This boy changed my life forever. This was my first trip to Uganda where I met and fell in love with little Codrine. At just 2 years old he was depressed with no will to live. His mother had died at childbirth so he lived with his grandmother and her 7 other grandchildren in a dirt house the size of our bathrooms. He would sit on the dirt floor of his house tied to the bed all day eating every few days. He had stomach worms and of no surprise malnourished. My cousin had only taken him in a month before my family went and I was lucky enough to be a part of Codrine’s recovery. It was not long before Codrine was chatting up a storm and showing everyone his beautiful smile. This is a moment my mother snapped of Codrine learning to kiss! I was lucky enough be the first recipient! Although my cousin is his foster mother, he became like a son to me. He slept with me every nighttime and he would run to me when he was sad. He’s always so difficult to leave when I have to come home to Winnipeg. I think of him everyday. Codrine is 6 now and such an amazing kid. Despite his tragic past, he is the happiest, kindest, and most thoughtful child I have ever known. I am an adult and for the last 4 years I have been so lucky to know him, he has inspired me to be grateful and foster happiness no matter what. Aunty Brianne loves you so much Cody.

Spread Love. This trip was almost two years go but everything that I experienced and everyone that I met still inspires me today. One of my favourite memories was visiting this orphanage in Swaziland. We all pooled together our money to buy the children fresh fruit and vegetables as these children’s diets mainly consist of maize and beans. We also donated our clothes and brought toys. Seeing the joy that this brought to all of them is something I will never forget. I can’t wait to do something like this again!