Saturday, April 28, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
We need your vote!
April 28, 2007 A Message from Dayna
We need your vote! Copy & send to friends!
The Sunshine Coast's CanaDares Society helps children in Tanzania.
CanaDares needs your 'yes' vote for a project proposal (building a second house) at Vijaliwa Vingi.
To read the proposal and vote, please click on the link below:
We need 100 'yes' votes by May 17 to qualify.
Once we qualify on this Vancouver's givemeaning website; many people around the world who now visit this site will have the chance to see our project and help.
This is microphilanthropy and group fundraising online!
Many thanks again!
Dayna White, (yep, that's my profile & that's Howe Sound).
Gibsons, B.C. Canada.
(canadares board member, habitat for humanity volunteer).
“With a heavy heart”
April 27, 2007 Letter from Lynda
“With a heavy heart”
My dear friends:
It’s with a heavy heart that I’m writing you this month. I’ve long had a policy of not writing when I was down, but hey! Sorry for that, as we say in Tanzania.
I last wrote that I was heading to Canada. I had to leave earlier than expected when I learned that my dad was in hospital for his heart.
Dad had open-heart surgery on 26th March. I arrived in Vancouver as he was rolled into recovery. His first 7 days saw him up and around, giving his nurses a run for their money. But then, he fell ill with pneumonia, which led to organ failure and other infections. He fought a tough battle for 22 days in ICU on life support.
Monday morning, the 23rd of April, Dad lost the battle to a heart attack.
It’s been a difficult thing.
We’ve had a huge blanket of love and support thrown over us – thanks to many of you for that. My mom is doing remarkably well, and I’m given the gift of being with her in faith; in sorrow and in hope. My two sisters and brother have been, and will be with us, for the service next week.
Oh, the memories…!!! I’m realizing that of all the memories I hold of my dad, it’s been those of the last six years that I find the dearest. We really got to know each other (finally!) through working together on the CanaDares/Vijaliwa project. And so, there’s a resurgence of new and positive energy that I will take home to Tanzania with me in June.
In his professional life, Ken Gunning worked tirelessly at improving the standards of accounting, not only in several capacities for the CICA and the Canadian government, but also for the international accounting community. My dad fought hard to establish a standard of excellence for our little project. It hasn’t been easy! We intend to continue that fight on his behalf.
Excellence is a tricky destination, and of course, an impossible goal. After all, we are dealing with children coming from difficult circumstances (read that - human beings living in or emerging from extreme poverty). But, when dealing with cultural difference and numerous other structural barriers, holding that high standard as a beacon has seen us through some troubles that have certainly ended many such fledgling (and even more established) projects.
Meanwhile, Stephen has been doing an amazing job of holding the fort at the house in Msongola. Hopefully, he will be able to send some recent photos, and we will get them posted on this website. He tells me that since my departure, there is a brand new big chicken coop, some ducks, a goat stable (not sure if it has residents yet!) and a 175 meter 3 foot-deep trench for the plumbing from our well to the house, eagerly awaiting the generator and pump.
Well, I think that’s all for now. Again, I have to thank you all for your prayers and support. They are felt and much appreciated.
Blessings,
Lynda Kearns
Vijaliwa Vingi Society
http://www.canadares.ca
“With a heavy heart”
My dear friends:
It’s with a heavy heart that I’m writing you this month. I’ve long had a policy of not writing when I was down, but hey! Sorry for that, as we say in Tanzania.
I last wrote that I was heading to Canada. I had to leave earlier than expected when I learned that my dad was in hospital for his heart.
Dad had open-heart surgery on 26th March. I arrived in Vancouver as he was rolled into recovery. His first 7 days saw him up and around, giving his nurses a run for their money. But then, he fell ill with pneumonia, which led to organ failure and other infections. He fought a tough battle for 22 days in ICU on life support.
Monday morning, the 23rd of April, Dad lost the battle to a heart attack.
It’s been a difficult thing.
We’ve had a huge blanket of love and support thrown over us – thanks to many of you for that. My mom is doing remarkably well, and I’m given the gift of being with her in faith; in sorrow and in hope. My two sisters and brother have been, and will be with us, for the service next week.
