Lisha's email

Hi-

Jill wanted me to send you an email as she is a bit overwhelmed. If you could send a few prayers as she and her family could use some right now.

As you know, Patrick and Rafiki have been in Zim and were due back b/f his birthday. Patrick noticed that Rafiki was showing flu and Malaria-like symptoms which antibiotics were not helping (Jill was unsure of the particulars). Rafiki suddenly passed out and was taken to the hospital.

The MDs at the hospital think Rafiki may have leukemia. They suggested that he immediately go to the UK to get a marrow biopsy and further diagnostic testing.

Jill was extremely happy that Rafiki and Patrick were able to get on the only flight for the week out of Zim to London. They are flying there now and will be in London at 6:30 am Wednesday. Jill is leaving tomorrow and will be there Thursday morning.

Rafiki was lucky to get an appointment for when he gets there. He is classified as an emergency case which is key b/c socialized medicine is extremely slow and appointments are usually booked far out. Let's pray that he gets referred to where he needs to quickly.

As you can imagine Jill's heart is devastated and her head is spinning. She does have a pretty great attitude considering. She is trying to stay focused and not worry about the many unknowns.

She will be unavailable to be reached (no cell phone in UK) but would love to get your emails. She told me to tell you guys too that she probably won't have time to respond in a timely manner or at all for awhile.

I will keep you posted if I hear any news.

Big Prayers,

Lisha

Deptartures and Arrivals

One step at a time.

I am leaving this morning for England. I spoke with Patrick this morning. They arrived safely and have met with a doctor who came to Patrick’s brother’s house in Dorset, south of London. It appears Rafiki will be going in for a bone marrow test today and will stay in the hospital. Lots of concerns about germs. The doctor in England was actually impressed with the report from the doctors in Zimbabwe. So there goes the "dumb ass” theory. Rafiki seems to be in good spirits probably more exhausted by the journey than anything. Patrick is ready for some relief as neither want to let the other out of sight.

The Call and Fall

The call came at 3:30am the call everyone fears the one that will come in the middle of the night and change your life. I heard an accent speaking on the answering machine and knew I needed to get to the phone. “Tekla, it’s your little boy.”

The doctors in Harare suspected Leukemia. It hit me a few minutes later that we were talking about the “C” word. The shock was overwhelming and the lack of information paralyzing.

I’m making calls and as the word gets out, the calls start coming in. I’ve got to get to London, where Patrick and Rafiki will be. I just needed a hug and to be told it was OK. Joe was the first to arrive and assured me not to worry about money. To be honest I hadn't even gotten to that part, but I am sure it wouldn’t have taken me long.

My biggest stress? The bedroom still wasn’t painted and Rafiki’s crib was filled with stuff. I knew I couldn’t leave the house in that shape. Molly and Mia were right there to help clean. Kevin finished the painting in no time. Jill Burge stepped in to help me find an affordable flight. And Joe, he returned to the fray from an errand, with a huge wad of cash.

Of course the entire time this is going on, I am hoping and praying that the doctors in Zimbabwe are just dumb asses.