Robin’s Nest - A Home Away From Home
It has been truly frustrating to have so many kids who need medical care, the hospitals willing to provide services and yet not enough host families so we can arrange their surgery. Thanks to the heart of a very special lady, we have been able to open a house for children and a parent.
The house is a 7 bedroom home in Santa Clarita. The first thing visitors notice is the “atmosphere” in the house. Parents and children arrive scared and tired but quickly sense they are in excellent hands. The house mother is the first to welcome the new family and the experienced families are right behind her. Those in the house quickly become family with each other, whether they speak the same language or not.
Meals are a special event that those of us on the outside sometimes get to share with those inside. It is wonderful to witness the moms fixing their child’s favorite dish as well as cooking their best dishes for the others. The big meal is usually early afternoon around the dining room table, with lots of laughter and discussions with hand gestures and struggles to understand. Somehow, magic happens and everyone is on the same page.
One of the most wonderful things that happen at the house is the prayers and encouragement that each mom gives to the next mom. We usually place kids who are facing greater challenges at the house, so families have reasons to be very concerned. If you ever feel like you need to watch a miracle, just spend some time at the house.
It is both sad and happy when the child has had his surgery and has been released to return home to their homeland. It is hard for mother and child to leave Robin’s Nest and it is hard for all to say goodbye. Yet, Mending Kids is proud of the loving care given to each and sends them home with the knowledge that one more life has been saved.
