Aging Well (collin)

We spent today in the village of Golini. This has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. It is located high up above the coastal plains on the very top of a ridge. The rolling land is lush and green with a dense cover of coconut and mango trees. This creates a deep shade while maintaining an open, grove-like feeling below. There are sweeping views of the countryside over the edge of the ridge and a fresh breeze is constantly blowing.

We went to visit 2 families in the region, the Mwalonya family and the Mwaveku family. Historically, there have been 4 Christian families in the Digo tribe. The families that we visited today were 2 of the 4. We simply wanted to pay our respects to them and spend some time together.

We spent the first part of the day with Shadrack Mwalonya and his family. Shadrack (the guy we saw in the market the other day and recognized from our first trip here) is a kind and jovial fellow with a face that looks like his years have simply served to add to his wisdom and joy.

We sat on his porch overlooking the valley and shared a meal as he alternated between recounting his family history and cracking everyone up with his good humor. We ate sima (a thick paste made of maize flour), Sukuma (greens cut up and boiled in a sauce), and mangos. It is customary here to share from one dish and use only your right hand to eat (no utensils). Being a left handed American who is used to eating with a fork, this was a little tricky to master, but I have honed my skills to the point where I am no longer the comedic entertainment at a meal.

After lunch, we walked to the home of Jonathan Mwaveku. Jonathan is 77 years old. That alone is remarkable here. Add to that the fact that he is married to the same women he fell in love with in his youth, and he is truly one of a kind.

When we arrived, he greeted us warmly and welcomed us into his hut. We sat talking for a while and I was deeply moved by this man's true joy. He is nearly blind, his health is failing, and his life contains none of the comforts an American would expect for a man of this age. Yet, when he spoke of his faith, his life, and his marriage, his words reflected pure gratitude for everything he has enjoyed.

About 20 minutes into our visit, we heard a noise that sounded something like a baby crying. It was weaker yet slightly more desperate sounding. He held up a finger to communicate that something more important had arisen, and he stood and shuffled to the other room. Shadrack told us that his wife had awoken and was calling him. 

As it turns out, Jonathan's wife is quite ill and has been for 4 years now. Throughout that entire time, he has stayed by her side and waited on her in every way possible. She has been bedridden for the past 2 years, and has suffered multiple strokes. At this point, she is so frail, she can barely turn her head on the pillow. She is so frail... just so frail... she can't weigh more than 75 pounds. She is so weak, she can barely talk.

Jonathan sat next to her bed and talked to her.  His undying love was etched in every line on his face. His care is so tender.

When she fell back to sleep Jonathan told us that they have been so blessed and so happy. He said that it won't be long now. He knows that their time here on earth is ending and he is happy for what is next. He said when we hear that they have passed on, please celebrate for them. Please rejoice that they will be living together with God.

When it was time for us to leave, he walked us out. He held each of our hands and thanked us for visiting. I looked back as we left and he was still standing there. He looked thin and small in the forest and I know his eyes could no longer see us, but he stood gazing in our direction with a contented smile... the perfect picture of peace and happiness.