Molly and Timmy update

On Monday, Carlos Muleya (UNZA ZMF-C sponsored student doing his "attachment" with us this month), Gideon Simasiku (father of twins, Molly and Timmy), Molly, Timmy and I visited Molly and Timmy's extended family who live about 15 km. from Zimba, just off the Nyawa road.

The first thing seen as you enter the area is "welcome visitors" painted on the side of one of the small sand/clay houses. We felt welcomed and home crafted chairs were offered to us. The household is organized nicely.

Everyone is excited to see Molly and Timmy. For most of them, this is the first time they've met these 3 1/2 year old twins who've been at Kasensa since birth.

There is plenty of healthy maize growing all around the collection of "houses", huts. There are many aunties, uncles, cousins, puppies and a kitty! The children are well fed and appear healthy. Some of the children attend the government school that is less than 1 km. away. One uncle (the main provider) is a health care volunteer for the area.

In his quiet voice Carlos led the meeting about who will take the children. The meeting was very short! The family were united in their decision and very excited at the prospect of being able to have the children. They said they'd come in April, and I suggested February, since we return to Canada at the end of February. February 17, 18 or 19 will be the date when Timmy and Molly finally return to their family.

The same day, Gideon - the father told us that he and his wife have been evicted from the place where they are currently residing (squatting)because of a change of land ownership. Movina - their mom had gone to the clinic to take baby #15 for malaria treatment. Later, though, Movina herself said she'd been back to Namwianga begging for nsima. Maybe, also she went to the clinic. Who really knows? Gideon says the family at Zimba will allow them to stay with them - and if that is the case then perhaps the family will pressure them to conform to some of the norms of their culture/society - i.e. family planning, sending children to school, immunizations and working (planting and harvesting)instead of begging. Movina and Gideon are wonderful people - always welcoming and friendly - they just have trouble caring for their many children.

Please keep this family in your prayers - especially Molly and Timmy. The transition will be great!