Over two years ago a MAF worker's wife had complications in her pregnancy which resulted in the baby dying in the womb. Another MAF colleague and I visited the wife in hospital during that time. Once the baby was delivered arrangements were made for the baby to be buried. Due to the family being from C*ng* they did not have land where they could bury him. However, after making a few phone calls land was found and a hole was dug. A friend and I, in our car, along with whoever could fit in it drove with baby David to the burial site. He had been placed in a card board box. Due to us being white we couldn't go to the "funeral" as the land that had been arranged and paid for would have gone up in price. We waited in a dimly lit room whilst the funeral service took place.
Tomorrow I have the pleasure of visiting the family again as they had another baby boy since that tragic time and have named him David also. I have seen a photo of him and he is a cutie.
However, this week another baby died in yet another tragic story. This family work up in Northern Uganda and are friends of some MAF colleagues. The month old baby girl developed a bacterial infection which resulted in many tests and the discovery that she had two holes in her heart. After a brave fight she died and went home to be with Jesus last week. At the weekend we met the midwife who had delivered the baby and who had helped to look after her during the time in hospital. These are not easy days for all those involved especially the family.
I tell you this story because Simon had a phone call on Saturday asking if he would be able to put his woodwork skills to use by building a coffin for the baby. This is a first for Simon but as I type he is hard at work putting it together. I will be sure to post a photo of it once its complete.
Please be in prayer for this family as they work through the grieving process and come to terms with the loss of their baby. Also for those nearest and dearest to them as they endure grief and also work out how to support this family the best way possible.
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