There I stood in the baby aisle of the grocery store placing nappies (diapers), formula, aqueous cream (lotion), teething gel and wipes in my grocery cart.
No, I did not have a baby (much to my children’s chagrin) and no, I am not pregnant (also to my children’s chagrin) it is what we refer to as one of those African surprises.
A 6-8 month (not sure of the exact age) baby boy was dropped on my helper, Lizzy’s doorstep.
It is claimed that the boy is her grandson and for reasons we assume to be the mother’s inability to provide for the boy or him being viewed as one of life’s accidents and intrusions the mother abandoned her boy. So sad!
Now Lizzy, the supposed grandmother, who barely makes ends meet each month has her grandson to look after. She named him Kamohelo, which means “appreciated one”. Her reasoning… she is grateful at least the mother left the boy with someone who will care for him and did not destroy him, which is unfortunately common in the African culture.
Liz stays with us most evenings so this little guy now does too. So wild having a baby around again….my children could not be more thrilled. Tori decided Kamohelo was too hard to remember (I agree) so she’s named him “Conner”.
We are not sure what will happen with “Conner” and are processing things through the best we know how with Lizzy. So please pray for wisdom and discernment on how the Franzenfam can best help these two and pray for her to figure out a permanent solution for this little guy.
My four year old asked, “Why can’t we just keep him”….oh, if the decision was just that simple.
Such is life in Africa; you never know what the day may bring or what may be left on your doorstep.
12 comments:
Oh, he's so precious!!
Wow, that really is quite a surprise! Is it fun to have a baby back in your lives for a little bit? :)
We'll be praying for that sweet little boy.
Wow! Lord, for "Conner's" sake I pray that you give Lizzy and the Franzen Fam discernment and an open door to the best possible solution! Amen!
God works in mystereous ways.
Susan
You know, I always wanted that #4 and maybe living in SA would have been the solution had someone just dropped one at my doorstep.
He is so precious!
Okay wow! That is crazy but I'm so glad he's being well taken care of. He is absolutely beautiful!
During the LONG speeches given by various important people associated with the Themba Orphan Project's grand opening where we were most of Saturday, a young black man was introduced and his named was....
CONNER! :o) That made Jenny T and I giggle! Lol.
wow, michelle. such a heavy situation... such an adorable little guy!!! i'm praying...
Hey Michelle, it's Juli from Crosby Church just wondering the status of "Conner" I am like Tori, why can't you just keep him :) He is so precious. Too bad the South African government makes adoption so difficult.
SUCH a darling photo. Wow - being here in Kenya helps me really understand the situation - good for Lizzie and hard for Lizzie all at once. I will be praying for ALL of you.
whoa! I can only imagine that you are the best stop along the way for his future...
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