| ERGILCIA NEEDS LOTS OF PRAYER Ergilcia developed malaria late last week, and was placed in hospital for IV treatment. Her lab tests from 2 weeks ago showed a Hemoglobin of 12.5 (normal is 12 to 14). Upon her admission, her Hemoglobin was only 8.5 (transfusion is only done below 8). On Sunday, her body began to swell, which can be caused by anemia, so another lab test was done. Results: Hemoglobin 7.2. YIKES! Not good! An emergency transfusion was organized and given (not an easy thing on a Sunday). Her entire body is swollen after the transfusion, but with a high protein diet and some time, it will return to normal. She is now clear of malaria, PTL! |
 Our precious Ergilcia just before she was released from hospital. |
| She is home with us now, but needs to lose a lot of excess fluid. We are happy that she has lost 400gms of fluid in the last 3 days. This is accomplished through a high protein diet that will help her body push the excess fluids out through her kidneys. Your prayers for her are much appreciated, because out of hospital doesn’t mean she is healed completely. It will take at least 3 weeks to get her back to “normal” weight. GRANDMOTHER LOST 2 DAUGHTERS, 13 CHILDREN ORPHANED Losing 1 daughter several months ago brought 7 orphaned grandchildren into this Granny’s care. Life was tough, but they managed with the children helping out. Then Granny’s 2nd daughter passed away just after having her 6th child. The infant barely survived, and was placed into our Infant Formula Program. After little weight gain over the last month, the grandmother walked to Social Services, and asked that our orphanage help her by taking the infant. She couldn’t cope with a newborn infant. After all, she has 12 others to care for and was overwhelmed with the work. Once we received the request, it was obvious the infant would perish without our help. Laurinda (the infant) is healthy, just malnourished at 3.9kg/8.5 lbs. at 11 weeks of age. |
 Our newest family member, Laurinda. 3 months old. |
| We also assisted Granny by placing the 12 other children and Granny in our food program that meets each Thursday. This will also lighten Granny’s responsibilities and stress knowing that food will be available each week to help her out. |
 Ten of the children with Granny holding Baby Laurinda. |
| The photo shows the children with the older 2 boys in the back, being 14 and 16. We don’t normally take in older children, but these 2 boys are very malnourished (stunted growth), as are all the other children. Granny depends on these boys to help her, as well as the 2 other boys not shown, to help her plant and harvest her fields. The 2 boys not shown were clearing Granny’s farming field during our visit, so the children are truly dedicated to helping their grandmother put food on their table. TOGETHER, WE ARE MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF MANY.BLESSINGS,BUSH BUNNY BRENDA LANGE AND THE BALAMA STAFF |