The plague

Brett and have been so tired this weekend. He took a 2 ½ hr nap yesterday, we went to bed before 9 and then I took over an hour nap today and Brett slept for 30 minutes or so. We’ve been taking turns sleeping in to the late hour of 7 or going back for a nap for the one who has gotten up early. I told him today as I couldn’t bring myself to get up, that I felt like we had the plague to which he replied, “we have had the plague at the hospital.” We are in full swing of malaria season and it is truly like a plague- killing one kid after another. We had to add beds to each pediatric room because we had so many patients and even still we are overflowing and trying to send kids home everyday so we have space. The best peds nurse was on vacation the first two weeks of September which added insult to injury. He was supposed to be gone all month but Brett called him in his village and asked him to come back early since we were dying. And thankfully, he came. I think that’s the difference between America and Mali. Americans would not want to give up their vacation and would be angered to be bothered while on it. But the Malians take so much pride in the work they do and feeling needed that I really think he was totally ok with it and in a way felt honored that his work was so crucial that we begged him to come back early from vacation. This was the first week, at least by the end of it, which we felt like our heads were above water. Add to this, three kids at home, and it makes you tired. We have two more days off for the end of Ramadan and Malian Independence Day so hopefully we can rest more, even though we will be working those days. We shall see.

If you want to read a great blog on the subject of malaria and what it has been like lately, you should read Jake Tillet’s blog. Jtsoverseas.blogspot.com It’s great. Jake is a nurse who worked in the ICU before coming here. He has been a life saver. Not only is he willing to do whatever anyone asks of him, but he has agreed to take on a huge role in peds since Stephany didn’t show up and left us without a second pediatrician. He is great. He’s wanted to be overseas since he was young and it is obvious. He has a heart for missions and the lost. He engages everyone and is devoted to intentionally knowing all the staff. He makes visits to homes on the weekends. It’s great. I wish our lives permitted that at this point. He is a real missionary, the real deal. Not just living here to help the sick, but to know the people and share in their lives. I think of I Thes 2:8 when I think of him. "We love you so much that we delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our lives as well." Anyway, we are so stinkin’ thankful that Jake is here. He is carrying the peds burden with us, taking call so Brett doesn’t have to be on every night. Anyway, please take a look at his blog. He has a great post (any many others- he seems to have a way with words and capturing the humor in our daily situations here).