Malaria

I got home from the orphanage feeling hot and tired. I headed straight to bed to rest for awhile. While I was sleeping (or attempting to sleep), I started feeling more and more achy, eyes burning, very hot, and just overall - not great. Came downstairs and told my fellow housemates that I thought I had a fever. Took out the themometer and checked - 38.8 C. A bit high. Then Sandra (who's a doctor) asked me if I'd been taking my Doxy (anti-malaria meds). Well...I said....I hadn't. It had been an issue before, last time I was sick, at which time I promised I would start taking it. Unfortunately, that was a promise I broke. I can't actually remember the last time I took my Doxy. Anyway, thankfully she had a test at home. We went upstairs, she poked my finger, got the blood and we let the test sit. Waited a few minutes and it came back invalid. Repeated the process, except this time....the malaria line appeared. NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I did indeed have malaria. Again, thankfully, Sandra had the medication at home so I took it immediately and slept a lot.

After 3 days of feeling less than great, I have fully recovered (almost fully). It was not nearly as bad as it could have been and I'm so thankful we caught it quickly. My word of advice to all who are reading...TAKE THE DOXY!!! It's just stupid not to. Lesson learned. I will be taking it for the next 4 weeks to prevent new infection or a relapse. Again, TAKE THE DOXY!!!

One last visit...

Ah...the orphange. How I'm gong to miss those kids!!! The last visit was really a special day. A group of 4 of us went to see the kids and deliver a bunch of Christmas goodies. The people who supported me to come here, gave very generously, so I had a bit of money left over. I sent my parents a list of all sorts of things for the kids - crayons, colored pencils, paper, scissors, glue, hair clippies, combs, new shirts, books, games, soccer balls, toys, and other such things. This was delivery day! I was so excited...I just knew the kids would love it all.

We arrived and they had planned a special thing for me. They sang a couple songs, danced, and then sang Christmas carols. It was really wonderful. They also sang this really sad song for me about my going away. They were so precious as many of them started crying. I could barely hold it together. They have been such a blessing to me over the past 6 months, I can't even begin to express with words what they mean to me.

After the songs, they had a lively game of football (soccer). The girls almost managed to beat the boys. It was really fun to just be there and spend time with them. They had made us lunch - kassava leaves and rice (yum!). A truly lovely day.

Meet the New Steps rehab team (minus one John Angel). This is the team I've been working with for the past 6 months. They have become good friends. God is using them in great ways to reach the people with disabilities here in SL. They have been such a blessing to me and I will miss them greatly. There is Richard on the stool, Abu next to him, Alfred, and Morelai. Abdulai in front. Me, Geraldine, and Rosemarie in the back. I am really going to miss them.

To the Beach...

This is one of our favorite spots. Usually, on the way home from work on Friday's, we all stop here for some groundnuts and drinks. It's such a peaceful place and a nice way to unwind before heading home. While we sit, there are numerous traders coming along to sell things like necklaces, carvings, blankets, material, etc. So, you can also shop while you sit...how great is that. I know...pretty rough you're thinking. It is a blessing to live so close to the beach!!