Mcolisi, which we’ve officially named “Moses,” is still with living with us. He has gained almost one pound in the ten days we have taken care of him, which brings him to 2.5 kilograms (5.5 pounds)!!!
Philile, his mother, was put in the hospital last Tuesday and diagnosed with tuberculosis. So, we received permission to take Mcolisi to Manzini to care for him and have him tested for tuberculosis as well. He has been on five different medications (3 nutrients, 1 for thrush, and the other for his cough) and his breathing/cough seems to be staying the same. Yesterday, Traci and Tra-day, a girl who has been living in tents with us, took Mcolisi to the hospital only to find out he needs to weigh 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds) to be tested for TB – so we prayed fatness over the little one (that’s a first)! We will take Mcolisi back to the hospital to see a nutrition specialist, where they said the team needs to prepare to stay for some time with Mcolisi; however, we are praying that he is healthy enough to take treatments for nourishment at home.
Last Tuesday was a joyous day!! Mcolisi has 3 sisters (ages 3 years, 5 years, and 7 years) and one brother (12 years). When Philile went to the hospital, we were able to bring the four children to Nisela, where we were living for the past three weeks. While I watched the little one, the rest of our team took them to see the lions and other animals, swim in a pool, and play Frisbee in the yard! One of the guys on our team walked the brother through using a “flushing” toilet for the first time in his life, as well as sinks, soap dispensers, and SHOWERS!! We gave the girls showers as well and then dressed all of them in new outfits!! They looked like completely different children, very CLEAN!! After a good dinner with chicken and pasta (If children are lucky, they will eat meat possibly once a month.), we put on Finding Nemo for the children to watch before a nice night in a tent! It was a wonderful day – one I will never forget!
On our last day in Nsoko, we went over to Philile’s house to pray with her before he took Mcolisi to Manzini. We found that she had left for the hospital at five the morning, so we pray over the household. Twelve of us (including the little 7 year old girl) linked arms circling the rock and stick 6 feet by 6 feet house, where all seven of them live to pray for protection, health, and the love of Christ to surround the entire household.
