found she has a true talent in Hockey.

Please enjoy this Vlog of Ella on one of her township tours:

If you feel called to sponsor one of Ella’s children on a monthly basis, or make a one-time donation, please click on the link below and follow the steps. In the comments, type Lukhanyiso Safe House. All donations are tax deductible and will go directly to the care of Ella’s children. ~Tracy Cooper

https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000WKZkVEAX

A Purposeful Gap Year

February 13, 2018March 27, 2019https://gingersnaps.wordpress.comLeave a comment

“It’s the steady, quiet, plodding ones who win in the lifelong race.” – Robert W. Service

This quote makes me think of my sweet friend, Victoria. I met her last year when she was looking for some tutoring lessons during her matric year (final year) of high school. She is a 19-year old young adult; sweet, unassuming and quiet. So much so, that although her birth name is Priscilla, when her school records got mixed up years ago and her teachers starting calling her Victoria, she NEVER felt the need to correct them. Now, she goes by Victoria.

Victoria was born in Nekkies, a part of the township in Knysna that is located right on the N2 (the highway that runs east and west from Capetown to Port Elizabeth. It is probably one of the most dangerous parts of the Knysna township. And here is why: 1. Because of its location on the N2, it is easily accessible to everybody and anybody (good or bad). It is one of only two ways in and out of the township. 2. Many of the bars/pubs are located in this area, so people gravitate to there and are often under the influence of alcohol and drugs. 3. Many of the “homes” are shacks instead of concrete block homes, making life a little more unstable.

For Victoria’s family, life went on as best it could. They were a Coloured family living in a mostly black Xhosa township. Across the N2, within site, was the all Coloured neighborhood (Hornlee). Because she was coloured, Victoria and her siblings would cross the N2 on foot every day to attend Hornlee Primary School. The native tongue for Coloureds is Afrikaans, while the native tongue for blacks is isiXhosa. It is easier to attend a school that speaks your native language. And at the time that Victoria was in primary school, there was not an Afrikaans school on her side of the N2.

This posed many dangers for a young girl… the greatest of these was crossing the N2. Cars and trucks are traveling at a speed of 45 – 50 mph on a 4-lane highway. There are no crosswalks, no traffic lights, no crossing guards, NO ADULT SUPERVISION. Just children standing, watching, waiting and judging when to cross. It is one of the scariest things I have witnessed here. Once safely on the other side, the children must walk up a path through the bush (the forest as we know it) to get to the school. If alone, you could most certainly be robbed or raped. Victoria mentioned that she only had to walk home by herself one time. She was so scared that she ran as fast as she could and never stopped until she got to the N2.

Born the 5th child in a family of 7 children, Victoria grew up in a household with two very loving, Christian parents. She is one of a few children/teens I know that have a complete family unit. Her father worked hard as a truck driver for years and her mother stayed home to care for their large family.

In Nekkies, the nine of them lived contently in a shack together, until tragedy struck their family. Not once. But twice. First, Victoria’s older brother (the oldest of the 7 children) was stabbed and killed outside of their home. Victoria was very young at the time, so doesn’t really know or remember the entire story. She has been told it was a senseless act of jealousy. The second tragedy had a greater impact on Victoria’s life. At the age of 11, her family’s shack burned to the ground in the middle of the night. It is believed that the man (a cousin to the family) in the shack directly behind them, was drunk and fell asleep with a candle burning. Both his shack and theirs burned completely. Everyone except Victoria’s little brother escaped. Ornan was 9-years old and died in the fire. Not only was her family grieving the loss of another child, they were now homeless.

The family split up to live with various relatives in the area, moving from place to place for about 4 years. All throughout this unsettled transition, Victoria continued in school. Finally, when she was about to begin grade 8 (High School), her family moved back together to a part of the township called Concordia. There, her father slowly built a concrete home which they are still living in today.

unnamed-13 — Victoria’s family home, built by her dad.

