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A few years ago, Ann Murei (or more commonly known as Mama Essie), would have come nowhere near a place like Kimbilio Center. In fact, she would have had nothing to do with any people or program related to HIV/AIDS. One of the three main goals of Tumaini na Afya (Hope & Health) is to “replace fear and stigma related to HIV/AIDS with hope and truth.” Through the transformation in Mama Essie’s life, she has demonstrated to our team that this “goal” is actually attainable. God has worked miracles in her life until this day, upon walking into Kimbilio Center, she is one of the first to greet you with a welcoming smile and is one of our main caregivers.
Mama Essie (named after her daughter, Esleen) is a widow and a mother of three children (two of her own and her niece whose mother passed away). She is currently living positively with HIV; however, this was not always the case. Mama Essie’s husband passed away in 2002. A few months before his death, their two year old daughter had passed away. No one spoke openly about the cause of their deaths, but only whispered to each other, “Ukimwi” (AIDS). Following their deaths, Mama Essie struggled to provide for her three remaining children, Walter, Esleen, and Yvonne. There was also a battle going on inside of her as she continually wondered if she was HIV+. For several years, she lived in this fear. Though she never chose to be tested, she was diagnostically tested upon being admitted to the hospital in 2006 with a severe bout of pneumonia. Upon receiving counseling from our Tumaini na Afya team, she clearly communicated to them that she did not want to be visited. Without emotional and psychological support, she kept her fears and worries about living with HIV inside. The fear continued to build until it exploded one evening in March 2008 when she attempted suicide. God miraculously saved her life; and from that day, we began to see transformation as she began to choose to live with hope in Christ. She took hold of God’’swords in Isaiah 41:10, “fear not, for I am with you,” and joined those in our community who are living positively with HIV.
Mama Essie joined our Tumaini na Afya team in April 2008 when she was asked to help care for two severely malnourished babies, Flovia and Felix. As she began caring for them, we quickly realized her God-given gifts and talents of caring for and loving the sick. Mama Essie performs her “tasks” with a smile on her face. Caring for people not only brings joy to her heart, but joy to those for whom she is caring as well as those of us who have the opportunity to observe her while at Kimbilio Center. When I was there last week, I heard her tell Pauline (one of the patients), “It’s time for your exercise!” Mama Essie proceeded to help Pauline stand up and began walking with her around the home. Needless to say, my heart was blessed. As she strengthens and helps others, like Pauline, God continues to do the same in her own life. We thank God for Mama Essie, for the ways He has transformed her life, and for how He is now using her to help transform others.
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