Wednesday
Apr292009
An Update on Claudine
Apr 29, 2009
Our little girl is improving and that makes me happy. Thanks to a money gift from a partner in the U.S. we are able to purchase new born diapers (Pamper type) for her. They are still too big, but we are encouraged. Claudine is eating well and in the first three weeks has gained 4 pounds of body weight. She responds to voices, laughs out loud, looks toward the sound of my voice and smiles with a giggle. She holds her head up. She kicks her legs and lying on her stomach comes up on her knees and pushes. She moves around in her bed. This may not sound exciting for a two-year-old child but Claudine could not move at all when she came to live with us. She had no strength in her arms and legs. She is a special child.
Claudine – the first day
Claudine Now
Claudine – the first day
Claudine Now
Reader Comments (1)
This is the kind of story that confirms my belief that one of the most effective ways to enact the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is by having individuals on site in the villages of Africa working with people on a daily basis. The astounding difference in Claudine's appearance since she arrived at HMR's Urukundo Home for Children is made possible not by huge sums of grant money but by relatively small consistent donations from people who care. I am not saying that large donations and grants are not needed - they are. Most of the money that is spent on HIV/AIDS medications dispersed in Rwanda comes from a government supervised grant (from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation if I'm not mistaken). But the kind of work that Mama Arlene is doing is making a difference in the lives of people today - and those people will go out and make more differences exponentially.
God Bless You Mom!
And for others who are wondering about donating - please do! For Claudine and Johnny and Laki and all the children and adults who benefit it is making a difference.