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DUE TO THE GRAPHIC DEPICTION OF MALNUTRITION AND DISEASE, PLEASE READ THIS BLOG WITH CAUTION AND RESPECT TO THE IMAGE THAT FOLLOWS. (this is a repost as I have changed the picture from the original posting)

I have been sitting here for a while now, debating about what I would write for this blog. I have had an interesting few days and I have been a little focused on self. And thats ok sometimes. But today marks a new phase in this mission to Tanzania. I initially came here to Africa to offer myself as a missionary. My loyalties were to God, Organization X, Cradle of Love, and then everyone and everything else. Now, my loyalties are so different. Today, I am reminded of what the mission can be and what it should be. And as I am quickly approaching the half-way mark on my time here in Tanzania, I want my blogs to reflect the mission. Sometimes they will be funny. Sometimes serious. But always honoring the only thing that comes after God and before EVERYTHING else... and that loyalty is the one I hold with our babies here at Cradle of Love.

Some of the other volunteers and I made a decision a long time ago to never show pictures that would terrorize, exploit, belittle, objectify, or dishonor a child in any way. Furthermore, we decided that any image that only elevated our needs and aggrandize our situation, but did not serve the children any purpose, would also been inappropriate to post. So it is with MUCH consideration and review of that pact we all made regarding published images, that I share with you the picture below. (Image has been changed since original post was published-- as this is less graphic and in keeping with my original commitment of photo sharing).

Her name is Penda (its actually Pendo. I made a type before!)- and that means love. Her full story can be found on the Cradle of Love website where you will find this same picture. I am still unsure how long I will keep this photo up or if I will delete it altogether. My heart is conflicted. She is a 2 year old child who has a name, a family, and hopefully the chance for a future. And I don't want her to be a statistic for my blog. I want her to have the opportunity to fight.

But this, right here, is the mission. Thank you to everyone who supports us at Cradle of Love. Your support allows us to not worry about where we are going to get our next box of wipes and nappy rash cream. But instead, we can rely on you to take care of those needs, and allow us to work on the needs most critical. Like Penda. Your prayers and support are not going to help a nameless child. You are helping THIS child right here.

~Shae

UPDATE ON PENDO: Our nurse made the decision to insert a feeding tube to best get nutrition into this sick little girl. We are only putting infant formula and warm water into her now as not to shock her delicate system, but to get her organs functioning properly. When her body starts adjusting to the nutrition, we will then add vitamin drops and higher caloric liquids. We are battling time. But its worth the fight!!