Oh, the memories…!!! I’m realizing that of all the memories I hold of my dad, it’s been those of the last six years that I find the dearest. We really got to know each other (finally!) through working together on the CanaDares/Vijaliwa project. And so, there’s a resurgence of new and positive energy that I will take home to Tanzania with me in June.
In his professional life, Ken Gunning worked tirelessly at improving the standards of accounting, not only in several capacities for the CICA and the Canadian government, but also for the international accounting community. My dad fought hard to establish a standard of excellence for our little project. It hasn’t been easy! We intend to continue that fight on his behalf.
Excellence is a tricky destination, and of course, an impossible goal. After all, we are dealing with children coming from difficult circumstances (read that - human beings living in or emerging from extreme poverty). But, when dealing with cultural difference and numerous other structural barriers, holding that high standard as a beacon has seen us through some troubles that have certainly ended many such fledgling (and even more established) projects.
Meanwhile, Stephen has been doing an amazing job of holding the fort at the house in Msongola. Hopefully, he will be able to send some recent photos, and we will get them posted on this website. He tells me that since my departure, there is a brand new big chicken coop, some ducks, a goat stable (not sure if it has residents yet!) and a 175 meter 3 foot-deep trench for the plumbing from our well to the house, eagerly awaiting the generator and pump.
Well, I think that’s all for now. Again, I have to thank you all for your prayers and support. They are felt and much appreciated.
Blessings,
Lynda Kearns
Vijaliwa Vingi Society
http://www.canadares.ca
Stephen: Project manager & English teacher
March 16, 2007 Stephen: Project manager & English teacher
Stephen has been doing an amazing job of holding the fort at the house in Msongola. Hopefully, he will be able to send some recent photos, and we will get them posted on this website. He tells me that since my departure, there is a brand new big chicken coop, some ducks, a goat stable (not sure if it has residents yet!) and a 175 meter 3 foot-deep trench for the plumbing from our well to the house, eagerly awaiting the generator and pump.
Blessings,
Lynda Kearns
Moving back to Mlandizi & Sad News
March 6, 2007
Letter from Lynda:
Moving back to Mlandizi & Sad News
Dear Friends:
Hi from here. It’s been a busy month for me: finishing my physio, getting my “walking papers” from the surgeon, signing a lease for new premises in Mlandizi, receiving visits from not one, but two Canadians – two of our Angels in fact!
During my stay in this guesthouse, recovering from my surgery, I made the decision to not actually live at the Vijaliwa Vingi home. Stephen, our manager, has managed the VV home so very well in my long absence due to my injury and lengthy recovery.
The VV Society had already made the recommendation that I find a place to live in Mlandizi, a village only a few kilometers from Vijaliwa Vingi so that I would have some privacy. And now, with my less than stable ankle, it will be much more practical. The place in Mlandizi will be big enough to also serve as an office, with room to spare for our sewing machines so we can finally start to offer sewing lessons to some of our participants.
I realized that I really would be foolish to go and physically take part in the two-part move into the new place in Mlandizi. My leg is not strong enough, and I know myself well enough to admit that I would overdo it. So Stephen (bless him) is moving the office today and later in the week I will go and supervise the packing/moving of my room to make my living space in the house in Mlandizi my “home”.
Our newest volunteer, Elizabeth, arrived on Sunday. She will be my housekeeper, and also will be at the Vijaliwa Vingi home for a number of hours during the week to help with the kids. Yesterday, she cleaned the new place and packed some things at the old office. Vincent, (our Programme Coordinator for outreach), has, I hope, already packed most of the office because he has to leave today for two weeks.
This is Vincent’s truly sad story of yesterday:
At 6:30 am Vincent called to tell me that his two-year old daughter had just died. He had only mentioned two nights before in a phone message, that she was sick. To say that the news upset me is an understatement.
By rights, I should have got in a taxi and made the trip to Mlandizi. But, I just couldn't. Thank God for Stephen - he went on my behalf. The correct procedure following a death here is still gut-wrenching for me: Stephen (among others) went first to the hospital, then to the house of the family, then to the church where they did a service in the evening. Vincent will leave with his wife and two older children to his village in Morogoro Region for the burial today.
The little girl’s name is Charity. And, as the child of one of our staff, she was under the scope of my responsibility. But, I didn't go because I would surely have collapsed.
When I told my Dad, he asked me the cause of death, and I realized that I must be getting closer to this culture. No one asks that question here. Does it matter how, or why? God has God’s reasons, and we are not necessarily privy to them.
