First 24 hours

Tamandani-Joy and Sidala-Faith were tucked into bed after they were bathed and had full tummys. Both girls responded well to their formula and drank it right down. (Because of refrigeration issues and their severe malnutrition, both girls will be drinking formula for the time being). The girls were quiet in the evening, talking only to each other. Thandie and the nannies could hear the girls planning an escape back to their village. It really is so heart breaking that the girls have had to be separated from what is left of their birth-family in order to have a chance to live.

Their first night consisted of Tamandani-Joy crying all night long and Sidala-Faith spiking a fever. Thank goodness there were two nannies last night.

Both girls were transported to the hospital first thing in the morning. With clothes on, the girls weigh:

Tamandani-Joy 19 lbs 8oz

Sidala-Faith 24 lbs 0oz

(They will be 4 years old in April)

Sidala-Faith was diagnosed with the flu. Tamandani-Joy was diagnosed with Marasmus (severe malnutrition). The hospital informed the Good Samaritan staff that Tamandani-Joy's condition warrants a hospital admission for months of in-patient monitoring. But because Tamandani-Joy has not been vaccinated, it is too dangerous for her to be hospitalized. The doctor who cares for the Good Samaritan children recommended that Tamandani-Joy remain at Good Samaritan on a special diet and he will be closely monitoring her there.

The next two weeks are critical for Tamandani-Joy. There is high risk of cardiac arrest in the re-feeding and treatment of Marasmus. The balance of electrolytes and nutrients in the body are critical. Her case is even more serious as she has a worms, and battles intense grief. The stress of the grief can cause and a chemical imbalance in her body and if she becomes over come by her grief and refuses to eat or drink, her situation will become even more concerning. Please lift these little girls up in prayer. Please pray for wisdom for the medical staff, the Good Samaritan Staff and especially the nannies who are providing the direct care to the girls. Please pray that Faith and Joy will feel the love of God through the staff and caregivers. Please pray that they will transition well to their new home at Good Samaritan. The children will be having visits with their birth family. Please pray for wisdom for the timing of these visits. Thank you for your prayers for Sidala-Faith and Tamandani-Joy.

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Answers to Questions:

1. Are they adoptable?

No, at this point the birth-family is not willing to relinquish the girls for adoption. Malawi does not have an open international-adoption program. The current long term plan is for the children to remain at Good Samaritan. But in our hearts, we hope that the Lord will one day open the door for the girls to know the love and care of a forever family through the miracle of adoption.

2. How can I help?

• Pray- for their health, their transition, their emotional and spiritual well-being, the nannies and staff, for financial support, their birth-family

• Care Packages- There are items that can not be easily purchased in Malawi. These items must be shipped. For more information on the care packages please click here.

• Financial Support- Malawi is going through a great famine. The cost of food and fuel is outrageous. Good Samaritan can not afford to provide for these girls. Tamandani-Joy and Sidala-Faith must be independently supported in order to remain at Good Samaritan. The funding for the girls will be managed by Missionary John Fullford who is full-time on the field.

If you feel lead to give, please send your tax deductible donation to:

Bible Baptist Church
Attn: Good Samaritan Orphanage
32 Adak Ave
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701

Please make the check payable to “Bible Baptist Church”
On the memo portion of the check please write “orphan twins”

Thank your for your prayers and support!