We started visiting her mother in July; it is her mother who is sick. When we first visited their home, it was the worst place I had seen in every way. Small, dark, dirty, urine-smelly...a hovel to beat all other hovels. And I have not even started describing their personal appearance and hygiene! Maybe, I don't need to. Despair and hopelessness oozed from their faces, and in Stella's eyes a deep deep sadness. Admitting her to the programme, it was hard to know where to start...
Their 'home' is similar in size to a UK boxroom, walls made of mud brick it contains one single bed, one broken chair, one charcoal cooker, (like a camping burner), one candle, and one cardboard box with a few clothes in...and no window. There seems to be no bucket or basin for washing in...maybe that's why it doesn't happen, and the loo... Where exactly was that? Which corner of the 'house'?
On my next visit, two weeks later, already the place was changing, cleaner and only slightly smelly, and a few smiles from mum...Stella, however, stayed near mum, no smiles and uncertain about us. She is so beautiful, angelic-like with huge brown captivating eyes, and petite for her age.
Two weeks later for visit three, I had a visitor with me from the SIM ROSA office. Chairs were borrowed from a nearby 
neighbour and we sat in style, in a house that smelt odour-free. Their appearance was striking...clean with braided hair! I shared the Bible verse that morning from Psalm 121 verses 1-2. And then we sang the Chichewa chorus from these verses. As I turned to look at Stella on her mum's lap, a huge lump rose within me, she was beaming and clapping her hands, and her mum had closed her eyes as if hearing angel voices. And I'm almost sure that a couple of tears rolled down, not just her cheeks!
Visit four was looking very routine, borrowed chairs, clean home, clean dwellers, and the health check was ok. I was busy completing my notes when I realised that Stella had crept quietly up to my right side.
I didn't dare look up to her, fearing that I might frighten her away, instead I tickle-poked her tummy with the top of my pen! No sound of laughter, but neither did it scare her away. I didn't bother finishing my notes, but quickly, without looking, rushed and packed them away. I had an urge to pick her up and wondered if that was what she wanted too. It worked!! She sat on my lap, snuggled into me, played with my fingers, all through the Bible reading, devotion talk and prayer...right up until it was time to go...a changed life even though she's only three!
AIDS has made a devastating sweep across Malawi.
It is the leading cause of death for people ages 15-49, and statistics have shown that 70% of public hospital patients are suffering from AIDS related illnesses. The health care system is stretched beyond its ability, so many ill people are sent home to be cared for by family members.
Reaching out with Compassion
The Africa Evangelical Church, in partnership with SIM, is bringing Christ's love to the sick and suffering through this project.
In three villages, 'HOPE for AIDS' volunteers are ministering to over 135 patients. They bring practical items such as vitamins, nutritious food, and blankets. They also offer a listening ear, and hope from the Scriptures. These acts of service are making an impact in whole communitites. The Malawi Home Based Care project is a way for the church to show the community that it cares for them, whether Christian or not.
