L to R. Mighty Mildo, Snuggles Santos, and Amazing Armando.
OUR 3 MUSKETEERS: IF YOU SEE 1, THE OTHER 2 ARE NOT FAR BEHIND
‘MIGHTY’ MILDO, 3 years old, is the ringleader for 3 of our youngest boys living in the foster home called “The Lion House”.
Mildo’s mother passed away shortly after his birth, and his father had long abandoned them. That left baby Mildo in the hands of his fragile grandmother. After 1 trip to fetch baby formula for him, “Granny” asked us to please care for Mildo as the 27 km (16 mile) trek from her village was too much for her.
Mildo, now a happy, healthy, toddler loves to shake hands with me when I visit to show that he is a big boy now, just like the older boys in the LION HOUSE!
‘AMAZING’ ARMANDO, 21 months old, whose mother also died just after birth, was left with an Aunt since his father had abandoned them during the pregnancy. The Aunt lived over 25km/15 miles away, AND had a newborn of her own. She was unable to care for both infants, so Armando came to live with us. He’s still a bit shy around me, but relates well with the others in the Lion House.
‘SNUGGLES’ SANTOS, 18 months old, is quite in love with “Mama Brenda”. He comes running on his short little legs to give me a big hug when I visit, which is a great boost to my morale.
Born on Good Friday in 2018, Santos lost his mother after he was born at home in the village of Ntete (N‑tet‑y). The family didn’t have a name for him, so I suggested Santos in honor of his birth being on Good Friday.
Santo’s father was overwhelmed with grief from the loss of his wife, and suddenly becoming the only caregiver for his 4 older children. A newborn was beyond his ability to handle.
Santos has lived with us since he was 3 days old. His grandmother lived with us for a while, helping to care for him. Her family requested she return to their home village for the 4 older children desperately needed their grandmother. When older children are suddenly orphaned, it is a tragic emotional loss to them. A grandmother’s nurturing love towards the older children can really help them overcome a lot of their grief.
Santos is quite the little character, and his family visits him when they can.
ALL THREE OF THESE CHILDREN ARE ALIVE BECAUSE OF YOUR LOVE FOR VULNERABLE BABIES.
JESUS SENT US HERE TO SAVE THE CHILDREN WHO OTHERWISE HAD LITTLE CHANCE OF SURVIVAL.
OUR ENTIRE STAFF SAYS “THANK YOU” FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE. WE LOVE THESE CHILDREN AS OUR OWN. WE ARE A JESUS FAMILY!
BLESSINGS,
BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE
AND THE BALAMA STAFF