HOPE is growing again! Last week we welcomed two new girls to our family. Sisters Ronise and Berlinda brought our family to 16 little girls. They came from Seguin, an area in the mountains about 5 ½ hours from here. They had been found at their home with the body of their mother. No one is sure how long they were on their own.
Ronise is three years old and very protective of 13 month old Berlinda. Berlinda often calls out for her when she is out of sight and Ronise is there, quick as a flash, to reassure her little sister. Ronise hugs her, lays her down so her head is in her lap, and always hands her little bits of her own food. When they arrived, Berlinda was quite ill with pneumonia, made much worse by her severe malnutrition. We actually had to admit her to the hospital for a couple of days to receive IV fluids and IV antibiotics. Though she is much better now and shows us a huge smile, she is still quite weak. She crawls a very short distance and becomes exhausted. She can pull herself to a standing position using furniture but is unable to remain standing because of her weakness. Though we are watching her carefully, we are not worried. We have seen time and time again how God works in the lives of these children. We know that very shortly she will be full of energy (and orneriness). Ronise is fitting in well with the girls and has even started going to school. She is bright and inquisitive and a quick learner.
Please pray for Ronise and Berlinda as they find their place in the family. Keep praying for the other girls as they embrace two new personalities.
Thank you for your love and support for our HOPE family.