In January 2002, Bakhita Village opened with fourteen girls in residence. Last Sunday, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of that day. Many girls have called Bakhita Village home. They have been cared for by Sacred Heart Sisters in partnership with Bakhita Charities. Three of the original residents attended our gathering, along with other past and present “Bakhita” girls. They came together as a family, sharing tears, laughter, and history as only a family can. We opened the

Good friends dropped us off at the airport on January 16 and we, of course, were confident that this whole pile of bags would arrive in Johannesburg the same day that we arrived. We were so wrong. The two very large suitcases, bringing many lovely gifts to many lovely people, went to Amsterdam. After two days of phone calls, promises and much consternation, they arrived at our hotel in Johannesburg. What a relief! We spent the first few days in Johannesburg reconnecting with