RIP Agnes

Rodrigue and I had finished our first day together training the Kammengo kids, and we were exhausted.  The Sun had turned the tilted concrete court into a baking pan, and our feet and our heads had melted just a little throughout the course of the day.  I'm sure the black Big Bangs shirts added somewhat to the heat.  We hadn't thought far enough to even consider what we would be eating that night, which is not altogether surprising for us, as we seem to get caught up in the rush of every camp, no matter where we are.

As we sat on the plastic chairs in the courtyard, a tall, black, short-haired woman walks in through a side door, strides over to where we're sitting, and announces that dinner is ready... some women seem so perfect for motherhood, and dear Agnes was a mother to all she encountered.

Fresh avocado, pineapple, even sweet bananas, all were laid out for us.  Like the doting mother she was, Agnes made sure we both had our full share, and continued to do so for the entire week we were there.

In our brief time among the kids of Kammengo, we heard, saw and felt the love Agnes had for all of us, kids, volunteers, helpers, even random strangers who would stop by the center.  Rod and I became quite attached to Agnes; the way to a man's heart is through is stomach, after all.

Our family today mourns a loss so great, so painful.

Rest In Peace, dear Agnes.

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