Just a Little Bit of Haven on Earth

The Haven. It's about a 25 minute walk from the main Namwianga campus (if you walk at my pace and take the road). There are three houses: #1 is for babies, #2 is for toddlers, #3 is for the kiddos with special needs (CP, club feet, hydrocephalus, TB, HIV). The goal is for the kids to return to their village once they're too old for Haven #2 (or when they get well). If this can't happen, they go across the street to Eric's House. There are house parents, but the Aunties do most of the work involving the children. And it's a lot of work. Meagan is there as to be a medical advocate for each child, make sure their mental development is on track, and teach them English. If you don't know who Meagan is, you need to (1) check out her blog- http://zambianhavenonearth.blogspot.com and (2) watch this video- http://vimeo.com/38504569.

I spent a lot of time here simply hanging out with the kiddos and loving on them. 

I got to experience language class at Haven #2 each day. We sing songs. Read books. Learn colors and body parts. Make good fashions (poses). It's a riot. 

A new baby came. He's the 10th child in his family. The three babies born before him all died, so his parents brought him to the Haven in hopes he will live. 

This little guy has hydrocephalus. We took him to the clinic one day for an ultrasound. We also took the two kids who have CP to the clinic for PT...but I failed at getting a picture!

Child Health Week at the Haven. All the kids received their scheduled vaccinations! I wanted to get several more pictures of this, but my camera died. Of course. 

We celebrated birthdays for three of the kiddos at Haven #2.

That hair.

I was captured by several brown eyes and big smiles. These kids are too cute. 

You've probably guessed that I spent most of my time with the kids at Haven #2. I couldn't help it. Their little personalities. Their excitement. Their pure joy. They're a pretty fun bunch. They also do not spit up as much as the babies. Although, there is the toilet training issue. Let's just say I'm glad that we (in the USA) use burp clothes and have Huggies.  

I had a really great time with Meagan and her interns! I am so thankful that they shared their sweet babies with me.