A poster on the wall of the pediatric ward of Nazareth Hospital reads “Happiness is in doing”. I’m not certain those words are meant to encourage the Nazareth staff, patients or visitors. Perhaps all.
Kate and I were visiting the pediatric ward to see a child from the Joy Home. Michael B. was admitted to the hospital on Monday. He is struggling with TB, pneumonia, shingles and a low CD4 (white blood cell) count. Michael is HIV+. Although he is only 11 years old he and his younger brother are full orphans who were living alone before being admitted to the Joy Home. We also learned Michael has a friend at Nazareth, Brian. Brian is 8 years old and is struggling with AIDS. Michael has become Brian’s encourager! When we visited Brian it was clear his disease had progressed….he is extremely weak, malnourished and dehydrated. But, there was Michael at Brian’s side. I’m not certain what Michael said…..but he was there.
As we looked around this ward of beautiful children, all HIV+ thru no fault of their own, there was a pretty little girl hiding under the covers of her bed. As she peeked out, we thought we recognized her, yes, it was Habiba. We last saw Habiba in 2010. At that time we learned she was being abused and in the midst of a terrible living environment. Last week her uncle brought her to Nazareth Hospital. Because she no longer takes her Anti Retro Viral medications her health is failing. Will her mother or uncle return for her? It is unclear. Yet, the Tree of Lives Love Account will at least make certain Habiba’s medical needs are provided.
Our visit ended with a reminder of the tremendous needs of Kenyan children yet a promise of hope. Perhaps our experience was best described by Paul when he described our God as the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our afflictions so that we may be able to comfort others.
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