And don't worry, he isn't hung over from our fun Night with Scots last night. Not even close.
Whenever one of us has a fever, headache, and general aches, we do a blood test for malaria.
This is a simple test that is over 99% accurate for diagnosing malaria, and since malaria is very treatable with early diagnosis and treatment, we keep the tests on hand at home and have used a handful of them in the 9 months we've lived in Dar. Henry was our last test subject, and was more than happy to help with his Dad's test. The kids were especially interested in seeing Len get his finger pricked, as that is their least favorite thing in the world right now.
We spread out the testing materials on the table and Henry helped clean Len's finger for the jab. We needed a good drop of blood to go into the middle hole of the test strip. Daddy was very brave.
Five drops of a watery tincture into the hole on the end, and 15 minutes later, you have an answer!
Fifteen minutes is a long time to three and five year olds, so we mixed up a batch of gluten-free mini cupcakes from Taste of Home's Harlequin Cake recipe while we waited. Substituted maize flour for the wheat and DariFree for milk; it's our favorite chocolate cake right now! We didn't bother with the fancy whipped cream and jam topping, although it is delicious that way.
During this time, Henry looked right at Len, and said in a serious tone, "Daddy, if this test has two lines, then you have malaria in you."
"They shouldn't call it positive if you have malaria, because positive means good, and having malaria is bad." added Ruby.
I love those kids.
Fifteen minutes later, we have good news: the cake bites are done, and Len does not have malaria.
However, he is still not feeling well, and we covet your prayers. He has a big work week coming up and we'll be praying and nursing him along as he will be home only late at night to sleep, then gone again each morning. But I know God has it planned out already!
Thank you for your partnership in prayer and providing for us to be able to be here. We are thankful daily for your sacrifices and we strive to be good stewards of what God has given.
I love the picture of when you found out Len didn't have Malaria! I love both the kids faces.. :) too sweet! And let me just say, those kids are so wonderfully smart! Ruby is right. They shouldn't call it positive when Malaria IS a very bad thing! <3 I cannot belive you all have been there for 9 months already.. you could've had another kid by now! hehe Miss and love you guys! Hope Len feels better soon.
ReplyDeleteoh and those muffins look so yummy! :) I am revamping lots of things in this house in the next couple of months.. and one thing is that I am going to start seriously cooking more.. that recipe looks yummy!! :) thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeletePraying for you guys! We understand the "not feeling well"...it seems to be lingering here too :( So much to do so we can be on our way to see you guys!!!! Praying we all get well so we can get back to it!
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted on how he's feeling and how the week goes. Love you guys tons, and miss you-but you already know that!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I don't read it all of a post, and scroll down to the pictures...for a very brief second today I thought that the test was a pregnancy test! :) Ha Ha.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, glad Len doesnt have malaria. Very brave guy. Love to you both. jane