Blessings

Florence was detailing the way blessings flow, using today as an example. I'd not seen God's love at work so clearly. Maybe you will see it too.

Some 3 months ago, God gave me some money to lend to Peter, who has a special hire car (taxi). He has been working off the loan by doing transport for me and my friends. Today he came and took Florence to go meet her daughter-in-law's mother, Kasifa, for the first time.

Florence had saved some money from what she earns from her school to cover the expected costs of public transport and boda rides to and from the visit. Because Peter took her for free, she was able to spend that money for sugar, rice, soap and other small gifts to give to the lady.

As they drove along towards the place where Florence's son and wife live, Peter recognized that he had traveled the road recently and named a village and other places ahead. Florence recognized the name as the place they were headed towards. Peter knew he didn't have enough gas (petrol) to reach there so turned back and traveled some time to find an ATM, where he took out money for more fuel. Florence had no extra funds to give him, having used almost all for the gifts. But Peter has been saving money steadily from his new business, so was able to cover this expense.

They picked up Tom and Robinah, Florence's son and his wife, and then proceeded to go some distance to the mother's home. After going to one place, and then to another, they were able to locate the mom's new home, a mud and stick room, divided by a curtain into 2 spaces. They sat on a mat on the mud floor and took tea together.

Robinah's mom had expected everyone to come on bodas, so had paid no attention when the car went by. Robinah did not know her mom had moved to this new place. The joy and laughter with the family reunion, including the small grand-daughter was wonderful to see. Florence was clear to them that they are all family, that Tom is now Kasifa's son and she is Tom's other mother. (This because culture does not permit son-in-law and mother-in-law to see or talk directly with each other. Florence knows this is foolishness and is setting new ways in place.)

Robinah's mom was so grateful for the visit, and for Florence's caring about making the connection before Tom and Robinah move to Florence's village next month. She told them that she would sleep well, knowing that Robinah was part of such a good family.

Florence learned that the mom and dad have been separated for many years and that the mom now lives in the small village where she was raised. Her uncle, grandfather and mother all live in the environs. Before returning Tom and Robinah to their home, Florence and Peter took the mom to her uncle's home to continue the introductions and exchange phone numbers for emergency contacts. (The mom does not have a phone of her own, nor electricity.)

Florence suspects that the mom will have shared some of the sugar and other things with her family, as that is the way to show honor and respect to elders. It is also possible, even likely, that those Kasifa shares with will also pass some of the benefit along to others.

God gives to us so freely. Look at all the joyful hearts, lightened spirits and laughter that can come from imitating Him.