The Triplets’ Story Part III — There Is A Reason
The Triplets’ Story Part III — There Is A Reason
Date of original journal entry: Monday March 6, 2016
“The grave . . . saith not, it is enough.” (Proverbs 30:16)
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Alfred came up to the house quite early this morning to ask us to go visit with Teressa and her mother, Aminata. They were leaving to travel to their ancestral village for a time of healing while the father continues to live here in Baomahun to keep up with his thriving mining business. The sun had not yet cleared the hills and, being Harmattan season, the morning was very cool so I donned my shawl as we walked out the door.
Grandmother consoling grandmother through Alfred’s translating.
I hugged the grandmother then the mother, tears freely flowing. What words are there even in my own language? Alfred helped me express my grief to them, putting my English into Mende. Holding baby Aluson, I talked to him for a while, and talked to God for him and his heartbroken family.
I gave Teressa some photos I printed for her; photos of a happier time. We visited a bit and then they left with just one baby, little Aluson, strapped to Teressa’s weary back. They were planning to return in April but ended up staying longer.
Back at the house, over and over again I am now listening to a gospel song, eyes blurred with tears as I try to accomplish some long overdue housework. The physical activity is distractive and cathartic.
“In all the things that cause me pain, You give me eyes to see; I do believe but help my unbelief,” I hear the clear soprano voice of Alison Krauss sing again. And again.
There are too many things in Sierra Leone which cause me deep pain. But oh, the incredible expanse of heart sight they give. Yes, the pain does give me eyes to see. I wouldn’t change that.
It’s a hard place to be. The sensitive soul hurts so deeply, so constantly. But there truly is a reason to be here. The ever-present specters of death and spiritual darkness are the reason. To join into the pain of these dear people, at least in some small part, is the reason. To offer them hope beyond the gaping grave which is never full is the reason. And it also our great privilege and joy, even as we hurt.
“Hurtin’ brings my heart to You, a fortress in the storm
When what I wrap my heart around is gone”
I didn’t know that cool morning would be the last time I would see Aluson.
“Hurtin’ brings my heart to You, crying with my need,
Depending on Your love to carry me.”
The love that shed His blood for all the world to see
This must be the reason for it all.”
Teressa with Aluson and her mother as they prepare to leave our village.
Little Aluson, our hearts travel with you and your family. Yes, Jesus is the reason for it all.
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Post Script: I learned just one week prior to putting my journal notes into this blog series, that our dear little Aluson died at around two years of age. Had he lived, he would now be eight. I do not have a cause of death, but my guess would be fever, likely from malaria. This dread disease remains the highest cause of death, for any age, in Sierra Leone. Additionally, Sierra Leone ranks at the fifth highest infant (birth-five years) mortality rate in the world.
Though not classified as a gospel singer, Alison Krauss does have some lovely and thought provoking gospel songs. The one mentioned in this post, “There is a Reason,” I often listen to on repeat and always cry. It has helped me stay focused on the reason to be in Sierra Leone as we pass through some very sad and spiritually dark times.
Part I of this series may be read here, and Part II here.
