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Archive for July, 2009

Lucy Kandioni

Posted in Uncategorized on July 31, 2009 | 1 Comment »

Mrs. Lucy Kandioni (left)

Mrs. Lucy Kandioni (left)

As the Convener turned the program over to the Tiwasonge Directory, Lucy, for a reflection on scripture, she turned to Matthew 25:35 – 36.  “I like to read these verses when visitors come, “ she said and read,
‘for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’

I actually began to let my mind wander as I prepared to hear her explain how the men and women of Tiwasunge (a community of persons living with HIV/AIDS who provide outreach and ministry of presence to others living with HIV/AIDS) live out this scripture.  But I was startled when she turned to Morrais, Jeff and I to say that today, we had fulfilled the scripture by coming to them.  She said that we had become the hands and feet of Christ by our presence in that circle of friends.

Community at Tiwasonge

Community at Tiwasonge

I was brought to tears, feeling a humility and unworthiness as I had never experienced.  These people spend each and every day – not just living with HIV/AIDS without benefit of ARV’s themselves- but caring also for those in the wider community.  They seek out those who have been shunned and neglected.  They wash their bedsores, give instructions to their families and pray together daily for health and healing.  I was simply there to listen and witness and pray with them.  My contribution is negligible in comparison.  But Lucy was so sincere, so forthright and so grateful.

There just are not words to adequately describe the generosity, transformation and love I witnessed at Tiwasunge.

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Old and Aged

Posted in Mission, MUMC, Pictures on July 31, 2009 | Leave a Comment »

Our last visit with Rev. Quissico was to a community of old and aged men and women who gather for weekly worship at Pastor Henry Kaipa’s home. Unlike the stigma of the world “old” in the US, they claim the identity “old and aged”; they are proud to have lived long enough to be called “gogo”, grandparent.

The old and aged of Ngabu

The old and aged of Ngabu

Deep lines etched many of their faces, telling stories of struggle and joy and wisdom. When men and women in Malawi introduce themselves they often begin by telling you the birth order of their children, including those who have died and those still living. They tell you if they are widowed. The “old and aged” that we met cling to one another because the have lost more family than they have left.

Each church and community we visit takes time to tell us the challenges they face and how much money it will take to overcome these challenges.  Each list is troubling and compelling. And visit after visit becomes heart-wrenching. But these communities are made up of children, youth, strong women and capable men. They are building on existing accomplishments. But the old and aged in Ngabu are especially desperate. The region known as the Lower Shire where they live is experiencing drought with “nothing, completely nothing” to harvest. They are surviving on the juice of the massau fruit.

The congregation at Kholosi

The congregation at Kholosi

Even if the climate permitted, they are beyond the age and ability to plant, to work and to harvest. While I see hope and blessings in the local churches we visited, I don’t’ see as many options for the old and aged. I pray for that revelation and miracle in their midst.

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More than clean, BEAUTIFUL

Posted in family, Mission on July 29, 2009 | 8 Comments »

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Feet praising God

This evening as I scrubbed the dirt from the day’s journey from my feet, I had a new appreciation for my rediscovered gleaming nails and clean cuticles. I began to see with new eyes the hospitality of footwashing in ancient culture. Footwashing is not just thoughtful and not simply hygienic; it’s an enormous relief and luxury to see the dirt washed away. I can only imagine entering the home of a friend after a long day’s journey, feet caked with dirt. But to be given a basin of water, to feel cool water wash over one’s feet – ahh, the sweet rejuvenation. My feet are beautiful for tonight… until the journey begins again tomorrow.

***

Early yesterday morning we discovered that the reason we had not had water for 24 hours was because someone had jumped the fence into our yard and taken the spicket from the waterline, effectively cutting off all water to the house. It was especially painful to wake in the morning with dusty bodies and dirty hair from the 12 hour journey the day before to realize we still had no water and would not have some until we could get a plumber to the house.

When we discovered the source of the problem, Jeff insisted on heating the stored water we had to wash my hair. As I knelt at the tub and felt the warm water wash over my head, I felt a new wave of love for Jeff. When he finished, I washed his hair and Claire Marin’s.

Although I appreciated the cleanliness, the beauty is in this simple and intimate act of kindness. These are the moments I cherish.

***

Singing at Tiwasunge

Singing at Tiwasunge

But the most beautiful moment since we have arrived happened yesterday afternoon at Tiwasonge Community where 70 persons with HIV/AIDS support and care for one another and others in the community when their families can’t or won’t.

