I drove out to Kalsagri for what I thought would be a quick trip. I needed to pick up some information for a letter I was writing. I was wrong. It wasn't a quick trip. Here's what happened...
I stopped at Alex's house for the information I needed. No one was home. But, I did hear voices nearby. A couple of little children came to greet me. I greeted them and, in my "best Dagaare," I said I was looking for Alex. They looked at me like I had three heads! My Dagaare wasn't THAT bad! Then, a man came over. I told him that I needed information from Alex or at least the key to the church, so I could look it up myself. He said his father wanted to see me. And, while I went to his father, he would find Alex. So, I went to see his father - the Chief Regent.
I greeted the Regent and others. His daughter, Grace, was there with her baby, Richmon. I could tell right away Richmon was not "normal." And that is why the Chief Regent wanted to see me. He was concerned for his granddaughter. He wanted to know if I could help. I explained that I do not have a medical background. But, I have seen many children like this. (My guess was CP, but, I didn't say anything.) I told them that the possible cause of the child's problems could be a variety of reasons. I have seen children like this whose parents cared for them, loved them, included them in family life and, in time, they learned to walk. Sometimes it takes years, but, it could happen! I gave Grace a few suggestions of things to with her daughter. And, then, we prayed.
Alex did finally come. He gave me the information I needed and we began to talk. Nicodemus joined in. They were telling me about the church and how much they missed me. They told me Wisdom broke his arm and Razak went to Clementia's husband's funeral when I traveled. We talked of Rev. Baiden's funeral and people expressed how much they loved him. They told me of the problems with the new Caretaker. (They want me back. It's nice to be missed. These people are family. For a culture that doesn't express much emotion, my Kalsagri family hugs me!) They are going to speak to the pastor this weekend.
Then, we went to Clementia's house to greet her. She was still in mourning. I spoke with her, telling her it is okay to grieve, to cry, to be sad. They all have their place. I also told her that Christ will give her peace. and comfort. I encouraged her to hold on to her God and He would give her strength.
These are just the people I spent time with. There were so many that greeted me and asked about my travels. They don't treat me like a "rich white woman." These people have become family to me. They have accepted me as their own.
And I wonder...God, why me? What did I do to deserve all of this? All of these blessings? And I am grateful. Very grateful.
