Wellness update....or should I say sickness update

Sidala-Faith’s fever continued throughout the day Tuesday and the staff began to fear she had Malaria. The doctor didn’t take a blood test in the morning because he was certain the fever was caused by the flu that is plaguing Malawi. Sidala-Faith was taken back to the clinic Tuesday night for a blood test and diagnosed with Malaria 3+. This is a very serious form of Malaria. She contracted it in her village prior to her arrival at Good Samaritan. We are so thankful that the Lord lead us to her when he did because her family would not have been able to get her to the hospital in time for the anti-malaria treatment. Sidala-Faith is receiving this life saving treatment now, and responding well. She still has a loss of appetite, but otherwise is improving.

Tamadani-Joy was suffering from severe constipation and worms. Her stomach became so distended that she was unable to swallow food. She was given treatment for the worms and a suppository. Her constipation has resolved and she is much more comfortable, and probably a pound or two lighter. She is receiving a high protein porridge along with a specialized food program that has her eating every three hours during the day. So far they haven’t found a food that she doesn’t like.

Both girls saw themselves in the mirror for the first time today and were smiling at themselves. They are still interacting more with each other than with the staff but that is to be expected at this point. Thandie’s daughter, Peace was home from school today recovering from Malaria 1+ , so she brought the girls into her room to watch a DVD. The girls had never seen television before. Tamandani-Joy was very scared of it at first, but then relaxed when she realized that nothing was going to come out of the television. They watched an educational video that was made by Disney to teach the English language to children in foreign countries.

On the home front, I have been diagnosed with a sinus infection and strep throat. Not a fun combination with nursing school, freezing temperatures, working and mommy duties. Savannah-Hope has been suffering from chronic respiratory issues. She is currently requiring a breathing treatment every three hours throughout the day and night. It’s a busy over here, but we are blessed :) We appreciate your prayers and support!