In this part of the world, one in five children under the age of six dies. And, a child dies every five minutes of malaria. This is one of the reasons that our outreach work is so important because most people here are not aware of proper prevention, or nutrition, or sanitation. “Capacity Building” is such an ambiguous term. But in it lays the hope of change….
Oh, I am so looking forward to my annual trip home to Canada! It has been a difficult few months. It will be good to get back to the crisp spring air of the B.C. coast. The trip will be tough, with my ankle and all, but I do intend to take a few weeks to rest up this time, and hope to take as much chicken soup and grilled cheese sandwiches as palatably possible – retroactive for the healing process of course. I got confirmation of my flights and should arrive in Vancouver on the 16th April.
God does have such an amazing way of working. Yesterday, in my effort to regain my composure, I had the television on to keep me distracted. There are two channels, and for some reason it was on the "young" station. I was not paying particular attention, because I still really don't appreciate rap. But I happened to look up half way through a video - the song was called "Footprints". And sure enough, when the constant string of words faded away, a deep comforting voice came on, and the video showed the beach and yes, one set of prints. And the voice read "...those were the times that I was carrying you..."
Thank you all for holding me in your prayers, Lynda
Lynda Kearns
Letter from Lynda:
Moving back to Mlandizi & Sad News
Dear Friends:
Hi from here. It’s been a busy month for me: finishing my physio, getting my “walking papers” from the surgeon, signing a lease for new premises in Mlandizi, receiving visits from not one, but two Canadians – two of our Angels in fact!
During my stay in this guesthouse, recovering from my surgery, I made the decision to not actually live at the Vijaliwa Vingi home. Stephen, our manager, has managed the VV home so very well in my long absence due to my injury and lengthy recovery.
The VV Society had already made the recommendation that I find a place to live in Mlandizi, a village only a few kilometers from Vijaliwa Vingi so that I would have some privacy. And now, with my less than stable ankle, it will be much more practical. The place in Mlandizi will be big enough to also serve as an office, with room to spare for our sewing machines so we can finally start to offer sewing lessons to some of our participants.
I realized that I really would be foolish to go and physically take part in the two-part move into the new place in Mlandizi. My leg is not strong enough, and I know myself well enough to admit that I would overdo it. So Stephen (bless him) is moving the office today and later in the week I will go and supervise the packing/moving of my room to make my living space in the house in Mlandizi my “home”.
Our newest volunteer, Elizabeth, arrived on Sunday. She will be my housekeeper, and also will be at the Vijaliwa Vingi home for a number of hours during the week to help with the kids. Yesterday, she cleaned the new place and packed some things at the old office. Vincent, (our Programme Coordinator for outreach), has, I hope, already packed most of the office because he has to leave today for two weeks.
This is Vincent’s truly sad story of yesterday:
At 6:30 am Vincent called to tell me that his two-year old daughter had just died. He had only mentioned two nights before in a phone message, that she was sick. To say that the news upset me is an understatement.
By rights, I should have got in a taxi and made the trip to Mlandizi. But, I just couldn't. Thank God for Stephen - he went on my behalf. The correct procedure following a death here is still gut-wrenching for me: Stephen (among others) went first to the hospital, then to the house of the family, then to the church where they did a service in the evening. Vincent will leave with his wife and two older children to his village in Morogoro Region for the burial today.
The little girl’s name is Charity. And, as the child of one of our staff, she was under the scope of my responsibility. But, I didn't go because I would surely have collapsed.
When I told my Dad, he asked me the cause of death, and I realized that I must be getting closer to this culture. No one asks that question here. Does it matter how, or why? God has God’s reasons, and we are not necessarily privy to them.
In this part of the world, one in five children under the age of six dies. And, a child dies every five minutes of malaria. This is one of the reasons that our outreach work is so important because most people here are not aware of proper prevention, or nutrition, or sanitation. “Capacity Building” is such an ambiguous term. But in it lays the hope of change….
Oh, I am so looking forward to my annual trip home to Canada! It has been a difficult few months. It will be good to get back to the crisp spring air of the B.C. coast. The trip will be tough, with my ankle and all, but I do intend to take a few weeks to rest up this time, and hope to take as much chicken soup and grilled cheese sandwiches as palatably possible – retroactive for the healing process of course. I got confirmation of my flights and should arrive in Vancouver on the 16th April.
