This week we had a strategic planning meeting and one thing that stood out for all of us is that it was hard for us to make the commitment to come and work at Lambano (As the wise one – Lyn said we all came kicking, screamingJ), but the Lord changed our hearts, showing us that this was where He wanted us to be. Each one of us can now agree that working here has been a privilege and a blessing.

We have grown to love our jobs and that for me would be shopping, something that I use to dread – The Lord has a sense of humour! This week I had to take most of the school-going children (17 of them) shopping for their School uniforms as most of our children have outgrown last year’s clothes. The shopping was an adventurous outing - going in and out of the fitting room and people staring at me like I’m a mad woman. Some bolder people came to ask if the children were mine, I mean most of the children are the same age and they all look different, but I’d just nod and say yes, they are all my children and the look that I get is priceless!

Yesterday two of our children had a sinus operation, quite a lengthy and painful procedure. They are both back from Hospital and are doing very well. They will go back for their check-up on Friday next week.

My plea to live!!!

This poem was written by one of the Hospice children who is 16 years old. The letter that follows was written with the help of the Nursing Sister in charge of the Hospice, but the thoughts belong to this young girl. She is resistant to all the antibiotics that would cure her renal disease but one and this drug is very expensive so this letter and poem was send to one of our local Radio Stations with the hope of gathering funds towards the drug. She has already had her first 14 days of treatment and is just beginning her next 14 days because the infection has not cleared completely. Once this treatment is completed, we will do another sonar to check her status and, if the infection has still not cleared completely, she will have to have a third course of the antibiotic. This is her last chance as there are no other drugs to help her.

I thought I was alone but I was wrong.

God gave me people in my life, like my Granny and the people of Lambano.

When I was sick I thought I would die before my time.

My mother gave me birth and left me like this.

I thank God for my Granny and Lambano...

Behind my smile is a hurting heart.

Behind my thought I am falling apart...

look closely at me and you will see

the person I am isn’t me...

I am very ill and need medication now that will help me.

I live in an NGO named LAMBANO SANCTUARY in the hospice section. I was admitted on 29 September 2011 with complications due to HIV and TB. Lambano treated me when I was admitted. Lambano hospice provides me with the best possible treatment and care to improve my quality of life.

I was admitted to the hospital during October 2011, and moved to five different wards without any treatment for my renal problem. Lambano re-admitted me to their care and started a 21 day treatment of antibiotics. The cost of this treatment and tests is very expensive. My condition improved a lot and Lambano decided to continue further treatment to help me.

During December, my body resisted the cheaper drugs and Lambano paid a further R19, 000 for medication to improve my quality of life. I know need another 14 day treatment to the value of R19, 000 which Lambano will pay but their funds are low.

Please help Lambano to help me to live and be able to have the medication that I need.

Thank you for reading my plea...