We had the opportunity a few nights ago to visit some local friends who had recently had a little baby girl. (She is just 3 days old here in these photos- just a tiny little one!) We were eager to meet her and congratulate the parents, friends with a similar passion working hard to plow up this hard desert ground.
Her name is Joy and we made sure she got some time with the other babies in our life. They all welcomed her and we shared some time holding this precious little gift.
A few days after this visit, little Joy came down with a high fever and stopped eating. Here in the land of sand, it is estimated that the infant mortality rate is 1:4. This is one of the highest mortality rates in the world. With extreme temperatures, poor medical facilities and the presence of many deadly diseases, newborns and infants are up against some incredibly powerful adversaries. Ensuring their health is of the utmost importance these first few weeks and months of life.
But even then, with all the good intentions and careful monitoring, sometimes the basic health care just isn't available. This is an incredibly frustrating and grave reality that as westerners we can't even fully comprehend. Even with our supposedly "flawed" health care system, you and I can walk into any hospital in any city and receive some of the best medical treatment in the world... pretty much no matter what. Here, even the simplest care is just not available. We were reminded of this painful reality last year when this amazing couple lost their first-born son, after only a few precious months of life.
With this painful history, the parents, Aboud and Nani, did their best to find a decent clinic where Joy was examined and admitted to receive IV fluids and antibiotics. Eddy and I stopped by several times to ensure she was being properly treated, but she ended up being "discharged" the next day. This was a bit premature in our opinions, and showing some concern, found a doctor friend who volunteered to make a house call for them. Long story short, Joy seems to have rounded the corner and is doing much better. The fever has gone and she is eating and sleeping well. We praise God for his provision and protection in this circumstance and continue to pray that Joy grows and develops well!
Visa News: We got a call a few days ago from our visa guy, Mohammed, who said that our visas were almost ready... still no word yet, but it looks promising!
NGO Update: For those of you who haven't heard, I, Jess, have accepted an offer to work with an NGO here. They have projects started in our focus area, with our focus people and are looking for someone to manage these and other development projects. I have tentatively accepted the offer and am now waiting for the government approval and eventual change in visa-- oh joy! As soon as our business visas are approved, I then do a final "exit visa", to terminate it. Then re-apply under the new NGO visa... ahhhh... the visa saga never ends! We'll let you know more details about the NGO as things develop!
Photos: Visiting Joy and her family... Babies!... Eddy and Mike, a good friend, and kids!... Ben and Aboud, Joy's father... Ben and Eddy playing...
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