You may not be the only one to do a double take when you see Crystal and compare her to pictures taken a year ago. Crystal has transformed in recent times. Everything apart from her hair seems to have grown! A growth spurt and a tidier, refined look is what Crystal now brings to the table. However, appearances can be deceiving.

There are two sides to every character. This is true of Crystal! One moment Crystal is quiet and contemplative. She hangs on the fringes of the Camp Danielle infant playground observing her peers. Crystal bites her lip in contemplation. Her face displays a world-weary air, coupled with a “been there, done that” attitude. She heads from the infant playground and slowly ambles along the nearby boardwalk.

Suddenly she hears something in the middle distance and her eyes light up. The other side of her character now bursts out, fast-footed and care-free. Crystal can’t help herself; she has a keen curiosity and plenty of youthful energy to burn. Quick as a flash she is on the move. We happily accept the challenge to provide her with plenty of stimulation and fresh excitement.

Crystal’s caregivers are busy filling a bucket of water and Crystal decides to take charge of the situation. Splashing water on her face, she grabs some young leaves and chews on them as she perches herself on the side of the bucket. Her free hand grasps the tap handle. What a sight she makes! She is like a shepherd watching over her flock. Water spills over the bucket edge and eventually someone has to relieve Crystal of her self-appointed duty.

With a new spring in her step, Crystal returns to the playground and jumps on the rope net and promptly sinks through one of the net holes. She has grown but she isn’t that big! She isn’t hurt. She brushes this off and acts as though nothing has happened. The refined side of her character takes over. She uses a tyre to prop herself up, vowing not to make the same mistake again. This is all-good practice for when she is atop the forest canopy.

At the moment Crystal has a new friend to share an enclosure with, a new arrival at Camp Danielle called Vida. She is readily taking on the big sister role for Vida. Crystal is fiercely loyal to her playmates and her caregivers, to the point that she only wants Ibu Eteng to carry her from one place to another!  And nobody else! Crystal still has a long way to go. With your help, we’ll be with her every step of the way.

Click here to download Crystal’s February 2022 Foster Update