It was *Daisy who caught my attention. She looked five but was, in fact seven. She struggled to the carepoint at Pfunani with a baby on her hip, another toddler (barely able to walk) holding her hand, and yet another small boy tagging along. She was hot, tired and unsmiling. Her only concern was for her siblings and herself to get something to eat. The little ones clung to her and would not go to anyone else. She was unable to participate in any games as her attention was fully on the children in her care. At one stage a care worker indicated to Daisy to sit down with the baby, which she did, that small gesture lifting some of her burden. So Daisy and her little family sat sharing the food in the heat of the day. Later on an older sister appeared from school and assisted Daisy in taking the children home.
Our team visited Daisy’s home. The head of the household is a Sangoma (traditional healer). Her main aim was to get customers. She said she could not refuse anyone but very few paid her for her services. The traditional healer had a hut in which she administered her wares.
The little hut where the family slept housed 10 people. The mat, full of holes, was placed outside in the small area of shade, so that the children could sleep. They slept with flies around their little, innocent faces. I doubt whether they had a mattress or a blanket at night – we did not enter the hut.
This small, frail, dedicated, focused, concerned little girl called Daisy left us all with a lasting impression of what God expects us to be like. He expects us to carry each other’s burdens, to hold each other up, to soldier on with great determination until we get what others need; to stand by them, not thinking of ourselves and our comfort.
What Daisy does for her siblings is what Jesus does for us. He is always there for us. He carries us to where we can be fed and nurtured. He does not leave us alone for a minute. He provides all our needs. He never leaves us, just as Daisy never leaves those in her care.
If we want to be Jesus’ eyes, ears, hands and feet, then let’s ponder Daisy’s commitment to others at the tender age of seven. She sees the need. She hears the cries of the hungry. She lifts them up. She carries them, one step at a time. She is a true champion of Pfunani.
Daisy is God’s little angel who brings life and love not only to her little brothers and sisters but to the care workers and volunteers who her life and love. Please pray for Daisy. I will never forget her. She left a lasting impression on me.
Story by Daphne Drew who was on the Heart City Church Team from Perth.
*Name has been changed