Holding Untoo: Lessons from a South African orphanage

by Anne Marie Cox | January 25, 2025

I confess I was nervous about going to an orphanage for children ages two and younger in South Africa. I didn’t know what to expect. But I decided to go because if there was a baby that needed to feel the love and security that comes from cuddling, holding, and whispering sweet things, I’d be there for him or her.

I was pleasantly surprised at all of the brightly colored toys and friendly environment, the many helpers there, and the strong commitment of Sondra, the leader. This is the only orphanage for babies 0-2 years old in the province and there are only two others in the country. Parents bring babies there when they can’t take care of the children for whatever reason. And there are some children there who will need significant care.

I wandered around a bit, then went to sit down by two boys, each one wanted a particular teething toy. One would take it, then the other would grab it. A caregiver took one of the boys away and the other looked up at me. I carefully picked him up and put him on my knee, softly singing “You are my sunshine” just as I did for my own children. Tears rolled down my face. His name was Untoo and he just turned 1 year old. Hugging and holding young children is critical to their development of a sense of safety and security. He played with a teething toy, my name badge and what every young child reaches for: my glasses.

Sondra is trying to establish a connection with an international adoption agency to help some of the kids.

She said she worried about the kids, especially the ones who had to leave after they turned two to go to another orphanage. One night, she dreamed she was putting together a picture, like a puzzle, and there were too many pieces. She felt God was telling her she was only responsible for making the frame, he would find people to put the rest of the picture together. So she works on setting up a frame for the kids with good nutrition, good habits, good health are, etc. and leaves the rest up to God. She still worries, but not as much as before. 

How often do we worry about things out of our control? 

Untoo’s little head got heavier and he rested it on my chest. The teething toy fell and as I listened to Sondra share her story, baby Untoo slept in my arms. Such a beautiful child.

There was a lot of love shared in that play yard this morning. Dr. Jim Blessman, of Blessman International, says there are many mission groups that go to the orphanage to love the children as we did today. 

May God’s grace be upon each of the children and caregivers at that orphanage and every childcare place. May they feel God’s loving embrace through those who care for the littlest among us.