SOLDIER

Chapter 4 - The Paradigm shift 1

Serving Hands International was lit up and the delightful music of the Muyiwa Octet band filled the garden. Fairy lights were strung up all around the lawn and flowers carpeted the entrance to the orphanage. The murmuring of the bustling guests cast a cheerful mood on the anniversary celebration.

The orphanage had crossed yet another successful year and, this year, the anniversary was a grand affair because of the massive inflow of donations they had received from their international donors. Priscilla had christened it as her 'Dream Ride Vision'.

As people started to settle in their seats, Priscilla took the stage. Her face shining with excitement, she thanked her audience - partners, board members and sponsors - for coming from far and near to attend the celebration. Thanking them for their emotional and financial support, she expressed her joy in their partnership with Serving Hands.

She also thanked the special guests who had reached out to their home for future adoption. Among the crowd were Arjun and Prisha.

"Today is an opportunity for us to all recollect the years gone by and look forward to the years ahead. The past few years have seen us make phenomenal progress as a home for happy children. We have gotten immense support from many people and our time with them can be remembered as a kaleidoscope of happy memories, strong friendships and enduring relationships," she said.

She continued, "Of course, there have also been paths that tripped us up and were more difficult to traverse. Despite the stumbling blocks, we have traveled through yet another year together -- supportive, encouraging and enduring. I take this opportunity to thank you for a fantastic year gone by as we turn expectantly to what lies ahead."

"Let me conclude by asking you to picture the life of a child, anywhere in this world, who has been deprived of a parent's loving care and protection for whatever reason, be it sickness, poverty, or death," she added. "That child will never grow up knowing what love is. Wanting to be love and be loved, the young one may end up involved in something dangerous, even criminal, that is if they survive."

"In this child and many like him, Serving Hands Int'l found its purpose. Our orphanage is not just a house, but also a home. We have striven to make sure that the environment they were exposed to has been positive so that they grow in a family's love and support.

Our generous donors have ensured the continuous education of our wards till the time they were adopted into a family. Even if they stayed on, our children are trained in the skills to be employed and save others who had unfortunate roots likes theirs."

"Ladies and gentlemen, every child's life is a story and today, I challenge you to do more than just read the written story and to write your own. Thank you!"

Her audience clapped resoundingly and, beaming, Priscilla stepped off the stage and took her seat at one of the bedecked tables.

x-x

A few days after the anniversary celebration, Daniel is told that an Indian couple had come forward to adopt him. The adoption process was underway and Daniel had a few days before he would have to depart to his new home in another country.

His arm around Gbenga's shoulders, he watched as the raindrops hit the dry, cracked earth. It had been a particularly hot season and the falling rain was a relief for the residents of the orphanage, who had been choked by the ever-present, choking dust. Wondering what the weather would be like in his new home, Daniel thought back to his discussion with Priscilla the day after the celebration.

"I am going to miss Aunty P and Nana. I'll also miss my wrestling partner," he said morosely, ruffling Gbenga's hair. Gbenga, a sworn non-hugger, couldn't help himself from hugging his best friend and partner in crime.