Agogo (Grandmother) – by Randa Nelson

On this my 4th time to Malawi I still find my heart leaning in with the Agogos.  I love these women.  They have already had a long full life and yet here they are caring for their grandchildren and orphans as well.  Life here is not easy.  These women have been gathering water for their families their entire life. This entails walking varying distances and carrying about 20 lbs on their head and neck back to the home.  They have also been preparing food over open fires and literally stooping completely over to cook the food over the flames while smoke barrels into their faces.  I won’t even mention the pit latrines and how there are no toilet seats ….  All this to remind us of their way of life and what it entails to survive physically and mentally in the villages.

Most have also lost children and husbands.  No time for grief, water must be fetched and dinner made ready. Now in their later years, they are not resting and enjoying their golden years they are still raising children only it’s grandchildren and orphans this time.  Their parents either have died or simply left.  They still must carry babies on their backs, work their field, and pray for God to provide in their time of need.  These same women are the ones that greet the team with singing and dancing. They praise God for the blessing of the visitors and share their joy with us.  It is contagious and captures my heart completely. Their strength and resilience is amazing and it is a gift THEY give to me.  I can hear them even now (back on American soil) and I pray for them.  Father in heaven, hear their prayers, hold them in your hand and love them as only you Father God can. Amen.