The veranda overlooking the colorful flower garden and the maize plantation is my favorite space in the Living Room. It serves as the common area for patients to take meals, socialize and simply look out onto God’s creation.
I continue to be impressed with the level of care and attention given to patients at the Living Room. There are currently 19 patients, 4 of which are children. While many patients pass shortly after arriving, others miraculously get better. One of the highlights of my day was seeing Mary take a few steps on her own. Mary arrived to the Living Room on July 28, 2011. Mary was found locked in a home. When she arrived she was suffering from severe malnutrition, bedsores and was unable to walk or talk. Mary can now talk, sing, feed herself and now take steps on her own.
More impressive still is the overwhelming peacefulness and joy, in the midst of such suffering, one encounters at every corner. Prior to arriving to the Living Room, I had envisioned it as a place of great sadness, the contrary has proven to be the case. The place is filled with laughter and love. It is hard to explain the apparent contradiction- perhaps it is the result of valuing someone else’s life, or doing something kind while expecting nothing in return or perhaps it is the result of serving the “least of these,” or..…. whatever the reason I am so humbled that I can be a part of it.
I am grateful to be here and want to say thank you again to all who have been a part of this journey.
Sylvia for the CA team
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