On Wednesday, Tia took Carole, my wife, Damien, my eldest son and myself, to see the four houses that form the orphanage, and meet the children and housemothers.
I know that the orphanage has had terrible difficulties in terms of funding and ensuring that the children continue to get the care and love they have been getting . So I was amazed at how many improvements had been made . Not only has the fourth house been fully integrated, but fencing now protects all the houses; cupboards have been built in so the children no longer need to leave clothes on the floor; standards of tidiness have been raised.
Dutch volunteers, sent over by the wonderful charity Be-more, clearly help enormously. Whether they help for one, two or three months, they always leave with a great sense of attachment, inspired by the work that Tia and her daughter Louise do.
The children were still at school when we arrived, apart from the very young ones. One of these youngsters, who was not there when I helped out last year, was soon giggling as Damien played with her. Like all the children, she wanted the warmth of contact, and the attention. This poor child had cigarette burns over her body and clearly had mental scars to match. Damien was a little shocked I think, when he realised.
But the 28 children in the orphanage are really the lucky ones. Altogether, Tia is currently helping and monitoring 300 children in the surrounding area, through the team of 26 volunteers she has trained. These are children that are seen to be at particular risk at the moment. Of them, 100 are orphans. Although she has no room in Thamsanqa for them, she will seek to place them where they are safe.
When the older ones came back from school, we all congregated at one of the houses and ate soup together, made the night before by Tia and Louise. It is quite upsetting to see the children growing up while knowing that there is, at present, no future for them. I know that Tia’s dream is to be able to get children to university. She has shown that dreams can be turned into reality, but for the moment, getting food on the table is the more urgent priority.
I have been so grateful for the wonderful support over recent months. Tia has told me that without the money we have been able to send, they would have been unable to carry on. Personally, it has been a very tough few months; your encouragement has meant so very much. There were times when the effort was almost overwhelming. If nothing else, the journey has made me well aware of my age!
But let us make a clear distinction here: for a short period, we can put up with almost anything. People like Tia and Louise are in it for the long haul. Most of us, when we retire, look to put our feet up and enjoy a hard-earned rest.
I feel greatly humbled when I see the efforts being made by Tia, and people like her, to remedy the ills in our society.
On our flight home, our journey was broken by a night in Dubai. Can you imagine a greater contrast? I remarked to Damien how unhappy some of the folk staying in the hotel looked as they made sure they got their money’s worth, anxiety creasing their faces. Yes, said Damien, but you know, you are like that too, Dad!
PS I will have lots of photos later.
What a fit and fruitful final chapter for a truly inspirational real life superhero. That’s you, Erico!!!!!. I am infinitely proud of your efforts, madness and sheer determination at showing each and all of us what we are capable of when we put our minds to it! We have followed closely your heights and falls [how are you shaping up now?!! any unbroken ribs left?!!!!] and we cant wait to hear in person a lot more when we come over to Spain in July. Will you be around then?!!! As you may have heard we are holding Elizabeth’s christening in Benissa on 11th July so we truly hope we get to see you then and of course, as much as poss during our stay there.
Please make a safe return home and stay healthy!!!
Receive lots and lots of positive energy from us.
Big hug and kiss, M & the circus xxx
Hey, what are you doing writing your own blogs!!!!! Are you back in Spain or in the UK?
Eric, I really enjoyed having Carole and Damien here with you. I am so thrilled with all the devlopments that you have noticed. The children told me today how glad they were to see you. The 12000 kilos really impressed them. I am so glad that you were happy with what you saw. It is important for me that you feel that the money that you raised under difficult circumstances have been put to good use. From the depth of our hearts a very big thank you. We appreciate all your efforts. See you soon in Spain. A big thank you to all Eric’s supportes.
Tia
How wonderful to see that the money you’ve raised has made a real difference. Look forward to seeing the photos and you and Carole when you’re back in Spain. Love Justine and Tony x
Hello Eric
How nice to know that through your great achievement you were able to give money to Tia to continue helping the children and giving them a little more happiness than they would have outside the orphanage.
What a wonderful dedicated lady Tia and daughter are.
Enjoy your rest with family and friends in England.
Kind regards
Collette & Terry
Hi Eric
We just watched the end of the tour on our SABC3. We are so glad you wore your town’s colours – we clearly saw you several times, both on the road and at the waterfront. Peter will take it to
Spain if he does not send it to you before. Love to all at home. P and D
welcome back,
any time you fancy the Happy Garden give us a ring
well done
LOL
Pat & Brian
How wonderful to read your experience of being back at Thamsanqa! Hope you enjoy your time back home and you can look back at a great adventure through Africa.
Thank you fro all you did to promote Thamsanqa. Wish you all the best!
- Debbie