Lithoteng

We drove back to Maseru to visit our second home today. It is on the outskirts of the city in a village called Lithoteng. We spent 24 hours at this visit. This was the one that was meant to give us a clear picture, sort of a 'Day in the Life' with the orphans. We met with the foster mom and Samuel the social worker and offered to make dinner for everyone (foster mom, 11 kids, the two of us and a bit of extra as some neighbours often show up; they did). We met the children as they arrived home from school. We had brought pencils, stickers, a picture book and a soccer ball (because the one yesterday was such a hit!). We made a huge meal of rice, beef and salad with the children, played games and sang songs into the night, Then we all did chores and then we went to bed. Sleeping in a room full of boys in bunk beds made me feel like I was at camp again. We did our best to make each laugh and eventually dozed off only to be woken by roosters at 4 am! This morning we had a traditional Lesotho porridge for breakfast and walked the kids to school. It was hard to say goodbye; it is remarkable how close you can feel to people after only 24 hours, especially people you may never see again. If that sounds like a fun day, it was. If it sounds like a good time, it was. However let's not forget why these children are in this home; let's not forget the horrific, heartbreaking scenarios that have created the need for these homes. This is a troubled country. The AIDS pandemic is devastating. It is safe to say these children have no future whatsoever without the work being done by organizations like Bracelet of Hope. As a white man, I stand out here. Strangers want to stop and talk on the streets. It is often awkward telling them what we are doing and why I am here. It seems as though we might be stepping over a boundary or crossing a line, as though we don't belong and should leave it alone. But that is not the case. Everyone I have met has thanked me. Everyone I have talked to has let me know how much they appreciate what we are doing for their children, for their people, for their future. The last 24 hours was a good time, it was a fun day. But it was a whole lot more than that as well.