Today concludes our first week at Sparrow. We came into this journey trusting the Lord, and not knowing what our time would look like. Based on information from Sparrow’s website, we thought we had an inkling of an idea. Rather than arriving and finding room after room of near-death residents, we found bubbly teenagers practicing their “walks” for an upcoming beauty pageant at school. The situation at Sparrow reflects the positive result that medicine and consistent treatment can bring. Rather than coming here to die, most children and adults now come to Sparrow to get well and go on to lead healthy lives. We rejoice that these are the lives Sparrow’s residents are now living!
Sparrow’s main focus is still providing healthcare to those faced with the AIDS epidemic, but they find themselves in a new struggle–that of educating the next generation. After several days of observing the Village, we finally found our niche. When they arrive home from school, we work with them on homework and reading skills. Around 7pm, we head to the baby room of the hospice to help feed the infants and get them ready for bed. This makes for a long day!
We are praying for opportunities to share the Gospel and minister to some of the teenage girls. We ask for prayers for discernment in how to fit in at Sparrow and for strength and kindness as we build relationships with the students and our fellow volunteers.
- Rachelle & Kate
1 response so far ↓
Faustina Mandu // March 15, 2008 at 7:27 am
Rachelle,
Your team is just adorable. We are happy with your work in South Africa and we pray for you that the Lord gives you strength to carry on the good work.
I wish you would be here in Kenya but who know, sooner or later, I might be hearing of you coming to Kenya – how great would that be.
Cheers and be blessed!
Faustina