Today we say a bittersweet farewell to a delicious little boy, David Ndogo - who has returned home to his bibi (grandmother) and aunt. They had originally hoped to take him home in January, when I was over in Tanzania, but various legal hurdles had to be... hurdled... so it took until now. Better late than never!
David with his bibi (left) and aunt
It's sad for us because we will miss his sweetness, his funny faces, and his cuddles - and yes, even his tantrums - but good because it is always nice for a family to be reunited. As I mentioned briefly in our last post, we are working this summer on a pilot project which will hopefully prevent these types of situations from occurring in the first place - where there is a loving family that simply cannot afford to adequately care for the child. We'll be running basic business classes and distributing small grants to help families in similar situations get on their feet and keep their children.
Mango mouth
When we first met
Christmas David
HOW do you fall asleep on a moving carousel??
Kissing the girls and making them cry
Showing off his teeth!
Happy dance!
And speaking of a happy dance, I have no IDEA what he was doing in this video, but it was closer to a breakdance than anything else.
We will miss you, little man!
In other news, Zawadi, Neema, Ester, Miriam and Maureen are all in underwear now (Thanks Amy for the update!) - VERY exciting progress, since there's still another nine kids in diapers. Every bit helps! So proud of how grown up they're getting, but very, very sad not to be there to see it. 47 days and counting every second till I get to hold them again.
I'm literally JUST back from the US, where I had a lovely but all too brief sojourn visiting family and friends... and I'm still jet-lagged out of my mind, sadly, so this post will be short and sweet - in honor of three ridiculously fantastic kids and their birthdays.
Happy third birthday (on the 22nd) to our gorgeous, vivacious little ray of sunshine, Maureen!
Maureen as a newborn
With her beautiful smile
In the center of it all,
with Miriam (left) and Neema
Happy fourth birthday (on the 20th) to our tank of a little man, Pray. Without the heroism of Mama Cantate, we might never have made it to this amazing day - we're so proud of how far you've come! Please see our page on "Light Up the Night" to learn about the fire that almost took this bright spark of a boy away from us - and how you can help us to to make sure it never happens again.
Today, happy and gorgeous little boy!
Baby Pray just after the fire
Last year, still half baby
And finally, happy sixth birthday (today) to our sweet, smart, and sensitive schoolboy, Ericki - now thriving at USA River Academy with the help of TFFT and his wonderful sponsors, the Butler and Al-Azawie families! Please check out the Education page to read about this upcoming year's students, and to find out how to help them reach their amazing potential.
Strong, confident little man this year
Ericki shortly after coming
to the orphanage
Silly boy last year - trying to get gum
out of his hair with peanut butter!
Ericki came to the orphanage as a toddler - his mother died at birth, but his father and grandmother had struggled to keep the family together for as long as they could. Ultimately the economic strain was too great, and they brought him to the orphanage for a better life, a heartwrenching decision. We are launching a pilot project this summer that will hopefully provide a helping hand to families in this type of situation, providing business training and micro-grants to families caring for orphaned children or single parents in danger of having to send a child to an orphanage, with the goal of helping them get on their feet and become self sufficient. More to come on this exciting project, I promise!
I have always been surprised about the combination of feelings you can experience because of the children of Nkoaranga Orphanage. Happiness when you see their smiling faces, sadness when they're crying, annoyance when they're being a bit too cheeky, overwhelming joy when you're lucky enough to see them taking their first steps, and utterly, crazy, unconditional, never ending love. Always love, no matter what.
An incredible previous volunteer, Jasmine, has just returned from spending a month with the kids and I am unbelievably jealous of her. It feels so strange because I lived with Jasmine in Nkoaranga last year and have spent many hours with her, reminiscing about the wonderful times we had with the kids. When she returned, one of the first questions I asked her was, "Do they remember me?" The kids are always there, in the back of your mind, so you often wonder if they do actually remember you. And, I was so happy to hear, that they do in fact remember me and kept asking Jasmine where I was. It was so wonderful to know that they remember us, and still love us as we love them. But this wasn't the only feeling I experienced on hearing this. It also made me feel sad. I feel guilty for not being there and knowing that they do actually still think about us from time to time. It made me think about something that the lovely Emma has touched on before now: whether coming into the children's lives and then leaving does more harm than good.
But, then I thought about all of the wonderful times that we have had with the children.
I thought about how Gracie first learned to stand by pulling herself up on my legs. I thought about the times I had spent getting Simoni to run and jump and try to do anything we could to help his legs to improve. I thought about the night Megan and I sat singing to all of the children, whilst we fed the babies, because they were getting scared by the power cut. I thought about the first moment we all walked into the orphanage and the way the children immediately ran up to us and started hugging and climbing all over us. I thought about the hundreds of times I had told the children that I love them and they told me they love me too. I thought about when Nsima turned to me on her last day at the orphanage and said, "I will miss you, Emily". I thought about Saimoni singing the 'Embily song' and Stevie playing 'wewe chakoula'. I thought about the hundreds and thousands of beautiful, heart-wrenching, perfect memories I have of those beautiful children and all of the love that they have shown me and I have shown them.
