The Least of These
Ellen the HBC Volunteer Caring for Felesita
Felesita is a 48 year old widow living in Mtandile. Felesita’s husband died in 2001 after a lengthy struggle with both TB and cancer. Because they had no children, Felisita was left alone.
In 2003, Felesita discovered she was HIV positive and had developed AIDS. She managed to survive until June of 2007 when she became very, very sick. It was at this time that Ellen, one of the Home-Based Care volunteers in Mtandila found Felista. By this time Felista had lost a lof of body weight and was suffering from a severe attack of malaria as well as the affects of HIV/AIDS. Ellen was able to take Felesita to the doctor who immediately started her on anti-retro viral drugs for her AIDS. However, within one month of Felista starting her AIDS medication both her legs became paralyzed. She has not walked for more than two years.
While Felista’s church is providing some help for her, it is the Somebody Cares Home-Based Care workers that are her primary caregivers. Ellen, the volunteer that found Felesita, cares for her every day. She washes Felestia’s blankets, bathes her and cleans her house each day. Felestia has no relatives in Mtandila, so she lives and sleeps alone. Without Ellen, she would be completely alone most days.
Felesita is happier than she has been in a long time because she has someone who cares for her. Ellen is the closest thing she has to a family. Ellen, who is 25 years old, is like the daughter she never had. Through her selfless service, Ellen is the hands and feet of Jesus, living out the scriptures that say:
I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? ‘When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? ‘Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me. Matthew 25:36-40
October 1st, 2009 at 9:46 am
Thank you for keeping us updated through your website. It is a blessing to know so many people are being cared for and that many of the caregivers are former patients. My heart goes out to Felesita, especially since she has no family. Thank you Lord for the love Ellen is sharing with her. I will pray for both of them.
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Thank you for keeping us aware of what is happening in the world. Having recently been ill myself, and having a very dear friend coming faithfully every day to help me, it makes me very thankful for Ellen who faithfully tends to Felesita daily. I pray that God abundantly blesses them both in every way!