With as much as I talk about Kurasini Orphanage, I thought I would introduce you to the kids there who have stolen my heart. Please pray for these precious ones by name.
Hassani
Hassani (almost 2) & his brother Mudi (age 6) were abandoned by their mother, who left them in the middle of the big city, after traveling across country from the town they are from.
Hassani is just the most squeezable, kissable thing in the world, and Mudi is smart, kind, respectful, and an incredibly caring, protective big brother to Hassani.
Brothers Mudi & Hassani
Alhamisi
In case you remember the accidental bomb blasts in Dar last year (I wrote about it here: 2/21/11 Post), Alhamisi was a victim of those blasts. After the bombs, 26 displaced children were brought to Kurasini. 25 of those kids' parents came to pick them up afterward.
Alhamisi loves bubbles, toys, taking pictures and just grasps for any attention or affection he can get.
Hassani loves having his picture taken :) (I had tons to choose from for this one). He is active, smiley, kind, and optimistic.
Sweet ChaCha was abandoned by his mother as a baby. This precious child has just become more and more affectionate and loving over the past couple years since I've spent time at Kurasini. He has slowly let down some of the protective walls over his heart, as he's learned to trust just a little bit, and it is such a joy spending time with, hugging, and playing with this child.
Zawadi is the daughter of one of the teenage girls at the orphanage. I have seen such growth in her over the past few months. She is very clingy and possessive- for attention, toys, anything- because things must be 'fought' for in an orphanage setting... but over time and consistency with her, she has become more smiley, affectionate, and joyful. She is truly a Gift.
Precious Paul has cerebral palsey. I've never seen this child without a huge smile on his face and an eagerness to participate in the activities we bring. He loves to color. This child's optimism humbles me and blesses me incredibly.
Frankie was abandoned as a baby. This cutie pie LOVES candy. If I had a dime for every time this child has said, "Naomba pipi..." ('I want candy please.') :) The physical effects of malnourishment at a young age are so evident on Frankie's little body, as are his emotional difficulties. Yet he also has grown greatly in his trust and joy in recent months. This child blesses me so much.
Baraka is a great soccer player, artist, photographer (he loves borrowing my camera to take pictures), and role model for the younger kids. He is smart, driven, and always has a great attitude. I pray that his future is big and bright.
Sweet Haridi is lovable, optimistic, and energetic. He is always smiling and ready to participate in any activity. His recent hugs, that have grown lately out of trust built over time, so brighten my days. :)
*****
Oh if words could express how much I love these children. They certainly can't. And I cannot even imagine how the Father loves and longs for them. Please remember these children in your prayers- pray for them by name, as they need all the prayers they can get. Thank you. :)
