I got the message clearly that (1) there are enough caregivers at Grace Orphanage, (2) That there are some kids without no caregivers whatsoever and that is where I should go.
I said a prayer for God to lead me to where these kids are but then going to volunteer at the orphanage was the best I could do since I didn’t have an idea of who the kids are and where to find them.
So I went ahead and submitted my application letter to Grace Orphanage on 10th January, was called for an interview on 10th February and resumed at the orphanage on 10th March, 2006.
I opened my first bank account with UBA-United Bank of Africa so my dad could send me monthly allowance since I will be away for three months and without salary from the home management.
Tired was an understatement when I eventually got to the home by 6:30pm for it’s an hour journey from the town I resides. To worsen the situation, it was my first visit to an orphanage home but unlike every other visitors, I was there to stay for the next 3 months!
I saw toddlers crying from different corners of the rooms, a six months old girl with bandage on her leg, another calling for attention. I followed the supervisor to the room prepared for me, I saw another toddler on the bed with his back totally peeled. I was later told he was trying to carry a cup from the table not knowing it was full of hot water.
The whole scenario seems like a nightmare to me. I later went to join the other caregivers at the sitting room for night devotion and also to properly introduce myself to them and the kids. I carried one of the babies-Timi Boy, a six month old. As we started the devotion, little did I know that Timi had being overfed by the caregiver that attended to him. All of a sudden, Timi became restless and before I knew it, he vomited all over my body. The caregivers shouted with great joy and called it baptism. Needless to say, it wasn’t funny to my tired body but I managed to give a smile then ran to the bathroom to clean up.
Around 10:00pm, we finally retired to bed. I was glad and relieved. Progress a 5 year old boy and twin was sleeping at my upper bunk. I said my prayers and felt finally I can rest. I barely closed my eyes when Progress started crying. I stood up to ask him what the problem was, he said nothing. I covered him well and went back to sleep. Few minutes later, he started crying again I stood up to asked what the matter was this time and he said his leg. I robbed it with my hands and told him to sleep. As I was trying to sleep, I heard him crying again. This time I was getting frustrated and standing up, I only asked him one question. “Will you like to sleep with aunty?” And he nodded yes. I brought him to my bed, tucked him in and surprisingly no more crying till the following day.
That was when my assignment at the home started getting unfolded to me that beyond being a caregiver to the kids, I must also see myself as their mother!
Let’s meet here next week Friday as I spill out my experience at the home and my observations too. Till then, keep keeping on. You’ll soon get there. The present might not look like it but if God is involved, you can trust the process.
Your Friend,
Ma Funmi