By Juli McGowan Boit | Published: January 14, 2014
Last Friday, our beloved guest Jacob returned to Kimbilio Hospice after spending time at home with his family to celebrate Christmas. It was the same day I had come back to Living Room after a fruitful trip to the States; and what a joy it was to be reunited with this friend. As the ambulance pulled into the driveway, our staff gathered to sing and celebrate the arrival of Jacob. It was an extravagant welcome—a beautiful picture of a community graced with the gift of hospitality. The love extended by the lyrics alone was overwhelming to me. In Kalenjiin, we sang, as if on repeat: “There is great joy today in this place. There is great joy today in this place. Jacob, feel at home. There is great joy today. We love you, Jacob. There is great joy today in this place.”
As I witnessed this moment filled with such loving-kindness, I wondered if there is another hospital in the world that sings to welcome their patients. It brought both a smile to my face as well as tears to my eyes. In this little village, on a warm Friday afternoon, another piece of dignity was restored. As Jacob expressed his gratitude, light shined through his eyes and his smile. In response to his joyful welcome, Jacob said: “I need time to digest this, but I have been reminded that God has not forgotten me.”
As we dive into a new year, I am both encouraged and challenged by the work that awaits us at Living Room. There are so many others who need to be reminded that God has not forgotten them.
This entry was posted in Blog. Bookmark the
permalink. or leave a trackback:
Trackback URL.
Category: Blog
Tags: No tags yet.
