Nathan

As we prepare to take leave of Malawi in five short weeks, the most difficult challenge has been to say goodbye to some truly remarkable people. It’s reciprocal: last week Godknows told me that he was hard at work to devise a strategy to prevent Kay’s departure….and that he was not beyond contacting President Obama to intervene on his behalf. The best relationships, it seems, are the ones that prod everyone’s growth.

We will forever remember Godknows and his fierce commitment to his homeless children. We were reminded of his compassion when we overheard him describing the circumstances surrounding his decision to adopt Nathan….his 21st child.

Nathan was estimated to be five months of age when his nude body was found on the railroad tracks, covered with ants and critically malnourished and dehydrated several months ago. The police were available to intervene that morning, and arranged for his medical care, while they attempted to locate the mother. (No mention is ever made of the father, in cases like this one). Failing to locate the parents, the police were in a familiar quandary. Godknows and his wife Helen are quickly becoming local heroes in this land that needs them…and the police made their entreaty. With scarce resources for food and wondering if there was room for a 21st child in their modest home, they anticipated….as they do regularly….that God would enable them to help this child.

Seven month old Nathan is thriving, in every sense of the word: he is happy, healthy and developmentally intact. A European couple is providing money for formula (outrageously expensive here) and Godknows, Helen and the multitude of siblings are providing the rest.

Years from now the memories of this remarkable year will inevitably begin to fade. It will be increasingly difficult to remember the name of the day guard with one shoe; the quirky behavior of colleagues in the Department of Pediatrics will likely lose its meaning and certainly its potency. President Bingu?….what was his last name, anyway? But Godknows, Helen, Nathan and the remarkable people who saw what needed to be done….and did it…simply and without asking questions….those people and their tenacious commitment to do the work that God wants them to do….those folk will live with us forever.

Advertisement