Home Based Care Visits : by Marg Bowra with a contribution by Ruth Lynn Hamilton
April 30, 2009
April 30, 2009
Today we were warmly welcomed at Faith Trust, a Community Based Organization (CBO) where we were entertained by about twenty women dancers.
Several began painting the office in the new child care centre. Libby worked with local women to cook our lunch. Kristin and Chuck assisted with the sanitation program while Ruth Lynn and Gordon walked with Roderick about 1 ½ miles on a rocky path to participate in a home care visit. (**See Ruth Lynn’s contribution at the end of my blog)
Sandy from Dignitas drove Bev and me with Mary to conduct 4 home visits. Each patient met us on their shaded porch along with a care giver and several curious children. It is impossible to describe the emotions we felt as we observed each of these 4 very ill women who were so glad to see us arrive to provide medical aid and support. Patients seemed to appreciate that visitors showed concern for them which dispelled our fears that we were invading their privacy as they consulted with Mary and Sandy. The hugs we received from care givers and “high 5’s” from the children was heart wrenching as we left each of the homes of these women, three of whom were HIV positive and one ill with cancer.
Since May1st is a public holiday, our team is off to Lake Malawi for the weekend at Cape Mac Lodge for some R & R. No painting required!
**Ruth Lynn’s contribution
Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun. But apparently, Roderick, Gordon and I do as well. A very long hot walk through small villages and lush fields found us at the home of a dear woman struggling with TB and HIV/AIDS. I was touched by the circle of family and friends sustaining her, and holding it all together, gently and peacefully, is Roderick. He has lived it and he feels it and knows. Thank goodness for all the Rodericks in Malawi. God Bless You.
Several began painting the office in the new child care centre. Libby worked with local women to cook our lunch. Kristin and Chuck assisted with the sanitation program while Ruth Lynn and Gordon walked with Roderick about 1 ½ miles on a rocky path to participate in a home care visit. (**See Ruth Lynn’s contribution at the end of my blog)
Sandy from Dignitas drove Bev and me with Mary to conduct 4 home visits. Each patient met us on their shaded porch along with a care giver and several curious children. It is impossible to describe the emotions we felt as we observed each of these 4 very ill women who were so glad to see us arrive to provide medical aid and support. Patients seemed to appreciate that visitors showed concern for them which dispelled our fears that we were invading their privacy as they consulted with Mary and Sandy. The hugs we received from care givers and “high 5’s” from the children was heart wrenching as we left each of the homes of these women, three of whom were HIV positive and one ill with cancer.
Since May1st is a public holiday, our team is off to Lake Malawi for the weekend at Cape Mac Lodge for some R & R. No painting required!
**Ruth Lynn’s contribution
Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun. But apparently, Roderick, Gordon and I do as well. A very long hot walk through small villages and lush fields found us at the home of a dear woman struggling with TB and HIV/AIDS. I was touched by the circle of family and friends sustaining her, and holding it all together, gently and peacefully, is Roderick. He has lived it and he feels it and knows. Thank goodness for all the Rodericks in Malawi. God Bless You.
5 comments:
End of week one. Somehow I think the experiences you have already enjoyed would consume all of week two in the telling. Keep going, enjoy, we look forward to the stories. Tell Linda you are all booked for June 2 to speak!!
Way to go, Ruth Lynn! I walked around the villages served by Faith Trust, too (group 1). Isn't it amazing to suddenly realize that you're actually there, walking in the fields in Africa, going to make house calls to incredibly courageous people, who welcome you so warmly!
Widit.
It must be the most gratifying feeling to actually connect physically and emotionally with the villagers; a symbiotic relationship of hope and appreciation. I'm proud that my sister and friends are making a difference!
May cooling breezes always surround you.
Love and admiration from a distance
Sandi
We are reading about your heartwarming experiences with great interest. Your group seems to make a difference wherever you go. The memory of your helping hands and love will be staying with those villagers and in turn their thankfulness will remain with you.
We need to thank all of you for your commitment.
Marg and Bev you will have to book some days for Trenton to share some of your stories and inspire more groups to help make a difference.
Ruth-Lynn it's so exciting, and not surprising, to see you literally getting down and dirty in Africa! How awesome it must be for you and Neil to serve God in this way. You're definitely an inspiration. I pray that your experiences will strengthen and enrich your faith, as you encourage others (including me) to step out of their comfortable lives and become servants of Jesus.
Can't wait to see the photos and hear all the stories. Miss you!
May God keep you safe and may you be blessed as you continue to bless others.
Please know that you and Neil, your fellow travellers, and all your new African friends are in my prayers.
love Sue G.
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