Transitioning 250 Boys 2 Young Men!

We are still reeling from the loss of Mum Rose, although the funeral is now over, we are still doing “Damage” Control regarding the children, many children have been struggling with the loss of our precious Rosemary. This has highlighted a few issues that we as KTD196 need to address. It is wonderful the impact and the relationships we build with the kids, the compassion and care we provide is long lasting however, the down side is when something as catastrophic as the loss of one of our Field Officers impacts not just the staff, the organization, but also the beneficiaries, it is something we need to be very mindful of how we support the kids, and their parents into the future.

It has been wonderful to see the out pouring of love on social media, through phone calls, and letters from all over the world. What has also blessed me has been the number of people willing to support the family during this time financially. A number of the SHG groups who knew Mum Rose, even though she was not in that program, have contributed financially towards the funeral expenses.

In this part of the world people flock to the family home from the time of death until the funeral, they stay, they grieve, and they expect to be fed. Sometimes up to a week. I am talking about 40-50 people daily. Plus, catering for the funeral! It was a huge affair.

It was a difficult time, I wont lie, but it was great to see so many familiar faces from the past, kids who had grown up in the program, wanting to come back and give back to the program. Many of Rose’s friends and relatives also saw how kind and loving the kids were and how they honoured Rose and want to be a part of what we do.

It was a healing time. I have added some short videos and pictures for you to view if you would like. But I wanted to close off this monumental occasion properly for you as our sponsors and supporters. I have written about Rose on and off over the years and since people have contacted me after last weeks post I just wanted to complete the loop.

Thank you for your donations and thank you for your heart warming love during this time. You are so much more than just a donor; you are walking this journey with us.

Blessings

Louise

Links:

• Honor Guard Procession!
• Kumbaya, Mum Rose's favourite song! Get the tissues ready!

This letter will be a bit different.

I want to share today about Mum Rose, a lady who has been a part of KTD196 from the beginning. Mum Rose is a Xitsonga lady with the biggest laugh, the biggest smile and the most infectious sense of humour, who could find the joke in almost any situation. Mum Rose was interviewed in 2003 as part of a SWOT analysis regarding what her biggest heart ache was when she was a Home Based Caregiver. Her heart for children was huge, that was her biggest grief, not caring for people who were dying but watching their kids drop out of school, get into drugs, alcohol, gangs, sex, become infected with HIV and start on the spiral downwards to an early grave.

Mum Rose volunteered and was trained in Scouts in May 2006 and from there, she has cared for thousands of children. God only gave her one son in the natural, but she has 1,000’s of kids for the last 18years call her Mum Rose. She has become a mum to so many who have lost their mothers. She also is known as Mum Rose by many adults and our partners. She was a trainer in Scouting and would teach teachers about Scouting as well as over a thousand parents about how to care for their children through KTD196.

Mum Rose was one of those ladies who when you met her you would never forgot her. She was able to make you laugh to the point of tears, once you met her, her laughter would continue to ring in your head. She always had a kind word to say, and encouraging comment, a naughty grin.

Sadly, we lost Mum Rose last week to leukaemia. As you can imagine we are devastated. Rose was an integral part of our daily lives, the kids particularly feel the loss as do the staff of KTD196. Mum Rose you were a tireless supporter of KTD196s, and to all who had the privilege to be loved by you in South Africa and around the world you will be sorely missed.

Your passion for Jesus was so evident, even to the end. You have run your race well my friend. I am so proud to call you sister! Your laughter and love will be unbelievably missed. Our loss is heaven's gain.

Thank you for your understanding as to why the delay of this report. It has been very hard to write.

Blessings

Louise

Links:

• Why not go to our website, you are welcome to leave a message!
• Facebook is a great way to keep up to date!