Once again, we were blessed with the companionship of all these precious disabled children from the Sive Nathi Centre. With limited movement, speech, sight, and unable to care for themselves in any way: the dear patients of the Sive Nathi center face severe issues every single day and rarely get a chance to have a change of pace or scenery. It is for this reason we committed to taking them -and the staff that so lovingly cares for them- on a special outing again.
We carried all the kids one by one into the luxury bus (with seatbelts on each seat to keep them safe) and set off! The Helderberg Nature Reserve in Somerset West is a perfect, peaceful and beautiful location, and the children laughed excitedly and gazed out the windows as we drove to it, (many of
them showing signs of remembering the previous outings) and then placed them into their wheelchairs under the massive trees. In spite of the day starting off a little windy and overcast, it soon became an absolutely lovely mild day, just as we’ve been praying for weeks. (note: We really see God working in the fact that last year’s outing was JUST before lockdown, and by March this year we were able to organize it again, without them having to miss out at all!)
In the photos we’d like to share with you the thrill it was to see their faces light up with enjoyment over things as simple as some bubbles, or the joy of race-car driving their wheelchairs through the grass and on the paths; to share with them some special treats like cupcakes and custard or some fruit yogurt (only soft foods can be given). The faithful centre staff were treated to a tasty lunch as well.
The fact that there tends to be missing faces from year to year – due to the heart-breaking reality that these dear ones often don’t live very long – makes us even more determined to show them every bit of love that we can, while we can.
A heart-felt thank you to the volunteers and sponsors who made this event a success. It was a wonderful day, in every way! Matthew 18:10 says “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”
