Rafael

Rafael came to Amecet in July 2010, when he was 3 weeks old. His mother was a young girl and mentally retarded. The family could not look after him and asked us for help. Rafael stayed with us for 3 months and then he went back to his family, to his uncle and the grandmother were going to care for him. In March 2011 we came across him in the feeding centre of the Hospital. The grandmother wanted to leave him behind, she didn't know what to do with him. His weight was less then the time when he left Amecet, 6  months before. We took him back in Amecet, he had TB and we treated him for that and other infections. He is HIV-, so that is good. In the last 8 months we have been trying to contact his family, even with the help of the Probation office, but the family was not willing to take Rafael back, they were even talking about giving Rafael for adoption. Rafael grew up to a lovely cute little boy, he is very naughty, does all the things 2 year old boys like to do, but when he smiles at you, you melt....Simon wanted to try again to go to the family and to talk with them again. I didn't go with them, because I have again malaria, and when I heard the story and saw the pictures of the roads, I was very glad I didn't go. Esther went with Simon, together with Rafael.

This is not a picture from a river, no it is a picture from the road!! And you don't know what is under the water. On some places the water came even into the bonnet, where the motor is. And of course they got stuck in the mud! But Simon is a good driver, he managed to get out with the four wheel drive! But he told me that he was also a bit scared...

When they arrived in the village of Rafael, many people of his clan were waiting. They were very surprised and could hardly believe that he was the same boy! He more than doubled his weight and he is walking now. Simon talked to the them and explained the situation of Rafael. They all welcomed him and they decided that he should come back home!!! That Rafael belongs to them. So all in all it was a good visit, Rafael came back to Amecet today, we have to talk more and the family has to prepare to take him back home! But Rafael has a place where he belongs!!!! And his grandmother was so excited to see him.