One big thank you for two small miracles

A generous heart like yours already knows that ‘miracles’ come in many shapes and sizes. Our two ‘small miracles’ are named Billy and Vuyo.

When Billy (pictured alongside) was brought to us at six months old he was a pitiful sight.

His little body was covered with infected scabies and his skin was so thin. It had been rubbed away on parts of his body and Eczema had started to form. But the neglect went further than just physical - he had been severely neglected emotionally.

When most other babies his age were smiling and responding happily Billy stayed withdrawn solemn and silent. The light in his eyes had been extinguished.

And whilst the scabies could be treated with medication and eventually went away there was only one ‘medicine’ that could cure what else was wrong with Billy ... LOVE. Your help allowed us to give him all the hugs cuddles kisses and reassurances that he needed.

Even on this high dosage recovery was slow. But then came that ‘miracle’ moment we’d all been praying for ... Billy’s first smile which signalled his real road to recovery. On the day that Billy smiled we all smiled and haven’t stopped since.

Vuyo’s story is somewhat different. He was was wrapped in a blanket and abandoned as a newborn baby in the lane behind Nazareth House. A young couple taking a walk found him by chance and immediately brought him to us.

Seeing how weak and sick this tiny little mite looked we took him straight to hospital where he was diagnosed with septicaemia and had to be kept in an incubator for a week until he had stabilised.

We named him Vuyo – which appropriately means Happiness. Happiness in that his Guardian Angel was with him as he lay in the lane abandoned and sick ... in that he was found ... in that the support of friends like you allowed us to take him into our care ... in that he lived through his ordeal and illness ... and in that the young couple who found him have now taken him and given him a loving home. Vuyo is loved and has a family.

There’s so little that we can ever do to repay you for your generosity to children in need. But we hope that reading about these two ‘small miracles’ will leave you smiling with happiness in your heart.