Mollen, Monalisa, and Moreblessing are sisters and they live in a childrens home in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. They are about 6, 4, and 2 years old. I fell in love with all 3 of these girls when I spent a few days at Kayelehle Children's home where they live. They were noisy, affectionate, smart, and full of energy. Mollen loved to play with my hair, teach me clapping games, and have piggyback rides. Monalisa gigled all the time, and repeated things I said to her. She started to learn English words very quickly! More (short for Moreblessing), was a lot like Monalisa, giggling and giving me hugs.
It was only after I got to know the 3 sisters that I found out about their past.
Shortly after More was born, their mother died of AIDS, and their father abandoned then in the apartment they lived in. For the next few months, Mollen, then only 3 or 4 years old, somehow managed to keep Monalisa and More alive, finding food for them, caring for the baby. She must have grown up very, very fast. Eventually, neighbours became aware of their plight, and reported their case to their police. They were then taken to the orphanage.
At first, Mollen was extremely over protective of her little siblings, but she somehow was able to relax and become a happy child again.
All 3 girls are surprisingly well-adjusted , considering what they've lived through.
They wear raggedy clothes, eat just 2 simple meals a day, and own no possesions of their own, but in their country, they are blessed to have nesseceties such as shelter and food. They are full of joy, always playing and smiling!