Imagine a young boy, eleven years old, being the head of his household. He takes on the responsibility of father and mother for his three siblings, for both his parents have died as a result of HIV/AIDS. Imagine 70 child-headed homes, where children in the tender age of their lives suddenly find themselves in adult roles, because of the untimely death of their parents. Their childhood has been suspended indefinitely, suddenly snatched away as they are forced to assume parental responsibilities in caring for themselves and their siblings. Society frowns on these children, who had nothing to do with the calamity that has befallen them. Imagine children living as adults in a society that is insensitive to their needs and predicament. I do not have to imagine this scenario, for I witnessed it with my own eyes and I am mystified by it.

Sonnyboy is eleven years old. Until recently, he was a typical child in the township of Saselani, South Africa. He attended elementary school and had dreams of becoming a university graduate. Though living in poor circumstances, he enjoyed his childhood. He liked playing soccer and engaging in childhood games with his village friends. He was a cheerful and obedient boy, who loved his parents dearly and had a special bond with his three siblings. But Sonnyboy's life was drastically transformed when both his parents succumbed to HIV/AIDS.

Sonnyboy is now the head of his household. He must take care of the humble house his parents left him, find whatever food he can get to feed himself and his siblings, and take responsibility for the education of himself and his siblings. Every morning he gets up early to take the long walk to school with his siblings. They are smartly dressed in their school uniform, for Sonnyboy makes sure they are clean and presentable. No one can tell they are orphans by looking at them. No one can tell that they are walking to school that morning with empty stomachs, for they are not complaining.

But there is a flicker of hope for Sonnyboy and his siblings and several other orphans in the township thanks to the magnanimous efforts of Pastor and Mrs. Mawela, a Seventh-day Adventist pastor and his wife, who were instrumental in establishing the Nhlengelo project. Part of the mandate of Nhlengelo is the feeding of the orphans. At the conclusion of every school day, all 70 orphans converge at Nhlengelo Community Centre to have what in many cases is their only meal of the day. And what a sumptuous meal it is.

I was privileged one day to serve the meal to several of these children. You can see the glitter in their eyes when the meal is brought to them. They look you straight in the eye, bow their heads and bend their knees in an act of thankfulness. Then they gracefully move away with smiling faces to make room for the next person in line. After eating their meal, they find time to be children again, as they engage in friendly conversation and play games before leaving for home to resume their parental roles.

In North America, the land of opportunity and plenty, we take life for granted. We often neglect thanking God for our fortunate living, the blessings we receive daily as children and adults. But I just want to remind all of us that there are child-headed homes in Africa, where children have lost their childhood and are in desperate straits. We must have a global perspective of life, for we are indeed our brothers' keepers. Haven't you observed recently that our world is now a global village? Please remember the child-headed homes in Saselani and other townships of Africa. In your daily prayers, send up a petition on their behalf. These children deserve our help and support. It wouldn't take much to make a difference in their lives.