Zambia #6

Sometime in the evening as the day was winding down and we were laughing with staff, it dawned on us - today is the last day we will see many of the people we have been working beside all week, the children and caregivers we have been sitting with to do crafts, tell stories and try to bring comfort to. We have to say good bye. It has been a busy week, going from early morning to late into the evening. Tonight is the first time we have not had a puppet show to practice, craft to prepare or a new balloon animal to learn and perfect, and we are honestly a little sad.

How do you describe this experience. At the close of the day we gather to talk about the experiences of the day. We close with the same question each night..."Where did you see God today"? So hard to say, not because we don't see much of God in this place, but because we see so much! 

Wednesday we were able to do rounds with the staff as they visited each patient and shared treatment progress and notes. I was amazed to hear the incredibly personal conversations with the parent. Each child was treated in a way you would think they were family. It is like that here, everyone is family...everyone!!!! The children in the ward call us "Auntie" as soon as they meet us. The patients are from all over Zambia and surrounding areas, speaking different dialects but you would think they have all known each other long before meeting at Cure Hospital. 

Today we taught the mothers and older patients how to make friendship bracelets. They were so thirsty to learn and make something beautiful for their child. It was sincerely touching to see how proud they were as they made the bracelet. Some waiting for their children to come out of surgery, enjoyed a welcome distraction that they could give their child when they were out of surgery. 

It was 'Sports day" today.  A 'team building event". Well, no one will be speaking of our incredible athletic prowess, but we did laugh!!! Staff from all over the hospital, from laundry to plastic surgery, all jump in to run and play. Volleyball, football (our soccer) and a game called Netball. I would say Netball is similar to basketball, but no dribbling, much running and to be honest I have no idea what the rules are. So good to hear all of the laughter and see the competition come out of staff we saw so tender and nurturing to the families in the clinic. 

It is settling in that the time to leave is upon us and there aren't words, I have been trying to find them all day anyway. Imagine seeing broken children and struggling families made whole, giving hope where there had been none. Each day we spend with the staff and patients hoping to offer a moments reprieve. Every one greets us with a big smile and "hello how are you"? We a have been fed the best food they have, and thanked every where we turn. They see it was an honor that we come to see them. We met older children who had been patients who absolutely inspired us and light up the room! We made friends here, sisters and brothers we will be so sad to leave, but will hold close in our minds. We all talk about coming back and maybe we will. There is so much love here. Real authentic sacrificial love and I thank GOD for every moment. We will be home soon, and you will ask how the trip was....bring a cup of coffee and take a seat, this is a story you will want to hear, it will change you, it has changed us. 

- Izzie for the team