If we hadn't gone to the orphanage, then we wouldn't have been able to hug them when they were crying. Make them laugh when they were feeling sad. Protect them when they were scared. Play with them when they were feeling lonely. We wouldn't have been able to show them the love that they deserve; the love that the Mama's, the children and the volunteers are always showing one another, every single day.
When you hear that the kids have been asking after you and missing you, but you can't be there with them, it's hard. It's really hard. So, I have to hold on to those memories and cherish them. I try to think about the wonderful times I have had with them and the fact that I was able to help them when they needed it the most. I think about the fact that, even though I'm not there with them, I was there. And I will be there again. I think about the fact that they are safe and with people that love them.
As Emma says, 'If every volunteer, at Nkoaranga Orphanage, does what they can to help the children, make them laugh, make them feel safe and happy, make them feel loved, then hopefully, the memories of their childhood will be a happy blur of all the love and support from all of the volunteers to whom they mean so much to'.
The kids can make you experience such a range of emotions, sometimes all at once. But, I know that they are safe and I know that they are happy, and this is all that matters. I'm so overjoyed that the kids actually remember me, even if it does make me feel sad that I can't be there in person. When I think about all of the wonderful times I have had with the kids, all of the love I have shown them and all of the love they have shown me, I know that I wouldn't trade this for anything.
UPDATE: We are so honored to announce that over £600 has been donated in honor of Lewis John William's life. The funds will be going towards Project Education, and will fund almost a full year of schooling for Andrea, Abdulli, David, or Pendo. We are still looking for long term sponsors for everyone but Pendo - please get in touch if you are interested in changing a child's life! Thank you endlessly to Jordan, her nan, and everyone who contributed. You've created a beautiful legacy.
Jordan with Franky last year
A wonderful former volunteer and friend of The Small Things and the orphanage kids named Jordan has been hit hard by the death of her grandfather this week. However, she has been comforted by a generous gesture that her grandmother has chosen to make - instead of flowers or gifts, they have asked for donations, which will be split between The Small Things and the British Heart Association. We are honored by their generosity, and so happy that Jordan was able to so clearly communicate her love and passion for these children to the people around her. Here are some of her recollections about him:
My Grandad's name is Lewis John Williams and he was 85 years old when he died on April 7th , suddenly but peacefully at home with my Grandma. He was called John his whole life to family and friends. To me he was 'Dad', we think I picked it up from my Mum when I was little and it just stuck.
I can't really sum up what he was like; I would be writing forever. He was the best Grandfather anyone could wish for; I have memories of being driven to the park near my grandparents home where he would let me play for hours and hours. We used to go to Bournemouth when I was younger twice a year and he would spend so much money letting me play on all the rides and play all the games on the pier and never complained once. My grandparents never forget Christmas cards, birthday cards, Easter cards, good luck cards before exams, well done cards for when I passed the exams and Valentines day cards. They would be on time every single year without fail. He used to tell me stories (completely ridiculous and made up) about how he was best friends with the Queen and I would make him tell them over and over. He also used to take me swimming when I think he hated it, as I used to make him ride the rubber ring ride forgetting he was over 70. I could go on forever, and I think I've gotten a bit carried away! But basically, as a Grandad, he was so loved and adored by both my sister and myself, and I will always remember the memories he has given me and never ever forget him. I know he's around all the time anyways.
As a person, he would do anything for anyone. He loved my Grandmother and looked after her and they had so much fun, they were always laughing together about the silliest things; and the main thing about my Grandad, I know this, and many people have said, that he was ALWAYS laughing, making jokes, and not one of his friends has ever seen him in a mood. He was always smiling and couldn't do enough for anyone who needed help. He has lived in the same place for his whole life, except for the periods of time in his life where he travelled, and has therefore made hundreds of friends who will all miss him dearly.
As a Grandad, he would worry about my sister and I unnecessarily. He was especially worried when I decided to go to Tanzania for two months last year, and even though I know my grandparents didn't want me to go, he was always so happy to hear the stories and to see pictures of all the kids. And true to the way my Grandad was, he would be so happy to know that he might be able to help them in any way. My Grandmother deciding to split donations from his funeral between a heart charity and The Small Things would have made him happy and is so very appropriate considering it was his nature to help anyone he could, even if it was just a small gesture.
