In my last post I forgot to mention one of the most 'warm heart' moments of the day. After the admissions for the next day arrived, we asked the translators to prepare some patient activities. We have thread which we use to teach and make friendship bracelets with the patients, so on occasions we spend time bagging up thread of the right length and attaching safety pins etc. Well, this was an amazing sight. Within 5minutes of the new kids and the bubblefest, the mums and dads of the new arrivals were sat with the translators in a circle, cutting measuring and bagging thread.
This was a community event. A time of just chatting and sharing. Mamas (many just young girls) laughing and joking, sharing I expect the events leading up to the big white ship, and these funny white people. There was no complaining, only joy, laughter, and a great sense of purpose amongst the new group.
Many times I think we miss the simple pleasures of being with others. The people of Africa are daily teaching me how important community is. This is how many have survived the war in one piece. Everyone pitches in and gets on with the dull tasks by making an event of it. The young girls help out their elders. I have also witnessed men, being men, but also being the most amazing fathers.
we had a young lady with a baby who was having surgery, and the young man in the bed next to her was ready and waiting whenever she needed a hand. He comforted the child, played with her, entertained her and fed her whenever needed, without being asked.It was just an innate response!
I love to witness these moments. I will never tire of them. We may 'be bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor', but what this experience is giving me I can't even articulate!
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