Ester, an only child, was in the care of her grandmother after her parents died of a fatal illness. The grandmother was caring for a total of fourteen children. There were many times when Ester had only one meal a day. She came to Rafiki Village Malawi, March 2007, very malnourished. In the first four months she gained eight pounds and grew four inches. She grew out of her clothes quickly and became a healthy child before our eyes. Ester also quickly adapted to her new home and bonded with her Rafiki Mother and siblings. Ester enjoyed competing against other secondary school students in an Academic Challenge last term and was on the winning team. Their reward was a day trip to Vwaza Marsh Game Preserve where she saw elephants and hippos! She is an obedient, quiet student, and she is learning to speak up if she has ideas to share.