After we learned the history and vision of the community, several members enacted a drama to demonstrate a home visit to a person bedridden with HIV/AIDS. I was immediately drawn in, rapt by this unparalleled display of respect, humility and concern. After receiving permission from the ailing woman’s parents, the caregivers knelt beside her to introduce themselves and explain that, if she was willing, they were there to bathe her. When she consented, they gently placed a plastic sheet under her in order to keep her bedding from getting wet and placed a cover over her that was never lifted. Before each act, they gently asked her permission washing her face and hair first, then her arms and legs, and her bedsores. They reached under the blanket, never seeing the woman’s body or violating her privacy. They personified compassion.

Demonstration at Tiwasunge

Demonstration at Tiwasunge

This simple bath was the most beautiful act I have witnessed. The Tiwasunge community steps into homes and lives where few will go. Sick and struggling themselves, they seek out those who need their sympathy and care. A mere drama, the actors showed us an intimate example of the healing work of God. Nowhere have I seen the beauty of Christ as I did at Tiwasunge.

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Visit from Rev. Morrais Quissico

Posted in Mission, MUMC on July 29, 2009 | 1 Comment »

It has been a busy and overwhelming week – and it’s only Wednesday! Morrais Quissico, Executive Secretary at the General Board of Global Ministries, arrived Sunday for his annual visit. His portfolio includes the entire continent of Africa, but Malawi holds a special place in his heart because he attended Chancellor College in Zomba and helped to start one of the United Methodist churches there.

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Rev. Morrais Quissico and Kara

Originally from Mozambique, Morrais has worked at GBGM for over five years now. Jeff and I found in him an invaluable colleague, a spiritual guide for the Malawi UMC, a wise counselor and a fast friend! He played with our children, advised the pastors, encouraged the local churches and brought joy and laughter wherever he went.

We were able to accompany Morrais on his travels in the southern region this week. It was a whirlwind journey…

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Zomba local church

Monday – Zomba Local Church in Zomba circuit and three local churches in the Mulanje Circuit. We saw the building of a church; met a teacher who has started two nursery schools since January, growing them from 24 children to 150; saw several farming projects and a fishery; and heard the most amazing youth choir.

Tuesday – visited Mpenya Local Church and their nursery school. The teacher has been there for four years; the children there, ages 3 – 5, gave an amazing display of all the English they are learning – alphabet, counting, basic greetings, and songs, including “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes”. We also saw the sight were the Women’s Revival will take place August 7 – 9; they are hoping for 1000 women from around Malawi.

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Mpenya nursery school

In the afternoon we visited Tiwasunge. (see later posts).

Youth singing

Youth singing

Wednesday – visited Kholosi Local Church in the Ngabu Circuit, where we heard amazing choirs from each of the local churches in the circuit and saw one of Belmont’s Miracle Churches completed up to the windows. We also visited a community of “aged and old” adults who worship each Wednesday with the local pastor, Henry Kaipa.

Miracle church at Kholosi UMC

Miracle church at Kholosi UMC

Child at Kholosi UMC

Child at Kholosi UMC

Throughout the week we saw amazing progress in each local church – farms where there was once dry ground, fisheries dug, local churches increasing 10 fold in just 9 months, and the spiritual and physical commitment of pastors who travel 10 – 30 kilometers on foot or by bike to reach the multiple churches they serve in their circuits.

We also heard of incredible need, mostly for the most basic of human needs: clothing for the elderly, food in the midst of drought, clean water for villages, school supplies for children and transportation for pastors. Individually, the needs seem quite manageable, but when each community adds their concerns to the list, one can easily become overwhelmed.

I’m not sure how we can best offer our gifts and talents in the face of so much need in a way that will even make a dent in these problems. All we can do now is listen and learn and pray without ceasing.

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My Heart is Light (July 23)

Posted in Uncategorized on July 24, 2009 | 6 Comments »

Yesterday was a beautiful day – outdoors and with my family!

I was able to work four hours in the morning, submitting an outline to my editors for my next project. In the afternoon Claire and I played cards on the porch in the sunshine. We all took a look at the chicken coup, planning for 25 – 50 “layers” that will produce eggs for our family, those who work for us, and our church community, as well as manure for the garden. We planned with Wilson, the gardener, for the garden. We are digging a cistern to capture the rainwater, digging a hole for compost, and building a retaining wall to keep the water from running off. It’s exciting to think about living closer to the earth and benefiting those in our community.

Jeff and I watched a little anxiously all day to see if Darlington, the joiner, would show up. I think we were both making alternate plans for furniture as the hours ticked by. But about 1pm he arrived on his new bike and worked all day. So we are hopeful that things will go forward well. Hoping and learning…

I so enjoy the time with our new friends and look forward to every visit, meeting and Bible study.

Yesterday my spirit was light as I see evidence that we are figuring out a routine and beginning to accomplish some things.

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