Come Away With Me: Tembisa visit

The time is going by so quickly

Last week we went to Pilanesburg Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and on Thursday Kenneth picked me up to take me to see Mama and the Tots. We went shopping first to buy the staples that she needed.

We bought Maize, Rice, Beans, Oil, Soup, Soup Mix, Peanut Butter, Apples, Squash, Onions, Flour, Yeast, and Canned Meat

Kenneth and Lesidi were a huge help. I never could have done any of this without them. They not only picked me up in Kilarney but they took me to Metro to pick up the groceries and even made a personal donation to our purchase.

Mama was so appreciative of everything we brought. I gave Mama the gift of a beautiful new apron from Sindee Savage and some photos of Sindee's family for Mama to add to the ones she already has on her wall.

This is an incredible woman. When we arrived we found her taking a nap. She was so embarrassed and said, "Oh, I am so tired". She kept laughing and patting my face, and saying, "you are here." When I showed her the photos of my families visit to Tembisa she laughed and smiled and said, "I remember". Then she said she remembered that I taught her how to make the maturation pads. We had a wonderful visit.

At first I didn't see Teresa but then I found her inside. She was happy to see me. It was hard to say goodbye to this sweet girl. I told her I would always remember her and that I would pray for her. I told her to be good, and make good choices.

It is so difficult to say goodbye to people you know you will never see again especially these young children who you know will not have much direction in their lives. I found on both missions, that there is an instant connection with some people we meet. The first time I visited Tembisa when Teresa and her sister were there, Teresa had her friend ask me if I would be Teresa's mother. We have had a connection since the very first time we embraced. I told her I wish I could be her mother, but I would come back and visit. I have returned several times have visited with Teresa each time. I prayed that I would find Teresa well and living with Mama when I returned nearly a year and a half since my last visit. She and her sister are still there but she told Kenneth's daughter, who we brought with us, that she would be leaving soon to go to school. She was sad because she didn't want to leave her sister, however, Lesidi said that Mama told her that both girls would be going.

This little one in front of me was at Tembisa the very first time I went there. He is so happy and so cute. He always makes me laugh. Lesidi told me that Mama told her some of the stories of why the children came to her and it is heartbreaking.

Mama has been very fortunate to have generous donors who have made wonderful improvements since we left. There is a new addition with a beautiful, big kitchen and a room for Mama to sew. The playgroud has expanded and the children have a big play area.

It seemed like we had just arrived and it was time to leave. I told Kenneth, "this is the hardest part." I hate hugging Mama for one last time.

I couldn't hold back the tears. I love this woman so much. Then there were the children to say goodbye to. My heart was breaking.

This was what we saw as we left Mama and the tots.