Disclaimer: I apologize that a lot of my blogs have been Debbie downers lately. God is currently breaking my heart in huge ways so this is my heart currently. I promise to post happier blogs soon!
The minute we entered the room I could feel the heaviness in the air, the sorrow. At first glance, the children seemed perfectly normal. At a closer look, you could see the difference in their skin. Within a few minutes, you heard the deep coughing and sniffles. These children were sick…they all were HIV positive.
One Saturday morning while in Zim, we had the opportunity to go to Hope for Life. Hope for Life is a support group for kids with HIV/AIDs. Believe me when I say, it was a hard morning. I spent the morning with a beautiful little girl who midway through some games began to have a headache. As she walked away from the games and fun, I felt like I should follow. She was burning up and so thirsty. In a matter of minutes, she downed 2 mugs of water and minutes later threw up all over the table. The rest of the morning as games were played and people shared, I sat in a small room getting to know this little girl as she laid in my lap sick. She shared that both of her parents had past away and that she lived with an aunt. Her brother was also at Hope for Life.
This little girl was just 1 of over 2,000 children with HIV in the Mutare area that Hope for Life hopes to impact. They want to show these children that despite their HIV status they still have hope. Hope for Life to date has been able to impact around 60 children.
My team walked away inspired by these children and volunteers. They were so grateful to us when we felt more blessed by our time with them. My heart broke for these children. Being sick is a daily occurrence for them. A simple cold can have them in bed for days or a headache can be a sign that meningitis is setting in. I also know that God has a plan in all of this. He is doing huge things through Hope for Life. He is bringing joy back into their lives and homes.
Please join me in prayer for this organization and these kids.
