Milicia

Today I had the privilege of following Gorge through the bush to visit a women named Milicia and her grandson who are seeking help from the mission in Mozambique. Gorge is in charge of visiting the homes of those requesting help so the situation can be properly accessed.
We started our visit with a long walk through the forest and tall grass.

The grass is getting taller; if there ever is going to be a time that I might face my fear of running into a snake, this is going to be the most likely place. To my relief, I found out latter, that this season is too cold for the snakes and most of them will be in hibernation. I’m not going to ask when they are coming out or I might me tempted to change my dispatcher date.
As we approached the women’s land Gorge tried to communicate, with next to no English, that the dead looking corn plants were this woman’s source of food.

When we arrived Milicia wormy welcomed us with a log to sit on and a glass of water, to share, in undoubtedly her finest china; the same cup her and her grandson use every day. She graciously allows me to photograph her, approximately 8by 6, home. The sticks Milicia has fashioned into a wall are so far apart you can stick two fingers through. They have some smoldering coals, next to were they sleep, to cook on and one shelf to keep the few belongings they own. I’m finding it hard to get a good picture simply because there is no room. I stand at the door holding the camera above my head and settle with having to cut Milicia’s head from the shot.
Gorge then shows me the hard bamboo they sleep on and the torn blanket, they have to cover from the night. Around the back of the hut they store the corn that they will peel and grind up to make maze. There is a small structure that is for the chickens but I am unclear if the chickens running around are hers.
After visiting for a few moments Milicia gives Gorge a sugar cane as a gift and with that we embark on our journey home.

Back at the Farm ASAM is working on putting Milicia’s story together with the cost of a new home, a blanket, food, clothing and some other essentials that will be added to form a project that can be picked up by a group or individual. These projects are put together so the participants can identify with were there money is going and see with their own eyes the difference they are making. Of course we are already in the process of providing for Milicia and her grandson. I will be going with gorge to deliver a blanket, food and some clothes. I believe Lynn’s mom has a church group that is taking on this project and will soon begin raising money so we can build Milicia a home.