Tanzanian Clinic Day #2

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Our CSI team gathers in the morning and we work page by page through the Restoration book.  I soon find the fundamentals apply to us all. Techniques to calm one’s thoughts and rewrite our own stories through the lens of God’s perspective. It becomes a time of affirmation and encouragement. 

We discuss creative work arounds for those who don’t read or write or have pencils or pens. The discussion started polo, polo (slow in Swahili) but became more interactive. They asked deeper as well as more practical questions. I was impressed with their level of engagement.

Most of our CSI men are Pastors so I was surprised when Philipo asked us an age old question.  He told us he understood what the book was saying but what do you tell someone about God when someone tells you all their cows have died. 

I answered, feeling inadequate, that caring well for one another comes along with meaningful relationships. It is the coming alongside that speaks to a hurting heart.  We may not have all the answers. We don’t always know what God is doing but we can know God and communicate His care through our presence.

It seemed like a question out of left field at first but it is really the message of our program. It is in the relationship that we can feel safe and allow God’s healing to change us.

Philipo appeared satisfied.

The afternoon finds me at Katelyn’s side as she assesses a 16ish yo girl in our CSI way.  Sandy is our interpreter. Neema is her name and she comes to us with burns on her head and body. She is withdrawn and very soft spoken, her voice just above a whisper. Her eyes are down and she rarely looks up. Her hands, unmoving, in her lap. Gently Katelyn asks her questions and slowly we discover her story.

Neema is the oldest of 3 children born to a very poor single mother. Neema’s father left the family.

Neema was given to a man@12 yo and had a baby who is now 4 and in the care of Neema’s aunt. Neema was sent home from the husband’s family when they discovered she had a seizure disorder. At her family home, she has had several seizures, two of which had her falling into a fire causing the severe burns we see today. As an outcast, she is excluded,  rarely fed and beaten regularly. Neema tells us she sometimes retreats to the bush by herself where she isn’t beaten.

Pastor Peter tells us that families of outcasts are simply waiting for them to die. They are a nuisance and a burden. Girls are only valued for the cows they can bring as a dowry and boys are valued for continuing the family line. If either of these goals are unlikely then the child becomes an outcast.

Kelly has heard of a place called The Plaster House. It is a faith based ministry in Arusha where treatable disabilities are surgically corrected/healed. Their hope is for the children to be accepted back into their communities with renewed value. For Neema, we make arrangements to transport our darling there on Wednesday. For her,  it will be a stepping stone to a forever home where she will be valued.