Each time I go visiting children, there are lots of stories. However, when I heard this story I knew right away that it had to be told. So here it is:
It was 1996, a usual day in Mabatini for one Mama who had to gather firewood for cooking. She went out to the nearby farm (“shamba” in Swahili) where she often picked up sticks and dry wood. Today as she went from place to place, carefully putting the sticks into her bucket, she heard a crying noise and she thought it to be rats, a common rodent in the fields. However, as she kept working the crying continued and seemed to be coming from one area, and not moving around, as a rat would move. Curious she left her bucket and walked in the direction of the sound.
Much to her dismay, she did not find any creature but rather an infant baby wrapped up in some old clothes. Though her cry was weak, at least she was alive. The mama carefully picked up the baby along with her bucket and went home. Right away she left for one local church, pastored by our administrator, William, and told the members the story. They went to the police and made a report and then to the hospital. Doctors told Pastor William that if the baby was to survive, someone had to take her and care for her. After two days, the mama who had found the baby decided to take her and care for her, though she had two children of her own. Church members also helped to provide for the child.
And so began Neema Chacha’s life. She grew healthy in the only family she knew with a mother, father, brother and sister. After some years, the mama passed away and likewise her father, which left Neema with the other siblings. Her grandmother decided to take her to the village where she lived. Neema lived there for almost a year but it proved to be a difficult, tramatizing one. Neema was ostracized and rejected by the villagers because she was not a native of the village. Even her grandmother abused her verbally and emotionally. Finally she brought her back to Mabatini at which time Pastor William took her into his home for a period of four months.
After learning that their adopted sister was back, the sister and brother with whom she’d been raised came to request permission to take Neema home with them and continue to care for her. Pastor William agreed to this as he could keep oversight of the family. So, Neema returned to her home, the only home she had known, to stay with her sister and brother who have cared for her till the present time. Neema is a beautiful, bright young woman now, 14 years old and going to Form 1 (grade 8). She likes school and helps all she can around home. She is very quiet but friendly and has a beautiful smile. As I heard the story and watched her, I realized that I was looking at another of God’s miracles, a child with a great meaning and purpose in life. I wonder what God’s plans are for her and the reasons for such a mighty deliverance. I thought about Moses who was drawn from the water by Pharoah’s daughter, and though the facts of the story are quite different, I wonder if some of the purpose might be the same. When we see people, we fail to understand the God-given purpose for that life. It warrants reflection and increased reverence of our awesome, omniscient Creator!
Through ChildCARE Plus, sponsors have had opportunity to support this “shamba” baby and everyday the opportunity presents itself again and again, maybe not the same story but the same impact is made on the life of a child. What a privilege! What a wonder! What a blessing to be able to give and support the plans of God. May He give us increased sensitivity so that our souls know very well how wonderful are His works!! (Ps. 139:14) May each of us be granted our own “Neema” so that the wonder of God’s loving care is always fresh and amazing.
