Two generous hands, a simple smile & a big heart

By Althea Masi

I asked a little boy if he has ever seen an angel. He innocently but smartly responded saying, “when I see one I will let you know.” I asked him again how he’d tell if he did see one to which he confidently assured me with an answer that left me speechless. This is what he said, “it’s so simple, angels wear white dresses and they have two big wings, they shine and smile a lot and they hug babies when they cry.”
 

Now this is my story of a priceless encounter I had with an angel. This angel I met has no wings, does not wear white dress but has two generous hands, a simple smile and a very big heart.

Let’s meet Angel Nara

This wonderful petite woman is full of love and endless smile for a child. Her heart beat creates soothing melody to the ears of a sick, abused or neglected child. Her heart beats in a rhythm that only a child can tune in to and can instantly know that this big heart is pure and full of love and compassion for each of them regardless of their medical conditions.

Her hands do not only reach out physically to comfort a sick, abused or neglected child but her touch reaches the soul of a child and brings out the best in them. The warmth of her hands on a child’s forehead and her motherly embrace warms the soul of a sick infant and invites them to recover.

The softness of her voice calms the storm in a child. Her faith in each of them encourages them to absorb relevant information and urge them to ask intelligent questions and learn as much as they can.

Her presence among the children has given hope and peace in the hearts of disheartened parents and guardians. She believes that God’s grace and miracles are happening everyday in the lives of these beautiful children. When a child smiles; or is able to sit up or laugh this is God at work.

Nara is from Buang in Morobe province. She is married to Goroka and has two beautiful sons. One is twenty-five years old and the other is nine years old.

She is a teacher by profession. She has taught children with special needs at Korobosea International School for 22 years. She speaks eight languages one of which is motu and several other languages from the Central Province etc... And from all the knowledge she acquired she decided to be more practical and implement her skills. She then joined Buk Bilong ol Pikinini as the Head librarian. She is more or less the library herself.

Buk Bilong ol Pikinini Library is located in ward 2CD at Port Moresby General Hospital where children living with HIV/AIDS, TB and Malnutrition are treated. It was in operation since 2007. And ever since Nara was there to give them love and comfort and educate them as well.

Having being admitted to the hospital quite a number of times back in the days I was never fond of hospitals. Thus when I stood at the entrance of the 2CD ward, my heart sank and I tried not to break down in tears. It was heartbreaking to see almost all the beds occupied with children, some in pain and some at ease while others are fighting to live. 

You could feel death breathing down your throat but then towards the back left of the ward I could see that little corner that’s rejuvenating life. It was beautifully decorated with shapes, finger paintings, nursery rhymes, very colourful and full of love. 

And there was Angel Nara gathering the kids for their morning dose of reading, spelling, sounding words and singing. Nara creates new curriculum almost every day to suit her little audiences and by far her kids are multi-tasked and they are able to use their five senses or at least master the use of whichever sense they have.

She believes that a child without a childhood is sad and unfortunate. Parents should give their children their childhood and so they will have a story to tell their children.

Angel Nara is all about Pure Love! Flexible learning! And healthy living!
If you need to know how angels on earth are like and if you’d like to help Nara’s library she can be contacted on phone 3436277. And to learn more about the Buk Bilong Pikinini Library visit them online: 

https://www.facebook.com/BukbilongPikinini or www.bukbilongpikinini.org