Within these walls, the heartbreaking reality of our human weakness is evident, while at the same time, a renewed hope is found to encourage us to carry on the fight for every child's right to be loved and protected. In early September, Fr. Tony Gill (SMA) invited me to accompany him as he delivered a sack of rice for the children at Foundation Karibu Tanzania (FKT). Fr. Tony is on the board of directors for the foundation. He told me a little about the work being done here before we arrived, but no words could have prepared me for what I witnessed during our visit. When we first entered the office we were greeted by one of the staff members and given the guest register to sign. We talked briefly and then were asked if we would like to see photos of the children, taken before they were admitted to the center. We were warned that it would be very difficult to view the photos. A large display board, which had been facing the wall, was turned around, exposing the most horrifying pictures of child torture and abuse I've ever seen. After a few short moments the display board was returned to its original place and the children were brought in to the office to meet us. One by one, they filed in and greeted Fr. Tony and I. Some looked happy to see visitors. Others looked apprehensive, and a bit unsure, but they were all respectful. I saw many of the visual affects of the pain and suffering they had endured, and my heart was breaking. One little girl, about 3 years old, walked with the help of a walker. She had only one leg but moved along quite well. She parked her walker and crawled up on my lap, looked up at me and smiled. Her leg had been so severely burned that it was impossible to save it. She is shown in the bottom of the photo below, wearing the white blouse and pink skirt.
We were given a tour of the facility and shown one large bedroom where the girls stay and another for the boys. At the time of our visit there were 20 girls registered and 13 boys. Fr. Tony and I visited again in mid December to deliver a few toys and some treats. Again the children filed into the office one by one, greeting each of us and shaking our hands. This time a little boy, who was being carried by an older boy, leaned over to sit in my lap. He cuddled up and eventually fell asleep. The woman on the staff told us that he was suffering from severe malnutrition. He is 3 1/2 years old but unable to walk or even sit for long unattended.
The coordinator of FKT asked Fr. Tony if he would celebrate a thanksgiving mass at the center on December 31, 2014. By the Grace of God, many children had been helped at the center throughout the year and it was fitting to give thanks. Fr. Tony agreed to celebrate the mass but wanted to be sure that no child would feel left out if he or she was of a different denomination. I am often reminded of Fr. Tony's loving, caring nature, and this day was no exception. He brought along pictures depicting African figures representing different stories from the bible. He explained why we celebrate the birth of Jesus and he emphasized how much Jesus loves all of us, especially the children.
After the mass, Fr. Tony was asked to bless the facility. There wasn't a room or building that didn't get blessed! Even the goats and the garden were blessed! The mother goat was a Christmas gift, and was pregnant at the time the center received it. It has since given birth.
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| "Are you not better than them?" |
The
banner above has recently been hung as you enter the center. It shows a
variety of different baby animals who are being loved and nurtured by
their mothers. This banner hopefully speaks to the "abusers" by saying ... "Aren't you better than the mothers in these photos, who are nurturing and loving their little ones"? Human beings have been blessed with a reasoning mind, a level much higher than that of the animals. Our prayer is one of hope that, as the abusers are counseled and healed, they will realize the gift they have been given in their children. May our Loving Father reunite these broken families, that they may experience the joy and peace promised to all who trust in the Lord.
The founder and project manager of Foundation Karibu Tanzania, Manon Fleury, opened the rescue center 7 years ago. I had the pleasure of meeting Manon at the thanksgiving mass on the 31st. She is from Quebec, Canada. I won't try to explain all the services provided by the center. Attached is the most recent brochure with the best explanation. You may also visit their website at www.foundationkaributz.org. This website was created in 2014 and is due to be updated. Anyone interested in donating to this very worthy cause can do so by sending a check payable to SMA Lay Missionaries with a note in the memo line "Jean Dowell - FKT". The check can be mailed to SMA Lay Missionaries, 256 Manor Circle, Takoma Park, MD 20912.Thank you for your consideration.
