Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Purpose
It is incredibly difficult to accept that life and death are so intimately entwined. I do not know how to accept. I only stand and bear witness to the play of their relationship with a bit of awe and a bit of horror. As I watch, I notice - within me - respect growing slowly steadily. My hands are ready. I will offer what I can. The result is not of me. I have been told this and tell myself this for motives of self-preservation but I am also taught this by the miracles that happen under my fingers. They are not mine, either. Perhaps the true essence of my role – despite the movement, the internal struggle, the noise – is that of a witness; someone who continues to stand, to welcome, and to bid farewell.
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5 comments:
Joanne, Your posts are an inspiration. They have given me such good insight into the health reality in Malawi. I pray for your continued work.
Diane
Joanne, I have been reading your blog for a while now and my heart is with you. Your job is incredibly difficult. I grew up in Blantyre and lived in very different circumstances, the priveliged expat life. We tried to give back something to the community and I admire your efforts but feel I could never do the same as the feeling of helplessness was at times overwhelming. Don't let it detract from your efforts, don't forget, every little bit helps and if you only help one person for one day it's worth your efforts. You're doing a great job.
What beautiful words.
Did you see this story? What do you think about Madonna's efforts in Malawi?
http://www.babble.com/CS/blogs/strollerderby/archive/2007/02/19/madonna-undeterred-adopting-second-african-baby.aspx
Do you know how much you make me think of Mother Theresa (I may have spelled her name wrong). I just see what you do as something many would just break doing. But your heart is there for the suffering. And, with five born children of my own, I cannot imagine the fear I would have there of death since it seems so many women and babies die there just doing what we take for granted here.
What a beautiful and inspiring post! Well said :)
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