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.
