Convalescence at Casa Ahava
For the men and women in treatment for their cancer at the Maputo Central Hospital, Casa Ahava is a home of respite and comfort away from the constant reminder of illness. When a patient is transferred from a remote province of Mozambique to receive cancer care in Maputo, there is often very little or no social support available so far from home. Instead of living in the hospital for months on end, in coordination with our partners at Maputo Central Hospital, a patient is referred, invited, and brought to live at Casa Ahava during that arduous journey. Instead of the sterile walls of the hospital, they are given a soft bed, a cozy kitchen, a welcoming community, and as much comfort as can be offered.
Our Day to Day
Most of our days are spent in rest, in repose, or in hospital. Many patients have several needs at the hospital throughout the week and we faciliate all testing, examining, consulting, and waiting that may be needed.
On the days when hospital visits are not necessary, patients often go for short walks in our neighborhood, work or gather food in our small garden of greens, sit in the shade and listen to music, or participate in times of prayer and meditation faciliatated by our partners.
Community
Casa Ahava has 13 beds reserved for women and 4 reserved for me. Each member of the Casa Ahava family brings his or her own culture, joy, sorrow, and story to the mix. We strive to create a family and a home for those who need both while attending to their cancer care.
Activity
Weekly times of spiritual and emotional engagement are sprinkled into organized trips to the beach, to the open market, to the cafes, simply to visit the bussling life of Maputo city streets.
Intimacy
Although Mozambique’s ethnic and lingustic diversity may, at first, give the impression that it would be difficult to form close friendships within the community of Casa Ahava, the fellowship of sharing in sickness and suffering crosses cultural and language barriers. Strangers may cross the threshold to our home but only brothers and sisters leave it.
Why Convalescence?
So often, the road between home and hospital is far too long or far to arduous for many cancer patients. The unique geography of Mozambique places the capital city and the only location for cancer care at the extreme southern point of a 2,500 kilometer national coastline. When home is 1,000 or more kilometers away from the only place to receive care for a life-threatening illness, Casa Ahava is a place to rest between hospital visits.
Contact or Give.
Email: jonheller@casaahava.org
WhatsApp: +258 82 369-1505