Love and hate

There are times that that I love Mali and a few times when I hate it. I think anyone in any culture, even their own, can have these moments but sometimes with the change of cultures you become more aware of the differences.  The other day was one of those days.

I went to the government hospital with our new pharmacist to show him around. We were walking around various places trying to get medicines that we needed. We waited and waited for this one doctor to be available. When we finally saw the doctor there were several people in the room. We entered anyway to have our paper signed for the medicines. I commented to the lady sitting beside where I was standing that I liked her bracelets. They were woven bracelets which were very common when we first arrived but aren’t as popular anymore. I have been in search of them which was probably why I noticed hers in the first place. I only meant to compliment her but she took the bracelets off and gave them to me. I was shocked. A woman I never met just gave me her bracelets. Granted they were old and three of the five have already broken, but still I was so touched. Without hesitation she gave them. This is historically a normal practice. If one comments on something and says they like it, you give it. While I don’t see this happen often, I do see a culture built on sharing and caring for those around them. Nothing is theirs alone. They will always share. I love that.

Later I worked with a lady who had been hospitalized at our hospital from complications that were found to be from HIV. I told her of her diagnosis and gave her the option to tell her husband but made it clear it was not obligatory. I have several women that we now support monthly because they told their husbands and they were abandoned.  There are no government services to care for these women once they are abandoned so it falls on us. Therefore we no longer mandate that women tell their husbands but let them decide. This particular lady was quick to say it was ok to talk to her husband. I went and got him and shared what we had found. He refused to accept the diagnosis. He told me she had sickle cell disease and not HIV. I told him again that regardless of the sickle cell, she definitely had HIV. He refused to believe. He made his wife leave and told me to tell her it was only sickle cell and not HIV. He wanted me to lie to her about HER health. Feeling quite pushed into a corner, I called a pastor who often helps me in counseling ladies. We spoke to the man alone, then again as a couple. The husband refused to accept while the women interjected from time to time, “Please give me medicine. I want to take the medicine”. I couldn’t give her the meds, though, because she lives 60 + kilometers away and would only be able to come to our hospital with her husband’s knowledge and permission. But he wouldn’t give it. He would rather let his wife die than accept the shame of HIV. There is a proverb in Bambara “Death is better than shame”. We see that played out again and again. This man chose the death of his wife rather than shame to his family. It was so sad to see her leave knowing she would never, aside from miraculously change of heart from her husband, be able to come and receive treatment. And that I hate. 

Tennis

Can you believe that this picture was taken at the hospital? Thanks to a very generous, tennis loving friend of Brett's we now have a tennis court in Koutiala! This was the first time we played on it (though Brett had the inaugural game with Shawn that morning).   

The boys were thrilled to play.  I think they have MacLean blood more than me and actually may be good at it. :)

At the end of our time, with our "ball boy" in the background. He did fairly well getting the balls but not understanding the game he often ran on the court in front of us and got in the way of shots.

I honestly don't know who is happier about the court.

toothless Kenan

Within a few short days Kenan lost both of his front teeth. The new ones were already pushing through so he didn't have much of a choice. He's quite cute without his front teeth, I must say.

The tooth fairy gave him 100 francs (equivalent to 20 cents). He came out in the morning singing about how the tooth fairy gave him a dollar. Seems to be a win- win. It doesn't break the bank and he's happy thinking his coin is worth more than it is. :) Here's to keeping the confusion going for a few more teeth! :)

Sweet Burkina

We find little Burkina everywhere taking her naps. And like watching a baby sleep, it is precious and picture worthy, for some reason. :) We are thankful for this cat as we lost our others and though I am kind of done with an indoor cat, I don't think my boys will ever let me put her outside.

                     Burkina longs to go outside so she is always at the windows watching what goes on.

Rain dance

Until recently we haven't seen rain here since October. We love rain here in the MacLean household.

 One day the sky darkened and there was the smell of rain in the air. I called the boys outside, for sure that rain was coming. We waited and waited. We danced around in anticipation and waited some more. I realized my high hopes were failing. Dawson had the idea that if we filled a bucket with water, it would evaporate and thus it would soon rain. We tried it. It didn't work. I then held the hose up to the trees and wet them, then the dripping of water felt like rain. But still, it didn't satisfy.

So Silas took to sitting, fully clothed, in the dirty water meant to cause rain.

It is in these moments that I think my life is so wonderful and their childhood will be filled with beautiful memories that I am overcome with gratitude. These are the moments that I want etched in my brain forever. Dancing in the yard with my kids, eagerly hoping that rain will come.

And, then just getting to watch life unfold for them. They enjoy the little things. I love it.

He's into making faces at the camera if you can't tell. :)

This is the house he set up for himself. And once he had worked, he rested.

So no rain came that day. We drank hot chocolate nonetheless in expectation. But a few days later, I woke to the sound of rain drops hitting the tin roof over our window. I was so excited that I ran to get Kenan and woke him up. He was not happy to have been woken up but as soon as I said, "rain" he jump up and ran outside. We enjoyed a morning of a cool breeze, the delightful smell of rain, the cleansing the dirt off of everything around, and of course, hot chocolate. :) Yeah for mango rains! Only a few more months until we get to see the rain on a regular basis.

Flying high

With three boys I am learning that they like to jump and be active no matter what surface they are on. This day was a spontaneous jump fest off the couches. Thankful this was only two feet off the ground. 

And just because, here is a picture of the face we see often. He actually chose to pose this way.

Easter Sunday

After three years in a row of spending Easter in the US, this year was a bit anti-climatic. Yet, I love Easter so it is worth noting. God's grace is so good and I'm thankful for His gift of life to us.

I had to bribe the boys to get this picture, but thankful they are all smiling.

                                                          They really do love each other.