Orphan

The word orphan is one that is associated with great need, it is a word that instantly pulls the heartstrings, that indicates someone who has no-one to care for them or provide for them.

As a child growing up in Australia I knew of only one person who was an orphan, and despite him being around 17 years of age and almost independent anyways I felt so sorry for him. Imagine having no one to look after and care for you!

Here in Kenya, orphans are many.

One of my students returned from holidays a few days late this term and I asked her why. She explained that one of her close friends had died so she had to bury her. She explained how her friend was an orphan, left with only a stepmother to care for her- who disliked her and mistreated her often. Her parents had died from AIDS and this girl was found to be HIV positive; as my student explained, she hated life because no one cared for her so she stopped getting treatment and she died. 'You see madam, when you lose your parents and have no one to care for you, your life is very bad...'
This is sadly such a common tale, parents passing away, no one to care for them, they feel like a burden, they have to fend for themselves.

Sometimes however, there are people who care. People who show these kids and young people that life is worth living, that others are out there who will look after them, cook their meals, share their laughter, sympathise with their sadness, wipe their tears.

There are some amazing people I have met here, who both work at Lela orphanage or else live in the community and have taken orphans into their houses. One such lady I was talking to at church about a small child she had recently taken in, her reasoning and reply was simple 'we share what little we have'.

When doing visits for sponsorship candidates, not a single one of the needy families we visited had only their biological children. Their needs are great because their generosity is great. Taking in many fatherless and sharing what little they have.
If we were to think of a good solution to the problem of so many orphans, surely we would brainstorm and come up with various strategies and finally one of the ideals would be that rather than abandoned or institutionalised they are cared for within homes by being accepted into existing family units.... and yet this is the default that is happening!
The only problem is enough money for these 'family units' to continue functioning.

The need is there. The solution is in place. All it needs is a bit more support.

http://www.agapeinaction.com/sponsor_now.html

Orphaned by AIDS, baby Davis is now cared for by a grandmother and sponsored through Agape in Action.