We have been visiting three different villages lately to see how we might fit in. This is a picture of the children in one of those villages. They run along side our truck each time we slowly drive down their treacherous dirt roads to get to the house where everyone meets up for Bible study. Sunday, John baptized four people in a pink bathtub we bought and transported on top of the truck. (There is no other available water source but to fill the tub from a hand dug well.)
I sat on a reed mat next to a little girl who had her feet stretched out near me. (She is the one to the far right in the photo, wearing the yellow skirt known as a chitenji. Her name is Riana.) I looked down to see a nasty boil near her ankle. After the study I asked if I could look at it. The mother was happy to let me, and Riana was shy but compliant. The mother showed us more spots on her back. She said they started about a week ago. I asked if I could take photos to show to a medical professional. She had no problem with that and seemed grateful.
Our friend at Blessings Hospital, one of the other places we have been regularly visiting, was kind enough to look at the photos and tell us that Riana certainly needed immediate attention. We sent money and instructions for Riana's mother to take her on a bus to the hospital, which offered to treat her on our word that we would cover the cost. Our friend assured us it would be nominal by our American standard.
We later got word that, not only did Riana have a serious skin infection, but she also tested positive for malaria. She is now being treated for both. All we can say is, "Thank you, God, for allowing us to notice the little wound on her foot."
According to UNICEF, malaria kills a child every 30 seconds. Thankfully, Riana won't be one of those. Praise Him for four new souls added to His church and for saving Riana from a life-threatening illness. It was a good Sunday.
