Design by Lexi: Day 6

Day 6- Thursday Evening

It seems as though 6:00 is our new bedtime because as hard as we try we cannot seem to stay awake past it! The last few days have flown by which is funny because more than once now we have heard, “this is Africa, all we have is time”. Really that expression seems to be so true. Everywhere we go and whatever we are doing, nothing is rushed, there is no hurry…. what a difference that is!

When you have nothing but time it allows you to do the things that truly matter first- staff devotions. Every morning the staff of Somebody Cares gathers in a circle outside of the offices for about 30 minutes or so. They start with singing and prayer and then move into a devotion. One staff member reads a small excerpt from the book (right now they are doing a Joyce Meyers book) gives their take-away and then asks for others to comment. This leads into a time of honesty, vulnerability, sharing and encouragement. This is by far my favorite thing about being here. The two mornings we have been apart of this time with the staff have been personally challenging and encouraging. It’s as if God knew I needed to travel all the way to Africa to really hear what I’ve been told before. Love it!

On Tuesday we spent the day at the office and running errands. Keta filled us in on what is happening within each ministry at Somebody Cares. So informative! I wish I could listen to her say it twice. After our “orientation” we decided it would be good for Chris and I to spend our time here traveling around with the staff on their day to day. That would give us a chance to visit multiple villages, different feeding centers, and sit through meetings of each of the different ministries within the communities.

Wednesday we traveled to Chikudzulire. Chris was so excited to visit old friends and I was happy to meet everyone he has been talking about for the past 5 years! While there we helped distribute the second/fortified meal to the children. Every weekday the kids receive a meal of a nutritionally enriched porridge and then three days a week they receive a second meal of porridge and beans. This gives them additional protein which has helped a ton! Wednesday is also the day that all of the ministry groups in Chikudzulire meet together (counselors/teachers, youth, widows & women, hiv support group, safe motherhood, pastors) We had a chance to meet with each of the groups, listening in on their updates and training, and met with their group “champion”. It was also really great to listen to Nonni, a staff person from Homes of Hope in Fiji speak on sexual assault and the role a teacher/caregiver/counselor plays in a young persons life. The kids loved having visitors and enjoyed watching Chris and I “explain” the games, Duck-Duck-Goose, Simon Says, and The Hokey Pokey. I only made one baby cry which was good compared to today!

Today (Thursday) we (all 15 of us in one little van) traveled to Mgwangwa, and Deya, but spent most of our time in Mtema. You could definitely tell this community does not get as many visitors because I made about 4+ babies cry while there! We arrived during lesson time and got to watch as 260 children sat quietly and learned from 3 teachers and 3 assistants. I was in awe! The children ranged in ages from 1-7 years old. Most of the kids, ages 1 to 2 were strapped to an older sibling’s back (older meaning a 5yr old). During meal time the kids at so quietly, Although, some were not as neat as others ;) Yes I did make this baby cry! (my photo wont upload!!! :< )

We sat in on the Safe Motherhood meeting. It was interesting to hear the points Somebody Cares has been teaching the moms in this community. Topics such as hygiene, feedings, baby weigh-ins, birth-spacing… all are now being implemented in their homes. But the most touching to hear is what is happening in marriages. Husbands are now going with their wives to their first doctor appointment. At the appointment both are being tested for HIV. Once the results are given a plan is put in place while both the husband and wife are there. The woman testified that because their husbands are attending this appointment with them and being tested together they are connecting more. Since attending the appointment the bond between husband and wife is greater and the husband is now bonded to his baby. He then is attending more appointments and seeing his responsibility is not over with conception but it continues throughout pregnancy and into their child’s life. This mindset is drastically different then before Somebody Care’s started this program. Since Safe Motherhood started not only are babies and moms MUCH HEALTHIER, marriages are also healthier as well! Praise God! Another takeaway from the group meeting- ALL MOMS NEED A COMMUNITY. They need friends to bounce ideas off of, friends to talk with, friends to help raise their children with, friends to be in the Word with. Just like back home… thanks friends! ;)

The day continued with the youth singing and dancing for us and including us in their bible study on Lazerus.. At one point the youth translator told us that Lazerus, “kicked the bucket”. J We ended our time there with a plate of sema and “beef”. I haven’t quite gotten use to eating with my hands (or the beef)!

Well it’s later than I’ve stayed up in awhile, 7:17. Hopefully the internet will cooperate and I can get to bed soon! Good night!

Below: The kids reactions as they watched videos of Kai and Jack dancing