A Trip to the Doctor

Yesterday afternoon, upon our return to Heart Lodge, Don noticed (and felt!) that he had a rash on his ankle that reminded him of Poison Ivy. He asked to go to the store with Bob, a minister, who, along with his wife, lives here at Heart Lodge for 10 months of the year. Bob is the Logistics Director for Heart Lodge. Don spoke with the Chemist and was given an antibiotic cream and some antihistamine pills. Unfortunately as the evening progressed, so did the rash. When he woke up this morning it was on his upper torso. So.....a change in plans for the day. We called Aaron and Erica, who immediately said that Don needed to see a Doctor. They too cancelled their plans for the day and took us to the Doctor. Don immediately got an appointment to see a Dermatologist. While waiting for his appointment, approximately 1 hour and a half, Don and Aaron went to an Internet Store where Don learned how to download some of his pictures to our blog. It is a v e r y s l o w process, so don't expect too many pictures!! Joy and Erica went for coffee and a walk around the mall!!
Don was diagnosed as having a bug bite that his immune system over reacted to. It probably would have cleared up on its own, but would have taken some time. It may have gotten worse before getting better and the rash is extremely itchy. The Dr. said that Don's immune system is not used to some of the bugs here in Nairobi and was told to use bug spray at all times....yes, Joy will be doing the same!!
We went out for lunch with Aaron and Erica and then went to the hospital to visit with Gordon King. Gordon is Director of the Sharing Way (the relief ministry of Canadian Baptists) and is here to lead a week long workshop with the Field Staff here in Nairobi and other areas of Africa. He became sick yesterday and was admitted to hospital. Initially, malaria was suspected, but that has been ruled out and at this point it is not known what made him ill. But, thankfully, he is on the mend and if all goes well, will be discharged on Thursday. We had a great visit with Gordon!
Through all of this, we are being reminded that God is always in control and that we must continue to be patient when things unexpectedly change.
We will be returning to Eastleigh tomorrow, recharged, and ready to serve there.