God does have such an amazing way of working. Yesterday, in my effort to regain my composure, I had the television on to keep me distracted. There are two channels, and for some reason it was on the "young" station. I was not paying particular attention, because I still really don't appreciate rap. But I happened to look up half way through a video - the song was called "Footprints". And sure enough, when the constant string of words faded away, a deep comforting voice came on, and the video showed the beach and yes, one set of prints. And the voice read "...those were the times that I was carrying you..."
Thank you all for holding me in your prayers, Lynda
Lynda Kearns
February 8, 2007
Letter from Lynda
"What Happened to Me"
My dear friends:
Hi there! Yes, it’s me, FINALLY! Some of you may be wondering whether I fell off the end of the earth or not! The answer is yes. For those of you who may not have ventured onto our website in the past three months; here is what happened to me.
On November 22, 2006, I stepped into an uncovered sewer hole while navigating away from a daladala (a local bus). My left ankle was badly broken: the big bone where it holds the ankle joint broke in two places, and the small bone shattered. The joint was severely dislocated, and I screamed shamelessly for the better part of four hours, until the surgeon administered strong enough painkillers.
Thirty hours later, I went under the surgeon’s knife. No one told me that they now replace plaster casts with surgically implanted metal braces! But, in this heat, I suppose it’s a blessing.
For me, my recovery has been slow because I’ve had to be away from Vijaliwa Vingi. I’ve been staying in the city (Dar es Salaam) at a small hotel (guesthouse), since I was discharged from the hospital on Nov. 28th. In Canada, the idea that a broken leg could keep you away from home for so long is a foreign one. But, staying at our place in the country (Vijaliwa Vingi) was just not a safe option. Unfortunately, VV has no electricity yet, for fans to chase away the summer heat, no level ground for hobbling around on using my crutches, no privacy (in a house with 9 kids!), and particularly, no car to get to physiotherapy or to see the surgeon for follow-up exams of my leg.
Although I think that my recovery is slow, my surgeon says no, that I’ve made excellent progress. In two weeks I’ll have a third set of x-rays, and then I’ll probably be able to put away one of my crutches. But, for me, having to stay put in this guesthouse has been kind of a prison sentence. Oh, they treat me nicely here, and Stephen has done a wonderful job of managing the VV house. But, I’ve been miserable. Struggling with depression, malaria and bronchitis have been the major battles! The malaria caused the ankle to be infected, which was awful.
But, God is good. Clearly, I was forced to spend the time in bed so that I could readjust my thinking on several issues, one being where I should be living. We’ve known for the past two years that I should have a place of my own, instead of living at the house at Vijaliwa Vingi, but the financing was not in place for me to move. Given my present situation, we have now rented a house in the village of Mlandizi (4 km from the home), and I will stay there. We will move my tiny office into the house as well, which is large enough to hold small group meetings, and also set up our sewing centre for training beneficiaries.
Hopefully, this will happen next week. I can hardly wait!!! Remember that I’ve been on my bike for over a year, riding back and forth from Vijaliwa Vingi to my office in Mlandizi each day. (Thank heavens for that, though, because I’ve been grateful for the strength in my right leg as I deal with these crutches.)
Our Vijaliwa Vingi home in Msongola will continue to grow and serve the community. Our program continues: Stephen and Lucas have initiated a thriving football (soccer) game with our kids at the house and the kids from the village. They play every day.
And, our drum and dance program is also underway. We’ve found a teacher who will come on Saturdays, and the drums are being re-skinned, actually, as I write! We’ve also got funds for starting a herd of goats and increasing our poultry production.
Many Thanks to those of you who contributed to these and other projects through our Christmas Wishlist Campaign.
The main reason I haven’t been in touch with you all is that I’ve been unable to go to the Internet. But, thanks to the generosity of a couple of our special angels, I’m now writing to you on my new laptop, which I am able to plug into the guesthouse owner’s modem! Oh, the joys of modern technology! Thanks, Angels!
Well, I think that’s all for now. I’ll go bug the boss now – the owner of the guesthouse, that is, to see if I can plug in. Take care, all of you. Your continued interest and generous support is greatly appreciated.
And thanks for your prayers. Lynda.
