Thursday, June 12, 2008

Malaria Widow in Kamwenge




Today was difficult because we went to see a family that is on the list to be sponsored but has not yet found a donor..





We had to walk about a mile along this dirt path.












This widow lives in true poverty and she has no means of support.

She makes less than $1 per MONTH.








Her feet were in horrible condition.



The one granddaughter shown here has one leg that is distinctly shorter than the other. The grandmother (who is taking care of three kids) has malaria now and is weak and sick. She has no money for the doctor.





The husband died in February from malaria and they buried him here, less than twenty feet from the hut where they live. This woman knows that she will soon join him if she does not get help, but cannot afford the doctor. She did not ask for help but I could not bear to see this, so I gave her enough money to go and get the treatment. It was about $12. So for now, she will live, but what about next time... she lives in a mud hut and no mosquito net. I walked away in tears because she is just one of the thousands and thousands that need help.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It's amazing what such a little dollar amount will do. But what is little to us ($12) is like thousands to them (when you realize she makes less a dollar a MONTH). I'm so glad you were able to help that woman. Too bad someone can't help her install the mosquito net to help prevent her from getting it again. Your experiences thusfar on this trip are amazing! Thanks for sharing, Lucy!