Sick Babies

This last week has been quite a challenge for us as we have been dealing with 2 very sick babies.  Our children all came down with cold/flu but thankfully Andy and I were spared.  Shortly after two of the babies, Bridget (18 mo.) and Blessings (9 mo.), became sick with flu symptoms.  Since we didn’t want the other 3 babies to get sick we moved them to our side of the house so we could care for them.  Needless to say, we were quite busy mopping up what was coming out of both ends of them.  I don’t think I’ve ever been thrown up on more than in the last week! 

Even though we knew we would be caring for sick babies it was quite another thing to actually experience it.  Because Bridget has not totally recovered from being malnourished, we were concerned that this would be a major setback.  Once these children start going downhill it can be difficult to stop.  We spent a whole day spoon feeding them liquids to ensure that they didn’t lose any more weight and didn’t become dehydrated.  Jared and Kris were a big help and were each responsible for a baby for most of the day.  By the end of the day they had actually gained a few ounces. 

We took them to a local doctor who tested them for malaria.  In Africa when a baby is sick it is the first thing that they suspect. They both had malaria but at the lowest level detectable.  We administered the malaria medicine but the next day they were both very weak and didn’t seem to be better but actually worse.  We were told that this drug takes 3 days to take effect and that you actually feel worse for 2 days after taking the drug.  

Today they are feeling better and eating solid food again.  We are so thankful that they are on the road to recovery.  Please continue to pray for the health of these babies as they are all in fragile health.