John and Jordan
I don't know what else to say other than I love my Granddad very much, I'm so proud of him, and I am so very lucky to have grandparents like I do. My heart goes out to the kids at the orphanage when I think about how lucky I am to have someone like my Granddad in my life, but then I remember that they all have each other, and all of us volunteers and the Mamas who love them just as much. And I hope that whatever the amount is donated will help the children, even just a little, in whatever way possible. I know my Granddad would hope so too.
We're so grateful for the beautiful gesture, and our hearts are with Jordan at this difficult time. This is what The Small Things is about, connecting the amazing web of people who care about this children to work together on their behalf. This is a fantastic example of that web being not JUST about people who have met the kids in person, but those who have fallen in love with them by proxy, through stories, photos, and videos. We're so grateful for all those members of the Nkoaranga extended family, and we wish peace and comfort to Jordan and her family.
I have to start by apologizing for the long delay between posts - I've been in the US visiting my wonderful family, which has been great - but has required two overnight flights in the last weeks, neither of which I slept on, so my body has no idea when or where I am! I'm only now JUST about coherent enough to post. Which brings me to my next point - it's 2012. That sounds like the future, right? Where is my teleport? I could hop in, spend the weekends and all my spare time with the kids in Tanzania, then beam myself back in time for classes. I will continue to wait impatiently until my teleport arrives.
Maybe I lied a bit when I said I was coherent enough to post. Let's stick to the facts - a few brief announcements that will be expanded upon soon.
Ebeni Ndogo
We have a new baby to welcome to the Nkoaranga family! Don't have any pictures of him yet, but I hear he's a real cutie, and healthy - a second Ebenezer, which will make our big guy Ebenezer Kubwa and this little guy Ebenezer Ndogo. What a blessing that our Ebeni is now the big one - he was so sick and small for so long! UPDATE: Here he is, one beautiful new baby Ebenezer, thanks to Steffi for the photo!
Ebeni Kubwa
On a sadder note, we had a little angel pass briefly through the orphanage, a girl named Rehema - unfortunately she was SO premature that she only lasted a few days with us. Again, I hope to have pictures so that we can properly memorialize her - but hold your munchkins close.
Go Maureen go!
Speaking of how fantastically Ebeni Kubwa is doing, he is now officially WALKING - as is Maureen Ndogo! Gracie is now super confident and strides around everywhere like she owns the place. Vicky is on the verge - can take few steps but can't keep the balance up for long enough - and Frankie continues to be a lazybones. Filipo has been sick lately so he hasn't caught up to the crew yet, but I bet he'll be walking in no time.
The electrical rewiring of the orphanage is almost complete - all of the switches and outlets have been moved safely out of the kids' reach, the wiring has been gone over with a fine toothed comb and replaced in multiple places for safety, and the laundry room is now properly grounded, which should save a LOT of hard work by hand for the mamas when surges were disabling the machines before. At this stage they're just double checking that all the lights are properly hooked up and repainting all the walls they had to disrupt to get at the wires. I'm sure the kids have been fascinated by the process and will be sad to see them go - but hopefully they'll be back soon, once we've raised the rest of the money for Light Up the Night!
Speaking of which, we're all eagerly anticipating Kristina's gala fundraiser for Light Up the Night in Victoria, BC on April 29th - it really looks like it's going to be a blast! Anyone who hasn't RSVPed yet, do it now - it's going to be a fantastic evening.
We're also happy to introduce some new partners - Speranza Tanzania (meaning Hope Tanzania) is a new organization working with Nkoaranga hospital in much the same way we work with the orphanage, run by two fantastic med students out of Italy, Martina and Lorenzo. They're currently paying for a fantastic young medical officer from the hospital to go to medical school and become a full fledged doctor, and we're hoping to work together to get more of the hospital lit up in the future! We'll even be overlapping for a few months this summer. Don't worry - the page is in Italian but Google will translate it for you. You'll be hearing more about our work together in the coming months!
I'll leave you with my favorite video of all recent history - my beautiful Zawadi in a tutu brought in by some kind volunteers. Thanks Amy for the video! Note the awesome shoes - this is a child who has been so funny with shoes since she was a tiny girl. She used to wear them on all her hands and feet, and if she had to choose, would keep them on her hands! Some things never change, and I love that this is one of them.
Lots of love and happy Easter and Passover from all of us at The Small Things and the Nkoaranga kids!
It's a funny thing, but Nkoaranga kids seem to come in age pairs. Frankie and Maureen came in on the same day, as did Vicki and Filipo. Zawadi and Neema are very close in age, although couldn't be more different in temperament! Pray and Simoni are also just a few weeks apart, although I can't imagine too little boys who approach the world more differently. Baracka and Maureen Kubwa have also been in sync for a long time. Nobody knows why this happens - but it sure does make for some odd couples!
