Heaven's Nest is a home that houses a mix of children who are orphaned or who are waiting for their parents to be deemed “ready” to parent again. It is well funded and the children receive great care. There are usually 2 staff at all times taking care of the children as well as other volunteers. We have seen at least 8 different volunteers stop by Heaven's Nest over the two weeks that we have been working there. Volunteers who stop by shower the children with love. It's been cool to see that so many people deeply care about the kids. Parents are allowed to visit their children every day from 10-3 but many parents choose not too. Two parents have stopped by over the time that we have been there. It's hard because of course we are happy to see that their parents have come and the children seem happy to have someone to play with, but when their mothers leave the children don't cry and don't seem to miss her when she's gone.
There are 10 kids living there currently- 4 girls and 6 boys. The children are really sweet and Marissa and I have really been enjoying our time here. Although they choose not to listen sometimes, they are always so excited and happy to see us and to play.
The home that the children live in is very nice. They have a spacious backyard filled with swing sets and toys that the children love to play with. The children love to swing and typically sing songs while they are swinging such as “Baby” by Justin Bieber- it is the most adorable thing. There are three separate bedrooms upstairs for the boys, girls, and i
nfants with a nice bathroom for bathing and changing. Also upstairs is a therapy room with a wide variety of toys where you can bring either a group of children up to play with specific toys or children can be brought up individually to really specialize the kind of play you want to engage them in. The downstairs living room/play room is stocked with many books, toys, and a TV with VHS and DVDs to watch.
Our time at Heaven's Nest has been a lot of fun. The kids were easy to connect with so it was tough to say goodbye to them today but we are definitely planning on keeping in touch! The children asked repeatedly everyday to see our cameras and take pictures with them so we are hoping to print some pictures out and send them to Heaven's Nest so the kids can have something tangible to remember us by.
Heaven's Nest is doing great things in the lives of children here in South Africa who don't have much. Check out their website if you want to learn a little bit more or help support them! http://www.heavensnest.org.za/Home.html
