The greatest story

Today was much like any other. I was changing dressings and getting near the end of the line for those who had been waiting. Stephanie, the midwife asked me to come to the room next to where I was working so I could meet her patient.
 I was introduced to Yar. She is in her mid 30s. Today was her first visit to the midwife. She is pregnant for the 8th time.

Yar wanted a photo of the baby in her belly

After hearing a little of her history I was curious to know more. You may remember that I am here to learn more about the physical problems and diseases that people suffer with so that I can write lessons that will be broadcast on the radio to address the needs and hopefully prevent some things ever taking place.

Yar said that four of her babies had died. That got my immediate attention. With the help of Gabriel, my translator, ( I love that his name was Gabriel) I found out that all the babies that died were about 3 years old. She weaned them at age two and then for a year their only diet was cows milk. No solid food. They lived in a cattle camp.

 Apparently none of them were ever sick. About three days before each died they had trouble breathing and she took them to the witch doctor. Suddenly I understood. She in fact went to two witch doctors. She had to pay each one. They didn't do anything but speak at the children. I believe they cursed the children.

We then began an amazing conversation. I asked her if she knew who God was. She said no. I know there are many who don't believe in God but fewer who have never heard of him. How do you tell someone about God who can't read or write, has no concept of a big world beyond a cattle camp with mud huts and no basic serves such as clean water?

I started with some questions such as how did the sun, moon and stars get into the sky? She didn't know but she had seen them.  By the way, stars are brilliant here at night. I went on to tell her the story of creation. We talked about Adam and Eve and how they disobeyed God and He had to send them out of His garden. God still loved all the people He created and He wanted to have a relationship with them so He sent  His son, Jesus,  who died on a cross for the bad things she had done. ( She said she fights with her husband) This is the abridged version I am sharing with you. At the end of the story she wanted to be friends with Jesus so we prayed a prayer together.  She will never go back to the witch doctor. Her life is forever changed.

Pray for Yar. She has a long way to go as she begins her journey with God. Pray also for her family as she shares all that happened with her today in the clinic with the white lady also known as "kawaja".

Wish she had been smiling here, but I think I had enough joy for both us.