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I have been involved in humanitarian and philanthropic activities on my own for a while now. Basically, I am concerned in areas that concern families, Children, abused/vulnerable women, singles and mental health. About two months ago, I could not go to the office because my little daughter was ill. So after giving her some medication which were prescribed at the hospital, she slept and I had some "me time".
I hadn't written so much on the book I have been working on when there was a soft knock on my door. I sluggishly opened it only to find a little girl on my poach. She was between 9 and 11 years. She asked me for some house chores in exchange for food or money. She was frail, pale and lanky. She had an empty plastic bucket in one hand and an old fabric of about 36cm in the other hand.( If you are an African or have studied Africans, you know that they roll up fabric to place or carry heavy stuff on their head). I began interrogating her. She said she had gone out to sell water in sachets (This is drinking water consumed by average persons in society). I asked her if she was in school and she said yes. But she could not return home without some tangible cash to help her mother. She Said Her daddy had swollen prostate and had been bedridden for weeks. Survival has been almost impossible because her mother had to sit home to carry her husband around or clean him up. Surgery is his ONLY saving grace and his family cannot afford a meal talk more of paying hospital bills.
I took a closer look at this poor child who never asked to be born into this and has been saddled with the responsibility of a bread winner at a tender age. I looked intently at her tear stained face for some time not knowing what to say or do but I knew I had to do something. She was hungry, confused and in a vulnerable position. A girl like her could be taken advantage of in exchange for "peanuts". We later visited her family and saw her parents. Their case is pathetic. All the children work to put food on the table except the little son who is only two years old! We have been able to give them some foodstuff and a few materials. But that won't go far!
Today I sit at my desk, reflecting on the year and how much God has helped me achieve. I think on how fortunate I am to be able to afford 3 meals, provide clothes for my kids and have some to give out too. I just feel thankful for everything I have been through. I may not be perfect, the year may not have been as perfect as I had planned, but I am not unfortunate or in the worst of places.
I want you to know that Your life may not have turned out how you planned, you may have made mistakes, you may have been hurt but your best is just around the corner. Someone somewhere is willing and ready to do anything to be in your place. Be thankful and watch your best days come.