Abdalla Hamidu came to Forever Angels on September 16th 2008. He had been living with his Mum prior to this, but she sadly got sick and died and no other relatives were ever found to care for Abdalla.
Abdalla has lived at Forever Angels for over 3 years now and he is a HUGE part of the Baby Home. He had some Developmental Delay and it took him a long time to learn how to speak and communicate with others - but he has come on so much in the last 3 years and he is a lovable, mischevious and beautiful little boy.
Today, Abdalla was transferred to Starehe Children's Home. We have known for a while that this would be Abdalla's long term home as he was never selected for adoption and at 5, he is now too old for the Baby Home.
We have talked to Abdalla about this for a few months and he has been to visit and he was excited to go to his new home where he will go to full time school and live in a family of 12 children and one Mamma.
We are always sad to say 'Goodbye' to our children - but with children like Abdalla who we have cared for for so long and who we have been through so much with - it is always harder.
Abdalla has got a wonderful smile which lights up his entire face and everyone at Forever Angels will miss him so much.
Abdalla saying 'Goodbye' to his friends at Preschool
Leila and Abdalla having a last hug.
(Leila is my youngest daughter and her and Abdalla are best friends. Leila adores him and he is the first person she talks about each morning. Abdalla knows she is deaf and is so loving and caring towards her and signs really well with her when he comes to play every afternoon.
These two are going to miss eachother so much!)
Abdalla outside his new house with his new family at Starehe.
I always feel that the children who have to be transferred (as opposed to returned to families or adopted) are our failures. No child deserves to spend their whole life in an Orphanage - but sadly, the adoption laws here are so strict that children like Abdalla have no chance of ever having a loving family.
None the less - Starehe is a great place and he will be well cared for. Abdalla has touched many people in the three years he has been with us and I feel privileged to have known this wonderful little boy.
Goodbye Abdalla - we love you.
Talking of 'Transferred' children - last week we took a visit to Mavuno Village and visited Pili, Sammy, Aika, Bianca and Michael who have all been transferred there over the last year or so from Forever Angels.
We were thrilled to see them so happy, loved, well cared for and attached to their 'Mum'. Mavuno is doing a marvellous job with these children and it was great to see them.
I promised photos of the new Volunteer House a while ago and didn;t get round to posting them....so here they are:
The Volunteers have settled into it well and it is very homely.
We have spaces available from now until May and then again from August onwards (June and July is already fully booked for Volunteers wanting to stay in our House)
Lastly, but not at all, least - we received a new child last week and I was away for a couple of days so I didn't get chance to post about him.
Meet 2 year old Leonard.
Leonard was removed from an abusive and neglectful home and when he arrived he was SUCH a sad, lethargic and malnourished child. Our Volunteers and Staff have given him bucketfuls of love and attention this last week and already the change in this boy is incredible! He is now talking and laughing and has put on a lot of weight already.
He now has a sparkle in his eyes and knows love. Photos to follow very soon....