"...but how can I have a baby?"

by Wyva Hasselblad ~ December 2011

Mary asked the angel, "But how can I have a baby? I am a virgin." Luke 1:34 NLT

This is an understandable question coming from a young woman. Every day, in CRWRC’s adolescent health classes in Senegal, we talk with participants about complex reproductive health situations that they need information and skills to confront. This, however, is as far as the comparison goes. Mary was satisfied with the angel’s brief explanation and the assurance of God’s presence in her life: and her response was to accept the will of God in the matter.

In Senegal, however, we are dealing with human-made predicaments and problems, so we encourage our participants to continue asking questions and seek further information. We do know that God loves these young women in the health program, and that He desires for them the confidence and courage to lead healthy and productive lives. So we work with them, and with their parents and communities to support new learning and skills to make healthy choices. Mary’s acceptance of God’s will led her into a life of unprecedented responsibilities and challenges. For our participants, new knowledge and skills lead them into productive lives that they had not previously dreamed of.

Take Awa Sarr, a young woman of 17 who graduated last year from CRWRC health classes with a perfect attendance record. Armed with her attendance certificate and the encouragement of CRWRC staff, she went to the local health clinic and asked for a job. When I went to visit her at her place of work last Friday, I found her taking the blood pressure of an outpatient. “Awa has more dedication than most trained personnel who come looking for a job,” said her supervisor, Ahmet Fall, the nurse in charge. “We knew she has only three years of elementary school, but we understood from her perfect attendance at your classes that she desires to learn. As a nurse’s aide, Awa helps with first aid, and she checks up on tuberculosis patients at their homes making sure that they are taking their treatment regularly.” I talked with Awa’s mom, Maïmouna. “I always had Awa at home with me doing domestic chores. That has been my life, and I expected that to be her life. I had no idea she wanted to learn and to have a job. I have just been amazed to see my daughter working here in a health clinic. I never dreamed of the possibility.”

Awa asked many questions during her time training—most often she asked, “How?” How is a really good question for this time of year. “How shall I enter the New Year?” “How shall I listen more closely to the Lord’s leading in my life?” “How shall I face the challenges that cause me to stumble and fall?” “How shall I ground my speech and actions in more loving kindness?” And so many more questions besides!

As followers of Christ, we do have the answer to our “how” questions: “Nothing is impossible with God”. Luke 1:37 NIV tells us to expect God’s blessings as we act on this incredible promise, as he has blessed Awa!

May you have a very Happy New Year,

Wyva

Please Pray

• For our partner in Sierra Leone, Christian Extension Services (CES), as we seek God’s guidance for a long-term vision. Thank God for the church in Canada which has raised funds for rehabilitating wells in four villages where CES works.
• Senegal will be electing a new president (or re-electing the old president) in February 2012. There is a lot of pre-election tension in the country. May the forces for good stay strong.
• For the AIDS orphans and children of sick parents that CRWRC is supporting with school expenses here in Senegal – especially that they will have the courage and encouragement to stay in school.
• For our new partner, Beer Sheba, as they work with churches to develop new farming techniques to produce food for poor farmers.

About Wyva Hasselblad

Wyva Hasselblad serves with CRWRC in West Africa, based in Senegal and also focusing on Sierra Leone.

She previously worked with CRWRC in Niger and Mali. Wyva grew up in India, the daughter of medical missionaries. After completing a graduate degree, she followed in her father’s footsteps working in the field of leprosy control and community care. After several years with the World Health Organization, where she was responsible for country programs for the prevention of HIV and AIDS, she joined CRWRC. Wyva is a member of Ranier Beach Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Washington. She is blessed with two sons, a daughter-in-law, and a dearly beloved granddaughter, Isabel.

Email:  whasselblad@crwrc.org