It is truly hard to describe the depth of feeling I experienced on my recent visit to South Africa and the projects of Sister Mary’s Children. This was my second visit to South Africa and Mthatha. The first time was in 2006 when I traveled with my dad to visit my aunt, Sister Mary Paule Tacke, to get a sense of her life and purpose there. It got in my heart and stayed there. When the opportunity to travel as one of the  liaisons between SMC  and the projects it supports came, I knew I needed to go. I was being called back and could not deny it.
Visiting the projects SMC supports gave me a clear view of the strong commitment that each director has for caring for the children and young adults they serve. These three incredible women are  the strong base of each organization: Rose at Bethany Home of Safety, Pumeza at Thembelihle Home, and Sister Cecilia  at IkhweziLokusa Vocational School. Each of these women have different gifts but share in common the overwhelming goal to make the children and young adults lives better. 
Rose has improved the facility immensely at Bethany and has put practices in place that keep it running smoothly.  Visiting the classrooms shows that the children are taught basic numbers and language skills by teachers who make it fun and show the children they care about them. The babies are carefully and lovingly tended by well trained staff. The staff is taught to deal with children who have experienced trauma and there is also support for the staff’s mental health as they deal with the trauma themselves. It was such a joy to sing along in the classroom and give high fives and fist bumps to these beautiful little people. Laying on the floor and playing with the infants as they smile and coo is always a favorite time for me.
Pumeza at Thembelihle is a warm and beloved figure who doesn’t have a problem dancing and singing with the children while making sure they are respectful of each other. She has built a staff that feels like a family, and it is evident that all staff members care deeply about these children who may be healing from trauma. My heart was already full after the children had sung songs and danced traditional Xhosa dances for the visitors from Sister Mary’s Children. My heart was filled to bursting after one boy got me a chair, and when I sat all the kids gathered around to check out if this visitor who was so much paler than them was for real. Although we had a bit of a language barrier, we got to know each other by gestures and laughter. It made me so happy when later as we went to play soccer in a field across the street a few of the kids wanted to hold my hand as we crossed the street.
Sister Cecilia is a quiet humble woman whose care and concern for the young adults in the rehabilitation program is palpable. Visiting the different trainings, sewing, leather works, and crafts, is inspiring as these folks who may have physical or cognitive disabilities are taught a skill that could help them get a job later. They can then contribute to their families when they graduate from the program. Seeing the results of what they are learning was impressive also. They made beautiful clothes, belts, and beadwork, among other things that can be sold to make them contributing members of their household. It was a great joy to join the craft group as they sang their beautiful morning prayer. 
 This visit showed me why Sister Mary Paule loved these people and worked so hard to help them in any way she could, especially the little people. Over the years many people saw and heard what she did and contributed by sending money and encouragement. Sister Mary’s Children carries on that tradition in her memory to honor her, but also to honor those who have faithfully given money and time over the years. It truly has made many lives better.  These programs are always short of funds and contributions to SMC directly impact the lives of these young ones who have a struggle in life through no fault of their own. If you are interested in knowing more about SMC, seeing more photos from my visit, or making a donation , please find us in the following places:  
Website: www.sistermaryschildren.org
Facebook and Instagram:  @sistermaryschildren