Victoria did well in school. She is only the second child in her family to graduate (matric) from high school. And the first to receive a “Bachelors”, the highest diploma you can receive in high school (you pass with either a Bachelors, a diploma, or a certificate). Victoria had set herself up to be able to realize her dreams of going to a University. Unfortunately she was “wait-listed” at The University of Western Cape in Cape Town, and ultimately did not get in for this school year.

Dreams crushed? No, just delayed. Gap Year. A year to learn and work before reapplying to University next year. Because of Victoria’s character, a teacher introduced her to a program called TEFL (Teaching English to Foreign Learners) that offers the course right here in Knysna. This program is a 30-day instructional class that prepares you to travel to another country to teach English for 1-year. (Her teacher’s daughter did this and taught English in China).

Victoria will continue to move forward.. slowly, steadily, quietly plodding through this lifelong race.

When I met with her today, we were talking about her plans for this gap year. She explained the TEFL program and told me that she has already enrolled and will begin on March 5. Knowing that neither of her parents are currently working, it caught me off guard that she has so confidently moved along with her plan. I started to question how she will finance this endeavor. She sat there quietly, unassuming telling me that she has managed to come up with the money for the deposit (with the help of her sister) but does not know how she will finance the rest. With faith it will work out. Slowly, steadily and quietly she will make it work.

Victoria is currently $350 U.S. shy of completing the payment for the course. Once she completes the course she will also need funding to travel to the country where she will be teaching. This seems like an impossible dream for a young township girl. It is. But Victoria is already beating the impossible. She stayed in school during a chaotic 4-years. She matriculated with a Bachelors. She was wait-listed by a college. And she figured out how to come up with a $150 U.S. deposit to take this course. This is an amazing opportunity for Victoria during this gap year. She has NEVER been outside of Knysna, much less South Africa. I have confidence that she will be successful in this endeavor.

If you would like to help Victoria, please click on the link below. Any amount will help. All donations are tax deductible and will go directly to help cover her expenses for this gap year experience. Type “Victoria” in the comment section. ~Tracy Cooper

https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000WKZkVEAX

The “Unprotected” – Part 1

February 12, 2018March 27, 2019https://gingersnaps.wordpress.com2 Comments

“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story” ~ Annonymous

When I think back to the birth of my first child, I remember feeling so much love, hope, excitement and fear all at the same time. My heart was so full. I knew I would do anything for this sweet little baby. Love him. Feed him. Hold him. Teach him. PROTECT him. Yes, I think for most mothers, one of our strongest motherly instincts is to protect our child. If anyone tries to harm our little one, our “mother-bear” instincts surface. We are ready to protect our child at all costs. And for me, I was blessed to experience this with each of my four children!

Unfortunately though, this is not the case for many children in the township. They do not have a mom to protect them. Not necessarily because she is absent in body, but because she is absent in mind. Many are orphaned due to the unhealthy addictions plaguing the moms. (I say the moms, because quite frankly the fathers are rarely in the picture by the time the baby is born). These moms lose their “mother-bear” instinct to protect their baby when they allow their addictions to take over their lives. They choose alcohol, drugs and men over their sweet, innocent babies. And because of this self destructive behavior, the defenseless babies are left orphaned on the street.

Well this is the very sad and short ending to the life story of so many children. But for a few others, it isn’t. There is a woman of great faith, who lives in the township, and is determined to help write a new chapter in the life stories of many orphaned children. A chapter full of love, hope and faith. A new beginning. A new life. A new family.

I have known Ella for 4 years, and like many, she has a long story of her own. Today, however, I want to introduce to you the children God has helped Ella rescue throughout the township. Some she has found on her own, others have been brought to her by relatives of the children or social services.

The stories are brief, mostly because the children were so young when they arrived at Ella’s. Also, because of their young ages, many were too young to understand their full story.

Meet my friend Tracy:

I have known Tracy for the past 4 years. She and I had an instant connection because of our name. Unlike many other children, I could actually pronounce her name! Tracy is 9-years old now, but came to Ella’s (Lukhanyiso Safe House) at the young age of 3-years. She was brought to Ella by Child Protection Services after she and her younger brother Toffee were removed from their home. Tracy, a 3-year old innocent little baby was being sexually abused in her own home. Her mother was an alcoholic and could not function in a way to protect her baby.

