LETTER: The sad story of Leah and her sibling …

• Pastor Kyle Tolman, Cross Connect Community Outreach executive director writes:

Please allow me to tell you about *Leah.

She just heard two days ago that they finally found a house for her and *Ruben. She didn’t quite understand what the aunty meant who told them. About a year ago, the children’s mommy could no longer care for them. She was very sick. Ruben didn’t understand because he was only two years old.

They went to live with a nice woman who also cared for other children. She loved them very much. They had their own pillow, got new clothes, and even a mug with their faces on it. They enjoyed it so much. Leah was doing better in school, however, she had to repeat Grade One because of everything that happened, but everything started to feel normal again. Until yesterday …

All their bags were packed, and they left at 06:00. They arrived at a big building with many passages, almost like a maze. Right here, left here, right again, walk here, right again. They finally sat down with women holding them.

They were introduced to myself and Reinette. Reinette took out a bar of chocolate and gave it to the children to share. She smiles a lot. They called the children to enter a room just as they finished their chocolate. The first thing Leah sees is a woman at the front of the room. They address her as your worship when they speak to her. Leah just kept to herself, she was a little scared. The woman asked a few questions to all the adults in the room. She then stamped a piece of paper and said they could leave.

They got into the car again and drove to House Nehemiah which was 10 minutes away. They arrived and started unloading all our bags.

Reinette and I were there to meet the children and took them inside to show them their new rooms. Leah was so confused. When we arrived in the room, I said she could choose a bed. This was all too much for her … she felt sick and indicated she needed to go to the bathroom. She ran and made it to the toilet just in time. She became ill but felt a little better.

Leah immediately started crying as they said goodbye to the other woman who cared for them. She promised they would come and visit. We went and sat in the lounge. I started talking, saying how I knew this was scary and confusing, but it would be okay. This is their new home where they are safe.

After a while, Leah felt a little better and even laughed as she ran through the house. It was Ruben’s birthday today. He got a lot of presents, and there was even a cake with a candle he could blow. Leah ate three pieces of cake before dinner. How awesome is that?

After dinner, Leah took a nice hot shower and packed out her clothes. Leah said she was grateful for all the blankets because it was freezing.

This morning she feels better already because she slept so well. She jumped around and enjoyed spending time with all of the others. She is taking it day by day, but everything is going to be okay. For those wanting to help Leah and Ruben, please consider donating a small monthly amount to help with their daily expenses. We receive no government support.

Every child we take in is supported by private donations. Visit www.crossconnect.co.za for more information.

*Pseudonyms are used to protect the children’s identities.