Rescued

Chisomo in August 2010 prior to his placement back in the village

2 months later

Jeff and Chisomo napping

At ABC Clinic

Same chair, same pose, only 2 months later

"Malawian baby stroller" He was exhausted and I was tired of holding him

This past Saturday I had the privilege of going to do a village assessment with Mwawi (the director of Ministry of Hope Crisis Nursery) for a child that was recently placed back in his village for the 3^rd time.  Chisomo was first placed in the Crisis Nursery at age 1 month due to his mother’s inability to care for him.  She has mental issues and is in and out of the mental hospital. His father has never been in the picture. When Chisomo was placed back in his village at one and a half years old he deteriorated because his family neglected him, and three weeks later he was back at Crisis Nursery. In August, walking, talking, independent Chisomo was placed back in his village again because his great uncle wanted him back. In Malawi, even though it doesn’t seem right, if a family member wants or shows interest in caring for a child of a family member who’s parents are not around or able to care for the child, then he or she must live with that family member. So, even though Mwawi knew he would not thrive well, he was placed back in his village. When we arrived at Chisomo’s village he was nowhere to be seen. We saw a hut about as big as some people’s pantry and Mwawi said the first time she rescued Chisomo was in that hut, where he slept with 7 other people. The hut was sad, and the thatched roof was so bare it wouldn’t have held up in the rainy season. Mwawi asked the great uncle that had originally wanted Chisomo back where he was, and he pointed to another hut. We walked to the hut (which was tiny) where Chisomo’s grandmother had him strapped to her back. His hair was discolored, his feet were extremely swollen and he was very lethargic. His hands had dirt caked on them (and he sucks his thumb a lot, so no telling what kind of bacteria was on his fingers), flies swarmed around his mouth, nose and eyes, and he had nothing on his bottom to catch urine or feces. I buried my face in my hands and cried. He had a high fever, and his grandmother said he’d had fevers for about 3 weeks. Mwawi told the village chief and the great uncle she was taking Chisomo and they would never see him again. She told them they were killing the child and she would not stand idly by and allow that to happen. Chisomo also has an older brother, but the village will not release him because he can work in the fields, and they don’t want to lose manual labor. After some harsh persuasion from Mwawi (which was interesting to witness because culturally a Malawian woman is not allowed to talk to a man in that manner or tone) the village chief and great uncle released Chisomo to Mwawi. The grandmother strapped Chisomo to Mwawi’s back and we headed for the car. When we arrived back to Crisis Nursery Mwawi did a full assessment on him while Becky and I helped and watched. Chisomo had been on malaria medicine and some antibiotics, but he was extremely sick. We went to Dae Young Luke (Korean mission hospital) and he was diagnosed with pneumonia, 1+malaria, severe malnutrition, and septicemia. He was 10.2 kgs prior to being placed back in his village he now weighs 8.7kgs. We took him to our clinic where Becky and I attempted to start an IV literally 15 times. He was so frail and wasted we couldn’t find veins on him. After some time we finally were able to start an IV and we started him on IV antibiotics as well as IV quinine for his malaria. We also started the formula feedings for his malnutrition. The first 24 hours were scary. His respirations were about 90 per minute, and he was so weak he couldn’t cough up the phlegm that was packed into his lungs. Becky and I gave him around the clock feedings, IV antibiotics, and care. He stayed mostly at Becky’s house because she and her family were attempting to adopt him before he went back to his village. We’re now on day 3 of his rescue and Chisomo’s looking great. His fevers have subsided; he’s drinking his formula (when Becky and I hold him down and force feed him) and starting to talk. He smiled at Becky and I yesterday and we were excited to see that sweet smile again. Oh, and he still loves chips like you see in the picture. He loves Cheetohs. He still has a long road ahead of him as far as recovering from the malnutrition, but between Becky and me I think we’ll get him healthy in no time. He’s staying with us (Becky and me) until he can feed on a regular basis. On Saturday when we rescued him Mwawi only gave him a 50/50 chance of survival. He’s responded so well that we think he’s going to make it. Thank you everyone for the prayers. I posted a few pictures on facebook and asked for prayers, and this little guy has felt your prayers.  I’ve included some pictures of Chisomo in August before he was placed back in his village. I will keep everyone updated on his condition as we continue to care for this little guy.

It's ALL about You, Jesus.

Carson