It only takes one
I have trained myself to give without expecting anything back, to give without expecting a thank you. I think I have got this lesson covered and I don't get disappointed or offended when the mothers do not thank me or acknowledge the gift. I understand they are sometimes shy, sometimes overwhelmed, occasionally ungrateful and often they feel entitled to the gift.
But..... today I had a big African lady who had just given birth to her 3rd daughter. She was SO chuffed and thrilled with the gift. She opened the bag taking everything out and laid it all on the bed. She put the little knitted pink & white hat on her girly's head and gave her big noisy kisses. She then gave the empty bag back thinking she couldn't keep it till I returned it in her hands telling her it was for her.
She laughed with delight and thanked us profusely and I felt so good. I am back on my horse! Motivated and filled up ready to bless many more moms again. It wasn't the thanks so much, (although that was nice) it was more the joy she received from getting the bag. Yay!
We have been pretty busy in the last few weeks and Saturday 21st is our 1st Youth day at the hospital. I am excited and terrified at the same time. Getting that much more clothing etc plus the extra bags is going to be hectic!!!
But, I really believe God is going to do something awesome in the life of these teens and they are going to learn some lessons, hard lessons but valuable ones.
The bags are looking amazing but they are taking too long to sew. I am forced to simplify them which is a shame because they look so great. I wish I had the funds to pay someone full time but that will hopefully come at a later point.
Yesterday we had a 14 year old girl that gave birth to a little boy which was the product of incest rape. It was a very close family member (brother or father I think) so the baby has gone off to another local hospital for genetic testing. Her mother has rejected her completely but her aunt has offered to take them in. It's such a mess so for now the girl has gone home and the baby is staying at the hospital and then fostered until such time it can all be sorted out. A social worker has been assigned to her case. She brought nothing for the baby so it was great to be able to leave her a full bag plus a whole load of extra goods. Today we had a mom who had her 7th child, a little angel called Bianca. The ward was busy with about 10 ten preemies. We have a very cute 19 year old mom in kangacare whose tiny daughter is still in neonatal ICU but doing well. She was so bored and feeling down so the nurses said she could go into town to walk around a bit. She is skinny and so very young I wish she didn't have such a rough start.
No stillbirths for ages which is such a blessing!
Two woman in labour, one at 5cm, the other at 2cm. The latter moaning and wailing in pain and so far to go still. Poor thing! How I wish I could stay and Doula for them, maybe next year when Sofia is at playgroup. (If I ever pluck up the courage to part with my sweetie girl!)
As always, my people I need to say THANK YOU to:
Winnie from the Strand who knitted beautiful preemie booties and 2 gorg jerseys
Heather from Stellenbosch who organized a baby shower for her sister-in-law and got people to buy for BB
Adrienne Liebenberg from my church who spoilt us with new baby clothes and blankets as well as baby products
Lorraine from my church who sews for us and gave us pads as well as buttons & ribbons for jerseys
Tina Hovaker from the US who sent me 2 parcels of exquisite baby girl clothing and baby products.
Mrs Joan Schnider from Somerset West who knitted 8 preemie outfits for us
Tessa from Stellenbosch who donated 2 big bags of nearly new perfect 0-3 months baby clothes (Exactly what we continuously need!)
Ilhaam van Heerden at Woolworths Head Office who gave us 4 bags of chino fabric
Bill Rae who lives in Sea Point who donated 20 of the sweetest little hand knitted baby jerseys & matching booties that his late wife Ann knitted. I hope she can look down and see 20 cozy little babies decked out in her finery!
Ever faithful Suzie from my church who buys us a constant supply of baby products and pads
If I have left anyone out pls forgive me, my trusty admin helper Pippa had her son Thomas last week so is trying to cope with 5 year old Jordy, 15 month old very heavy Emily and 11 day old Thomas.
Thanks to everyone, you guys rock!
But..... today I had a big African lady who had just given birth to her 3rd daughter. She was SO chuffed and thrilled with the gift. She opened the bag taking everything out and laid it all on the bed. She put the little knitted pink & white hat on her girly's head and gave her big noisy kisses. She then gave the empty bag back thinking she couldn't keep it till I returned it in her hands telling her it was for her.
