I've been here in Mozambique the better part of 5 years now. All the while I've been busy doing what God had in front of me but never was I secure enough, never was I well enough, to dream another dream. But now, as life settles, I enjoy my family and our life here, I've started to dream again. And so, after months of writing, planning programs and trainings, I'm to the point of being ready to "get out of the boat and walk..."
You may have read about Courage which later lead to my sharing about my desire to start a program in hospice care. And then, not long after I had an experience which reminded me, if God has asked something of me, I need to walk in it, I need to listen, I want to be Obedient.
So, for the rest of this year, I will slowly be rolling out my plans for a palliative care/hospice program in Mozambique. (I have a more detailed plan if anyone is interested to know more please email me at darajeanhillstrom@gmail.com). The basis of the program is to teach families and communities to care for, in their homes, those with incurable disease. I foresee this being many HIV/AIDS patients, those with things such as cancer (that which there is no treatment for here) and even children with special needs who have little to no access to support structures. I will hire and work alongside 1-2 Mozambicans (for starters) who will be titled "trainers" who, after much training themselves, will be able to train families and caregivers in how to care for and what to expect in caring for their terminally-ill loved ones.
Historically in Mozambique, there is no understanding of "comfort care" or that "suffering" isn't necessary. Many people may even believe pain and "symptoms out of control" (ie. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, hallucinations) are a result of a curse or a sin that they've committed. In preparation for planning this program I've conducted some interviews to gain a better cultural understanding. I've been shocked to hear from my friends that the only acceptable reason for death would be due to old age. Any other prior death would be a work of witch craft or a curse. Disease process is not understood. Accidents aren't called for what they are, an "accident", all is a matter of sorcery.
What a scary way to live. Terrible.
Okay, okay, so you maybe thinking, it's unlikely that I'm going to be able to change a nation and culture's world view on death and dying. I will be the first to agree with you! There are mountains in front of this messenger who's trying to bring good news of eternal life to those who are suffering. But, my hope is that within the next many months my team and I can walk with a few families, primarily the Courages and my little guy with tuberculosis to bring them some relief and care but most importantly love and hope!
To kick this off, I will need a little bit of extra support to do things such as have training programs translated into Portuguese, have salary money to pay my "trainers", transport money to bring our patients to the hospital when necessary (not to die there but to be treated and returned home), and money to buy some supplies. I would like to give you the opportunity to purchase a Comfort Care pack that will help provide some additional TLC to one of our dear patients. For a donation of $50 (suggested) you can provide this bag for a patient. Inside they will be provided with a tooth brush, tooth paste, mouth wash, aqueous cream, lip balm, a new capalona (cloth used for everything here--a sheet, towel, skirt, headscarf, everything. Literally!) and best of all a Wildlife Storyteller!!
With the help of my great husband and his ministry (Audio Scripture Ministries) we're working on having a culturally appropriate recording that will be in these animals (on the blue player here- a solar powered device that plays up to 15 hours of stories, music, scriptures!) and the best thing is that we working to have it in the local dialect. There is NOTHING available in this dialect for people to listen to, nor is there even a written Bible or New Testament of the language of the people right here where we're living and working! Our goals is to record stories of hope, stories of love, Bible stories, Psalms, music and songs-- things that people, children and adults, can listen to and hear when they're ill, even until they take their last breath. This will reach much further than just to the palliative or hospice patient, the African family is large and many people will hear the word of God through through these adorable tools.
Please know that we're starting this program off very small but will incur some additional expenses. Every patient that we care for will receive one of these packs but some of the funds raised will have to go towards the translating and recordings for these devices, salaries, supplies, transport, medications, etc.
If this is something you'd like to partner with us in please fell free to send a gift via the "DONATE" Paypal button to the left of this link, click here Dara's support and follow the directions. Any additional support above the personal support I receive, by either of these 2 means, will be set aside for the palliative care/hospice program.
Thank you for your care, love, support, encouragement and believing in this need! I am excited to be dreaming again!
A special thanks to Nede and Simba for their assistance in this photo shoot.