Letter from Lynda
"What Happened to Me"
My dear friends:
Hi there! Yes, it’s me, FINALLY! Some of you may be wondering whether I fell off the end of the earth or not! The answer is yes. For those of you who may not have ventured onto our website in the past three months; here is what happened to me.
On November 22, 2006, I stepped into an uncovered sewer hole while navigating away from a daladala (a local bus). My left ankle was badly broken: the big bone where it holds the ankle joint broke in two places, and the small bone shattered. The joint was severely dislocated, and I screamed shamelessly for the better part of four hours, until the surgeon administered strong enough painkillers.
Thirty hours later, I went under the surgeon’s knife. No one told me that they now replace plaster casts with surgically implanted metal braces! But, in this heat, I suppose it’s a blessing.
For me, my recovery has been slow because I’ve had to be away from Vijaliwa Vingi. I’ve been staying in the city (Dar es Salaam) at a small hotel (guesthouse), since I was discharged from the hospital on Nov. 28th. In Canada, the idea that a broken leg could keep you away from home for so long is a foreign one. But, staying at our place in the country (Vijaliwa Vingi) was just not a safe option. Unfortunately, VV has no electricity yet, for fans to chase away the summer heat, no level ground for hobbling around on using my crutches, no privacy (in a house with 9 kids!), and particularly, no car to get to physiotherapy or to see the surgeon for follow-up exams of my leg.
Although I think that my recovery is slow, my surgeon says no, that I’ve made excellent progress. In two weeks I’ll have a third set of x-rays, and then I’ll probably be able to put away one of my crutches. But, for me, having to stay put in this guesthouse has been kind of a prison sentence. Oh, they treat me nicely here, and Stephen has done a wonderful job of managing the VV house. But, I’ve been miserable. Struggling with depression, malaria and bronchitis have been the major battles! The malaria caused the ankle to be infected, which was awful.
But, God is good. Clearly, I was forced to spend the time in bed so that I could readjust my thinking on several issues, one being where I should be living. We’ve known for the past two years that I should have a place of my own, instead of living at the house at Vijaliwa Vingi, but the financing was not in place for me to move. Given my present situation, we have now rented a house in the village of Mlandizi (4 km from the home), and I will stay there. We will move my tiny office into the house as well, which is large enough to hold small group meetings, and also set up our sewing centre for training beneficiaries.
Hopefully, this will happen next week. I can hardly wait!!! Remember that I’ve been on my bike for over a year, riding back and forth from Vijaliwa Vingi to my office in Mlandizi each day. (Thank heavens for that, though, because I’ve been grateful for the strength in my right leg as I deal with these crutches.)
Our Vijaliwa Vingi home in Msongola will continue to grow and serve the community. Our program continues: Stephen and Lucas have initiated a thriving football (soccer) game with our kids at the house and the kids from the village. They play every day.
And, our drum and dance program is also underway. We’ve found a teacher who will come on Saturdays, and the drums are being re-skinned, actually, as I write! We’ve also got funds for starting a herd of goats and increasing our poultry production.
Many Thanks to those of you who contributed to these and other projects through our Christmas Wishlist Campaign.
The main reason I haven’t been in touch with you all is that I’ve been unable to go to the Internet. But, thanks to the generosity of a couple of our special angels, I’m now writing to you on my new laptop, which I am able to plug into the guesthouse owner’s modem! Oh, the joys of modern technology! Thanks, Angels!
Well, I think that’s all for now. I’ll go bug the boss now – the owner of the guesthouse, that is, to see if I can plug in. Take care, all of you. Your continued interest and generous support is greatly appreciated.
And thanks for your prayers. Lynda.
A Fractured Leg
Nov. 29 .06 Letter from Lynda
A Space Between My Toes!
Hi Dayna! Ok! Go ahead and put up my letters about the accident and surgery, or at least the ones that aren’t too cranky. My new digs (at the Guest Room) are good, but there’s no air-conditioning and, during the day, no power so no fan. The advantage is the shared, open sitting room that does get the breeze.
Great news... Today I can see space between my toes! This is really amazing. I was doing alot of exercise yesterday, be the calf muscle really hurts, but clearly the swelling is down. I’m so excited! Ta!
From Lynda.
