Jacob
Jacob is very special in my life. As I have said before, I have the privilege and honor to name the little ones who come to us with no identity.
As a young mother, I dreamed of naming one of my kids for my dad, Jacob Robert Griffith. That did not happen. When this beautiful young baby boy arrived in our Urukundo family, my dream was realized. So you see, Jacob was named for my dad whom I loved very much, making him a bit special.
We think Jacob was born about Friday, Dec. 28, 2012. We call that his birthdate. He arrived at Urukundo on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. He was seven to 10 days old at the time.
He was a wonderful surprise. A gift between Christmas and the New Year. Can’t do better than that.
This dear baby boy was found very late at night. He was kicking and crying. He was in a ditch along a side road in Muhanga District. He was out of harm’s way but not safe.
The police on patrol heard him crying and kicking up a storm. Why not? He was alone and hungry. It was late at night. So what to do? The police were wise and took this crying baby to the health center across the road from Urukundo Village. Good move. The hospital had no milk for the infant and sent the police and their bundle to Urukundo and our mamas. They were sure we had milk, and, of course, we did.
Jacob had found a home, food and love.
Jacob’s role model
Jacob has an idol. When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, his reply was, “I WANT TO BE A BENJAMIN.” This surprised us until we realized he wanted to be a man like our maintenance manager Benjamin. He follows Benj everywhere and Benj gives him work to do alongside himself. Construction is in his future as Benjamin is in charge of construction at Urukundo.
For Christmas, Bob and Amy Dove, who are volunteers living here and Jacob’s education sponsors, had the Urukundo Sewing Center make him a suit like the one Benjamin wears.
Jacob with Amy and Bob
What a fantastic boy!
He graduates from preschool in November 2018.
Urukundo assistant manager Jacob. Now he has boots also like Benj.
Jacob’s best friend is his Urukundo big brother, Tresor. This little boy is such a treasure.