Last Wednesday we had the opportunity to accompany Tshilidzi Masikhwa, a TVEP Senior Legal Officer, to the new 2 room home HFL was able to build for Freda, a victim of domestic abuse. She and her 7 children are all currently living in a 1 room dirt floor, unfinished home belonging to Freda's brother. The circumstances are difficult, bear with us as we share Freda's story. In 2006 Freda approached TVEP seeking assistance in breaking away from her violent and abusive husband. Prior to this she had managed to flee with her children and go into hiding. Her husband eventually tracked her down and forcefully dragged her back where he physically beat and repeatedly raped her. While cleaning the house she found medical records confirming him as HIV+. Subsequently tests confirmed Freda was HIV+ as well. At this point his violence escalated to also include the children. TVEP tried to advocate on her behalf many times. Because her husband had friends occupying senior positions in government departments, her protection order was rescinded. Alone, frightened and aware that the justice department, SAPS, and the local police department were unwilling to assist her, she turned once again to TVEP. Recognizing that there were few alternatives, Mesikhwa and TVEP decided they must raise capital for a new home for Freda and her children. They submitted a proposal to HFL and we were able to fund materials and building of the dwelling. Unfortunately, we did not have the funds to furnish her new home. However, we are happy to announce the home will be completed within two weeks, thanks to the generous donations from HFL's supporters. This is your money at work, Friends! Be proud of yourselves...pictures are attached.
Most likely this is the last opportunity we'll have to blog from South Africa, but we have so much more to share with you: the trauma center we visited, the community garden, the straw roofed rondaval that needs replacing due to chronic and severe asthma of a VMS student and his mother. We leave South Africa on Monday arriving at BDL on Tuesday. We'll continue our story with pictures next week.
Saying goodbye to everyone we've met is exceedingly difficult although we look forward to seeing our family and friends back home.
Thank you to Jo Ann for her amazing photography and computer expertise and to Nancy for her chronicling. See you in the States!
