It’s been 14 months since Esther’s House ministries has enrolled orphans into its residential program, and today we were able to bring 2 children, Mphatso and Elford, into Esther’s House! It was an exciting day, especially for Cindy and Bruce; they’ve been working tirelessly for over 3 months looking for orphans for the residential program. It was so amazing to be here to see all of the hard work that the Esther’s House team has put in finally come to fruition!

Our first stop was to the village of Khuzi, where Mphatso lives with her ago-go (grandma). Her ago-go had packed all of Mphatso’s belongings in a plastic bag, and had her freshly bathed wearing a clean dress and shoes.

Stanley, the government social worker, explained to her family (and the rest of the village that sat in on the discussion) that they are welcome and encouraged to visit Mphatso once she gets comfortable with living at Esther’s House. Her family members took turns speaking, saying that although it was a difficult decision to let her go they knew that she would be provided for and well taken care of. After answering questions that the family had, it was time to say goodbye.

We had Mphatso take a picture with her family so that we can print it out later and let her keep it in her room. It was pretty obvious that Mphatso was still very scared--she didn’t say a single word until after we arrived at the orphanage much later.

As she sat in the car, her grandma stood by her side and assured her that she would visit her very soon.

The other villagers crowded around the car to say goodbye, and all of the children ran after our truck, and a few even tried to jump on the back. (so incredibly dangerous! They could've easily been ran over)

After picking up Mphatso we headed out to Elford's village of Majuwa. Unlike Mphatso, his family hadn't prepared him at all. He was covered in dirt, and was wearing an adult-sized shirt with no pants. I think after his grandma saw Mphatso, she decided to take Elford to the "tub room" and changed his clothes. The only thing he took with him when he left was that oversized shirt.

We also took a picture of Elford and his family.

Elford is apparently very close with his sister, but she has to stay behind in Majuwa. Bruce held Elford's left hand and his sister held his other hand the entire walk from their home to the car--it was really heartbreaking to watch.

Bruce is helping Elford into the car in this picture. Mphatso was so quiet on the ride over, but Elford became really chatty after a few minutes. He was so excited every time we passed a car or truck!

Arriving at Esther's House!

Getrude, Bruce's wife, and Jiles were waiting to greet Mphatso and Elford at the front gate. Mphatso is already very attached to Getrude!

We arrived at Esther's House a little later than expected, but all of the non-residential children stayed behind so that they could meet and welcome the new children.

Getrude with a nervous Mphatso. :)

Issac and Precious, the only 2 orphans that were residing at Esther's House up until now, were very excited to meet their new brother and sister!

Ruthann had the idea of getting them stuffed animals as a welcoming present. Elford didn't understand at first that this was a gift for him to keep! So they both have their new animals in tow, along with their new house parents, Bruce and Getrude.

Elford is suffering from severe malnutrition, if that isn't apparent from the pictures of him. We were so happy to hear that at dinner tonight, he ate more than anyone, even the adults!

We're so excited to have these new children to take care of at Esther's House, but what's even more exciting is that this is only the beginning! Tomorrow we're meeting having our second meeting with this little boy, Peter.

He is 4 years old and is being raised by his aunt. He lives in the "suburb" of the Ntcheu boma, area Edwards. We're praying that Elford will have him as a roommate by this weekend!

♥ S