This past week Dale got official tours of both the government hospital and the Catholic medical clinic.  However, it seems that we don’t have to go far from home to find our first few patients on the Islands…

Our youngest son, Josiah has been the toughest to keep mosquitos off of…so naturally, even while on weekly malaria prophylaxis, permethrin impregnated clothing and mosquito repellent sprayed on him daily, he would be the first to get Malaria. It is most dangerous in children under the age of 5.

Malaria rapid test kit! Josiah’s showed that he was positive for p. falciparum.  (Need to get some more test kits from Kenya…)

We started him on treatment as soon as possible, but Josiah was febrile periodically for two nights then had a relentless fever for the next 24 hours along with protracted vomiting, fatigue, malaise and dehydration. Those of you who get our newsletters, emails and talked to our Father about him –we thank you!!!  A full day after his last dose of malaria treatment, he turned the corner and now appears that he has made a full recovery!  He is back to his busy 3 year old self!  PTL!

Josiah taking a nap while recovering from Malaria.

Yesterday morning, as Josiah was taking a nap (above), however, our house help friend, Anita sliced the palm of her hand at the base of her thumb.  Yes, it was deep.  I rushed to get big Dale and thankfully we had all the necessary supplies (thanks to physician friend in Quebec) to numb her up and suture her wound.

Anita smiling as her anesthesia is working nicely. Apparently here at the government hospital, they don’t use local anesthesia! YIKES!

Finally after what seems like already a full week:

Today, Abigial has had her third day of fevers.  It appears to be viral, but since she is only 8 months old we tested her the day before and yesterday for malaria.  (Some team members have graciously shared their home test kits.)  She was negative for p. falciparum each time.  And this afternoon broke out in a macular papular rash.  The rest of her exam seems normal and when she is not febrile is acting like her normal self…but she is still having fevers.  Sigh.  Would you talk to the Father about her too?  Thank you again again.  We know that He is sovereign and worthy.