We are very blessed at Cradle of Love as our long term volunteers have finally arrived and the apartment is full for the first time in three months. But with the added volume of people comes the added strain on our kitchen sink. We're lucky to have one so we really want to care for it the bast way we know how. Luckily, volunteer Ashley has taken her domesticity to new heights and is venturing into the world of plumbing. She wasn't able to completely fix our clogged AND leaking sink (oxymoron, I know) but she gallantly tried. Way to go Ash! Here are a few more pictures of her giving it her best shot.
So, I have more news regarding our little fighter, Pendo. Yesterday, her mother and older sister were able to come for a 6 hour visit. This was much to the delight of our little Pendo. She didn't smile but her little body was at such peace. I held Pendo for an hour after they left and she just clung to me for comfort. I understand her need for closeness. So today, I was more tolerant of her clinginess.
I will say that I had to endure a procedure with her that I did not like witnessing. While she has been drinking and eating special porridge, two days ago she became disinterested. Sabbath afternoon, our nurse made the decision to put in another feeding tube and get more liquids in Pendo's system. But now that Pendo has gained some strength, she fought the tube. After two very earnest attempts, we were unable to get the tube to stay in her stomach. I held Pendo's head, neck, and arms, and I could feel the tube scratching the back of Pendo's throat. As she coughed and gagged, I could literally feel the tube coming back up and start feeding into her mouth and nasal cavity. I was calm but had to turn my head away because I couldn't watch this poor child vomit and struggle. So our nurse gave her a scolding and told her that we would leave the tube out for now if Pendo would drink 5 ozs. of formula. Pendo COMPLETELY understood our nurse as she turned her head away and didn't want to listen. But then the nurse held the tube up to her one more time and Pendo seemed to come to an agreement.
So, I gently took our sick little girl, her 5 ozs. of baby formula, and sat in the playroom with the other nannies and children to start the arduous process of getting Pendo to drink. Our nurse taught me the words to say to her in Swahili to get her to take in all the formula. And do you know what? That child sat for me and drank all her formula. She curled up to me -- her boney little body, all twisted and damaged by malnutrition-- trying to find the most comfortable spot against my chest. Now, I'm not going to lie... it took almost an hour and a half to get 5 ounces in her. But we did it. I kept talking to her in Swahili, encouraging her, and reminding her of what a good girl she was with each swallow. The nannies kept pointing and watching and talking about me and Pendo. But I didn't mind. She was drinking her formula and that was all that mattered. When she had finished, she fell asleep in my arms exhausted. And for the first time, she didn't cry when I laid her down. That was a different story this evening when I put her to bed. But I guess I am just happy that she has enough strength to cry. I know that God brought her to us, if not for her, but to help her mother care for the older sister. And that is something that I take comfort in myself. Here is one more picture of us from tonight. We're tired, but we posed for the camera!
And on a side note... Karen Minner's family asks each of us on September 11, Karen's birthday, to do a good deed... in Karen's name or "just because". You can find out more about Karen's life on facebook or karenminner.com. I went to school with her at Southern Adventist University, many moons ago. Unfortunately, Karen is no longer with us. So this September 11 was Sabbath and usually one of my days off. But I made the decision to work with our babies in honor of Karen. She dedicated a year of her life to missions and helping children in need. My prayer is that my work this day, and every day, reflects the same spirit and commitment she had while on this earth.
Imani Tumaini na Upendo,
~Shae
Oh, and I heard your outcry and I observed your protests. The blog stays public. And we will never speak of this again.
So, I have more news regarding our little fighter, Pendo. Yesterday, her mother and older sister were able to come for a 6 hour visit. This was much to the delight of our little Pendo. She didn't smile but her little body was at such peace. I held Pendo for an hour after they left and she just clung to me for comfort. I understand her need for closeness. So today, I was more tolerant of her clinginess.
