Justina: A Treasure With Personality Plus!
by Rita Langeland
Justina's story is one of hope arising out of a pit of hopelessness and despair. Justina was born on July 15, 2006. Barely a month later, her mother died of AIDS on August 13. Her aunt began taking care of her but she was also sick, having been diagnosed as HIV positive, and not strong enough to care for Justina. The village elders wrote a letter on behalf of her father, asking for assistance to care for Justina because he was not able to care for her. He too was HIV positive. Her young life was surrounded by sickness and death.
Justina was brought to Treasures of Africa Children's Home on August 10, 2007. Although she was more than a year old, she was not able to walk or even crawl. She was very small and underdeveloped. It seemed quite evident that she had lacked basic interaction and stimulation from her parental figures that help bring about normal child development in the areas of crawling, standing and walking.
Justina’s transition to TOA was quite difficult. She seemed very fearful and did not go easily to any of the American staff. But our staff of Tanzanian "mamas” poured loved and attention upon her to help ease her transition time. Within a few months Justina began to crawl and in January 2008, at the age of 18 months, she started walking. Now she is unstoppable, running everywhere and climbing all over the playground equipment!
Not only has she totally caught up in terms of physical development, her personality has absolutely blossomed. She could easily be called "Miss Personality" as she has become one of the most charming children you could ever meet - thoroughly enjoying interactions with people and smiling so easily. The fear she came with has vanished. She is also very smart and is doing quite well in our pre-school program.
Justina has found the love and comfort she needs here at Treasures of Africa Children’s Home. Out of a pit of hopelessness has come a shining ray of hope for the future - and her name is Justina!
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