Kilimanjaro Journey : Week 3

"Learning a language and culture through relationships in a community requires a tremendous commitment to the people of the new language... If your goal is to live with people, to love and serve them, and to become a belonger in your new community, then learning the language will prove to be a great means to that goal. And learning the language will probably become quite manageable!"

Tom Brewster

This is the quote that I found comfort in at the beginning of this week. I am not sure I can say Swahili is completely at a manageable state. But, the intentionality of the heart mission continues to point in that direction! However, the end of the week is probably what you might be more interested in at this point. Come Thursday there were many things not so manageable as malaria was confirmed in a blood test.

Malaria~ Yes, I have it. The Director of the School along with several of my teammates say now I can truly be called Tanzanian. I am not sure that I have been up to finding comfort in this. While my eyes are open I will try to tell you a little about the nasty little bug!

What is Malaria?

Malaria is caused by a parasite that's transmitted by mosquitoes. A mbu (mosquito) becomes infected by feeding on a person who has malaria. If you are the next person this mosquito bites, it can transmit malaria parasites to you. The parasite then travels to the liver. When the parasites mature, they leave the liver and infect the red blood cells. This is when an individual like myself develops symptoms.

Malaria has reoccurring symptoms of the following~

Moderate to severe shaking chills, high fever, profuse sweating

Additional signs can be headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Despite my mosquito net, malaria prevention meds, and OFF~ I got it! The school is located in a higher malaria zone and in the first week I woke up with many many bites. Why, well, I don't know they are just man eating creatures that spread not good things. They sprayed my room and fixed my net. There can be different strands of malaria. The way your body reacts to meds to despite all the measures to keep from getting it sometimes you do. And, I did!

I have been tired with a recurring headache for a week. I thought it was from studying and adjusting to my new environment. On Thursday I went to class and became very cold. Very very cold~ in Africa usually is not a good thing. I returned to my room on breaks two different times for more clothes. I was freezing! I kept plugging away in class but became very ill with a severe headache. I went up to my bed thinking I was getting the flu. I rested for an hour my headache got better but my chills were severe. The Director of the school came and decided that I should go to the area clinic to have my blood tested. I sat in front of a man with a microscope who pricked my finger. Then, waited for 15mins so the blood would dry on the slide. The slide was then read where they saw the dreaded parasites.

These days have not been fun. My fever comes and goes and when it goes high is when it is really not fun. Recurring as they call it. It is a tease and not a fun one. Slowly slowly everyday is a better one. Today, I was able to get up and take a shower. Major progress! The mornings I usually feel better and then my fever returns later in the afternoons. They say the first time is the worst and yes, it can relapse but lets just focus on this time for now. Basically, it is kinda the worst flu ever! I feel like I have been hit by a truck. I finished the doses of medication this morning and we will wait to see if they have killed the parasite. It takes some time for the body to recover from this. The red blood cells have to replace but hopefully the fever will no longer be an issue. Everyday I pray for that right now. The headache and tiredness will probably be with me for a few more weeks.

I am glad to read well wishes when I wake and grateful for the prayers! This is not fun but I am getting through one day at a time. I know many of you are anxious to hear. This is the easiest way than to e-mail but know I enjoy reading your individual notes. This post has been a work in progress for several days piece by piece after many sleeping moments.

This week the prayer points are a bit more obvious.
Please pray for healing and for my body to recover!