Day #1...sick and dying visits

Our hearts are forever changed...today began with a visit to the home for sick and dying children, although most children didn't "appear" to be terminal. There were moms and dads visiting their sick little ones during the morning and taking them to the clinic held by volunteers. Some of us headed straight for the tiny babies and others stayed outside on the playground handing out the balloon animals we made the prior evening. The balloons were a huge hit with the kids, even the babies.  I was drawn to the very sick infant room...there were roughly 8 babies ranging in age from 4 mo. to 1 1/2 yrs old. Most appeared to be malnourished with IV fluids being fed into them...all of them were just waiting to be held by us and were so precious! Some of them were unable to lift their little heads due to malnutrition...my heart broke several times with each baby I held. We also were given the privilege of feeding the toddlers their lunch--these children were very well behaved with unbelievable manners.

Our next stop was Sandfill, which is a hospice type setting for older children and adults. I had such a difficult time with these young ladies suffering with TB...most were not much older than my own daughter. We loved on them by massaging their hurting bodies with lotion and painting their nails. They loved it! These young ladies were so beautiful in spirit and so appreciated our touch and love...however were terminal with an illness that is so treatable in the U.S. Their bodies were hot to the touch and some of their limbs so sore we couldn't touch them. They suffer in silence, but are in a Christian environment so are hearing God's word. I asked each of them in broken French if they knew Jesus....most nodded yes. Again, I left with my heart bleeding but so glad I could touch a few of them if only for several minutes.

Tomorrow we head to Cite Soliel to deliver clean water....until then by friends. Bon nuit!