Most of their ages are unknown. The deep crevices near their eyes and around their mouths are a permanent hideout for dirt. I imagine the tough things their deep brown eyes have seen throughout a lifetime. Women are dressed in brightly colored fabric which sarcastically mimic their spirits. Some casually pull their breast out of their shirt to stop an upset baby from crying. Children are outside pulling themselves up on the windowsill to peek through the broken windows, where the clinic is setup.
We traveled back to Chiwongom'be today to finally setup the clinic. When we arrived, people were lined up awaiting our arrival. The guys went to fetch clean water as we (the women) setup the clinic inside a cement building. We handed out pieces of paper with numbers on them: 1-20. This is the number of patients the nurse, Mwawi, would see today... just about half.
People had rashes, fungal infections, pain during intercourse, dimming eyesight, arthritis, body blisters and the list continues. There is no way that Mwawi could fully diagnose and treat each of these patients. She did the best she could and that has to be enough. It's all they have. MOH travels to this village once a month, so the rest will have to wait until then to be treated... if they get a number.
In the midst of the lack of medical attention, Malawians have good spirits. I wanted to play frisbee with the village children, but wasn't even able to ask them to play. So I went outside and simply tossed the frisbee to this child that had been staring at me. He caught it, threw it back, and the rest of the children got the point. Before you knew it, I was playing Frisbee Monkey in the Middle with the village children. Most others stood or sat watching and laughing.
I love showing Christ's love in tangible ways.
I ended up being in the monkey in the middle... almost the whole time. Advice of the day: don't determine a child's athletic ability based on the condition of their clothing :)
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Taco. Short for Takondwa. I stayed with this little boy's family in Matapila. He always came in room unexpectedly...so sweet
Kids at the water hole.
I took this picture at one of the feeding centers. They are more than likely orphans, there to get food.
This is Rosaline. She's about 2 months old and has a sweet twin brother named Chisomo.
Play day at the Crisis Nursery. We try to get the infants outside to enjoy the sun whenever we can.
These were just a few of the women waiting for us when we arrived in their village, Chiwangam'be. We bring them medical assistance once a month.
Mphatso is one of the orphans I like spending time with most. He tries to take care of other babies in the nursery by stroking their faces when they are upset. It is so sweet!
2 comments:
Hi Amy, it's Mary Carol. I just wanted to tell you that I think it's awesome what you're doing! The children are lucky to have you there. Hearing about Mwawi really makes you appreciate what you have in the U.S. We will keep you and all the people of Mwawi in our prayers!!!!
amy.
i love hearing about all your new experiences in africa. it so amazing hear the compassion you have for those in mwawi. i just want you to know i love you and wanted to wish you a very happy birthday!
all my love,
mackenzie
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