More of the hospital

So we've had some pretty full weeks at the hospital. Lots going on. I often talk about the sad cases we see (like the lady who came for her 36 week appt on Friday and her twins were fine but then on Monday they were both dead thanks to lack of hypertension medicine that we were out of and no one followed through to make sure she took something. I just wanted to bawl as we prayed with her before she started delivering her dead twins. So sad!) but there are some neat cases as well where the Lord's name can be truly glorified.

Right now we have 5 premies who were born in the 900-1500g (2-3lbs) range and all are LIVING! It is amazing to see these little babies living and growing here with just a little oxygen and nutrition by a nasal tube.

Lydie, is a pastor's daughter who was visiting in Koutiala and the cooking pot fell on her and gave her second degree burns on 8% of her body. Though she hates the nurses who have to change her dressings everyday, she is doing very well. She actually went home today and just has to come back for dressing changes. She is so sweet...but she refused to look at the camera.

This little girl has TB and is being treated now. It's a 6 month long course of treatment but she is only staying the first month to make sure she gets the medication. Only after a few days her fever went away, her liver started getting smaller and she was acting much better.

They love playing outside on the porch together. They were often there.

This kid has a cystic hygroma. Thankfully, a pediatric surgeon is coming out next week and will be able to repair this. I think he looks like a Picasso painting.

The baby to the left was just born, weighing a little less than 4 kilos (about 8 1/2 lbs). The kid to the right is over a YEAR old and weighs 3 kilos!! (7 lbs) The mom left the kid and the grandmother was trying to breastfeed the child which (obviously) didn't work. She, Miriam, is now admitted to get feedings every two hours. Hopefully one of the Malians can take her in to help her grow. Her grandmother may take her back. We shall see. (Sorry for the male parts showing on the newborn).

Can you imagine having a one year old this little? I'm so surprised she is still living. But the staff and some visitors love her and always take turns holding her (otherwise she screams).

It seems the work is never done and there is always another interesting case around the corner. Praise the Lord for the work He is doing at the hospital.