Mama Mursale is the lady who will be the house mother for this orphan home. Gwen and I had the chance to meet Mama Mursale and ask her a few questions. We met her at Kashenge's office. Gwen saw her coming up the street and she was very animated as she walked but as soon as she walked in the door she was quiet and withdrawn. I am sure it can be intimidating when two strangers have come half way around the world to ask you questions. Kashenge told her who we were and that we wanted to get to know her better. He asked if it would be OK for us to ask questions and take some notes. She quietly said "ndiyo" - yes in Swahili. She responded just the same to most of the questions we asked. Mama Mursale is a Muslim from the Machama tribe and she has two children, ages 2 and 5. Kashenge had asked her husband and her to be the house parents many months ago. Her husband was born with a heart condition and he became very sick and died a couple of months ago. How ironic - this woman who is assisting children on the street will be able to use this facility to provide a home for her own children now that her husband is gone.
Gwen asked what we could do for her, she gave the typical mother answer, "please get my kids into school." As long has her children are taken care of that is all that matters. Mama Mursale can read and write and she can understand some English so she will be keeping records of the children. She will also be cooking, cleaning and in charge of discipline. Gwen asked if she needed any help doing these things and she said no, lets get into the home and she how it goes first. We are not sure how long she has been with these children but it is apparent that they trust her and have some type of bond with her so thankfully she is still able to take on this task in spite of loosing her husband. After meeting Mama Mursale we feel this will be a win win situation for both her and the orphans of Moshi. They will have a caregiver and a safe home and she will have some purpose and ability to care for her own children.
Tanzania has a program where these orphan children can go to public school at one quarter the normal cost. Once the kids are in the home they will be tested and placed into school. Mama Mursale's children will also be eligible for this program so her oldest son will be able to start school without delay.
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7 comments:
Karen and Gwen,
You are angels sent to minister to these children. What an experience you are having! We pray for you and your efforts in Church, our small groups and individally and we see God smiling down on you. Love ya, Bud & Linda
Karen:
What an experience. We are so spoiled in America. Seeing what you are doing there is a humbling feeling. Please know I am praying for you and the children.
Sarah
Karen,
It has been great following your work. Anxious to talk to you about your experience when you get back home. Our prayers are with you.
Bob & Ann
Karen and Qwen, isn't it wonderful how God takes care of people! It seems Mama Mursale was hand-picked for her role in the orphanage. I'm sure Leslie and family will be a delightful addition to your work there. We continue to pray for you and know you are making a difference in the lives of the boys who will live in the orphanage. Lynn
Karen,
Peggy and I are very proud of you. You are doing great work. We hope you are well and look forward to seeing you when you get back
John
Karen I have really been enjoying your account of the time you are spending in Africa. You are a good person to have done do much for these children who have so little. You and Gwen are proof that we can all make a difference if we try.
Karen,
Thank you for the work you came to do here in Moshi with our orphan home. Your giving spirit has made it possible for the children to now live in a real home and not in the dirt of a cold and dark hallway. Be blessed in spirit and heart to know that you did great things here. Be challenged by what you have learned about yourself and take this world with you wherever you go.
Phil Carter
Missionary: Moshi Tanzania
Director of Development:"Light of Children Orphan Home"
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