While we were in Kenya recently we were able to meet our lovely Susan who came to Rafiki Mwema the first week we were officially opened and made such an impact on everyone.
This little girl is HIV positive and had been sexually and physically abused so many times. Her grandmother had driven her away from the family house and she was in the children’s prison before she came to us. Her crime – being raped! Her mother had died and she seemed totally alone. She touched the hearts of us all with her kindness to others, but also her deep sadness within. She stayed at Rafiki Mwema for around 18 months before returning to live with her elder sister – and this is a great, safe place for her to be. She had lived with her sister before her grandmother send her away from her family because of her status. She was only 10 at the time.
She almost sent me flying when she launched into my arms (she is 12now so no small fish!), I was SO happy to see her. We spent a wonderful few hours with her before she had to go home. There were tears but I know we will see her often and I know her sister is taking really good care of her: Always in my heart.
Anne Marie