A Family as Real as Any

My name is Gabriella Martine.  I have known Micaela Roughton for the past two years, working under her guidance as a Community Advisor for SFU Residence.  Working as a CA has taught me to reach out to the people living around me to learn about them and how they fit into this world.  This summer I decided to extend my reach into the global community and travel to Zambia with a group of my peers from SFU to build houses for vulnerable youth and orphaned children.  When Micaela offered me the opportunity to extend my stay and spend some time at Nyumba Yanga, I couldn’t pass up the chance to learn about these girls that had inspired Micaela to devote her energy and resources into helping to provide them with safety, family, and opportunity.

 Before traveling to Zambia, my friends and family tried to help me prepare for how overwhelming the trip had the potential to be.  Given that I had no previous experience with international travel, it was a fair assumption that I would come across something I had never encountered before.  I was expecting to feel out of my element, but honestly, the most shocking thing about my visit to Nyumba Yanga was how comfortable I felt there.  Both the Sisters who looked after the girls and the girls themselves were so genuinely welcoming.  It was just as easy to connect with them as it would be with any other child in a different country or circumstance.  I guess it was my own naivety that led me to believe otherwise.

Snack time after school!

I had never visited an orphanage before, let alone in another country, so I didn't know what to expect.  But, I was happy to be welcomed in by such an amazing group of girls with the same hopes and ambitions as any other young girl I’ve met.  They love to laugh, play, sing, and dance.  They treat each other just as though they were family.  They are full of life and are polite and considerate as well as playful and adventurous.  They treat everyone with respect and make sure everyone feels included.  They truly are the most amazing group of young girls. 

I had the privilege of watching them perform their songs and dances (they are all incredibly talented), playing group games with them, and helping them with their homework.  Throughout my visit, I couldn't help but wonder what opportunities would not have been available to them if Nyumba Yanga had not been there to take over their care.  I’m so glad the Sisters were there to nurture these girls and allow them to grow into beautiful young women and that Home of Joy has been able to help support them.  I imagine that nothing can truly take the place of family but I think it’s fantastic that these girls have received the support they need and deserve.

Saying goodbye to Theresa on my last night at Nyumba Yanga!

 Nyumba Yanga was full of sisterly love.  The Sisters were so good with the girls, providing them with caring guidance and the girls treated each other as if they were siblings.  Their home was a place made for song and dance, young minds learning and growing, and finding love and acceptance.  Having just finished building houses in an impoverished community before visiting, I could very well imagine the lives these girls might have had if Nyumba Yanga hadn’t been them for them.  These beautiful girls deserve everything that Nyumba Yanga provides for them and I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to meet them, learn from them, make connection and share moments with them, and see the impact that the Sisters and the Homes of Joy charity have made in these girls’ lives.  It was truly inspiring to be there and a great reminder of everyone’s ability to overcome obstacles and affect the lives of others around you. 

Gabriella