Rescued (part two)

Another God Surprise!

In my mind I envisioned Alick starving to death. God had a different vision.

Monica, one of our nannies, had a special attachment to Alick. Unbeknownst to us she had asked the family to let her foster him. Was it possible that we could actually pick him up and take him back to Mzuzu? Take him to Monica’s house where he would receive the nutrition and nurture he so desperately needed? Could such a miracle happen? Today? Right now? Maybe.

Fostering in Malawi is tricky. Every single family member has to agree to the arrangement. And the last word, the final OK, is from grandpa. If the grandfather doesn't say yes, nothing happens. That’s just the way it is.

We sit outside on tiny wooden chairs and Augustine (our administrative assistant), the social worker and the family talk. Eventually, everyone agrees. Alick can go to live with Monica. Everyone agrees except grandpa. Grandpa says “No.”

Now Grandpa does nothing to care for Alick. Grandpa contributes no money into the meager family pot. Grandpa is blind and does not move around very well. But he still holds all the power.

We decide to have another family meeting and try again. It is the cool of winter now, but I move into the shade and find I am still sweating. What would it take to convince Grandpa to foster this child and save his life? What O Lord? I feel totally and completely powerless. I pray and wait. Grandpa loves Alick. The question is, does he love him enough to let him go where he can be cared for.

YES! Grandpa relents. We can move Alick today....now! Granny gets out a basin and sponges him off and I put on the new clothes we had brought with us. I feel light, and so do Granny and Auntie. Alick is going to Mzuzu, to a warm home with food and a net and maybe even school in his future. Thanks be to God!

Monica is at the Nursery to meet Alick and take him home. He remembers her and she reports that he had a good first night under a snuggly blanket in his new home. This morning, she dresses him in warm clothes and prepares breakfast. On his own, he goes and gets a raw potato from her bin and starts eating it – his usual village breakfast. She takes it away and gives him a nutritious bowl of warm porridge. He loves it!

Pictured:  Grandpa, Alick, grandma and auntie on the way to the truck, Alick at the nursery.