Krismisa Njema 2019

On December 15th, I found myself exiting 7:00am Mass by 7:05, I felt like I was going to pass out. I made it home, rolled onto my couch where I remained until Tuesday when I shuffled my way to a nearby hospital. I was diagnosed with Dengue Fever (a disease carried by a female mosquito), given a couple medications and sent home.

On Wednesday I was showering before I planned to return to the hospital and I saw 4 missed calls from the Archbishop, since his house manager was worried and informed him that I had not been out to the house for 2 days. Then, I have Sr. Regina pounding at my gate because the Bishop had called her to come check on me. Sr. who is in charge of the hospital escorted me back to her hospital for infusions.

I felt a bit better after being rehydrated, they left the IV in and sent me home. So now with a taped-up hand and my skin becoming deep red and purple everyone on the street knew that I was sick. If one is sick here, you must be visited and brought something. And each and everyone knows what is best for me too. I would beg people not to come, but right over the head it went. But the fruit, food, and juice just kept coming. I looked upon it as getting a holiday fruit basket.

Back to the hospital on Friday morning for four more infusions and medications. I was consuming 10 liters of water each day and was still dehydrated; they said it was a severe case. The symptoms are plenty; headaches, joint pain, backaches, diarrhea, vomiting, vision impairment, fever, sweats, chills, weakness, and imbalance (these are what I recall). It has always been my biggest fear since coming, because of my autoimmune disease and there is no cure for the dengue.

 have been very well cared for by my neighbors once again. Lucy the house manager would come in, bring me porridge and make me eat, go away; and come back in 1 hour and make me drink juice, then fruit, then porridge - hour on the hour. Abdalla comes each morning at 6-7 to care for me before he goes to work, and then returns again from 6-8 pm. I think he is honing his housekeeping skills caring for me. Tomorrow I look forward to a quiet day alone resting, pondering my life with gratitude and welcoming a new life in Christ’s birth.

Merry and Blessed Christmas to you from Kenya!
Peace, Mike