The month before I left for Vanuatu Joel was so sick. He was unable to walk complained about pain, and had a high fever. He was finally diagnosed with a bone infection and it was serious enough that he was put into the hospital for a two week period so that he could have IV antibiotics. He was given another 2 weeks by mouth. Many of you prayed for him, and he came back from this bout of infection with God's healing touch. We were all very thankful.
Last time I saw him he was only 18 months old. I cannot tell you how delighted I was when at the sight of me , with a big smile, he said, " my gamma come to visit me", and then he crawled up into my lap.
What a Joy!! We bonded and he was my side kick the entire trip.
I was very happy that Joel had been given the care that helped him to get over the infection, but one of the hazards of being in the field and so far away from good medical care is that the diagnosis was not complete. The blood tests that would have shown the original cause of the infection seemed to have evaporated.
No one can say were they went or why they disappeared. The problem is if the infection ever comes again he will need to come back here for a more thorough care.
For the first 10 days, Joel was fine. He is a happy 3 year old,very active, and eager to express himself. He has a broad smile with tiny little white teeth.
He is strong willed and feisty. If he is not happy he will put his hands on his hips,scrunch up his face, and firmly putting his chubby feet on the ground say, "me not doing that."
he is using the third person right now when he talks about himself,
and then so that you understand just how upset he is he will follow up with the simple statement,
"you no good."
Whoa, I admit that when I first heard him say this I had to chuckle even though I know it is not something I would want him to say often or to certain people.
Michele reminded him that it was not okay to say this.
The problem is that it is common for the people in the village to say "you no good," when they are upset.
Try to explain this to a 3 year old struggling to learn 2 languages.
Once we reached the village, Erik had to turn around the next day and go back to Lenackel to get supplies that were coming in on the boat.
Normally this not a problem, but Erik ended up being gone for 2 days.
The next morning I was woke by the crowing chickens and Joel's mournful howling.
"Me legs hurt," he cried.
Well after what he had been through this simple statement caused us a little stress, but with examination we found that during the night he had broke out with a rash that consisted of big red ugly blisters in patterns of 4.
They were along the tops of his legs and butt.
As the morning went on he developed a high fever.
I have 8 grandchildren so that I am used to them getting sick, but I am also used to having access to a doctor who can diagnose the problem, and good medical care that can take care of the problem.
So what is a fearful worrying grandma to do?
Cuddle, Comfort, and Pray, Pray, Pray.....
having no other choice this is what I did for 3 days.
I came away from this situation recognizing a couple of things.
"God's grace is sufficient, and His power is perfected in weakness."
And My children need my prayers all the time. They are faced with obstacles every day all the time.
Joel got better as the week went on...but...it was hard to watch. Later in the week they took Joel to the doc in town, and he quickly diagnosed him with chicken pox, but this is not what he had. This week he has the same symptoms but from the waist up.
Last time I saw him he was only 18 months old. I cannot tell you how delighted I was when at the sight of me , with a big smile, he said, " my gamma come to visit me", and then he crawled up into my lap.
What a Joy!! We bonded and he was my side kick the entire trip.
I was very happy that Joel had been given the care that helped him to get over the infection, but one of the hazards of being in the field and so far away from good medical care is that the diagnosis was not complete. The blood tests that would have shown the original cause of the infection seemed to have evaporated.
No one can say were they went or why they disappeared. The problem is if the infection ever comes again he will need to come back here for a more thorough care.
For the first 10 days, Joel was fine. He is a happy 3 year old,very active, and eager to express himself. He has a broad smile with tiny little white teeth.
He is strong willed and feisty. If he is not happy he will put his hands on his hips,scrunch up his face, and firmly putting his chubby feet on the ground say, "me not doing that."
he is using the third person right now when he talks about himself,
and then so that you understand just how upset he is he will follow up with the simple statement,
"you no good."
Whoa, I admit that when I first heard him say this I had to chuckle even though I know it is not something I would want him to say often or to certain people.
Michele reminded him that it was not okay to say this.
The problem is that it is common for the people in the village to say "you no good," when they are upset.
Try to explain this to a 3 year old struggling to learn 2 languages.
Once we reached the village, Erik had to turn around the next day and go back to Lenackel to get supplies that were coming in on the boat.
Normally this not a problem, but Erik ended up being gone for 2 days.
The next morning I was woke by the crowing chickens and Joel's mournful howling.
"Me legs hurt," he cried.
Well after what he had been through this simple statement caused us a little stress, but with examination we found that during the night he had broke out with a rash that consisted of big red ugly blisters in patterns of 4.
They were along the tops of his legs and butt.
As the morning went on he developed a high fever.
I have 8 grandchildren so that I am used to them getting sick, but I am also used to having access to a doctor who can diagnose the problem, and good medical care that can take care of the problem.
So what is a fearful worrying grandma to do?
Cuddle, Comfort, and Pray, Pray, Pray.....
having no other choice this is what I did for 3 days.
I came away from this situation recognizing a couple of things.
"God's grace is sufficient, and His power is perfected in weakness."
And My children need my prayers all the time. They are faced with obstacles every day all the time.
Joel got better as the week went on...but...it was hard to watch. Later in the week they took Joel to the doc in town, and he quickly diagnosed him with chicken pox, but this is not what he had. This week he has the same symptoms but from the waist up.
2 comments:
Even though I am not a doctor I am around my pediatrian and have had enough sick kids I would be able to rule out sickness too. We just have so much information at the tips of our finger tips and access to so much. Pharmacies, other mothers, 911. . I cannot even imagine watching one of my children recover and not feel helpless. At least I feel like I am doing something here in the states to help them improve.
As a parent in missions you would rely heavily on pray.
Thanks for the reminder to the importance of praying for their family. I get lazy.
Love,
Des
Ps. I wonder if that enviornment toughens the kids in a good way. I can see how it would.
Karen,
I am so tired. Please edit my last comment so that it sounds correct.
Thanks
Des
I wonder why I am so tired? Hm. did someone call me electronically at 10 o'clock last night? :)
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