Many a times emails go around in which there is a desperate cry for help. While many of these are nothing more than spam which are quickly moved to the bin and forgotten, there was however one that grabbed the attention of one of our iLead co-workers. What quickly ensued was a mission to purchase a few much needed items and a trip to Rustenburg, a mining city located in the North West Province of South Africa.

The entrance at the Môrester Shelter is colourful and pleasant, and right next to a bright yellow star there is a message written: “Let all the children come to me”. This is the feeling you get when you walk in at the gate. While we visited Môrester late Saturday afternoon the older children were playing outside. They are quick to notice visitors and while at first a little shy, it doesn’t take long before they warm up to you. Standing in the middle of all the action was the daughter of the shelter’s matron, Antonette Christian, who came forward to greet us. With her friendly and welcoming demeanour she led us on a little tour through the shelter.

The house is very neat, especially if you consider that there are over 30 children staying here, and there are photos and quotes from the Bible everywhere you look. The house is as colourful, bright and happy as the children’s personalities and the various age groups share a room. The older girls’ room is adorned with Bratz and flowers, while the older boys’ room is blue. The group of adorable 1 – 2 year olds were already dressed in their pyjamas and running around in the living room. Finally we were taken to the babies’ room. There are currently 15 babies up to the age of 12months. During the course of last week Môrester also welcomed a new baby boy who was brought to the shelter when he was only 4 hours old.

After we had signed the registry we were getting ready to head back home, but not before our camera worked its way through the little hands that were so eager to take photos. The results may have been a bit blurry, but the excitement was enduring. Saying goodbye was tough though, but upon leaving the Môrester Shelter you realise that these children who were once abandoned are now blessed with more than just a shelter, but that they have been given a second chance at life in this loving home.