We have just finished the week of work at the clinic at the edge of Goma. Many displaced people, refugees, are living near this clinic in churches, schools and with families. so although we are not working in an IDP camp, we are seeing those who have fled the war. Everyday there are unbelievable stories of tragedy and hope. A 10 year old girl from North Kivu, where the fighting has been, was raped by soldiers and lost her family in the attack. She walked for two days to get to Goma, on the way was raped again. Fi nally a woman picked her up and brought her to HEAL Africa. With the love and support of the "mammas" living in the transitional housing, the medical care from the staff, and the grace of God, she has started her long journey of healing.
It was an especially difficult day at the clinic today. I was called to the labor room where 3 women were laboring. One woman was bleeding and there seemed to be no movement of the baby. After relaying my findings to Jonas in English, who relayed them to jDr. Albert in French, Dr. Albert agrred to do a cesarean delivery. Lost in translation was that he would do it after he returned from a meeting! With the help of Jonas, the doctor was called back to the clinic, as the mother had continued to bleed. Sadly, a perfect baby boy was born dead. I cried.....much to the surprise of the Congolese workers. It is the African way. Suffering seems to be part of every moment of everyday. Life is so difficult here. Truly about survival. Please pray the woman and her husband feel God's comfort and love as they grieve the loss of their son.
Upon arring for church this morning at HEAL Africa, we were greeted by the sweet faces of the chilren. I held the hands of a boy on my right and a girl on my left, probably each 4 or 5 yrs old. Sitting on my lap during the service, they continually held or rubbed my hands. Their precious tiny, dark hands were dwarfed by my large "muzungu" (white) hands, yet they trusted me. I pray for that short time, the tragedy that has brought them to the compound of HEAL Africa was forgotten.
Mungu akubariki!
(God bless you in Swahili)
2 comments:
Oh, Lisa. How your message hurts the heart! Every American and European and every other person on this planet Earth needs to hear these stories and the many other stories just like them from other parts of the world. Many, many people are praying for you and the people you are serving. Is there anything else we can do?
Wow!I don't even know what to say. The horror that the people there have to go through just isn't right. I feel so ashamed that we are all so oblivious to what they are going through. We have to figure out a way to open up the eyes of the western world to what is going on there. Miss you and love you bunches! Be safe! Mia misses her Nana. She was talking about you last night : )
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