Tembisa Tots- Bulamahlo Orphange

A few weeks ago we joined our friends Elder and Sister Barnes as they visited Tembisa Orphanage.

Elder Barnes pulled into the small compound behind a metal gate and as soon as we opened the van doors we were greeted with happy, smiling faces. Once we stepped out of the van little arms quickly clutched on to our legs. What a greeting. Elder Barnes got out of the van and began handing our apples to the sweet little faces. It was so touching. Small children would bring tiny tots to Elder Barnes to point out that they too needed an apple. As soon as I climbed out of the van I noticed a little toddler who was crying. I scooped him up and he quieted and just snuggled into my arms. I found a place to sit and soon 2 or 3 more children climbed into my lap.

I was touched by this little guy who was probably 5 or 6 years old who just wanted to be held. Other children tried to join him but he would not have any part of it. . He was not interested in the boys who were running back and forth screeching with laughter, or Elder Kinghorn and Elder Barnes who were playing with some of the children nearby. Sister Barnes was sitting on a stoop a few feet away with a little girl who had  practically jumped into her arms the moment she got out of the car. As I sat there watching the children play and I felt his little arm clutching my back, I found myself wondering how did you end up here with Mama? Where is YOUR mama?

 My mind flashed to another visit with abandoned children in a Ukrainian Orphanage. I remembered the day that I walked  into a room filled with tiny beds with sweet little faces beaming with excitement to see us.  I walked from bed to bed and knelt down to gently touch each child. I whispered words they could not understand. I gently placed my hand in the hand of each little child.

I am haunted by memories of the child that took my hand and slowly brought it hand to his nose and took in the fresh smell of lotion that remained on my skin after my morning shower. He then  brought my hand to his face and gently rubbed it against his cheek. No words were spoken but there was a magical moment when my eyes met his. When my touch conveyed not my deep love for him. I remember as we left the old brick building that day I was filled with a knowledge that the Savior knows each one of those children. My heart was comforted as I realized that his love was infinite and he will not forsake us.

 I know that he knows this sweet little boy who touched my heart that morning as I sat on a step at the Tembisa Orphanage. I don't know if his mother knows where her boy is, but I do know that the Savior knows.