Yesterday, we drove 21 km. along the sandy, rough road off the tarmac from Zimba to Alex's village. There is absolutely no infrastructure in this part of Zambia. No electricity, no running water, no roads, nothing. Only clusters of small huts and one run down, but operational government basic school that also operates as a health post.
Alex is 9 months old and stays with us at Kasensa. His 23 year old brother, Modern brought him in July following the death of the mother. Alex is child #21 of a polygamy family. Modern is the firstborn from wife #1, Alex is from wife #2. Alex's dad died in January of this year. The first wife has 11 children, Alex was #6 from wife #2 and wife #3 has 4 (from this husband, she had 5 from another husband).
wow - family life in Zambia and other Southern African countries where polygamy exists can be complicated and strressful!
Since Modern is the firstborn of the first wife he has inherited all his dad's family responsibilities (the 21 children) and all his assets - the farm, 130 cattle, goats, sheep, a motorcycle and a toyota hilux that does not start without a push!
Modern graduated from Zimba High in 2010 and performed quite fine. He even got a 3 in agriculture science. He had hoped for college - not managing a verylarge family and a farm. These days Modern's days consist of overseeing the crops and cattle and ensuring there is enough to eat and that school fees get paid.
As we visited about how Alex might return to the family, Modern had one eye on a few of the cattle that were become unruly - and brought them back to quick order in a commanding voice to the cattle boy.
On his own initiative, Modern has made the 50 km. visit to Kasensa three times to visit Alex.
Alex's 4 siblings resemble him so much! So what can be done? One day Alex must be returned to his family.
On the surface, Modern seems to be handling the situation fairly well. But, there is some work to do if Alex is going to be able to return to his family. It is tricky to understnad or problem solve this complex web.
The best we can do is consult our God and our Zambian friends for insight, wisdom and guidance. Along with us yesterday was Timmy Mbambiko - one of our grade 12 sponsored students at Namwianga Christian Secondary. He also is a village boy and an orphan and headboy of his school. At 21 years of age - he is wise and humble.
In our short visit with the family and Modern there were a few points that were concerning. Although the children appear well nourished - not skinny or sick, we were left with a few queries and some incongruencies in the stories that were heard.
After some consultation with Modern, the two "mothers" - and also Timmy, we decided to have mother "#1" and Modern visit Kasensa in the next few weeks and also encouraged Modern to continue his visits while we are out of the country. When we return in September, Richard, Timmy and I will return for another assessment and will attempt to work with some church leaders in the area that could be a support to Modern and the family.
Modern is new at his job! And he is a 23 year old male! What temptations and challenges he faces! He has inherited huge responsibilities and huge assets. As we left to return home, Modern was headed to Livingstone on his motorbike. It was Saturday night. Only Timmy heard about the Livingstone trip - and didn't get an understanding why he was going.
Please join us in prayer for the challenges ahead for Modern! and for Alex and for everyone involved in helping this family and ones like it!
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