Newest Fans of the VeggieTales

Tamandani-Joy and Sidala-Faith spent some time today with Peace while the nannies were doing some chores. (Thandie was at a funeral for the tailor who died on Wednesday). The girls sat in Peace's room with her and watched a VeggieTales movie. It was the one about David and Goliath. Thandie said that the girls could be heard outside giggling and laughing. They started to make their voices sound like the characters and then would crack up laughing. It is so good to hear that they are having moments of laughter. A couple of teenager girls from Good Samaritan peeked in the door to check on them and of course they both went mute. The only person so far they feel comfortable talking to is Peace. They even told Peace that they needed to make a #2 and she helped them on to the potty and then cleaned them up afterwards. Peace is so pleased that they are coming to her for help. She did a great job too. Peace is 8 years old.

Tamadani-Joy is suffering from severe sweating. Its possible that it could be Tuberculosis, since that is what their birth mother died of. But she isn't coughing or having any other symptoms of TB. Its more likely a symptom of refeeding syndrome. People with severe malnutrition have high levels of sodium in their bodies. When they start to refeed, this sodium starts to release in their blood causing all kinds of issues. At this point they are removing salt from Tamandani's diet and increasing some of her supplements to counteract the high sodium levels. Hopefully this will help. Salt is typically added to nsima (main staple food in Malawi) and poridge because otherwise it is very very bland. Reading about refeeding syndrome....just promotes fear in our hearts. We need the knowledge so that we can help her, but there are just SO many things that could go wrong during the refeeding. Please keep Tamandani-Joy in your prayers. These next too weeks are very critical. We are thankful though that her spirits seem high and she has moments of playfulness and laughter. That's gotta be a good thing! We are putting our faith in the Lord who has been sustaining the children since their birth and has now opened the door for this opportunity.

Do you remember Clifford? He was mine and Savannah-Hope's guard while we were in Malawi. I just learned today that he is expecting his first child. Please pray for Clifford as he embarks on the responsibility of parenthood.

As for life on the home front......

Savannah-Hope is still receiving breathing treatments but not as frequently as before. She has a very runny nose now. Seems like she is still adjusting to our weather. Bella has a bit of a cough but otherwise the big kids are doing well. I am slowing recovering from strep throat and a sinus infection, but still working 7am to 7pm today.