3.02.08
FATINA - Amazed that I am wrestling with frustrations over imperfect and immature church function and form and at the same time recognizing Jesus is boldly at work. I was introduced in church, mentioned that I’m interested in HIV/AIDS issues. After service, I was approached this morning by a young woman outside under the shade of an acacia tree. Waiting for others to finish greeting me, she calmly approached and asked about my “project.” She’d only heard that I was here about AIDS. I stumbled with telling her there was no project, trying to listen further with my heart. She simply respond that she’d been diagnosed HIV positive two weeks ago. She said it so simply. A bombshell had just hit her life and she’s calmly approaching me, a stranger, to tell about it.
She said she had a baby boy last year, she has no husband. After testing positive, she had the baby tested – the outcome was negative she was glad to say. I shared her gladness over this news. I pondered as she spoke that I had just been at a training only yesterday to counsel HIV/AIDS patients in the church and community. Here I was fully engaged in compassionate counseling under the shade tree, amazed at God’s timing.
She commented, “I think God arranged this… for us to talk. You’re the first person I’ve told this to.” She seemed so thankful just to have someone to talk with. Eventually I said that I would connect her with Janice if it was OK, Janice could help because she was a nurse and goes to her church and would be available. She offered her name, Fatina, and cell number.
She allowed me to give her a long hug while I prayed loud enough for only her (and God) to hear. Parting, I said I would be praying for her and her baby and then reminded her to have him tested again in six months. He’s in that window of time when antibodies are developing and may not show up yet in testing. Just then, her younger sister arrived with the baby and a neighbor friend. I wondered who would eventually raise this handsome baby boy or if he would be buried early. They pulled out a large colorful umbrella against the sun, and the four moved out beneath it, walking away from me, down the dirt path toward the high grasses. Just like that, it was over; I stood staring after her. People were still milling around as though nothing different had occurred. But I felt a small earthquake – will my heart always be shook? Father God, help me remember to pray often!
(Note: Janice contacted her by phone and will meet with her on Sunday privately. Action reminder: leave funds for food for a month.)
3.02.08.
ROBERT. Leaving the church grounds, I had Fatina on my mind. We wound down the dirt road toward the paved highway. At a sharp bend, we passed a young man, probably around 16, whose face I recognized from the service. He was one of many his age. In the service, I wondered at so many teens. They represented the majority of the congregation. Where were their parents? These youth will be the future church; no, they are the church now. They seemed kind of stoic. I wondered again, where are their parents? What are their stories?
We waved to Robert in the shadows of a tree and he returned the greeting. Bumping along the red dirt road a bit further, I was looking the red rocks jutting out of the grassy hills when Janice stopped abruptly. She paused a moment, then backed up carefully. “I need to speak with him,” she explained. “His mother just died five days ago.”
Janice engaged Robert a bit with light greetings. Then she asked the big questions, “I’m sorry that your mother died… do you have anyone to take care of you?” Robert’s face changed, a tensing in his face, his eyes looked intensely at her and moistened. “No one.” Janice pressed further, “Don’t you have a little brother?” “Yes, he lives with me. We’re together.”
Compassion rises again in Janice as she suggests, “Lets meet together next week with Pastor.” I can help you get appointed head of the household, then you will have a little money and food for your brother and you can finish your last year of school.” Robert’s sad eyes said thank you as he nodded. Arrangements were made and we continued on, each deep in thought.
(Note: Janice and Pastor were scheduled to meet with Robert the next week after I left.
Mental note: leave funds for a month of food for Robert.)
