Friday, July 17th, 2015
Breakfast at 9:00 this morning after yesterday's long and exciting day.
A woman, whom we met at the Greek Club, asked to bring over some articles made by Maasai women to help raise funds to sustain them. Everyone enjoyed making purchases and feeling that it was for a good purpose.
Next we rushed off to our home visitations. Some were joyful. For some there was hope. And for some it was just a matter of offering prayer and comfort.
Music is such a part of the lives of Tanzanians. They offer it joyfully at any point during the day. For me, it was interesting that a choir accompanied us on our visitations. Peoples faces, no matter their situation, light up in recognition of praise and prayer in the form of music.
The first person we prayed for was Pastor Doricus Kimbavala's newborn son, Innocent, who is less than two weeks old. Innocent is a beautiful, healthy baby boy. It was a joy to pray for him and to realize that this child holds the key to the future for the church, Tanzania and our world. There is always so much hope when you look at a new life!
Second visit was with an eleven year old boy named Faustin Sanga. He is living his life in a wheelchair. Not only is he unable to use his legs, I noticed other motor skill problems, such as the use of his hands and holding his head up. He brightened up when we all sang with the choir. His mother said he was handicapped at 9 months after an illness. We prayed with him that he may discover God's plan for him and know that he will always be able to have a positive place in the lives of others. His mother wanted help in getting him to Dodoma for some physical therapy. Dodoma is 100 miles from here. Sounds like some help with problem solving might also be in order.
Third visit was with Witness Nyongole, a thirty-three year old woman who has been handicapped from birth and can't talk. Again, Witness really responded to the choir singing for her. There is a glow that came over her face! Hope our prayers and presence was felt. I believe she knew that people were there for her. It certainly makes you humble when you realize what some others deal with in their lives and also how it impacts their caretakers.
Fourth visit. We sang and prayed for Huruma Joseph who has AIDS and recently had a stroke. She sits in silence in her small home and needs constant care. She is a beautiful, very thin woman, perhaps in her thirties, with eyes that search and follow. Her young son Daniel is HIV positive.
Fifth visitation was a situation where physical comfort and prayers were all that was left. Immaculate Mwano is a woman in her eighties. We would have her in hospice for the physical comforts needed at the end of life. The Tanzanian version is, a woman laying in a small dark room, full of smells, relying of the kindnesses of neighbors to provide care. Betty and I gave her as much touch as the space and situation allowed. Her hands did clasp around us and her eyes were searching! I silently prayed for the wings of angles to wrap around her and carry her gently to heaven.
Sixth stop was to pray for Jocktan Magava, a 33 years old man who looked much younger. He was recently released from the hospital after 44 days. He is able to stand but not walk. His father wanted us to pray for his recovery. I do not think we were told the whole story about his medical condition for whatever reason. However, we were happy to sing and pray for Jocktan!
Seventh and last stop for the day. Anna Kisumbi, 48yrs old, mother of three. She was severely burned in an electrical fire in 2014. Her recovery has been long and although she is still bedridden, she can do some work from bed. I felt her spirit was strong and was amazed by her strength. She has a son who had books on advanced physics that he was studying. He is hoping for monetary help for University.
This opportunity was a particularly meaningful one for me and I would like to invite the members of Saint Mark's and everyone else to also say a prayer for these people.
Afternoon was spent on much needed personal time, marketing, laundry, journaling and a nap for the really lucky!
Bwana asifiwe, (Praise the Lord)
Bibi Mary Lillie
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