The Power of Presence
(Update by Casey Schilperoort)
Two nights ago, in the dim light of a kerosene lamp, Musa and I sat in a small room eating ugali and chicken. I had seen the same chicken earlier in the evening running around by the side of the house. The family we were staying with had beautiful smiles, no running water or electricity, and usually eats only one meal a day. After the meal, my host, Tatu, smiled as she spoke in Swahili. Musa, a deacon from the Mennonite Church in Dodoma, listened patiently and translated her words for me. She expressed how thankful she was that we had come to stay with her in her home. She said she had not believed that we would really stay the night with her family, and by staying with them we were giving her hope. This trip has been full of so many experiences, but this one stands out. It was so simple and so beautiful. Tatu is HIV positive and so is her 5 year old daughter, Khadija. Behind their easy smiles hides a day to day struggle with sickness and poverty. And the simple reality that I was willing to sit with them, eat with them, and sleep in their home, was giving them hope. That night I learned something about the power of presence. How the simple act of being with someone transcends language barriers and expresses something that money, words, gifts, and even prayer cannot. It says that you are not forgotten. That you are worthy of time and touch. And more than that it points us to Emmanuel, God with us. That Christ transforms, redeems, and brings hope to all of us through the power of presence.
On Sunday I got to see Tatu again, introduce her to Abbe and Asher, and take this photo with her and her oldest daughter, Asha. It is a privilage to be present here with the vulnerable in Tanzania and with the leaders who are serving them. With camera in hand, I got to document Tatu's story. Her struggles and her hope. I am looking forward to sharing her words, her emotions, and her smile with all of you.
Two nights ago, in the dim light of a kerosene lamp, Musa and I sat in a small room eating ugali and chicken. I had seen the same chicken earlier in the evening running around by the side of the house. The family we were staying with had beautiful smiles, no running water or electricity, and usually eats only one meal a day. After the meal, my host, Tatu, smiled as she spoke in Swahili. Musa, a deacon from the Mennonite Church in Dodoma, listened patiently and translated her words for me. She expressed how thankful she was that we had come to stay with her in her home. She said she had not believed that we would really stay the night with her family, and by staying with them we were giving her hope. This trip has been full of so many experiences, but this one stands out. It was so simple and so beautiful. Tatu is HIV positive and so is her 5 year old daughter, Khadija. Behind their easy smiles hides a day to day struggle with sickness and poverty. And the simple reality that I was willing to sit with them, eat with them, and sleep in their home, was giving them hope. That night I learned something about the power of presence. How the simple act of being with someone transcends language barriers and expresses something that money, words, gifts, and even prayer cannot. It says that you are not forgotten. That you are worthy of time and touch. And more than that it points us to Emmanuel, God with us. That Christ transforms, redeems, and brings hope to all of us through the power of presence.
On Sunday I got to see Tatu again, introduce her to Abbe and Asher, and take this photo with her and her oldest daughter, Asha. It is a privilage to be present here with the vulnerable in Tanzania and with the leaders who are serving them. With camera in hand, I got to document Tatu's story. Her struggles and her hope. I am looking forward to sharing her words, her emotions, and her smile with all of you.
posted by the schilps at 10:01 AM
3 Comments:
Glad to see you are all still doing well. I'll continue to pray for you and these incredible people. Thank you for taking time to keep us updated!
Dan it has been great to hear about your trip and all the ways that the LORD has been working in and through your team.
We are praying for your team and wanted to let you know that we are with child.
Love Michael and Mariah
Please send greetings to all
It's wonderful to follow along with you guys while you're in Tanzania. Can't wait to see and hear the stories you have to share in your documentary, Casey!
Cherissa
Post a Comment
<< Home