Passed My Crutches Driving Test
It will be such a relief to be discharged from the hospital. I’m not sleeping here very well. The surgeon is pleased with the incisions, and even that I caused the discoloring and swelling from too much exercise yesterday. I passed my crutches driving test by specifying verbally the two most important
principles... Don’t hop and don’t hang on the crutches.
I have to do bedrest for 10 days with exercise, then back to the hospital to remove stitches- only 12 and 7 - then real physio. Now, I’m exhausted from all the excitement.
Please, can someone go today to the drug store and buy an elastoplast ankle support. These are not available in Tanzania. The surgeon was impressed and said that an ankle support such as this would be my best friend. Lucas is coming and will deal with the hospital bill and go to the bank. Now, I have to sleep. Ta, Lynda.
Nov. 26/06 Letters from Lynda
A Very Bruised & Swollen Leg
I was glad to talk to mom and dad this morning! Hang in you guys. I’ll mend. Lucas came with Mgeni and Musa (two children from Vijaliwa) who won a draw to come visit me in the hospital. It’s an all day trip for them to get here! Both children were shocked at the luxury here (in the hospital).
Air-conditioning, tv, and a private bathroom, and the kids were wowed when the orderly brought my lunch. Lucas took them to the cafeteria to eat. Big treat for them!
This morning a doctor came to inspect and change the dressing. I got brave and looked. No wonder Stephen fainted yesterday! But, the wound is clean. No infection. But, gone is my dainty ankle! There are 6 to 8 stitches on one side of my ankle and at least 15 on the other plus the drain holes. Ugly! It is very swollen and bruised.
I’m realizing a lot of things. I can’t live at the Vijaliwa house until we get a car. And, a goat for milk. I can’t use the buses while I’m in town. I’ll pretty much have to be escorted when I travel because I can’t put weight on my injured leg.
Tiffany called tonight and I talked with all my grandkids. Big tears.
Nov. 25 /06 Letter from Lynda
Surgery was Successful
Breaking News! (Sorry for the pun!),
Hi all. I’m resting. So, I know you’re all wondering what we’re going to do. But, please! I’m not the project, and the kids are fine. I have great confidence in Stephen (house manager) and Lucas is there.
My leg is swollen and ugly. And, I’m here in the hospital until at least tomorrow to start physio. I’ll be staying at a guest house (like an inexpensive hostel) when I leave the hospital.
If we can find or afford a car, I’ll be moving back to the Vijaliwa house. The surgery was successful. I don’t have a cast, but I can’t put any weight on my leg for 3 months.
They took out the drainage tubes yesterday. So, I’m on the
road to recovery.
Thanks for your prayers and love, Lynda.
Nov. 23. Letter from Lynda
An Operation Needed
The surgeon showed us the fractures in my leg. All 3 are at the ankle joint. The 2 on the big bone need screws and the shattered smaller bone needs a plate.
Surgery will be sometime this afternoon between 2 and 4.
I’ve seen the anesthetist. I can have pain-killers but no food.
I hate not knowing what to do later! I may ask at the guest house for a monthly rate or something. I can’t stay in the village for sure, unless we buy a car. I just like to have a plan in place and there’s none now.
Please tell Tiffany my daughter that I got her card yesterday, and expect her letter soon. That’s all for now. Thanks for prayers, Lynda.
Nov. 22 /06 Letters from Lynda
A Fractured Leg
Hi. My day went worse. Into the sewer in fact. Getting out of a crowded daladala (bus in Tanzania) my left foot didn’t find pavement. Instead, my foot found an open storm drain.
So, now I’m in the Aga Khan Hospital with a badly broken and dislocated leg. They want to operate today. I’m expecting the surgeon to see me soon. Both of my leg’s big bones above the ankle are broken. And never have I had so much pain!
Lucas is with me. Stephen is managing the house. The doctor said it would be 3 months to heal! And no bike riding, so I don’t know how I’ll get around!
So?! What can I do but pray? The good news is I think I’m over malaria...
(This letter was written by Lynda by text-messaging on her cell phone. We all pray for a complete and speedy recovery for her - Dayna).
A Space Between My Toes!
Hi Dayna! Ok! Go ahead and put up my letters about the accident and surgery, or at least the ones that aren’t too cranky. My new digs (at the Guest Room) are good, but there’s no air-conditioning and, during the day, no power so no fan. The advantage is the shared, open sitting room that does get the breeze.
