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Now we enter December, a month of affirmation and of reflection. This season we honor with deepest gratitude the wonderful people whose gifts come our way, which we pass on to our dear Malawi friends. One friend was John Mwambokera, pictured above. He was himself a gift, and his organization is as well. John was the organizing force behind Mphatso Home-based Care, a community of neighbors in a greatly impoverished part of Malawi's capital city. In the Chichewa dialect of Bantu mphatso means "gift." He and his organization were indeed that to the orphans and to patients struggling with illness. John's caregiver group worked hard and devotedly to help all in their community. Always they received us warmly, with broad smiles. They appreciated so greatly the help we have been able to provide them. Our time with John, the caregivers, and orphans invariably opened and closed with a bit of ceremony expressing the gratitude and hope that enables everything else. This kind of affirmation was the fuel that kept the works of mercy going when the money was gone and the medications, blankets, clothes, and food were no more. John was orphaned as a child and lived with HIV for several years. He was lucky to have obtained anti-retroviral medications soon after they became available. Recently, however, he became ill. He died on October 23 and was buried two days later in Karonga District, in Malawi's north. His wife predeceased him and his children survive as orphans. A lovely group of people in eastern Pennsylvania - HomeAID for Africa - has partnered with us to support Mphatso under John's leadership. Now one of their families has named a nursing scholarship for John Mwambokera, which we will administer in support of two young Malawi women destined as nurses to become caregivers. John would be very pleased. The days grow shorter and darker in our part of the world, but in Malawi they grow lighter and longer. The rhythm of this is good for us to know. We try to follow the African example, to live in gratitude and hope and we mostly succeed with it. This time of year we wish these gentle qualities for all of you and yours. Rev. Dr. William Rankin Email GAIA info@thegaia.org • Tel 415-461-7196 • Visit our website: http://www.thegaia.org |
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