The Memorandum in My Hand

A Trip With Purpose

In May 2019, Sharon Kenny and I travelled to Lesotho to spend time with Chris and Sheila, to see the progress on the ground, and to help move things forward legally.

The first two houses were finished. The site was ready. The vision was clear. But before any children could move in, one crucial step remained. We needed a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Social Development in Lesotho.

From the very beginning, we have wanted to work in partnership with the authorities. The Department of Social Development had been supportive from the idea stage through land allocation and site development. Esther, the legal secretary, and Mr. Horoto, the head of the department in Butha Buthe, had both been incredibly helpful. There had been months of emails, draft documents, revisions, and discussions between Ireland and Lesotho. Now it was time to get it over the line.

We have an agreement!

The Long Drive to Maseru

A meeting was scheduled at the Department of Social Development head office in Maseru to sign the MOU and formalise our partnership. Maseru is a long drive from Butha Buthe. Four to five hours on the road. I set off hopeful but aware that in Lesotho, plans can change quickly. About an hour outside Maseru, I received a call from the department. I was told I needed to have a witness with me to sign the document.

At that point, I was already several hours away from anyone I knew. Chris and Sheila were back in Butha Buthe. Friends in other districts were in the opposite direction. There was no easy solution.

A Phone Call at 10,000 Feet

In a moment of mild panic, I tried calling Grant Strugnell. Grant leads Pulane Children’s Centre and has been a trusted friend and support on this journey. He did not answer at first. Then he called back.

There was a lot of noise in the background. Engines. Wind. Grant was flying an airplane as he talked to me! He flies for Mission Aviation Fellowship and happened to be mid-flight. He was not in a position to drop everything and meet me in Maseru. Back to the drawing board. I messaged Patrice back in Ireland. Signal was patchy, but enough to explain the situation.

She contacted the solicitors in Lesotho who had helped us draft the MOU. Within a short time, they arranged for someone from their office to meet me and act as witness. It felt like a small miracle of coordination across countries.

Signing the Agreement

The meeting at head office went well. It was constructive, encouraging, and clear. We spoke about partnership, responsibility, and the future of the project. Then we signed. After nine months of discussions, emails, redrafting, and waiting, I walked out of that office with the Memorandum of Understanding in my hand.

I sat in the car for a moment and just looked at it. This document meant that everything was now in place legally. It meant that the Department of Social Development recognised our role. It meant that children could be formally and properly placed into our care.

There are moments on this journey that stand out. Standing on empty land for the first time. Watching walls go up. Now sitting in a car in Maseru holding a signed agreement that makes it possible for children to come home.