Lerobane

 

I woke up in time to go to first mass at the Anglican Church here at the convent. I know the pastor referred to Jeremiah. Other than that I am not sure exactly what happened, but I liked it. That format was somewhat familiar, the most familiar thing I have experienced here so far.  I also went for a 10k run this morning; part of it was up Anne-Marie's mountain (if you know anything about Bracelet of Hope it should be no surprise that there is a mountain here they refer to as hers; if not it is time you did!). This afternoon we visited the foster home in Lerobane. It is an incredible place. We parked by a river, had to cross the river stone by stone and hike about 3 kms straight up the side of a mountain to get there. About halfway up we waited on the bulls that blocked the path. A young boy from the local farm finally showed up and boldly ushered them off the road. We finished our hike and got to the home. It is a simple brick house: a boys room, a girls room, a parents room and an open space that is a kitchen and eating area.  There is no running water or electricity. A simple house. A simple life. Eight kids live there with two foster parents (a couple). Eight beautiful kids. The stories they come from are sad, very sad. They are the kind of stories we don't like to hear and that are difficult to re-tell. However the story they find themselves in currently is a good one, it is full of education, support, care and opportunities. We brought oranges, pencils and a dollar store soccer ball. As a result we were received like royalty. We had a wonderful time singing, playing and trying to say each other's names. The whole thing leaves me a little speechless. I could go on and on about how happy they are despite having so little. I could question my own excess and ask again what it is about having less that makes you appreciate more? I could ask a lot of questions and write a lot of things that would likely induce guilt. Instead I will just say this; today I saw what we came for.