Little Shadreck has now been in the home for two years and just turned 8.   He arrived extremely malnourished.   Standing about mid thigh to an average adult, he looks as though he is only about three.   When he first arrived his belly was so large that he could barely hold himself upright.  Little by little he has gained strength and tries to keep up with the other boys when they walk to school and when they play soccer.  

He is the biological brother of Melody, who had always been his caretaker.  After Melody’s placement in our home, we worked diligently to receive Shadreck into our home as well, as he was without anyone to care for him.  When he first arrived, Melody would often steal food or keep part of her meal for him the way she had done since he was an infant.  Now both children are thriving and don’t feel the need to worry about their next meal.

He is an incredibly resilient child with a joyful disposition.  When home he jumps up and down singing at full volume and dancing around the room.  The swim trunks that he was given have not come off of him except when he bathes.  He is learning to swim with the other children and attends 1^st grade at a local community school.  He giggles all the time and is eager to learn.  He often says, “ndefwaya ukusambiliya”  - today I want to learn.  He will stand for hours in front of the map of the world that hangs in the living room trying to memorize different countries’ names.  He also helps Mwape memorize her colors.  An eager helper, he is often found sweeping the floors, though he brings in more dirt than he sweeps out…

Shadreck has recently taken it upon himself to keep Mwape and Alick on track. He tirelessly instructs them how to be polite and behave. After every meal he says, “natotela (thank you)” and will remind the other two to say the same. He has been a joy to have around and a great little helper.