Proud

I feel like being here and spending so much time caring for these children has given me a tiny glimpse into what it's going to be like to be a mom someday. I love these kids so much, and I've only known them for 2 months now. I can't even imagine how deeply a mother loves her own child.

Recently I've gotten a taste of the pride that a parent feels toward his or her child. My babies here have been growing and changing so much in these past two months and several of them have achieved new milestones in their development.

Tshwarelo, who is 6 months old, finally started sitting up by herself recently and just this past week started to get up on her hands and knees and scoot like she's going to crawl. I think she's going to start crawling any day now!

Tshwarelo

Rebaona, who turned 1 year old in June, has been standing by himself for weeks now and just took his first steps this past week. He's so pleased with himself, and we're all so proud of him too!

My little Karabo, who is about 3 months old, was lying on her tummy the other day, and she rolled over to her back. I picked her up and squeezed on her and told her how proud I was. Then, of course, I asked all the other volunteers and caregivers in the room, "Did you see that?? Did you see my baby roll over??" Looking back on that moment, I have to laugh at what a mom I'm becoming.

Karabo

I feel like such a proud parent. When I go to the youth service at the church on Friday nights, people ask me how my week was, and somehow my answer always revolves around "my kids." So-and-so got adopted this week, and we got a new baby who is only this many weeks old, and this little girl celebrated her birthday. My life is beginning to revolve around these kids, and I kind of love it. :)

P.S. Thank you so much for your prayers! I am feeling much better today than I was yesterday. Still a little tired, but I was able to spend a few hours this afternoon with the babies and toddlers, and it was so good to see them!