Last week

Some weeks are more difficult than other weeks. Last week a lot of things happened.

On Sunday afternoon I went with Happiness and Vanessa to the village to see their mother, we found her in severe pain. I was already buying morphine for her but clearly this was not enough anymore to reduce the pain. Also she developed pressure sores at the back. Because of her condition I couldn’t manage to take her to the hospital with my car so I promised to come back the next day. On Monday morning I went with the driver of the hospital ambulance back to the village to pick her up. She got admitted and she received more pain medication. Her condition however did not improve. On Wednesday afternoon she passed away.

Now I had the task to tell her children what happened. But how do you tell a four-year-old girl and a six-year-old girl that their mother passed away? I was very blessed that the hospital chaplains helped me having these conversations. The girls had some very difficult days but they did very well. They helped bringing the body of their mother back home to the village and attended the funeral.  Their mother was sick for a long time. The girls were responsible for doing daily tasks as going to the borehole, maize mill and cooking. They finally have the chance now to go to school and play with their friends but they will have to live with the loss of both parents.

On Wednesday one of the hospital HSA’s informed the hospital that there was a maternal death in his area. The baby survived however nobody came to the hospital to ask for Lactogen baby milk. I decided to go with the HSA to the village to see what exactly happened. After arriving in the village we found out the family is following the Zion religion. People who attend the Zion church are not allowed to visit the hospital or take medication when they are sick. The mother never attended antenatal clinic and delivered her child in the village. Since the delivery she was sick and pas away 2 weeks after her son was born. This village is extreme in their believes and didn't allow me to see the child or assist them with Lactogen baby milk. After 2 hours of talking they finally showed me the baby who was covered with bracelets and other accessories from the Zion church. Especially the close relatives are not happy and try to push me away from the baby. I explained an uncle how to prepare the milk and finally left the village. I realized the only thing I can do is pray for this precious baby boy that he will receive the milk and survive.

On Thursday a women, who I have been helping in the past with Lactogen baby milk because of severe breast abscesses on both breasts, reveals that she is pregnant again. Normally this would not be a huge issue however the lady was diagnosed with lung fibrosis. The chances that she will survive the delivery are low. She is already 26 weeks pregnant but only weighs 39 kilograms. She looks like a walking skeleton. I’m angry because she did not follow the advice of not getting pregnant anymore however what can I do? The woman is in desperate need of help.

On Saturday I wake up 3.30 am to start driving to Blantyre to attend sports day at the school of Katie. I arrive four hours later in Blantyre just on time to see Katie run the 100 meters, which she won! The tiredness disappears and makes place for excitement. My girl is running faster than anybody else! She ends the day with 7 medailles and a trophy for best athlete of the school. I could not have been more proud of her! I enjoy a few hours together with her before I start the drive back home. I arrive late, everybody in the house was already asleep. Another week passed, wondering what next week will bring.

Love,

Nicole