She laughed with delight and thanked us profusely and I felt so good. I am back on my horse! Motivated and filled up ready to bless many more moms again. It wasn't the thanks so much, (although that was nice) it was more the joy she received from getting the bag. Yay!
We have been pretty busy in the last few weeks and Saturday 21st is our 1st Youth day at the hospital. I am excited and terrified at the same time. Getting that much more clothing etc plus the extra bags is going to be hectic!!!
But, I really believe God is going to do something awesome in the life of these teens and they are going to learn some lessons, hard lessons but valuable ones.
The bags are looking amazing but they are taking too long to sew. I am forced to simplify them which is a shame because they look so great. I wish I had the funds to pay someone full time but that will hopefully come at a later point.
Yesterday we had a 14 year old girl that gave birth to a little boy which was the product of incest rape. It was a very close family member (brother or father I think) so the baby has gone off to another local hospital for genetic testing. Her mother has rejected her completely but her aunt has offered to take them in. It's such a mess so for now the girl has gone home and the baby is staying at the hospital and then fostered until such time it can all be sorted out. A social worker has been assigned to her case. She brought nothing for the baby so it was great to be able to leave her a full bag plus a whole load of extra goods. Today we had a mom who had her 7th child, a little angel called Bianca. The ward was busy with about 10 ten preemies. We have a very cute 19 year old mom in kangacare whose tiny daughter is still in neonatal ICU but doing well. She was so bored and feeling down so the nurses said she could go into town to walk around a bit. She is skinny and so very young I wish she didn't have such a rough start.
No stillbirths for ages which is such a blessing!
Two woman in labour, one at 5cm, the other at 2cm. The latter moaning and wailing in pain and so far to go still. Poor thing! How I wish I could stay and Doula for them, maybe next year when Sofia is at playgroup. (If I ever pluck up the courage to part with my sweetie girl!)
As always, my people I need to say THANK YOU to:
Winnie from the Strand who knitted beautiful preemie booties and 2 gorg jerseys
Heather from Stellenbosch who organized a baby shower for her sister-in-law and got people to buy for BB
Adrienne Liebenberg from my church who spoilt us with new baby clothes and blankets as well as baby products
Lorraine from my church who sews for us and gave us pads as well as buttons & ribbons for jerseys
Tina Hovaker from the US who sent me 2 parcels of exquisite baby girl clothing and baby products.
Mrs Joan Schnider from Somerset West who knitted 8 preemie outfits for us
Tessa from Stellenbosch who donated 2 big bags of nearly new perfect 0-3 months baby clothes (Exactly what we continuously need!)
Ilhaam van Heerden at Woolworths Head Office who gave us 4 bags of chino fabric
Bill Rae who lives in Sea Point who donated 20 of the sweetest little hand knitted baby jerseys & matching booties that his late wife Ann knitted. I hope she can look down and see 20 cozy little babies decked out in her finery!
Ever faithful Suzie from my church who buys us a constant supply of baby products and pads
If I have left anyone out pls forgive me, my trusty admin helper Pippa had her son Thomas last week so is trying to cope with 5 year old Jordy, 15 month old very heavy Emily and 11 day old Thomas.
Thanks to everyone, you guys rock!
posted by Melanie at 6:12 PM
4 Comments:
Just discovered your blog. What a wonderful thing you are doing! I donated a small amount (what I had left in my paypal account). I would love more information of where to send items. Continue your great efforts!
I don't have a ton of extra money to contribute, but would love to know where I could send knit hats and sweaters. Also, do you only need preemie items>
I would also like to know where I could send items - I have some hardly worn baby items that I would like to go to where they are needed.
We love our miracle babies! Here’s a $5 off coupon from My Miracle Baby.com to celebrate! $5 off your purchase of $30 or
more. Use coupon code: SAVING05
Preemie Baby Clothes
Post a Comment
<< Home