Uncharacteristically serious, but so cute!
Bitty Ester
But the best example of this phenomenon is David Ndogo and Ester - born just a day apart, and turning two! Ester was named for her birthday (yesterday) being so close to Easter - she's turned into such a delicious little girl, so smart and cuddly, but with this teeny tiny high pitched voice that comes out of nowhere. She has a super distinctive little face, and has since she was a newborn, as you can see here!
David with his aunt and grandma
David's devilish look!
Meanwhile, David Ndogo is hysterical, just such a character - you'll frequently catch him on camera with these extremely intense stares, or devilish little faces. He is a sweet and funny little boy, but if you ever cross him... ooh boy! He can scream like nobody's business. His aunt and grandmother are hoping to take him home soon, although there seem to be some logistical holdups - however, even when he does go with them, he will still always be part of the Nkoaranga family and in our hearts.
Here's one of my favorite videos of each of them: David growling like a lion, and Ester being tickled. Captures both their characters pretty well, their respective styles of silliness!
David and Ester also emphasize one more important point, though. They were born a good few months away from anyone else - so when they were babies, they had much more attention from the mamas than, say, the current group of six babies who are all very close in age. As a consequence, they walked and talked much earlier, and these early advantages may well stay with them for the rest of their lives. This is why it's so crucial to hire new staff, so that every child gets the level of attention that allows them to mature healthily. We're hoping to hire a new staff member in June (more on that soon!) and Mama Linda has been an incredible asset since her hiring in December. If you are able, please consider donating towards the cause. Thanks so much for being part of making sure all these kids get the nurturing they deserve!
Today is an exciting day for us at The Small Things, and also for our friends over at Cradle of Love orphanage, another orphanage in the area that cares for children up to two or three years old. Last April, you may remember we had a very stressed out delivery of a gorgeous little girl named Miriam. She had had a difficult go of it - her mother was and is seriously mentally ill and several other babies she had before Miriam had not survived. It was time for Miriam to leave Cradle, but there was nowhere for her to go - the aunt who had brought her in now had Miriam's mother living with her, and didn't think she could keep Miriam safe. So she came to us instead - and it's been a blessing. Today is her third birthday.
Her first few days were heartbreaking - she was so scared of everything and everyone, and basically didn't stop crying for days. The only times she calmed down were when a foreign volunteer held her - we now think this is because she had formed a close bond with a wonderful volunteer from Cradle named Kezia, and so she felt like we were safe territory. It was so hard to watch - from my house just below the orphanage, we could hear her crying day and night, and just didn't know how to help.
Miriam and Kezia at Cradle of Love
Warming up at the birthday party
Luckily, she came at a good time - two days later was the day we held a birthday party for all the kids (since they don't usually get acknowledgement of their individual birthdays), so they all got cake and new toys - a nice welcome for a tiny scared girl! She began to brighten up and interact with the other kids. In time, she became very close with the other little girl almost exactly her age, Maureen kubwa. Since Maureeni is a little bit of a bossypants, they made a very cute and funny couple, Maureeni showing Miriam how things worked at Nkoaranga - both just barely two years old.
Vicki and Miriam
This December and January she made another close friend, as Vicki Crisp (the older sister of our board member, Bethan) joined us to meet the kids. Poor Miriam had a case of malaria and needed some extra cuddles. By the time she was feeling better, she had attached to Vicki like a barnacle - and vice versa! - so they were inseparable for a few weeks. Miriam is quiet but sneaky - she gets under your skin and into your heart fast.
In other news, Light Up the Night is progressing beautifully. We raised the first $2,200 we needed, and so the electrical rehabilitation of the orphanage has begun. Construction officially started this week on the 27th. The first priority is getting all outlets and switches repositioned out of the range of the kids. Then the underlying wiring will be examined inch by inch and replaced wherever necessary, and the entire system will be properly grounded to prevent shorts and surges that are dangerous and also seriously shorten the life of the all-important washing machines. It's a huge undertaking and we're thrilled that it has already begun. Thank you so much for your generous donations. We still need to raise another $3,800 for the solar panels in the orphanage, and another $3,500 to install solar panels in the maternity ward as well. Later this week I'll share a story that emphasizes how crucial that part of the project is. You can go to the page for more details, or click below to donate directly to "Light Up the Night."
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
I thought about how Gracie first learned to stand by 
When you hear that the kids have been asking after you and missing you, but you can't be there with them, it's hard. It's really hard. So, I have to hold on to those memories and cherish them. I try to think about the wonderful times I have had with them and the fact that I was able to help them when they needed it the most. I think about the fact that, even though I'm not there with them, I was there. And I will be there again. I think about the fact that they are safe and with people that love them.
.JPG)
