Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, a ministry partner from the Anchor Center drives 20 minutes each way on a dirt/rock road to pick up a woman named Ntombi and her father Joseph. Over 18 years ago, Ntombi, who is epileptic, had an abuse experience so traumatizing that it literally took her mind from her. She could no longer communicate or be left alone because she couldn't take care of or be trusted by herself. Her family members were forced to tie a rope around Ntombi's waist that would connect her to one of them while they worked in the fields.
One day, in 1994, Ntombi stepped into a fire accidentally and sustained a burn wound on her right foot and no matter what treatment was given to her, this burn refused to completely heal. Until about two years ago, the opening of the wound was only about the size of a quarter. But because of an unknown kind of infection, it has grown to engulf the entire inside of her right foot from her arch up past her ankle. The infection has caused the wound to become septic and has eaten away this part of her body down to the joints and ligaments. This is where the Center comes in; a ministry partner picks her and her father up 3 days a week and brings them to the clinic where she gets her foot cleaned and dressed, then takes them back home, all free of charge.
If you couldn't guess, medical care in Swazi is struggling. Ntombi has had a biopsy run on her foot to find out what exactly is the problem and for clarification on whether a skin graff would be sufficient or if amputation is necessary. The problem is that there is only one doctor in all of Swazi who reads that kind of test; it's been 7 months since she had them done, and it could be up to 5 more until results come back. It's very evident that she's completely past the point of skin graff and amputation is necessary, but no action can be taken until the test results are done. By going to South Africa, the process could be shortened by a few months, but it's too expensive. So, all anyone can do is wait and allow this infection to keep spreading up her leg.
Check out my next blog, "It Starts With One" to see how Ntombi and Joseph have been a part of my time here in Swazi!
