I want you to meet little Caleb. He was the 2 year old son of the guest house supervisor Janice, and the grandson to Reverand Mwikeesa. He was always with Janice in the guest house and he had the brightest little smile. He would always throw me a kiss and wave whenever he left the guest house to go home. He reminded me alot of my own little grandsons....
Well, sadly I say "was" because Caleb died. The mosquito spraying patrol came to the farm to spray all of our buildings and villages, one of which was Janice's home. She took alot of things out of her house while they sprayed inside and then had to wait two hours before returning inside. While everything was outside, Caleb picked up a bottle and drank some of the solution inside and then proceeded to chuck the bottle over his head because it had such a bitter taste. Immediate attention was given and things seemed to be okay until later that night around midnight when Albert and Janice brought him to the clinic. The liquid he had drank was Betadine mouthwash used here for toothaches and mouth sores....well he must of aspirated some into his lungs and despite our prayers and best efforts at suctioning and medication to reduce the pulmonary edema, we were unable to stabilize him. We called ahead to the American doctor at Zimba hospital who got up and waited for us to arrive. We were five minutes too late in reaching the hospital....Caleb died in Janice's arms in the backseat of the vehicle.
Caleb's little body was placed in the morgue at Zimba Hospital until a small wooden coffin could be purchased, family contacted and the burial planned. The burial took place the next day in Zimba with many people present. Three vehicles went from the farm here as our Sons of Thunder families went to give support. Caleb's small body was bathed, wrapped in white cloth and placed in the coffin. A group of ladies carried the coffin first to the home singing all the way. A message was given by Pastor Julius and people were able to process in front of the coffin and view the body one last time. The ladies again picked up the coffin and we all walked to the place of burial, again with singing all the way. The men dug a grave just in an isolated area and prayers and more messages were shared by many different pastors including the District Superintendent. The men proceeded to take turns shoveling dirt on top of the coffin until a small mound was seen. The ladies then proceeded to sing and pack the dirt with their hands. Flowers in small bags were handed to different people to place on the grave as little memorials. People were allowed to speak including the parents and then we walked back to the village home. Hugs and prayers.
I will not forget the faith of Albert and Janice.....this was not the first child they had lost. The other child, a girl was the very same age as Caleb, yet they continued to stand firm in their faith and praise and worship the Lord. I will also forever remember Reverand Mwikeesa's quiet tears and Mrs Mwikeesa's lingering hug.
I want you to meet little Caleb. He was the 2 year old son of the guest house supervisor Janice, and the grandson to Reverand Mwikeesa. He was always with Janice in the guest house and he had the brightest little smile. He would always throw me a kiss and wave whenever he left the guest house to go home. He reminded me alot of my own little grandsons....Well, sadly I say "was" because Caleb died. The mosquito spraying patrol came to the farm to spray all of our buildings and villages, one of which was Janice's home. She took alot of things out of her house while they sprayed inside and then had to wait two hours before returning inside. While everything was outside, Caleb picked up a bottle and drank some of the solution inside and then proceeded to chuck the bottle over his head because it had such a bitter taste. Immediate attention was given and things seemed to be okay until later that night around midnight when Albert and Janice brought him to the clinic. The liquid he had drank was Betadine mouthwash used here for toothaches and mouth sores....well he must of aspirated some into his lungs and despite our prayers and best efforts at suctioning and medication to reduce the pulmonary edema, we were unable to stabilize him. We called ahead to the American doctor at Zimba hospital who got up and waited for us to arrive. We were five minutes too late in reaching the hospital....Caleb died in Janice's arms in the backseat of the vehicle.Caleb's little body was placed in the morgue at Zimba Hospital until a small wooden coffin could be purchased, family contacted and the burial planned. The burial took place the next day in Zimba with many people present. Three vehicles went from the farm here as our Sons of Thunder families went to give support. Caleb's small body was bathed, wrapped in white cloth and placed in the coffin. A group of ladies carried the coffin first to the home singing all the way. A message was given by Pastor Julius and people were able to process in front of the coffin and view the body one last time. The ladies again picked up the coffin and we all walked to the place of burial, again with singing all the way. The men dug a grave just in an isolated area and prayers and more messages were shared by many different pastors including the District Superintendent. The men proceeded to take turns shoveling dirt on top of the coffin until a small mound was seen. The ladies then proceeded to sing and pack the dirt with their hands. Flowers in small bags were handed to different people to place on the grave as little memorials. People were allowed to speak including the parents and then we walked back to the village home. Hugs and prayers.I will not forget the faith of Albert and Janice.....this was not the first child they had lost. The other child, a girl was the very same age as Caleb, yet they continued to stand firm in their faith and praise and worship the Lord. I will also forever remember Reverand Mwikeesa's quiet tears and Mrs Mwikeesa's lingering hug.
Comments (2)
I read this, this is heartbreaking.
I've been to one funeral in Zambia. The singing and the burying with the mound are almost similiar. It's awful that one so young would die!
-Heidi
My prayers goes out for Albert and Janice. Janice and Caleb was a blessing to us when we were at the Farm.
Joanne
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