A bit about health care in Tanzania

First off, I bet you are wondering about the picture. It is of Sarah and myself at a crossing point of a lake (a shallow area where you can cross the lake to get to other villages). Behind it is a man made waterfall. We biked to this spot one evening and took some funny pictures. What we are wearing is called Khangas. It is two large pieces of decorated fabric that have a proverb written on the bottom. One covers your skirt and the other is worn around your shoulders and/or head. We always where the bottom khanga, even while at home, and when out in public, we must wear a head covering and also a top khanga.

So I have a story to tell you. I was made aware of a month old baby that was not thriving and losing weight. Another team member of mine saw her last week and wanted me to examine her. I went on Tuesday and was very concerned. Her skin was loose, she was lethargic, and only feeding two times a day. I was immediately concerned and knew action needed to be taken right away. Today we brought her with her mother to a clinic in town. We first went to the Disabled Children's Clinic because not only is she losing weight, but there are also other physical concerns. The doctor saw us right away and without examining the young baby, said all these problems were related to her mother. He saw charms, bracelets, and markings on her head (cultural thing here) and attributed all these problems to the mother because of those things. I was very upset as I knew this mother was trying her best. She is trying to nurse the baby every 2-3 hours, but the baby would not nurse and would fall asleep. The doctor also said he could do nothing since the baby had not been weighted since birth (they are supposed to be weighted every month, but said had not yet). So after I kindly asked if he would mind examining the baby and he did not, I decided it would just be best for us to leave. Clearly this man was not going to help and me getting frustrated with him would not make it better, so we headed to the hospital.

After a series of many lines as the hospital and me having no idea what is being said (just me, the mother, and baby) we finally got to a door that said "Dacktari Watoto," Children's Doctor, and knocked and because they saw a Mzungo, me a white person, we were seen right away. I was praying frequently that someone would take action for this precious little one. I am concerned her time on earth might be cut short if there is no intervention. I met two great doctors and they were also seriously concerned. They took much time to examine her. I even brought my stethoscope for them to use as I was concerned about a possible heart condition. She was below her birth weight, had a serious skin infection, and they were going to investigate more issues that could be going on to cause her failure to thrive. They agreed that she needed to be admitted to the hospital for intervention and thanked me for bringing her in. I will try to keep you posted on her status. What a blessing how the Lord got us to two doctors who cared and were taking action. Please continue to pray for this little one. I got the name of the two doctors and I am thankful for their service and am glad to know they truly care.

This is just a little bit about what I am facing here, but with action and passion we can help people. I visited another hospital my second day in the village and was brought to tears as they did not even have water for the patients. You cannot even imagine the site at that hospital, but the one I want to today is much better.

On a lighter note, we head to the beach tomorrow for a few days of rest. Then on Monday we begin a language course. This course teaches us how to learn a language using skills and strategies. Continue to pray for our work permits and visas. We need those as we want to start working as soon as we are done with language class!!!!!

Thanks so much for all the encouraging emails we have been receiving. Our time at the Internet cafe is very limited so we apologize if we do not get to get back with you.

A most important note is that in a village close by, 11 men have committed their lives to Christ. After much time of storying the Bible, these men have chosen life with Christ. Pray for them as they grow and mature and also that it is a serious commitment. Two of the men have been attending church the last two weeks. A joyous site.

Thanks for reading and continue to pray!

Blessings,

Emily