Day in Mzimba
This morning we got ready for a big day in Mzimba. Several weeks ago we met Aaron who suffers almost daily seizures. We have been trying to figure out a way to get Aaron to the right doctor. We’ve messaged people, called a hospital, etc. No information. Finally, we decided to take him to the private doctor in Mzimba and get their advice.
First, we pick up Aaron and Christina, his mom and baby sister. Babies go everywhere with their moms because all babies are breastfed. We drop Wanangwa off at the shop and then drive to Mzimba. Our first stop is the clinic.
Private Clinic
There are more people at the clinic than I usually see there. I know we will have a wait. Mbwenu goes off to do his errands and I stay with Christina. I expected to see the receptionist that I saw last time but he is nowhere to be seen.
Soon we are motioned into the pharmacy. Because I am accustomed to the American medical system, I thought we must be speaking with the nurse. He turned out to be the doctor. In Malawi, everyone has a small medical book which they take to all medical visits. The doctor reads Aaron’s history and talks with the mother. Aaron doesn’t seem to like having his temperature taken. He checks his lungs. He’s a bit concerned with his cough but says his lungs are clear. There is some more discussion in Tumbuka, Chichewa, and English. I am so glad we came. I now have a better understanding of what has happened.
Help Found
Aaron was on one medication originally given by some visiting American doctors. When that medicine ran out he went back to the local doctor and they gave him a different medicine that did not control the seizures. So he has been suffering from almost daily seizures for months with no help.
The doctor has the original medicine and has agreed to call after one week and see how he is doing. If all is well he will continue this medicine for three months and have another check-up. The doctor gives me the bill. 9000K or about $11 US. This included the medicine which was actually handed to us by the doctor. I cannot believe that people have to suffer so long for so little. I am glad we decided to try this clinic first. As we are getting in the car Mbwenu chats with some neighbors who are also at the clinic. They are going to travel home with us.
Shopping List
I have a list of stops we need to make before we head home. We stop at my favorite meat store and I get meat and hot sauce. The shopkeeper hands me a candy.
Victoria is the place we exchange American funds because we get the best rates with them. That’s our next stop. They do not have enough cash for our exchange. The teller is not happy with her co-worker who did not go and get cash earlier when he was supposed to so she is shaking her finger at him. She tells us to come back in a bit.
Big Mart
I go ahead and do my Big Mart shopping which is next door then continue on down my list. All the while our friends wait in the car with the doors open. I bring them a snack. The open market is across the street and I visit my favorite stand and purchase green beans, carrots, onions, and tomatoes. He is out of green peas. Next, I go to the farmers under the tree in the back of the market. I found wonderful beans there last time but now we are eating beans from the garden. A lady shows me a huge cabbage and I purchase it for 400 K which is about .40 US. Unbelievable!
Fakani’s Print Shop
Fakani’s print shop is our next stop. We are out of World Bible School lessons again. We have 100 students waiting for Lesson 2! This printer got a new cartridge so we are able to get clear copies until our new lessons arrive. I drop off the order and head to the fabric store.
Today I am purchasing rolls of fabric in the local school colors. The new sewing workshop is hoping to specialize in school uniforms. Mbwenu lets me go by myself to the fabric store. He knows I love chitenge and I might be a while. As I am walking to the fabric store a man crosses the road and says sit. He does his fingers together like he wants me to give him money. I say NO! and keep walking. I make my purchases quickly this time and try not to look at all the varieties of chitenge.
Last stop the Wholesalers for water and more sweeties. I have learned not to call the little children sweeties! They think I am calling them candy or offering them candy.
We drop all of our passengers off and go home. Dinner tonight will be beef soup. Another American recipe to test on the family. I start the beef for dinner. It will take a long time to cook.
I decide to take a walk to the bakery to get buns to go with the beef soup I am cooking and I want to stop at Christina’s house. I have some clothes to give to Christina’s baby girl. As I walk all the kids along the way come to greet me and wave at me. I smile and wave and continue on my journey.
At one point I turn around and there are several children following me down the road. I stop and sing If You Are Happy and You Know It with the kids. They seem to enjoy this and then I continue on my journey. The crowd grows. When I am almost to the bakery I meet one of the bakers. She tells me there will be no bread until tomorrow. I turn around and sing The Lord’s Army with the kids and head to Christina’s house out of breath from walking and singing so much. The family all comes to thank me and accept the clothes. We say our goodbyes.
Back on the main road, the kids are waiting on me laughing and talking and asking me my name. We have to sing a song and then I continue home. When I arrive home there are a lot of kids with me. I call Esther to come to say hi to the children and I have them sing with her. She is surprised that all the kids followed me home. This was so fun! I wave goodbye and the kids wave and turn around laughing and running home.
