Sickness in the Camp

I promise to write more very soon...but we've been hit with a wave of something dastardly...

Starting at 11 PM the night before last Magpie, The Bug and then me began to vomit, repeatedly...finally enjoying that state of "dry heaves."

Daddy served, most honorably, as the vomit janitor.  He made rounds all night cleaning up after us in our sorry states...changing the trash can liners repeatedly after we had "used" the cans...

He deserves a medal of honor as he went without sleep, never complained, and then worked a full day the next day.  He's my hero!

We kept the kids home, I still went over to teach my first period class as we really don't have any substitutes...

Then joining the band of pukers...Bub and Brownie...Daddy only experiencing the lower intestinal plague that was Stage 2 for the those who threw up all night the night before...

Today we'll keep most home from school again...and hope it passes soon...

9 people ill in one apartment can turn you OFF forever of a career in medicine!

I have a quick update on Qian Qian, too....

He goes next week for a full pre-op physical to a local hospital here.  We must determine if he has any other issues with his heart/lungs/general health...if he is well...we should see him get his first surgery.

The financial needs are not fully fleshed-out at this point...however, a major international charity, that funds these specific types of surgeries will likely provide SOME of his care for FREE.  (This is dependent upon him not having any other issues that have to be dealt with.)  We are praising Him for this!

The family will require some additional funds for the hospital stay, as well as for food and shelter during the times around surgery.  As I've told you before, Mei Mei is the only one in their little group who speaks the national language.  Momma only speaks her obscure local dialect.  So Qian Qian's care is dependent upon Mei Mei's translation.  Mei Mei is a street peddler.  (She sells some wares off a cart she pushes around.)  She is their main source of support to feed the threesome.  (Momma was begging to help provide food for money, but primarily to beg for money to get Qian Qian medical care.) 

During the time surrounding surgery (there will be multiple surgeries), Mei Mei will not be able to sell her wares as a peddler.  So the family will be without support to feed and house them.  Their basic needs must be met, and with the help of those of you who have pledged to help us financially, this is part of what our funds will go toward.

I can say with great joy that Momma and Baby are NO LONGER BEGGING on the roadside!  They are inspired with hope for Qian Qian's future, and they are focused on keeping him well and strong for his surgery.  Begging is such a dangerous situation for them both.  I am resting much easier at night knowing that they are out of harms way!

More about Qian Qian after the medical exam!

Off to recuperate!