April 19, 2007

I grew up very sheltered in good ole WVa, and in the past 4 years, my eyes have seen things that I still can't put into words. We live and work among the poorest, most deprived group of people and in a world where HMO's and hospitals that don't scare me are a thing of the past. We constantly have sick and injured at our door. I mean, it is daily...practically. Yesterday was no exception. A little 2 year old baby boy (pictured above with me) was the latest. He and his mom attend our church regularly and he was just lifeless yesterday. He was vomitting uncontrollably and suddenly, began vomitting up giant worms. Long(5-6 inch), fat worms that were wiggling. He was vomitting them up two by two every few minutes. I just can't even begin to explain that situation. There was nothing we could do. I am no doctor and if Pepto Bismal and Tylenol won't cure it...I am lost... Since there is no insurance and the people here make less than a dollar a day, they rarely go to the hospital. There are many, many children and adults that die here, because they could not afford going to the hospital. Well, we got him to the hospital finally( which I could write a whole new blog just on the hospitals here...horrible)... He was put on an IV and other meds but continued to vomit up the worms until earlier today. He finally stopped and is stabilized. We can't seem to get answers from the doctor other than a parasite was living inside of him. Not hard to believe. This particular family is one of our poorest. No running water, no power. They live in a run down hut with dirt floors. the little boy is covered with sores...as is his older sister. That is the norm here. They didnt know how they were going to pay for the bills, but last night our church took up an offering, which touched our hearts to see them growing in the Lord and helping others. The little boy is doing somewhat better, but very weak and very sick. We will keep a close eye on him. We have never lost a member of our church over lack of hospitalization. We will do whatever we can in our power to get them the help they need.