Back in my days of Oncology and Hospice I have had to be the bearer of bad news to more families than I can count. It was never easy to look a person straight in the eye and tell them that someone they dearly loved had died. But somehow it was easier to justify for those who had been suffering with terminal cancer. What about when the patient is only six months old? Today I had to tell Dosono, one of my dear clients and friends that her only child Nmembe died. Nmembe had been sick for the last few weeks with diarrhea and vomiting. She was not thriving and had lost weight since November. For the last two days she was staying with a missionary family since her mother was on admission in the hospital; they graciously offerred to care for her until Dosono got stronger. I was so thankful and knew she was in good hands. It is a true picture of Christ for this family to take the baby in as their own and care for her like they did. But unfortunetely I got the call this morning that Nmembe died in the early morning hours. Her body was too frail and weak to go on any longer; the HIV virus had stolen her life away like a thief in the night. It was beyond anyone's control. God knew it was her time.
I wanted to say goodbye to Nmembe before I met with Dososno. As I picked up her lifeless body from the bed and held her tightly in my arms, tears came streaming down my face. She was bundled up in a blanket and looked so peaceful. There are no words to describe this experience. The memory of her sweet face will be etched in my mind forever.
I thought to myself, how am I going to tell my friend her baby has died, I can't believe I have to do this? I prayed for God to give me the strength. How do you possibly tell a young mother who has mourned the loss of three children that yet indeed her worst nightmare has come true? that her only remaining precious baby has been taken from her? My heart was totally crushed and stricken with grief. I knew Dosono would be devastated. As I told her the news that little Nmembe was gone, the sorrow and sadness in her eyes was almost more than I could bare. After asking her if she wanted to see the baby, I along with another worker from the hospital took her by the hands and escorted her to the bedroom. As soon as she took one look at her baby she fell to the ground weeping. It was truly a sorrowful moment. I felt so helpless, there was absolutely nothing I could say to make it better. Dosono decided she wanted to take the baby back to her village for the buriel. So I drove her to the bus station and on the way I told her how much God loved her and Nmembe and that Nmembe was now with Jesus. I pray God grants her safe travels back to her home and that I will be reunited with her again soon.
I think of Paul's exhortation when he faced hardships in 2 Corinthians 6:10 which says; "sorrowful yet always rejoicing.......!" This day of mourning is also a day of rejoicing. I am sorrowful yet rejoicing in Jesus my Savior who is my Peace and joy in this life. He has overcome death, for death is not the end. What glorious news!! What hope would I have without the absolute assurance of Heaven someday? It's during times like this when I have to cling to the goodness of God, and His unfailing love for His people. Even though my heart is filled with sadness for the loss of this baby it is well with my soul.
My friend Kyenpiya (middle) just opened a center for children who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. Her organizaiton is called CLAF International (Child Love Advocacy Foundation). Sofar 11 children are living in the care center. They are given three meals a day, education and bible teaching which is more than most of them get at home. They come from single parent homes who are living with HIV/AIDS and unable to care for them well. Today I visited with the children and had a great time singing songs. I praise God for Kyenpiya's faith and determination to make a difference in these children's lives for eternity. She has been an inspiration to me. Please pray along with me for her and the ministry. May God continue to bless them abundantly with all that is needed to keep the place going!
