Henry - Part Two

Remember in our second communication to you, we talked about Henry helping me with building shelves for the musical instruments and how he lost all of his front teeth some time back?

So, Henry went to the dentist at our request to get an evaluation and cost for the dental work.  He continues to serve daily in small ways, never asking for money.  The evaluation showed the need for more extensive work totaling about $350  (1,200,000 shillings) and Henry was disheartened.  

These numbers must have seemed astronomical — what’s the difference between 1.5 light years and 7 light years.

As we have been talking with our hosts, Chuck and Beth Bradshaw, about when giving is right and when it disempowers, we were stumped with Henry’s situation.  What should we do?  It’s one thing to give $50 and quite another to give $350.  And, there are so very many other needs.  We can’t do it all.  We struggled.  We philosophized.  

As I sat in silence, asking for guidance, two things emerged.  The previous day I had a bad toothache.  I hired a car and driver, travelled four hours round trip, saw a dentist, got a prescription, all of this totaling about $150.  How many people in this country have that option.  The cost here for pulling a tooth is about $4.50.

Secondly, friends at home following our blog, David and Joyce Powell, were moved to donate $200 to needs we saw.  What’s the total?  $350 — just what will give Henry a confident smile.

Can we address the larger needs of poverty in Africa?  Not even close.  Can we cause problems by giving to make ourselves feel good?  Definitely.  We are here to be companions to others.  What we can do is — when we spend time with someone — when there is give and take in a relationship — when that brother has a need and I have excess, the path becomes clear.

As I write, Henry is biking the two miles to Mityana to the dentist.  He knows to keep the source anonymous.  He will get the care he needs.  This is not great generosity — only doing the right thing in a world where we have more and others have less.

Blessings, Steve

P.S.  Going on our safari in Murchison Falls National Park next week — can’t wait!