A Layne Post
I will not soon forget the sound of the clapping and cheers that welcomed Anaya and me as we approached our friends at the hospital for the first time as Mom and daughter. Everyone gathered around waiting to get a peek, to touch her little foot poking out of the sling, to grab my hands and kiss my cheeks.
Originally we planned to wait a little longer; however, I received news that two of the ladies I have known for months would be heading home over the weekend. I could not stand to think they would never meet Anaya; they had been such a part of my pregnancy, sharing in the joys of new ultrasound pictures, worrying and praying with me when her heartbeat was irregular. So we decided to make an exception and go early.
Anaya in her sling
We planned our trip during her nap time, hoping she would sleep in her sling. This would allow people to see her precious face, yet hopefully reducing the requests to hold her, as we still want to protect her little immune system. She did beautifully. A few women still asked for me to ‘give her to them’ or to ‘borrow her to them’, but I was able to say no, and for the most part the women were gracious.
It was a delight to see the joy my daughter brought to the faces of the sick. Even those in bed on treatment wanted a peek at this precious little girl, and when they got a glimpse, smiles would emerge across their tired faces. I worried a bit that the smells may bother her, but she didn’t even flinch. She did sweat like crazy in her sling, but that is part of life getting out and about in Maputo and, thankfully, it doesn’t seem to bother her too much; she is already hard-core. Ha!
We’ll take it slow, transitioning Anaya and me back into ministry, but it is an exciting step! For now I think we’ll aim at once a week and continue to see how it goes. In the African culture, which is probably not so unique to other cultures, me having a baby is a bridge between our differences; suddenly we have so much in common! I look forward to deeper relationships with Mozambican ladies, because of this new season of life that God has brought me into.
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Thanks for your ongoing prayers and support, both emotionally and financially. There have been some things lately that have reminded me how blessed Jon and I are to have such a network of supporters that keep us on the field. You are on my heart. May the Lord pour out His blessing and presence upon you. We love you!
So great Layne! I’m praying for you guys as you transition back into the hospital. So glad my niece is hard core.
Tears fill my eyes. What a poignant story; we are blessed to be a part of this moment. We love and pray for the dear ladies who have to much to give back to you, regardless of their own suffering. Bless them, Lord.
Dear Neice, as we enjoy our great grandson Sam, you are so right how this bundle of joy from God can teach us the wonders of our Lord, over years been blessed with many babies(friends,neighbors,silbings,our three,neice and nephew,grandchildren and now God sent us a GREAT grandchild) but each one still brings a new blessing! You and Jon ejoy her, those first few weeks so sweet and fly by so fast! Love to the three of you. Uncle Don and Aunt Joan.
SO happy for your “first” visit w/Anaya being so sweet:) You bless me Layne with your selfless love for the hurting there where you are. Anaya is going to be an amazing woman because her parents will show her how to serve like Jesus:)