Have You Ever Wondered, Where Are They Now?

By Rosanne Lyster – Thrive Malawi Director and Board Secretary

Have you ever driven through your old neighbourhood and passed the house of childhood friend – and paused to wonder – where are they now?

This was my experience - just this past weekend.  While home to visit my mom, I drove the route that I used to take to elementary school. Down Colville past all the wartime houses. Up the very long Hutchison Hill. Left on Rockheights. And as I passed their homes, I got to wondering about school mates and friends. Where are they now?  What are they up to? Did they follow their dreams?

I am sure that Kathy Bowler and the staff team at Children of Blessing Trust wonder from time to time – about the children and families that they have met over the years. Children that they helped to sit or crawl. Children who took their first steps with the aid of a walking frame and then on their own. Children who learned to thrive – no matter their circumstances.  And perhaps the CoBT Team wonders – where are they now? What are they up to? Did they follow their dreams?

Just last week, Kathy relayed a story about a little boy that she has long wondered about - and her joy at meeting him again.

“Abdul joined Children of Blessing Trust through our Children’s Rehabilitation Program.  He was unable to walk on his own.  His mom brought him faithfully to therapy and Abdul first learned how to walk with a wooden walking frame.  Once Abdul was able to walk, he enrolled in our Preschool and attended every day.  He continued to attend physiotherapy sessions while at the Preschool and learned how to walk by himself.  Abdul graduated to Primary School and eventually we lost touch with him.One day last year, I was outside the centre chatting with a visitor. As we stood there, a young man came up to me and was so happy to see me.  It was Abdul, now a young man attending Secondary School.  It was wonderful to see how well he was doing!”

Abdul and his mom.

Abdul all grown up!

What an incredible gift Kathy was given! The gift to catch a glimpse into the life of a person – a life that you had the opportunity to touch for good!You see – without being able to walk – and without the enriched world of the preschool at the centre – Abdul likely never would have gained admission to Primary School – let alone Secondary School! What a gift to see a smiling young man who is able to pursue his dreams!  A young man whose life you and your team had the opportunity to change. You too can be part of the story in the lives of Malawian children just like Abdul!

Come change lives with us! Your tax-deductible donation to Thrive Malawi means that children like Abdul can receive life changing therapies, be referred for excellent medical care and flourish with good nutrition and an enriched education program. You gift – big or small – can mean the world of difference in the life of a child!