I want to introduce you to a very special family—the Thengezas. The oldest girl in the bright pink shirt is Marita. She’s twenty-six and takes care of all her siblings through temp jobs, washing clothes, and cleaning houses. She is doing everything she can, but she simply cannot provide enough for all eight siblings on her own. To say their housing situation is inadequate is an understatement. Snoden met them when the whole family walked to the HUGS for Tomorrow campus—a fifteen-minute drive—because we have a reputation for being that place that helps widows and orphans. I’m so proud of all of you for helping us shine a bright light in a dark world. They came humbly asking for our help, and I know your hearts will respond generously.
There are eight siblings whose father left a couple of years ago when their mother was pregnant with twins—babies eight and nine. Only one of those babies survived. The other one died along with the mother during childbirth. Snoden is with all eight children in front of their house in this photo and in this short video.
Marita did not come begging, but asked for work. She offered her own services as well as those of her siblings. She believes it’s her responsibility to support her brothers and sisters, but we want to help feed and educate as many as possible instead of expecting them all to be day laborers before they’ve even learned to read and write. They’re asking for food, but we want to offer them more than that, and we need your help.
I asked Snoden to visit their house and to assess what we can and should do for them. He reported that they urgently need a new roof, a door, clothes, and food. I asked where they sleep, knowing the answer would be on the floor. He confirmed that they all sleep on a dirt floor. We also want to buy them some mats to sleep on and maybe even some blankets and mosquito nets to keep them warm and malaria-free. Normally, I would post a video to DonorSee, but since they’re closing, I’m counting on you directly to help with projects like this. We can change the trajectory of this entire family for $3,000. Any small amount towards this goal will help.
You can donate on our website donation page. We also have a HUGS for Tomorrow PayPal and Venmo account. And we still process old-fashioned checks. If you can help with this particular project, you will change the lives of eight children. I’ll create a follow-up post when it’s funded to show you how you’ve helped the Thengezas. Thank you for your support and for your flexibility as we transition into a new phase of our HUGS for Tomorrow ministry. God bless you for your support!
