Here is a story from Lisa Page: We picked up Elisa at school and then drove towards Ngunya to get Kiwi. He quickly ran home and changed into his best pants, t-shirt, and his new shoes. He climbed into the van looking more timid and shy than ever. I sat beside him gently rubbing his back, but he would barely even look at me. Right now I really wish I spoke more SiSwati. I wonder if he has any idea why he is coming with us.
The five of us arrived at the police station to file a report and begin an official investigation. I spoke with one of the police officers to tell her what we have seen and heard from these two children and to show her the scars that cover Kiwi’s extremities. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to make official statements to the police because I will not be here to defend those statements in court. So, Jess and I sat with the two children while Pastor Gift met with the police to make statements. Elisa and Kiwi were beginning to laugh and play with us, but I still wondered if they had any idea what was happening.
As a teacher in Atlanta Public Schools, I have had more experience working with social workers and the Department of Families & Children than most people. I was curious to see how this process worked in Swaziland. Some parts were remarkably similar. Pastor Gift made statements to the police, a government doctor who examined the children, and a social worker who will be starting a home investigation for each of these children.
The five of us arrived at the police station to file a report and begin an official investigation. I spoke with one of the police officers to tell her what we have seen and heard from these two children and to show her the scars that cover Kiwi’s extremities. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to make official statements to the police because I will not be here to defend those statements in court. So, Jess and I sat with the two children while Pastor Gift met with the police to make statements. Elisa and Kiwi were beginning to laugh and play with us, but I still wondered if they had any idea what was happening.
As a teacher in Atlanta Public Schools, I have had more experience working with social workers and the Department of Families & Children than most people. I was curious to see how this process worked in Swaziland. Some parts were remarkably similar. Pastor Gift made statements to the police, a government doctor who examined the children, and a social worker who will be starting a home investigation for each of these children.
Here is a story from Amy McAllister: Our first day here we met Dudu. She is dying of AIDS and literally wasting away. She is skin and bones now and in her final days. She is leaving behind a 7 month old baby and a 7 year old little girl. When we went into her bedroom to pray for her, the Spirit of fear was overwhelming. She is scared of death; she is scared of what will happen to her babies, and she is completely filled with fear. The next day my teammates, Sara and Natalie went with her and Pastor Gift to the hospital. They held her hand for hours and tried to ease the fears that were consuming her. Death is coming and she cannot stop it, she can only change the way she will receive it. I pray Dudu finds peace before she passes.
