This past Sabbath, the weather was cooler, probably due to the heavy rainfalls that fell just a day or two before. Uncle Knowledge, Kuda Vana’s Assistant Administrator, decided that it would be a great day for a long walk to the dam wall.

Uncle Knowledge holds the hand of a youngster, preparing her for the steep but rewarding descent down to the dam wall.

The children agreed, and at 2pm, we walked out of the gate and to the usual resting spot: the knii tree. This segment of the walk is easy terrain, it’s flat and open and even the little ones can walk the distance on their own.

Eventually, we arrived at the knii tree. Typically, this is where most of the children ages 4 or 5 and below stay with the Mamas and play for a while before returning back to the home. Meanwhile, the older children would walk with Uncle Knowledge all the way down to the dam. The road to the dam is narrow and rocky. It’s easy to slip or twist your ankle if you lose your footing, so the little ones never make the trip.

This time, some of the Mamas expressed their desire to visit the dam wall. “We would like to go, but we have to stay with the little ones,” they said. “Bring the little ones and come,” said Uncle Knowledge. “If they need help, we can help them.”

One of Kuda Vana’s caregivers, Mama Tsitsi, enjoys the cool water after the long walk to the dam with several of her charges

So off we went, this time with older and younger children alike. The little ones were so excited for a new journey.

At first, the road was similar to the one before, flat and open. Soon, we came to the area where the rockiness began. The older children had waited for some of the little ones to catch up. Then, they took the hands of the younger children, and began to slowly guide them down the path.

It was beautiful to watch, really. The older children would walk on the more treacherous parts of the path through rocks and thorns, while allowing the little ones to take the easier side. Sometimes, when it just got too rough, they would scoop the younger child into their arms until it was safe enough for them to walk. Inevitably, the little ones slipped occasionally or had a hard time finding their footing, but above the sounds of feet hitting the sand, you could hear whispers of encouragement, “Good job, yes! Keep going, you’re doing great.”

Eventually, we all made it to the dam wall. The little ones were wide eyed and excited. The wind was cooling, and with the guidance of the Mamas, they were able to walk on top of the wall and look out across the water.

Kuda Vana’s youngest family members enjoy a rare trip the dam, relishing in the refreshing breezes and views.

When it was time to begin the hike back through the mountain and over the hills, some of the youngest kids were scooped up and placed on the shoulders of Mamas and older siblings, who then carried them through the steep, rocky parts. Most of the little children were so tired from the hike down that they could barely lift their feet to walk back. Again, the hands of the little ones found those of the older children, and everyone began to make the long trip back.

It was easy to see Jesus in the older children and Mamas that day. Not only were they sacrificing their strength for the little children, they were also patient, willing, and kind. We are blessed to be raising children who exemplify Christ in everyday occurrences.

“And in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way that you went until you came to this place.” Deuteronomy 1:31

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