Well, today was certainly not the day we expected to have! Let me say to begin with that I will probably be very descriptive in this blog, so if you don't like medical details, you might not want to read this post!
There has been a bad stomach flu going around our travel group the past couple days with many people getting vomiting and diarrhea. Well yesterday right after breakfast Kiersten started vomiting voilently and was vomiting every 15-20 mins and couldn't even keep down water. By late afternoon we made the decision that she needed to get some IV hydration and she was becoming dehydrated. So, we went with our Chinese guide to the local "children's hospital" in the scariest taxi ride I have ever been on! Kiersten was now having watery diarrhea and vomiting every 15 mins. We knew the hospital wouldn't be up to US standards, but weren't prepared for how filthy it would be. This is a huge city, you would think there would be a nicer place!
As we were waiting and I had a brief emotional breakdown, Kiersten was having to throw up and have diarrhea in these little holes in the ground "squatty potties", there is urine and who knows what else all around which you can't help stepping in! I am sorry for being so graphic, but I still can't believe that is where we were! Meanwhile, there were many screaming babies all around us who all had IVs in them and there are no IV poles so the parents had to stand there and hold the IV up in their hand so it could drip down into their child!
She was finally given an IV with fluids, antibiotics and some Vitamin B6 to stop help vomiting ( that is what we were told). The whole IV thing was a big leap of faith because I knew she really needed it, but we were nervous about the whole clean thing,etc... I just had to give that part to the Lord and trust that we would do the best with what we had and He would just have to protect her from any other diseases. The IV did come from a sterile package as I watched the nurse hook it up. She has stopped vomiting and slept through the night. This morning she still says her tummy hurts a little and looks pale but I think is improving. Please keep praying that she continues to improve and that no one else in our family gets it. I am not sure what God wants to teach us from this, but another faith building exercise to be sure!
We fly to Guangzhou tomorrow and we are all very excited to leave this city to be honest. I look forward to seeing the flags of the US embassy, it means we are one step closer to home!
We covet your prayers
Abby
1 comment:
First time I've been able to access this week as my laptop was on the fritz in Dallas. I've had a couple of harrowing experiences overseas, but I cannot even begin to imagine what you all are feeling and how much you're looking forward to getting back home.
We're waiting for you with open arms and hearts, and our family prayers are with you all this evening. We pray Kiersten steadily improves and you all can enjoy at least some of the rest of your trip.
God's love and speed to you all.
Rock, Alison and Hunter
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