Influenza, Arachniphobia and Ringworm in Mozambique
Mozambique 2006 - Ashley & Brooke July 26th, 2006 by adminWith a title like that, you just know this is going to be good! Oh man.
This last week has been insanely busy because of a team that is here from Chicago. We have been putting on abstinence programs, doing house visits, baking, putting on VBS, working in orphanages and filling our spare time with other tasks. And, wouldn’t you know that during the busiest time yours truly came down with the most wretched of flus. I was up all night (thankfully only one night) and the most miserable I have been in quite some time. Ashley was blessed with the same sickness the next night!
On Monday, we went with the team to Kruger Wildlife Refuge in South Africa. We spent all day searching for all of the animals. Between Monday and Tuesday we had seen the following: elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodile, rhinos, kudo, impalas, duikers, warthogs, waterbuffalo, zazu birds, zebras, 5 lions (including a male), a leopard and a cheetah! WOW. Our most fantastic discovery of all came on Monday night, however. There the three of us were (me, Rachel and Ashley) in our little mini suite in the lodge we were put up in for the evening. Our room was on the top floor and had the most amazing thatch roof. Rachel went in the bathroom to take a quick shower and SCREAMED, “Aaahh…spider, spider, spider. He’s HUGE! Aaaaahhhh!” Ashley then started screaming and ran to jump on the bed (in order to save herself from his wrath, wouldn’t you know). There I am left to be calm and deal with this little problem like the strong Survivor constestant that I am. But, Oh My Word! It was HUGE. There hiding beneath our toilet paper holder was our “little” friend…the circumfrance of half an orange…and quite hairy. So, there I am ready to valiantly battle whatever the problem was. I calmly walk out of the bathroom and down the stairs to get the most powerful weapon I think we possess: Men. Needless to say, we did not sleep well that night.
Over the last few days I have begun to develop a little dry spot on the jawline on the right side of my face. I’ve had dry spots at times before and thought nothing of it. Turns out, folks, I’m infected. A nurse told me today that Africa was never meant for white people because it does funny things to our skin… General consensus: Ringworm. What a truly African week. My life makes me smile!
Truth is, life has been pretty darn good here minus those few little incidents. I had a hard time coming back to Mozambique after leaving the very westernized and very nice country of South Africa. You see, while you are here you get used to what you see every day. When you leave Maputo you begin to see what it is you are missing. And, frankly, it is much easier and much more comfortable to live without poverty staring you in the face each and every day. I guess that is why this trip is a sacrifice. At times, it can be especially draining. We gave a young boy some bread today for he and his mother…I still struggle with wanting to do more. But, I can meet immediate needs. I have the resources and abilities to do that right now. When I go back to the States, even if I don’t have a ton of money or a job right away (you could be praying about that, by the way), I will still have the ability to meet immediate needs! Who knew that someone would enjoy the leftover pancakes Corinne had? It can get daunting when you look at the big picture, I’ve been praying for specified tunnel vision — that God may give me the direction to go to meet a need, and that I may focus on that.
Love to all!
July 26th, 2006 at 12:01 pm
Brooke, I know that you are affraid of spiders, oh my, I am not sure I would have slept at all!!!! did you get a picture? (of course I would ask that!) What do you do for the ringworm, oh my then with the flu too,you have had some challenges have’nt you. In all of that, God is still awesome, He has you right where he needs you to be, in Mozambique helping where you can. We continue to pray for you and will be very specific in what you will be needing. Hang in there with all the challenges, you are amazing, brave, faithful and a devoted follower of Christ. We love you, Kristi
July 26th, 2006 at 3:23 pm
Brooke - from dad:
Nice posting…sorry to hear about the wormy thing living on your face! Here’s some cool info:
Ringworm is a contagious fungus infection that can affect the scalp, the body, the feet (athlete’s foot), or the nails.
People can get Ringworm from: 1) direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or pet, 2) indirect contact with an object or surface that an infected person or pet has touched, or 3) rarely, by contact with soil.
Ringworm can be treated with fungus-killing medicine.
To prevent Ringworm, 1) make sure all infected persons and pets get appropriate treatment, 2) avoid contact with infected persons and pets, 3) do not share personal items, and 4) keep common-use areas clean.
What is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a contagious fungus infection that can affect the scalp, the body (particularly the groin), the feet, and the nails. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with worms. The name comes from the characteristic red ring that can appear on an infected person’s skin. Ringworm is also called Tinea.
What is the infectious agent that causes Ringworm?
Ringworm is caused by several different fungus organisms that all belong to a group called “Dermatophytes.” Different Dermatophytes affect different parts of the body and cause the various types of Ringworm:
Ringworm of the scalp
Ringworm of the body
Ringworm of the foot (athlete’s foot)
Ringworm of the nails
We are sitting in the Portland airport, maryn & me, and we’ve hooked up with Susa who is on the same flight down to Ontario. I’m glad you had an incredible experience seeing animals - isn’t God creative?!
We love you and will be praying for renewed health for you…
…dad
July 29th, 2006 at 11:09 pm
Brooke,
That spider would’ve creeped me out! o man. Just thinking about it makes me squirm. I’m sorry you got the flu.That stinks. I hope that everything goes well. and no more getting sick for you!!! I can’t wait to hear the rest of your interesting stories when you get home. You’re AMAZING! We’ll be praying for you!!!
loves,
Bria
August 5th, 2006 at 5:47 am
Brooke,
This is a late posting so I am not sure you will read it. ut, I wanted to praise you for staying calm. Please know that me and the kids have held you up in prayer this summer regarding the creepy crawly things as well as the flying things, the swimming things, and anything else that is alive and yucky.
We will continue to pray for protection! Love ya, Kristin
August 7th, 2006 at 1:01 am
Kristin, I so appreciate your prayers about the icky yucky things! As stupid as it may sound, the Lord has really protected us from a lot of the things that could have been…
One more little request, though: we think a mommy cockroach hatched because there are a bunch of little ones that appear every few days in the kitchen…and the team from FBC is coming soon (and will be living here and eating here)! And, oh man…I do so hate barracas (cockroaches in portuguese).
Oh, and CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU WHEN I GET HOME!!! I miss our girl chats and our laughs…Give my love to the kiddos.
August 18th, 2006 at 8:43 pm
YOU MET STELLA! … Ask Ashley
We continue to pray for your health and safety,
Love, Cathy
August 22nd, 2006 at 4:17 am
Hi Wes! Great blog, I love the pictures! You should be in more of them! I’m praying for you-stay safe and healthy!
Love you!
Monica