Hi everyone
I'm trying to have a rest... I even asked God for a rest. Half an hour later a man arrived as pillion on a bicycle, suffering shock and severe pain from a peptic ulcer. He rolled off the bike onto the ground vomiting. We wrapped him in a blanket, carried him to the car and raced off to the clinic. He is recovering okay at home.
I have a lovely photo of Sackson, the man with shingles and he is looking good. Still some pain but OK. We took him dried beans which are his favourite. I need to get savvy about sending more photos.
On a sadder note a patient I rushed to the hospital on Sunday died this morning Aged 40. Her brother cycled 12km with her as pillion and then they called me - I could see she had pneumonia and so we rushed her to hospital. The nurse on duty couldn't get a drip line in as her veins were so flat - he tried 8 times after which I yelled stop!! and asked him to get a colleague. My dear friend Rose came to the rescue even though she was off duty. Then they ran out of syringes so i raced off to another clinic to get syringes so they could give her antibiotics. But still we were too late. I have agreed to go collect her body from the hospital tonight..
Nelsons foot is continuing to heal. Its amazing to watch the flesh fattening up and building new skin. I find it fascinating. I didn't realise I was letting myself in for months of daily dressings but the results are worth it.
We had our first meeting since the Seminar and have decided to form a Community Care Coalition made up of Church reps, teachers, nurses, and the Chief will be patron. We will register as an NGO so that in future we can apply for funds to help us with our programme of helping those who are sick with HIV. We will be electing the executive next Sat and pray with me that we get responsible and compassionate people coming forward. Its very exciting to see this happening - a dream come true. One person and God can make a difference.
I got a phone call from the girls at school to say, "Grandma we have no meal" This is their staple diet so I had to go visit them. Catherine and Matilda are doing very well and getting good marks. I love to see their enthusiasm. Owen is also doing well at school They have exams soon so they are all nervous.
It is freezing cold in the night and early morning here. I found a new use for my teapot - when I'd drained it I cuddled it close to keep warm.
Today I am trying to get a chain and cogwheel fixed for Jairos, a man who is not able to use his legs. He crawls everywhere but someone somewhere made him a cart which he pedals with his hands. its run with a bike chain thingy. Anyway I met him on the road ( as you do here) and he greeted me with such a warm smile and came crawling very fast to shake my hand. When he said his cart was broken I decided to try and help him. He is such a warm person considering his suffering. Apparently he makes wooden things like mouse traps to sell. Anybody need a mouse trap?
That's it from the jungle today. Thank you for helping me to buy the car - it has saved lives, but not only that it helps the people to see that they are loved and precious as I drive off to visit them etc. I appreciate your prayers and your emails. They keep me going. It's difficult at times and even though I am tired I do love the work. I am planning to go to Ndola for a rest next week.
God bless
Durelle
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