April 16
Holy Thursday found us on a tro tro with a woman from
church, heading to the orphanage. During announcements on Sunday they asked for
donations for the children to take to the orphanage when they visit the kids,
and Monica and I decided we had to see this place.
I wasn’t sure what to expect, maybe something out of
Madeline, Meet the Robinsons, or Despicable Me. Alas, it could not have been
more different. About a 45 minute drive out of the city, nestled in a valley
between the rolling hills of rich vegetation, lies Countryside Welfare Home for
Children. The compound consists of a primary schoo,, JHS, “dorms”, houses for
the workers, a pig farm, cattle, chicken coops to hold 1000s of chickens, and a
crop farm. Sounds huge? It is. 147 kids ages 0-22 call it their home. I was shocked.
Before we could start our tour, Monica snatched up a little
girl, Jessica, and I looked down to see a tiny boy reaching up for me to hold
him. I picked him up, he smiled at me, and my heart melted. Richard, a year and
a half, smiled and laughed and laughed and smiled in my arms until he fells
asleep. His story- the police found him, abandoned by his parents, and brought
him to the orphanage. A boy here, Joshua, age 10, cares for him greatly.
We returned just two days later, unable to get little
Jessica and Richard out of our minds. Based on observation as well as pleasant
conversation with a few of the older boys, this is what I’ve learned.
-They are educated on the compound until SHS (Senior High),
and then they are sponsored to go into town for schooling.
-They can continue their education beyond high school, often
though by learning trade skills such as seamstress, or shoemaking. During this
time they can choose to stay on the compound or to leave, which explains why
some of the orphans are in their 20s.
- The “dorms” are simply large rooms of bunk beds and
lockers along the wall.
-They work together like one big, HUGE, interdependent
family. Like I said, Joshua cares greatly for Richard, as many older children
take care of the younger babies.
Mama Emma, the founder of Countryside, was an orphan
herself. God is so great for giving her this vision, and making her the mother
of so many. She has a huge heart.
On Saturday when we visited, a chief came to visit as well.
It was such a cool experience to see the chief, and his personal assistants and
umbrella holder, interact with the kids. He donated the land for Countryside
and visits at least once a year. That day he ordered a large catered meal for
everyone and even brought a DJ for a post-meal dance party. It was off the
hook. We got a picture with the chief, and then all of a sudden every adult
with a camera phone started taking our pictures too. Papa, paparazzi. We
finally left after Mama Emma insisted we eat with them. It was so much fun.
Always an adventure at Countryside.
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| My boy, Richard |
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