Jeff began to feel badly Wednesday night. We had worked through
an emotionally exhausting day of counseling with those we love here. We
wondered if his weariness was tied to the day’s events. But in the early dark,
his discomfort turned an ugly corner and became severe. We both suspected
malaria. (Jeff has had malaria seven times; I have had it four.)
After a sleepless night for both of us, we decided to use a
malaria self test but the results were inconclusive. We tried a second test
with much prayer that God would give us a clear answer. He did. The test was definitively
positive. We began treatment immediately.
We are so thankful for the convenience of the malaria self
tests. We were able to diagnose and treat from the comfort of our own bedroom,
instead of facing a difficult clinic experience in town.
For those who are interested in specifics, malaria is spread
through the bite of the female Anopheles mosquito. Mosquitoes bite an infected
person then transfer the illness when they bite the next person. Malaria
manifests in a cyclical fever. Your fever raises, then drops (producing chills), then levels before raising again. Through each cycle one maintains a very unique brand of headache
and joint and body aches. Malaria is mean and it hurts in a very distinct way.
Malaria is common in this land. Many people suffer with it
every day.
Malaria can be deadly if not treated. You don’t ever want to wait malaria out. When you know you have it, treatment should begin
immediately.
We are blessed to have access to education, information and
medicines to help our bodies fight this sickness. We are overwhelmingly
grateful for our Lord, the Healer, who is at work on our behalf even before we
know the disease is coursing in our blood.
Please pray for:
*the meds to remove the parasites from
Jeff’s body
*Jeff’s energy and strength to renew miraculously and quickly; malaria
leaves a body anemic and weak
*wisdom as we prepare for furlough departure—so much to be done but
with one player out we need clarity to choose where to put our limited energy
*Cheryl’s health to remain strong
*the Cashlings to be well
We are so very thankful for:
*the ability to buy medication
*medical professionals who research and study sicknesses like malaria
so that the disease can be treated
*our home to convalesce in
*every single prayer and pray-er who labors on behalf of our family