After some teaching at placement, we had more home visits. We went to Matilda's home today. She is 41 and is HIV positive. She is not feeling well and hasn't felt well for weeks. She has not visited the doctor due to her financial situation. She lives alone and has a 19 year old son. He is an apprentice for a mechanic and therefore doesn't have an income. There is literally no one who can help her. I am completely devastated. She has been feeling sick for weeks. Can you imagine being sick and not able to see a doctor? She has severe stomach and chest pains. We asked her what we can do for her and she said nothing. We offered to clean up for her, do dishes, laundry, anything. She politely said no. They are very prideful and will manage to do things on their own or not do it at all. I can't leave here without helping her. I haven't felt this badly before because the other home visits are more positive in one way or another. They may not have money but they have someone taking care of them or they are in a decent healthy state. Not Matilda.
Then we went back to placement. There were 2 kids there, Calvin and Margaret. They are usually in school. We have seen them on occasion but not often due to school scheduling. Today, they stayed for the English lesson. They are so smart. After class and talking with them, I found out they are not in school because they cannot afford it. Well, of course my curious mind went crazy. I asked the locals at the group how much is school and so on. The students were on a payment plan but couldn't make the final payments. Calvin owes $4.00 and Margaret owes $9. Are you kidding me? I fell over. I can't believe these smart children are not in school because of money. I shouldn't be surprised---I see it all the time here. But this hit home. I know these kids and they are the sweetest, kindest, and very respectful kids. I can't let this go. I told them that they should be and will be in school. I told them to meet me at the group kesho (tomorrow) and we would walk to school and get them back in. I can't even tell you the smiles I received from them. They were the happiest smiles I have ever seen in my entire life. It is all worth it. All 5000 plus dollars....right then and there!
As for Matilda, I spoke with the women's group about arranging to get her to the hospital. It has been arranged for Thursday morning. I am getting her there and making sure she gets taken care of. She is a special case and I am more than happy to do this for her. She is alone and I can't imagine what that is like. US dollars go so far here and I know this is so big for them and so little for me.
Keep Matilda, Calvin, and Margaret in your thoughts.
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