Good morning from the wonderful Zambia where it’s hot and fabulous – all the jacarandas are out and the flamboyants are just opening their luscious scarlet sprays of blossom, and there’s frangipani perfume everywhere. Bliss! The possible downside of course is that there are thousands of bees! The sound of their buzzing is quite loud and they gather round every bit of water they can find. But they’re happy, well fed and peaceful bees, just getting on with what bees do best, pollinating the flowers and making honey, and not bothering anyone unless we bother them first.
Yesterday I had a wonderful afternoon with nineteen babies and their carers at one of the orphanages here in Lusaka. It was so wonderful to see the amazing staff of The House of Moses cherishing these babies who have been abandoned, or whose mother has died or for whatever reason they are left as orphans. What strikes me always, is the joy of the people who care for them and the love they shower on these infants. It was both sad and inspiring to be there. This particular orphanage has been lauded as a model for the world since its opening in the early 2000s and, despite little in the way of equipment, they pride themselves that the vast majority of babies who come to them not only survive but thrive. Certainly the babies there right now are amazing, interactive, smiling, bright eyed and gorgeous. I didn’t want to leave.
So today maybe we could spare a thought and a wave of gratitude and love for all the wonderful people doing this great work, and for the babies themselves that they find good loving families. And the following quotation comes to mind – though at the moment I’m afraid I can’t remember who said it …
‘A baby is proof of God’s opinion that humanity should continue.’
And maybe we could think also look at our responsibility towards children all over the world – and here is a recipe from Pamela Glenconner…
‘Bitter are the tears of a child:
Sweeten them.
Deep are the thoughts of a child:
Quiet them.
Sharp is the grief of a child:
Take it from him.
Soft is the heart of a child:
Do not harden it.’
Have a wonderful day and don’t forget that you were once a child, and that part still lives within you and needs your love, your care and attention always. Please don’t leave it an orphan… you are its parent. Make sure you’re a loving and gentle one!
Much love
Brenda
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