Party Time

Today was a chilly, misty day and the dampness turned the red dusty soil into red mud.  This morning we delivered clothing and shoe donations to the orphanage.  One of my co-workers had given a lot of baby boy clothes and shoes and I had girl clothes to donate.  The boy clothes went to the donation coordinator at the orphanage who will distribute them to the youngest boys.  I gave the girl clothes directly to Thandokuhle’s house mom who was very appreciative.

This afternoon was a special farewell party for Thandokuhle.  The little cottage she lived in was packed with children, house mothers, and other orphanage staff. The orphanage director, the nursery school teachers, and her house mother all spoke - about her personality, how happy they are that she is gaining a family, and how much they’ll miss her.  Several mentioned her bright and happy personality and that she is quite strong-willed! The nursery school teachers spoke about how clever she is and how good she is at helping clean up and put toys away. After that they asked that I would speak.  It is hard to give an impromptu speech when crying.  I am deeply moved by these people who love and cared for Thandokuhle and who know her better than I do.  Yet, I am the one she runs to and calls “Mommy”.  I thanked all the workers for their care of both Thandokuhle and Miranda and shared how special Lily of the Valley is to me because of the deep impact it has had in my life.  It also made me so emotional to look at all the other children piled into the room knowing that most of them will never have a family of their own. 

After the “speeches” it was time for the party to begin.  The orphanage provided cake, marshmallows, chips, and soda.  We brought cookies and ice cream, but did not realize we should have brought spoons.  There were 8-10 plates and spoons for the 30 or so people in the room.  The tableware was given to the adults and Miranda and Thandokuhle.  For the other children the staff cut paper plates in half and gave them small slivers of cake, along with other goodies.  Some “drank” their ice cream out of cups while others waited for spoons to be washed so they could enjoy their ice cream.  We had brought balloons so after the food was finished there was general pandemonium as children batted balloons and hit each other with them!  We also had gifts for Thandokuhle’s house sisters and house mother.  We gave the knitted/crocheted purses and blankets, along with crayons, markers, colored pencils, and stickers.  Giving gifts to children at an orphanage is the best – they are so thrilled with everything.  Their bright smiles warm the heart,

Thandokuhle seemed a little quiet and not quite her usual self this evening.  I think the party was a bit overwhelming and I’m sure she has some sense of loss that she doesn’t know how to express.  Of course, all the sugar she consumed didn’t help.  So, it was an early to bed night after such a big day.