A dozen babies lie slumbering in their cribs in the Baby Home at Open Arms Village. As one fusses in his sleep, a kind-faced woman places her hand on his chest and hums softly until he quiets. They are loved, and they are safe. But it wasn't always this way.
Today, we want you to meet Angeline, Head Auntie at Open Arms Baby Home! The aunties have a unique opportunity. They are on the front lines at the Village, welcoming infants from traumatic situations and helping them learn to feel safe. They love each one deeply, and their love gives our babies a healthy foundation to grow and thrive!
We asked Angeline what a typical day in the Baby Home looks like:
7:00 a.m. - Angeline arrives and the babies wake up. The aunties bathe each one and feed them a nutritious breakfast.
9:00 a.m. - Play time! This is an important time for the babies to bond with their aunties and learn to form healthy attachments while having fun. Play also helps them grow developmentally, emotionally, and socially.
10:00 a.m. - Time for a snack of porridge.
11:00 a.m. - Naptime! While the babies sleep, Angeline begins to prepare for lunch and frequently checks on the little ones.
1:00 p.m. - Time for a nutritious lunch.
2:00 p.m. - After cleaning up from lunch, the babies have more play time. Often they play outside or go for a walk. Angeline says this is her favorite time of day because she learns more about each individual baby - their personalities, likes and dislikes.
4:00 p.m. - Time for another snack - this time fruit.
6:00 p.m. - Dinner.
7:00 p.m. - Time for pajamas and bed! Angeline or one of the other aunties will tidy the house before sleeping in a nearby room to watch over the babies through the night.
Serving these babies is truly a calling. Angeline shared, “I know that we are mothers to these babies. I believe that God chose us to be here. We must take care of these babies so that they understand they are loved. From here, they can show the same love to others.”
Is God calling you to serve these babies too? Your support makes all of this possible - providing not only the tangible items they need but also the intangible gifts of love and attachment from an auntie like Angeline. Join us today!
Prayer Focus
Please pray for one of the aunties in our children's homes who recently lost her three-year-old daughter to leukemia.