Those were the words of Bishop Stephen Chatepa to our group as we gave them funds for 100 mosquito nets and for purchasing food for their feeding program. It was in response to my question: " What is your greatest need?" Our hearts would not let us just provide funds for nets because the children were going hungry... and since we made an amazing discovery yesterday re nets because of our driver's ingenuity .... we could do both.
Now let me start at the beginning of the day. We were to arrive at Kawale at 9 am SHARP pastor Kelvin had told us. We arrived before him (: Anyway, as Debbie said yesterday, “my” little 4 year old Wisdom who stole my heart 2 years ago was there to greet us. We spent time taking pictures, getting acquainted with the women who were preparing the lunch for the children, and also speaking with the chairman of the board. Wisdom hung out with me as we met with the widows to hear their problems and also as we were helping cut the greens for the lunch meal. He showed me how he could count to 10, printed our names, and we sang songs...
Oops... I got distracted...
After meeting with the widows to learn about their challenges of beginning a small IGA (Income Generating Activity) so they could be self sustaining to feed themselves and the orphans in their care, we met with two women who were HIV positive and therefore beneficiaries of the HBC or Home Based Care program. They receive fortified porridge, soap, weekly visits and spiritual nurture.
We also met Mr. Charles Chitepa for whom my team had made a scrapbook 2 years ago. At that time he was blind and his children/grandchildren were caring for him. He had prayed for 5 years to be healed of his blindness. Some time ago, he went to the hospital where they put some meds into his eyes and then he could see - at least in one eye. He walked a long way to bring the scrapbook to show us and praise God for healing him.
The next meeting was to discuss some achievements and problems which Kawale Orphan Care is facing. As all faith based organizations, there are always challenges. Other than a few individual donations resulting from visits to Kawale, they only have one base support group WOW - based out of Toronto and the organization I joined for my previous two trips to Malawi. (www.wowmission.com). The programming is facilitated by 28 churches that collaborated to begin KOCARECO (Kawale Orphan Care Religious Organization Committee). The board chair explained that their goal is to not only feed the children. Their hope is to complete the vocational school. This will break the cycle of prostitution which will lead to HIV infection which will lead to orphans. It will also break the cycle of alcohol and drug abuse.
They have many challenges and hopes:
* to complete their office . I can certainly understand why because the smoke from the “kitchen” beside them filtered into the “office” and we had to move our meetings into the hallway between the showers and the toilets. We Canadians could hardly breathe or see.
- to help finish the vocational school in Area 44 with some concrete floors (in the nursery the children sit on mats on the sand), and the tools for the various trades.
Their dreams and plans are very realistic. Their true hope is to be self sustaining because they know that outside funding is fickle.
Two highlights culminated our day in Kawale. Many of you, our readers, participated in gifting funds for mosquito nets. Due to our resourcefulness and the amazing assistance of our driver, we were able to purchase not only 188 nets but also blankets for these children for the same amount of money. Pastor Kelvin and the board chair continued reinforcing what a gift of health and education you provided for all the Kawale orphans.
The second amazing moment was when Nettie presented pastor Kelvin with a laptop. Upon receiving this gift, the women observing began to dance and ulele. How poignant a moment. Pastor Kelvin explained that he had been praying hard for a laptop and here he was blessed by Nettie and Gary’s generosity. He responded by saying : ” May God bless the father that gave this to me.”
Our last stop of the day was in Biwi. Bishop Stephen Chatepa and his wife were so gracious. They have 2 locations outside of Lilongwe where they grow vegetables to feed the children, but at their church in Lilongwe they don’t have the resources to feed the 100 children in their program. The only resources at their disposal is what their church members donate. Here too, due to the resources many of you contributed toward nets, we were able to donate funds for 100 nets as well as funds to supply food for 2 meals a week that will last until Christmas. They were extremely grateful to receive the funds now because this allows them to purchase the food at reasonable cost rather than in December when food costs increase.
Bernadette, pastor Stephen’s wife had so much richness in her soul. There was something about her demeanor that made us feel united as sisters. She thanked us so much just for coming to see. She said “ this is very, very important. Even just to come and see.” No strings attached.
The richness, warmth, graciousness, and appreciation are all sentiments that have truly impacted us forever.
Once again... there is so much to ponder...
Gloriously ruined,
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