Malaria, Yep Michelle’s got it

Malawi is one of the many parts of the world where Malaria is a big problem. People contract it when they are bit by an infected mosquito. Only certain species of mosquito carry it and only the females actually bite. Even with the precautions like bug spray, bed nets, and preventative drugs; a person still has a chance of being infected. Michelle received a few bites early in the month. After feeling slightly ill for a few days she was encouraged to get tested. It was positive and a mild +1. The degrees of malaria are graded as +1 through +4, +4 being the most severe. It is a common occurrence here, maybe similar to having the flu in the states. Each time we have been in Malawi we have known people who have had malaria. This time I guess it was our turn. In Michelle’s case it is very easily treated and not terribly painful, but for many people without access to testing or medication it can be painful and deadly. We are reminded of Tokhosani Dimba, a young boy who had a special place in our hearts that died from malaria last year.
In Africa it seems there is closer contact with issues of life and death. Sometimes it can be very depressing. Other times it is refreshing because you remember that today may be all you have, people here tend to live in the moment knowing that tomorrow may be gone. It reminds me to “Pray for the Harvest” because the Bible promises an afterlife in eternity for all … one way or another. Let’s Pray for the Harvest so more names will be written on the Lambs Book of Life.