Dad arrived in the States on Saturday for fundraising and family reasons. He’s going to be back for a bit before he returns to his “on site” duties at the hospital (meaning his duties do not stop even when he’s in the States). When he arrived to our house, Tim and I were anxious for any updates on the family that he could provide. We let Dad rest for a bit before asking lots of questions.

Celebrations needed: the bedding and the cistern have arrived and the family moved in to the home! No new pictures but I weaved in some of the ones we had taken while there.

However, there was one issue that John (the Social Worker) found when he returned to the home. When we had the house celebration, a long lost brother who abandoned the family years ago had returned. We all worried about it at the celebration in regards to if he would feel that he was in charge again or he would re-enter the picture simply because of the resources the family now has as a result of the Orphan and Zoe programs. Luckily, hospital staff were very intentional about visiting the family again as part of awareness of those possibilities but more so as a part of their ongoing programs.

Sure enough, the older brother had told Musa (the sixteen year old Head of Household) that Musa was to live on one side of the house and the older brother would live on the other side which was meant for the girls. The girls and their mentally ill Mother were to live in the same shack that the girls had lived in previously. It’s hard to know what Musa or the girls felt their options or rights were at that point.

When John saw what had transpired on one of his visits, he made arrangements for Moses (Director of the local chapter of Zoe) and himself to meet with the local Tribe’s Chief, the Assistant Chief, neighborhood members, a mentor, Musa, and the brother. They told the Chief and the brothers that Musa was considered the Head of Household and the girls must live in the home. The older brother did not have a right to the resources that Musa had worked hard to get for his family through arrangements with the hospital. They reminded Musa of his family’s rights and the Chief agreed with the hospital staff. The Chief also agreed that he would be in close contact making sure that the girls lived in the home and Musa remained Head of Household.

The older brother was told that if he kicked the girls out of the house again, the home would be taken away and other arrangements would be made for Musa and the girls. The girls’ rights were upheld.

The older brother soon disappeared and has not been heard from since. The girls, Musa, and their Mother now live in the home. Musa remains Head of Household.

What a reminder of what the hospital does through the programs! Through the Zoe program – in which Musa participates on behalf of his family- Musa’s rights as Head of Household were defended. The Chief was contacted and now the community is watching out for the family.

Through the hospital’s Orphan and Food program, John made contact and ensured that the intention of the building of the house was followed through and the girls and Musa have the shelter and resources they need. Staff at the hospital ensured that the family and community knew the hospital was going to continue to advocate for the family. In fact, Stanley (Director of Outreach) will be returning this week to visit the family. Staff will continually keep track of the family.

It’s easy to think that we could swoop in, hammer some nails, and everything would be perfect for the rest of everyone’s lives. Wouldn’t that be wonderful if life was that simple? Since it’s not that simple, it is reassuring to know that the hospital is ensuring the support continues. The intent of Maua Methodist Hospital, Montavilla, friends, family, Tim, and I to give the family shelter, food, warmth, and clothing is fulfilled. Thank you to Maua Methodist Hospital for all they do for the community!

(And Dad- now that you have updated us, you can get some rest.)