Great news... Today I can see space between my toes! This is really amazing. I was doing alot of exercise yesterday, be the calf muscle really hurts, but clearly the swelling is down. I’m so excited! Ta!
From Lynda.
Passed My Crutches Driving Test
It will be such a relief to be discharged from the hospital. I’m not sleeping here very well. The surgeon is pleased with the incisions, and even that I caused the discoloring and swelling from too much exercise yesterday. I passed my crutches driving test by specifying verbally the two most important
principles... Don’t hop and don’t hang on the crutches.
I have to do bedrest for 10 days with exercise, then back to the hospital to remove stitches- only 12 and 7 - then real physio. Now, I’m exhausted from all the excitement.
Please, can someone go today to the drug store and buy an elastoplast ankle support. These are not available in Tanzania. The surgeon was impressed and said that an ankle support such as this would be my best friend. Lucas is coming and will deal with the hospital bill and go to the bank. Now, I have to sleep. Ta, Lynda.
Nov. 26/06 Letters from Lynda
A Very Bruised & Swollen Leg
I was glad to talk to mom and dad this morning! Hang in you guys. I’ll mend. Lucas came with Mgeni and Musa (two children from Vijaliwa) who won a draw to come visit me in the hospital. It’s an all day trip for them to get here! Both children were shocked at the luxury here (in the hospital).
Air-conditioning, tv, and a private bathroom, and the kids were wowed when the orderly brought my lunch. Lucas took them to the cafeteria to eat. Big treat for them!
This morning a doctor came to inspect and change the dressing. I got brave and looked. No wonder Stephen fainted yesterday! But, the wound is clean. No infection. But, gone is my dainty ankle! There are 6 to 8 stitches on one side of my ankle and at least 15 on the other plus the drain holes. Ugly! It is very swollen and bruised.
I’m realizing a lot of things. I can’t live at the Vijaliwa house until we get a car. And, a goat for milk. I can’t use the buses while I’m in town. I’ll pretty much have to be escorted when I travel because I can’t put weight on my injured leg.
Tiffany called tonight and I talked with all my grandkids. Big tears.
Nov. 25 /06 Letter from Lynda
Surgery was Successful
Breaking News! (Sorry for the pun!),
Hi all. I’m resting. So, I know you’re all wondering what we’re going to do. But, please! I’m not the project, and the kids are fine. I have great confidence in Stephen (house manager) and Lucas is there.
My leg is swollen and ugly. And, I’m here in the hospital until at least tomorrow to start physio. I’ll be staying at a guest house (like an inexpensive hostel) when I leave the hospital.
If we can find or afford a car, I’ll be moving back to the Vijaliwa house. The surgery was successful. I don’t have a cast, but I can’t put any weight on my leg for 3 months.
They took out the drainage tubes yesterday. So, I’m on the
road to recovery.
Thanks for your prayers and love, Lynda.
Nov. 23. Letter from Lynda
An Operation Needed
The surgeon showed us the fractures in my leg. All 3 are at the ankle joint. The 2 on the big bone need screws and the shattered smaller bone needs a plate.
Surgery will be sometime this afternoon between 2 and 4.
I’ve seen the anesthetist. I can have pain-killers but no food.
I hate not knowing what to do later! I may ask at the guest house for a monthly rate or something. I can’t stay in the village for sure, unless we buy a car. I just like to have a plan in place and there’s none now.
Please tell Tiffany my daughter that I got her card yesterday, and expect her letter soon. That’s all for now. Thanks for prayers, Lynda.
Nov. 22 /06 Letters from Lynda
A Fractured Leg
Hi. My day went worse. Into the sewer in fact. Getting out of a crowded daladala (bus in Tanzania) my left foot didn’t find pavement. Instead, my foot found an open storm drain.
So, now I’m in the Aga Khan Hospital with a badly broken and dislocated leg. They want to operate today. I’m expecting the surgeon to see me soon. Both of my leg’s big bones above the ankle are broken. And never have I had so much pain!
Lucas is with me. Stephen is managing the house. The doctor said it would be 3 months to heal! And no bike riding, so I don’t know how I’ll get around!
So?! What can I do but pray? The good news is I think I’m over malaria...
(This letter was written by Lynda by text-messaging on her cell phone. We all pray for a complete and speedy recovery for her - Dayna).
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