Naledy

One of the 10 year old girls had a rough day. Her name is Naledy. Usually, Naledy is full of spunk, bright faced, and very mindful of others, but her mood yesterday was really off. She wouldn't speak to anyone. Finally some of the older girls told us that a gift from Naledy's mother had suddenly disappeared. It was a beautiful bottle of perfume that one of the Aunties had stored away so Naledy wouldn't lose it.
Naledy's story is pretty sad. At a very young age, her father ran away and left her mother and her. Her mother brought her to Agape because she is HIV positive and in the final stages of AIDS. There is no other family for Naledy to go to. Naledy has only been at the orphanage for a year, and for each holiday she visits her mother at the public hospital. On her last trip, Naledy cut her time short because her mother's condition had severly worsened.
It's not often I see the children sad, but when it happens it is so hard not to notice. Their courage of taking on life with such zest and vigor is inspirational and courageous. Naledy's mood slowly melted away through the day or at least she gave us that impression. I found her smiling and playing. I hope one of the Auntie's find her gift from her mother and that it was just misplaced and not stolen.
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A little update on the twins: Andishwa and Unati's mother died soon after their birth. Their father could not afford raising the children and living in Waterfall. He found a job in Joburg where he lives and barely pays rent. During the long holidays, the twins, who are 4 and soon to turn 5, visit him there or he comes down to see them.
Birthdays aren't big Zulu holidays so he won't be here for their 5th birthday on Sunday. We'll be toasting their birthday on Monday.

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