Because of the violence she endured in her young life, Tracy did not transition easily into Ella’s care. She suffered from post-traumatic syndrome, and did not trust anyone. She was constantly screaming and crying. With love, prayer, tender care, counseling and time to begin healing, Tracy has become a happy, confident young lady. She attends Knysna Primary School in town where she is in grade 4. She is learning English and speaks it quite well for a 9-year old. Her favorite extra curricular activities are playing net ball and running sprints. She has always had the role of “drama queen” in the house, but as she matures she is slowly passing that role on to a younger “sister”.

Tracy stills suffers from fetal alcohol syndrome, but all in all, she is doing well. Her life story now has a new, more hopeful chapter.

Tracy

Tracy running track in yellow and blue

Tracy’s little brother is named Toffee. His given name is Fikile and he is 7-years old. When he and his sister, Tracy were brought to Lukhanyiso Safe House, Toffee was only 2-months old. He was filthy dirty and starving to death. A very sad and inexcusable situation for a helpless 2-month old baby. Ella took Toffee straight to the clinic to have him checked. Afterwards, she gently stripped him of his rags, gave him a nice warm bath (probably the first one in his 2-months of life, dressed him in clean clothes, fed him a warm bottle and cuddled him. Since that day, he has the mom every baby deserves. A mom to protect him. To love him. To guide him.

Toffee (nicknamed that, because Ella says he is so sweet), attends Knysna Christian Mission School. He is in Grade 1 and starting to learn English. He is a happy little guy with a lot of personality.

Toffee

Toffee Today

The next sibling pair is Beauty and Stephen…

Beauty is a thriving 9-year old little girl now. However, when she arrived at Ella’s house, she was possibly the most neglected child Ella had ever seen. At the age of 1-1/2 years old, this sweet little baby girl was found by a police officer in the street in the middle of the night. A baby with no name and no parents. He picked her up and brought her straight to Lukhanyiso Safe House for the night, where Ella named her Beauty. Six months went by before anybody in her family even started to look for her. And it was determined that she would stay living with Ella and her new family. During Beauty’s first year in Ella’s care, she was a very shy and withdrawn child. She never made one sound… no crying, no screaming, no laughing, no talking. Nothing. Ella would bring Beauty into her bed at night and hold her, but when Ella woke up, Beauty was off of the bed, curled up on the floor. It was obvious that she had very little attachment or bonding to a mom. But as time went on, Beauty came out of her little shell. She is a sweet young girl and attends Knysna Christian Mission School with many of her siblings. She too is learning to speak English. The reason I mention this with the children is because their native tongue is Xhosa. South Africa has 11 official languages, but all children must learn English.

Beauty

Beauty Today

Beauty at 1-1/2

Stephen is 4-years old and is Beauty’s little brother. They both have the same mom, but I really don’t know if they have the same dad. Both of Stephen’s parents are alcoholics. He was removed from their home when he was just 4-months old and brought to live with Ella in the Safe House. His and Beauty’s mom usually shows up drunk to the Safe House about every two years or so to try to see the kids. Stephen is a happy young little guy. He is learning English in the Mama Mia Preschool.

Stephen

Ella and Stephen

These are the stories of 4 of Ella’s children. She currently has 14 children living in her home and 12 more children for which she has taken on the financial reponsibility. Unfortunately every one of her children have similar stories. I will try to introduce you to a few at a time throughout my blogs.

Ella lives modestly in the township and has hired a small staff to help care for and transport the children. Her expenses run around $200 U.S. per child per month. This is for food, clothes, school uniforms, school tuitions, staff fees, etc.

She and her business partner Penny have opened a township tour company called Emzini Tours to try to help cover the expenses of the Lukhanyiso Safe House. With the needs so great, they are always looking for sponsors.

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