A few more stories

Bright pink with strips of blue, black, red and white, the strong cloth is tied around the shoulders and neck enclosing the baby on the back. How can these women carry so much on their back? How does the baby stay in? Cowboy hat on the head with braids coming down on either side of the rainbow material, the lady walks closer to the clinic door. Her forest green skirt looks stiff in the shape of an upside down cupcake holder. It brushes against the clinic door as she enters. tired and wet from rain, she sits down and remains silent. Other women waiting to be seen by the doctor begin talking again. How can I show this lady love? Sometimes when looking at others...i wish they were young..like small children so that I could wrap them in my arms and just let them know some one cares.

These women are important yet the community they live in is difficult. Women don't count. That is the message taught. Even men who try to change, find it hard to understand the concept that gentleness, faithfulness and love are vital. I am amazed at these women and their strength, both physically and emotionally.

The crowded truck is started. I've lost track of the number in the back. As the door beside me is being shut, a hand stops it and another two hands place a small child...a baby in my lap. It happens so quickly, I don't even catch the lady's face. And there this child is. Almond large eyes stare at me for a moment before resting her head near my heart. How old is she? By looks, she can't be more than 9 months...but that is not true...she's nearly 2 I am told as the truck starts spitting dirt driving down the dirt road. Her fragile body reveals the story. Almost starved by her biological mom, this child is now safe in the Josephine house.