Overwhelmed by a tidal wave of love, I say my goodbyes to Mama Sue, Papa Dave and our Happy House family.
In the past seven years of travelling to help at Happy House there have been more than a dozen farewells, writes Elizabeth Gomm.
with Pendo and Morphin |
It doesn’t get easier.
This time, the affection of the kids, those living with us and others just back for a Christmas holiday, is almost tangible.
Loving these children is easy, they capture hearts with every breath they take.
The kids of Kenya won my heart 10 years ago when Sue, then still living in Blackpool, showed me some film footage of the children who had motivated her mission to build her Happy House.
It was then just a seed of an idea,
Morphin and me |
From that day on, I have have been doing all I can support Sue in cultivating her seed to fruition, and to providing the regular income required to sustain it and keep it growing as a flourishing entity, where broken lives are made whole again..
I have also become Auntie Libby to every one of the children who has passed through our doors and those being educated in our schools.
It is my joy and my privilege to love these children.
But to know the love I give is returned, and to feel its warmth, is truly wonderful.
It’s just like the words of one of our favourite Happy House songs:
Love is something if you give it away
Give it away, give it away
Love is something if you give it away
You end up having more
It’s just like a magic penny
Hold it tight and you won’t have any
Lend it, spend it, and give it away
And it will come right back to you.
Abdulmalik |
Esther, another child I have known since she was just a scrap of life, rushing up, wide eyed, for a big hug
Saying goodbye |
Hearing Abdulmalik, usually shy of newcomers, shouting “Auntie Libby Auntie Libby” every time he sees me.
Michelle, one of our newer arrivals, snuggling up close and Stevie slipping his little hand into mine.
And how she loves to dance.
Natasha, Pendo and Morphin |
There’s Morphin, a nine year old powerhouse, intelligent, active and affectionate.
No two stories would be the same. Every child is very much his or her own person.
She wants her kids to grow up knowing their own minds and confident to speak up for themselves.
Her flock of lambs will never be sheep.
Our Happy House is, as I have said before, what it says on the gates. A HAPPY house.