Staff Spotlight: Christine

Rolling up to Masese in the large Amazima van, people turn from cooking beans and posho, making necklaces, or washing clothes to offer a friendly wave or smile to one of our social workers, Christine.

She parks under a shady tree right next to Angelina’s house, a sweet friend of hers. After greeting her and asking about her day, Christine moves down into the heart of Masese.

As people see her approach, they greet her warmly and present their problems.  A broken arm, an infected wound. Christine assesses their situation and refers them to the appropriate clinic. After seeking medical care, Christine follows up to ensure that they have healed properly and are on the path to health.

A group of people lead Christine to an old house with a woman inside. She is lying on a mat and has been there for days. Wasting away due to HIV and TB, her neighbors decided it was time to seek help. Christine counsels the woman and tells the people around to gather things for a stay at the hospital. As a community, they prepare this woman who is sick for the long weeks ahead. Clothes and basins are packed, and they gently lift the woman into the car.

The look on Christine’s face is one of passion and heartbreak. It never gets easier seeing someone in such a desperate place.

“But for me,” she adds, “I really love Masese. I love the people of Masese. There is nowhere else I would rather be.”