She is shy and cautions, but has gradually offered smiles and hugs. Today she gave me a drawing that said, "I love you Brandy. From Portia." (The kids call me "Teacher Brandy.") She is always helpful to her teacher, who has come to rely on her a fair amount in the classroom.
Xavier is HIV positive. When his mom found out, she gave him away. He now lives with the parents of another student and his future is very uncertain.
These children love to talk about their lives, to have someone be interested and wanting to listen. Learning about these little ones, seeing them smile and laugh in spite of situations I find shocking and disturbing, makes me feel so humble. You hear of stories like these every day. But to hold the child who is scared to sleep at home, or cuddle a little boy who wasn't wanted by his mother because he has HIV makes everything so very real. I can guarantee my heart will never forget these children.