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Through My Eyes

Through My Eyes

Author: Kasia Yoko
Date: 2014-04-05
Auschwitz survivor, Viktor Frankl presented history's richest definitions of love in his book Man's Search for Meaning, it goes, "Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality. No one can become fully aware of the very essence of another human being unless he loves him. By his love he is enabled to see the essential traits and features in the beloved person; and even more, he sees that which is potential in him, which is not yet actualized but yet ought to be actualized. Furthermore, by his love, the loving person enables the beloved person to actualize these potentialities. By making him aware of what he can be and of what he should become, he makes these potentialities come true." 

This piece of prose defined my experience at a recent breakfast at Oyster Box in aid of LIV Village. Tish Smith, the founder of the genius residential care for vulnerable children with the core vision to rescue a child - restore a life - raise a leader and release a star. LIV Village is a place where Tish and Joan Smith, with the help of their foster mothers' and God, help one child at a time.

Situated just inland of Umdloti, LIV Village offers orphans and abandoned children Christian based education in a sustainable, Eco friendly environment and its all thanks to the immense love that Tish and Joan feel for people, especially vulnerable little people. 

Throughout his speech Tish could hardly contain his tears, in fact a couple of times he could hardly speak as he recalled the horror that he witnessed while living amongst the rural community just outside of Inanda, he tried to define the horror these children face every day. 

I too was wiping my tears as Tish recalled finding a six-month-old baby dumped in a ditch. I could not contain my sobbing and as I looked around I noticed that I was not the only one. He spoke of the terrible injustice and abuse that children in informal settlements endure and how survival of our nation depends on healthy and stable future generations.

Tish quoted some amazing people and even the numbers looked promising. With five million orphans in our country we need at least 10 000 LIV Villages to do a good job. The task seems overwhelming but Tish is adamant that it is possible.

Last Tuesday I walked away from Oyster Box overwhelmed and sad. I kept on thinking of the song that the children, who came to entertain the potential investors, were signing. It went something like, "Jesus you are my friend and I am not forgotten." I hummed that tune for days.

There is nothing like hope. There is nothing like a secure home and a loving family. There is nothing like a home cooked meal and a slobbery kiss 'goodnight' from the one you love. For those of us who have it's just the way of life but for those who don't, it's a desperate yearning and sorrowful longing that never goes away.

I commend Tish and Joan Smith and all that they are doing helping and taking care of the children. Thank you! If you want to find out more go to https://www.liv-village.com