It all started back in June 2006 when I met a woman with my same name. Chrissie was very sick. A nurse that had traveled to Malawi with me took her from her remote village to a hospital for treatment. Chrissie had 14 month old twin daughters with her, Tamandani and Sidala. They were malnourished and very tiny. Of course I fell in love with these two precious children right away. I have always had a special place in my heart for twins. I was able to use some money that my friend Crystal (now Savannah-Hope's mom) sent to buy supplies for the twins.
I then returned to the States but continued to receive updates on the twins. Shortly before I returned to Malawi in August 2007, I learned that Chrissie had delivered a new baby and was again seriously ill.
On September 1, 2007 I went to Chrissie's village and visited with her and her children. It is then that I held Savannah-Hope for the first time. The twins looked the same size as they did the year before. My heart was broken for all three girls. The family agreed to relinquish Savannah-Hope but not the twins. This is when I learned that the twins had been separated. Tamandani was living with her mother and maternal grandmother in the mother's village, while Sidala lived with the paternal grandmother in the father's village. Again I was able to deliver supplies for the girls....but it seemed so small and the needs so huge.
...........................Sidala (Faith) in Sept 2007.......................Tamandani (Joy) in Sept 2007
Then on November 11, 2007 Chrissie went home to be with the Lord.
Here is a picture of Chrissie's funeral and the children she left behind: Jameson, Tamandani (Joy), Sidala (Faith) and Savannah-Hope
In March 2008 Crystal was able to visit the twins' villages twice. Both times bringing supplies for them.
Then on November 11, 2007 Chrissie went home to be with the Lord.
Here is a picture of Chrissie's funeral and the children she left behind: Jameson, Tamandani (Joy), Sidala (Faith) and Savannah-Hope
In March 2008 Crystal was able to visit the twins' villages twice. Both times bringing supplies for them.
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On December 24, 2008 Thandie delivered Christmas gifts, food and supplies to Savannah-Hope's siblings: Jameson, Tamandani (Joy) and Sidala (Faith). I was informed that the girls' condition had worsened. Their villages have been hit hard by the famine in Malawi. The girls are literally starving to death. Tamandani (Joy) didn't have a bite of food to eat the day before Thandie arrived. Seeing the girls and how they had deteriorated for the past 6 months brought Thandie to tears. I was told that it was unlikely that either girl would survive the rainy season. MUCH discussion and prayers followed.
On December 24, 2008 Thandie delivered Christmas gifts, food and supplies to Savannah-Hope's siblings: Jameson, Tamandani (Joy) and Sidala (Faith). I was informed that the girls' condition had worsened. Their villages have been hit hard by the famine in Malawi. The girls are literally starving to death. Tamandani (Joy) didn't have a bite of food to eat the day before Thandie arrived. Seeing the girls and how they had deteriorated for the past 6 months brought Thandie to tears. I was told that it was unlikely that either girl would survive the rainy season. MUCH discussion and prayers followed.
The girls are expected to arrive to the Good Samaritan Children's Home on Monday January 19th. Thus my new "opportunity". I will be sponsoring the girls at Good Samaritan indefinitely. God opened this door for them and I am taking a leap of faith that He will provide me with the finances to provide the girls with a chance to live.
Good Samaritan does not have openings for new children. The children's home has lost a third of its financial support. They are struggling to meet the needs of the 100 children already at the home. Tamandani (Joy) and Sidala (Faith) will be independently supported and housed in the Staff Quarters. I will work diligently to insure that their placement at Good Samaritan does not take away from the funding already being stretched to the max for the other children. I would appreciate your prayers as I embark on this new opportunity.
At this time the birth family is not interested in relinquishing the girls for adoption. It is my hope and prayer that the children will one day know the love and care of a forever family through the miracle of adoption. But until then, I am grateful for the opportunity to provide care for them where they are. Please be in prayer for the twins transition as they are removed from their villages and brought to the children's home. Thank you for your prayers.
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