I will say that I had to endure a procedure with her that I did not like witnessing. While she has been drinking and eating special porridge, two days ago she became disinterested. Sabbath afternoon, our nurse made the decision to put in another feeding tube and get more liquids in Pendo's system. But now that Pendo has gained some strength, she fought the tube. After two very earnest attempts, we were unable to get the tube to stay in her stomach. I held Pendo's head, neck, and arms, and I could feel the tube scratching the back of Pendo's throat. As she coughed and gagged, I could literally feel the tube coming back up and start feeding into her mouth and nasal cavity. I was calm but had to turn my head away because I couldn't watch this poor child vomit and struggle. So our nurse gave her a scolding and told her that we would leave the tube out for now if Pendo would drink 5 ozs. of formula. Pendo COMPLETELY understood our nurse as she turned her head away and didn't want to listen. But then the nurse held the tube up to her one more time and Pendo seemed to come to an agreement.
So, I gently took our sick little girl, her 5 ozs. of baby formula, and sat in the playroom with the other nannies and children to start the arduous process of getting Pendo to drink. Our nurse taught me the words to say to her in Swahili to get her to take in all the formula. And do you know what? That child sat for me and drank all her formula. She curled up to me -- her boney little body, all twisted and damaged by malnutrition-- trying to find the most comfortable spot against my chest. Now, I'm not going to lie... it took almost an hour and a half to get 5 ounces in her. But we did it. I kept talking to her in Swahili, encouraging her, and reminding her of what a good girl she was with each swallow. The nannies kept pointing and watching and talking about me and Pendo. But I didn't mind. She was drinking her formula and that was all that mattered. When she had finished, she fell asleep in my arms exhausted. And for the first time, she didn't cry when I laid her down. That was a different story this evening when I put her to bed. But I guess I am just happy that she has enough strength to cry. I know that God brought her to us, if not for her, but to help her mother care for the older sister. And that is something that I take comfort in myself. Here is one more picture of us from tonight. We're tired, but we posed for the camera!
And on a side note... Karen Minner's family asks each of us on September 11, Karen's birthday, to do a good deed... in Karen's name or "just because". You can find out more about Karen's life on facebook or karenminner.com. I went to school with her at Southern Adventist University, many moons ago. Unfortunately, Karen is no longer with us. So this September 11 was Sabbath and usually one of my days off. But I made the decision to work with our babies in honor of Karen. She dedicated a year of her life to missions and helping children in need. My prayer is that my work this day, and every day, reflects the same spirit and commitment she had while on this earth.
Imani Tumaini na Upendo,
~Shae
Oh, and I heard your outcry and I observed your protests. The blog stays public. And we will never speak of this again.
Thanks for the update on Pendo. LOVE to hear that she is such a fighter. What a great sign.
ReplyDeleteIt tears my heart out each time I hear a story of the babies, and I think "just bring her/him home to me; I could fix that!". But I can't fix that - I'm a world away. Thank you for going and doing what you can. I'm living vicariously through you!
Susan
Shae! Great to hear about what is going on! You are doing something truly remarkable! Glad Pendo is fighting hard. We miss you!!
ReplyDelete- Steve & Karina
Shae, what a gift you have in sharing with us what is happening there! Tears easily spring to my eyes when i read some of your stories. I, too, think like Susan that I could fix that--and alas I can't. You are. Thank you. Thank you for the courage and stamina that you show--and especially the love that you give those children every single day! Know that we're doing what we can do--pray for your strength and stamina! Love you! God is blessing you and the children! Kiss Pendo and the rest for me!
ReplyDeleteKathie
Love given to a child even if only for a moment is never wasted. Keep up the good work. Dad and I are proud of you.
ReplyDeleteSo very glad to hear about Pendo!! Also that the apt is full!! How are all the new volunteers adjusting?
ReplyDeleteHi Ms. Shae. This is Mikaila. I'm glad you got all the stuff for the babies. I hope it makes them feel better. I'm glad Pendo if feeling better. We'll be praying for Pendo every night. Maybe Pendo would like a little sugar in warm milk. That always makes me a little hungrier. Take care. We are praying for you too.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you again. Love Mikaila
~~ Now it's my turn. Shae, Thanks for sharing this blog with us. Mikaila has been reading about Elisha in Bible class and today we read the story in 2 Kings 4:38-41 about the Poisoned stew. I thought it would be very appropriate to show her Pendo today. It brought the story to life for her. Keep up the Lord's work. God Bless you and all the babies.