Thursday, August 14, 2008

Meet Mavinga

This is my new friend, Mavinga. He is 4 years old. He came to work today with his daddy, Mr. Antonio, who is our gardener. He likes to sweep, just like I do!




Mavinga's mommy died several weeks ago, so his daddy brought him here to the city with him. I would miss my mommy if she died.

Mommy says that Mozambique has one of the lowest life expectancies in the world - just over 40 years. That means there are LOTS of children here missing either one or both parents.

36 comments:

Tara R. said...

Such a beautiful little boy! That is so sad about his mother. 40 years? That is amazing.

Meg in Tally said...

So sad about Mavinga's mom. I'm sure your love and friendship will go a long way in comforting him. Oh, to have the opportunity to be such a blessing to a hurting heart.

Thanks for stopping in at Lonesome Pine...and for your sweet comments. Isn't always better to know we aren't the only ones that say, think or do silly things?

Meg in Tally said...

Oops...should have said 'Isn't it always better' --not that it isn't better! LOL!!

Claremont First Ward said...

I was thinking what a great smile he has, and then I read that he just lost his mother. How heartbreaking......all those poor parentless children, too!

Jackie said...

Oh, they are both so sweet and look like they are getting along so well. How very say, though, about his mama...wow.

dani said...

hi, esme and j:) i was grinning ear to ear looking your pictures, and then my heart sank... how sad that darling, little mavinga's mother died:(
i will say an extra prayer for his daddy and mavinga.
love,
dani

Anonymous said...

How sad for him to lose his mother! I'm glad he made a new friend.

Lori said...

poor little guy... glad he's made a new friend

Amanda said...

Sad about his mom, but the kids look so happy together.

Pam said...

that is so sad- those poor children. But I'm so glad that Esme could play with him and make him smile that day.

Anonymous said...

He's a cutie. But what a sad thing about his mother. 40 years? That is incredibly sad.

Donna said...

What a precious little boy! Looks like they are becoming good friends. What a tragedy that he has lost his mom.

Heather of the EO said...

Beautiful boy. and a beautiful post, reminding me of the big hurt in the big world out there. So much perspective for my comfortable life.

Sydney said...

Oh my goodness what a fascinating blog! Thank you so much for stopping by mine! I'm adding you to my blogroll!

Michaelle said...

Love your blog! I am adding you to my blogroll if you don't mind. What a sweet little boy. It looks like the two of them are getting along just fine.

Anonymous said...

Amazing how little ones manage to shine through the toughest of times.

Unknown said...

How sweet!

Breanne said...

What sweet pictures. Poor Guy - How hard that must be.

Jen @ One Moms World said...

How nice they got to play together. So sad he had to lose his mom at an early age. I couldn't even imagine. (((HUGS))) to you and for welcoming him in with open arms too.

Mamajil said...

Beautiful pictures and what a beautiful little boy. How sad he lost his mother. What an awesome opportunity the Lord has given you to share your home and heart with little ones that have experienced such great loss at such a young age!
Thanks for stopping by my blog I've enjoyed your comments!

ttm said...

These pictures are so sweet! I am very sad to hear about his mother, it's heartbreaking to think about him growing up without her.

On another note, thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday! I am seriously considering moving EJ out of his crib. Was it hard to teach your little one to stay in her bed and not get out?

Heather of the EO said...

I'm sorry the pandora site doesn't work there! Such a bummer...
It's NOT THAT GREAT, really! :)
(okay, it's kind of great...here's to hoping they make it big and spread to every corner!)

African Kelli said...

This makes my heart break. I am so glad you are in his life. Both of you!

Unknown said...

He's adorable! And fortunate to have his daddy!

Anonymous said...

So gald the little guy could hang out with you guys. I have read about the low life expectancy in countris like Mozambique. What exactly do you and your husband do in the country? Is there a post or two you can direct me to? I am very interested. :)

Genny said...

What a precious boy. My heart goes out to him. What sweet pictures.

Genny

Tabitha said...

What beautiful photos!!
How sad that Mavinga lost his mummy ~ but how lucky he is to have a special little friend like Esme.
sending love and hugs x

Donna Reed In Blue Jeans said...

How very sad! Thankfully Mavinga still has his dad. I'm so thankful that you visited my blog because I think yours is wonderful!:)

Kori said...

Oh, how in the world have I missed this blog? I don't know, but I have been reading through your other posts and just put you in my reader. Thank you for stopping by MINE, and I really, really needed to see this today.

Amanda said...

What a life you are giving her!

Thank you for visiting my blog. What an amazing world!

Unknown said...

How heartbreaking... makes you count all of your blessings.

And, how heartwarming ... the pictures are great!

Munchkins and Music said...

I am very impressed with you and your family for what you are doing over there in Mozambique. That would be an unforgettable experience. I was sad to hear about this boy's mom, but I'm glad that little boy still has his dad!

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

What a tragedy. I'm so sorry for Mavinga's family.
The pictures are beautiful.

Decor To Adore said...

What a precious pair. Mavinga is in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

My little boy loves to sweep also. Lets enjoy this while we can, right? LOL

I Am Boymom said...

What a beautiful little boy Mavinga is. It is hard to imagine having to deal with such a tragic loss at such a tender young age. He looks like he is enjoying Esme's company.