Day 3: Open Space, Cassava, Papa Wemba

Today, we traveled to Kimpoko to visit the site of the GOF's future village.  The open space is a stark contrast to the crowded city of Kinshasa.

Crops have been planted on the land to provide food for the children at the orphanages in Kinshasa. This cassava was grown on the land.  It is drying and then will be ground up to make a flour.

Papa Wemba, a famous Congolese musician, passed away and the funeral procession was today.  We traveled through streets lined with people waiting to pay their respects.

Day 2: Muddy Roads, Diapers, Play Mats, and the Power of Human Touch

It rained this morning so our drive to the orphanage was quite muddy and very bumpy.

We delivered the diapers.  Thanks to our generous donors, we had over 500 diapers to provide to the orphanage.

There was a training for the mommas on how to properly use and care for the diapers.

We also provided some child development training on the fundamentals for cognitive and motor development.

There was my adorable model who helped demonstrate the proper use of the play mats.

And, then there was this sweet malnourished infant that was so agitated but settled with a single, human touch.

Day 1: When I Know Your Name

David Platt has a great quote “We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names.  They are easier to ignore before you see their faces.  It is easier to pretend they’re not real before you hold them in your arms.  But once you do…everything changes”

Today, we traveled back to one of GOF’s partner orphanages.  As I walked in, I saw several familiar faces….but there were three that I knew their names.  As I looked at them, I felt an overwhelming sadness that this small confined space was still their life.  As I talked with one, I wondered if someone was truly watching out for her best interest.  As I put new shoes on their feet, I wondered if they would ever get the chance to pick out their own shoes.

Davinia, Ety, and Chanel...I know their names, I have seen their faces, and I have touched them.  I cannot forget...because for me, knowing them has made everything change!