50 Reasons to Run, Day 2: Flovia & Felix

In 2008, we engaged in a battle we did not initially set out to fight. What started as an isolated situation of creating a treatment center, a home of sorts, for two HIV+ orphans, gave birth to the dream of Living Room Ministries International and specifically, Kimbilio (Kiswahili for “refuge”) Hospice. These children’s emaciated bodies and desperate cries stirred our team with a compassion that would not be satisfied until it was put into action. Felix and Flovia were both started on a special formula and fed every two hours, day and night. Within days, they began to grow. Felix was a one year old who weighed a mere nine pounds. What a beautiful sound it was when he first laughed! To our great loss, after six weeks of treatment, Felix went into respiratory failure and passed away on June 1, 2008. His death left a void within all who had the privilege of caring for him. While we grieved Felix’s death, we celebrated Flovia’s life. At 2 ½ years old, Flovia learned to walk and to speak in two languages. With her playful and determined spirit, she captured hearts. After several months of intensive care, Flovia went to a near-by children’s home, where our team continues to monitor her progress. In 2012, Flovia graduated from kindergarten (pictured above right).