Lily

Sheba met her this morning.

At the age of 9 this girl has experienced more than most will in a life time.

Her mother was a prostitute. She was living with another woman who was also in the 'trade.' As a baby her mother abandoned little Lilly (not her real name of course) and went to live a man.

The other woman has since stopped being a prostitute. A large fat woman - she brought Lily into our clinic today. This woman is now working to help women like her leave the misery of prostitution.

She still lives in the area though. Her house is used as a church too. She has put her faith in Jesus and is also fostering 2 other kids.

Lily is not fat. She is very thin. She has been falling ill repeatedly. She has come for an HIV test.

Besides the virus - which we suspect has been in her body since she was born - Lily has also experienced other corrosive things. People in the area know that her mother left her. They callously keep reminding her about it.

How much longer will Lily live? Its an open question. We hope to start her on treatment soon.

Her foster-mother is a remarkable lady. There is hope. Lily is a brave girl. But it is hard.

That's why we are here. Meeting little girls like Lily are well worth a Saturday morning.