Photos from Nkhotakota

South Africa for Easter

Praise

Last week, we were blessed to see the Lord bring a patient from the brink of death. Last Thursday night, a patient suffering from a severe pneumonia became quite short of breath. I went to her bedside about midnight and told the family that I thought she was worsening, was getting the best care available in Lilongwe, and did not recommend transfer to the Central Hospital. She clearly needed to be intubated and put on the ventilator (breathing machine). We of course don't have one. Central Hospital has a couple, but they are usually in use. Her husband, my nurse, and I prayed for her through the night. I was called again at 2am to return to her bedside, as her condition had worsened. I spent the rest of the night in the ward, resting in an open bed. We administered steroids and prayed. By morning, it was apparent that she was improving. I thought she wouldn't make it through the night, however the Lord sustained her. I'm not sure it was a miracle, but I don't have another explanation.

Loss

Our little infant boy for whom you've been praying died last evening. Meningitis is the likely cause, but we won't know for sure. I had met with his father, Chimwemwe, earlier in the evening to inform him of the baby's condition. Chimwemwe looked to be holding up well, especially given that he was to bury his wife in the coming hours. Thank you for continuing to pray for this family. Their grief must be unfathomable.

The Lord reigns.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Prayer request

Please pray for a new little baby who was admitted to our ward yesterday. He doesn't have a name yet. He was born yesterday morning at 3 am, and his mother died from postpartum hemorrhage, a fairly common occurrence here. He was her first child. Her husband was quite shell-shocked when I met them yesterday afternoon.

The baby now has a fever and even had some febrile seizures last night. He is on two antibiotics and we are trying to control his fever. I suspect meningitis or sepsis (bloodstream infection). Please pray that the Lord would preserve this little one, as his father is quite desperate having just lost his wife yesterday. Thank you for praying.

Birthdays, etc

February 2009 pictures

New pictures


Hedgehog, chameleon, Mulanje, bows and arrows, and ballerinas