African Muzungu

She's been buried next to her mother who died over a year ago from AIDS. There were so many people there. Her family is quite wealthy, and her story was so widely publicized that everyone around town knew where she was to be buried. I managed to keep the tears in check through the waiting for the body to arrive (it took several hours), the last prayers, and the traditional throwing a handful of dirt on the coffin. But when I was brought to Aisha and saw her burst into fresh tears seeing me, I lost it as well. I sat with her in the dust among the throng of people pushing and shoving for a better look at the grave, and we wept together. I don't even remember what I said to her. Soon, they were calling her away and I went to Mary. Again we hugged and sobbed together as I thanked her for doing her best to care for Liz and she wept that it had been in vain. I sat with them for some time, and Aisha told of her final moments on earth. At the very last, her pain was gone and she quietl...

Last night Liz died. Two weeks ago they moved her to Mulago hospital in Kampala, and the last report I had from her aunties was that she was improving with more consistent dressing changes. Then, yesterday a friend of mine visiting Kamapala went to visit her at Mulago. He found her when she had been transferred to the ICU ward and he was not allowed to enter and speak to her. He said that she had gotten worse and frequently wasn't in her right mind anymore, constantly talking but not making any sense. Last night I prayed for her again and woke this morning as usual to go to language lessons. After my lessons, I found out from my friend Sharon (who started this whole thing with me) that Liz had died in the night. Knowing that crying isn't acceptable here, I had to flee the room before sobbing into my hands. Later this afternoon I got confirmation from her aunt that she is dead, and they are moving her body even now from Kampala back to Mbale. Tomorrow I will go to her. To be wit...

They've moved Liz.!..!..!. Please excuse my strange punctuation...it's only because I'm still not sure whether that's disappointing or exciting. On Friday I was quite surprised to find out that the doctors here in Mbale suddenly decided they needed to transfer Liz to the main government hospital in Kampala, the capital. Mulago is the hospital where they transfer most serious cases to within the first week, but for some reason, Liz was kept here at Mbale main hospital until almost a full month after she was admitted, and then she was suddenly and unexpectedly moved. I'm excited that she should be receiving better care at Mulago now (read more experienced doctors and staff, better facilities, ect.), but I'm also really disappointed that I can't keep visiting her. I'm also disappointed that she might not be able to use the gel sent for her either...but I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me back up. About a week ago a friend in the states had heard about L...

Yesterday was the hardest day yet visiting Liz. Last Friday (5 days ago), she had been taken to the surgery theater to be put under general anesthesia, scraped all over her body to remove the dead flesh, and dressed with new bandages. During the following 4 days, infection spread across her body, and that is how I found her yesterday. The pus seeped through the bandages all over her body, and the flies swarmed her net just waiting for their chance to enter. The sight and smell of the infection was simply overpowering. She was in so much pain and all she could do was cry and moan, occasionally making eye contact with me and giving a slight nod to acknowledge my words of encouragement. I couldn't understand why the doctors hadn't redressed her wounds. How could they allow the infection to go unchecked like that? The anger welled up within me, as I asked her aunt what was going on. She said that the doctors had asked them to first buy a box of Vaseline, and then they would redress...

Baby Racob. Be still my heart. Can't handle the cuteness. My friend Rebecca. Oh the laughs this one brings! My teacher Margaret with her youngest two. I'm so grateful for the incredible gift the Lord has given me in this family! When my heart is heavy, the children always bring joy. When my mind is weary, Margaret gives encouragement. Thank you Jesus for your daily blessings!