5.03.2010

Farewell - Sparrow Village


Last week we said a final farewell to 13-year old Vanessa from Sparrow Village. She passed away from kidney failure. It was a tragic and terrible loss to everyone.


While the service was beautiful, the most touching part of the day was watching several of the teenage boys that I work with grab the shovels and help to cover the grave. No 16-year old boys should have to bury their 13-year old friend. It was heartbreaking.


The children from Sparrow each came to place a flower on her grave. The tears flowed to the unceasing sound of hymns sung by everyone in attendance.




Along with the sadness of losing a precious child, just as sobering were the rows upon rows of fresh graves at this Johannesburg cemetery.



It was a painful reminder of the struggle this nation is still facing daily against poverty and HIV/AIDS.

Lord, comfort those who mourn, and help us to turn the tide.


No comments:

Post a Comment