“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
South Africa (11 September 2022) – This last week, a little boy named Blessing went home. He had been in the Durban North Baby Home for 2,217 days – just over six years – before leaving for his “forever home” with his new adoptive parents.
Blessing’s first home was the family home of the Teunissen family, whose mom, Jo Teunissen, runs the Durban North Baby Home, a sanctuary of love and care for abandoned and orphaned babies.
Now when I think of Jo Teunissen, two things come to mind: The first is this quote from Mother Theresa, which is emblazoned all over the Baby Home and permanently inked on Jo’s arm: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
The second is Jo’s infectious energy, as she loves and advocates for every baby (and indeed, every vulnerable mother) that crosses her path.
Be warned: If you are even thinking about getting involved in this type of work, you need only glance in Jo’s general direction, and before you know it, you will be part of this incredible story of hope that Jo is telling through her life.
Blessing’s story is a testimony to Jo’s dedication to all the babies in her care. With a very complex life story, Blessing watched baby after baby leaving the Baby Home with their new family. He would often ask Jo and the team when he would get a family of his own, and although there are never any guarantees in this often-gut-wrenching space of childcare in our country, Jo never lost hope, and she never stopped pushing and working for Blessing’s adoption.
And one day, they came and just like that, Blessing had his family. 6 years of being his mom and suddenly, Blessing walked away from Jo and her family and the Baby Home carers to begin the new life he had dreamt of for so long.
You see, this is what it looks like when someone is operating in the sweet spot of their life. A day such as Blessing’s adoption day will be full of tears and very sore hearts. But the joy will override all of it. Because finally, the work is not about Jo or anyone for that matter. The work is about every little Blessing that comes to the Durban North Baby Home and then leaves for their new life.
I couldn’t recommend a glance in Jo Teunissen’s direction highly enough. Your life will never be the same again. Contact her on jo@peaceagency.org.za or 082 773 0781.
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