Visiting Grannies

Yesterday we went to visit three Grannies! I didn't know any of their names! These grannies are caring for our sponsored students because all these kids are orphans.

The first one is Susan Mukanda's, sponsored by the Elsaesser family. She lives at Wasewange (a very poor compound not far from Namwianga) with about six grandchildren. The photo is a picture of this granny's newest great-grand daughter, born two days ago now! It is a tradition for the daughter to return to her mother for childbirth. (Fortunately, Fortune delivered this one at the clinic!) In this case, the lady had no mother, only a granny. So... the granny has a few more house guests for a few more days! The only problem, very little food! As part of the Sponsored Student program, pupils who have no parents receive food monthly from ZMF-C. I wish each of you could have seen the excitement of these grannies as we delivered a few groceries along with some seed and fertilizer. The rains are coming and it's time for each one to get planting.

The second granny is the grandmother of Dickson and Stanford. (Tonkin's student). Her name is Marta. She has a wee photo album left by an Education Mission a few years back. The only photo in it is of Wendy Ulrich and Marta! Marta was dancing as we brought her the seed and fertilizer and a few groceries. She was down to her last piece of old maize! It's about five months to the next harvest so we'll have to keep tabs on her! She cares for about eight grandkids in her little shanty compound.

The last granny is Cynthia, Doubt and Woodgate's granny. She is so skinny. She, too, was dancing as we brought in the food, seed and fertilizer. Woodgate (Iddon's sponsor student) has no bed and sleeps on the floor of a mud hut. Recently, he's developed a bad chest infection and has missed some school because of it. I think I'll see about getting him a mattress as the dust and cockroaches can't be too good for anyone! Before we left, this granny grabbed our hands and said a prayer of thanks in Tonga. Then continuing to hold our hands she walked us to the vehicle. So grateful!

And that was yesterday's work day! It is a blessing to us to be able to share what has been donated to ZMF-C.

So... think about this for a bit. While we are eating plenty everyday truly Marta is eating little sour fruits from a tree nearby to stay alive and waiting for us to come again, next month. How is that?!