Some House Calls

Some House Calls Can't Wait for Morning

Originally published in the Summer 2004 edition of Healing Waters
By Nicole Kenzierski, RN, MSN

It was Friday night and I left the clinic with a sense of urgency. The sun was going down as I pulled into one of the apartment complexes off Murfreesboro Road that houses many immigrants and refugees.

Men filled the parking lot, congregated in huddles drinking beer. I was glad that I had asked a friend to come with me because our presence was certainly being noticed, but this house call could not wait. My visit to see the young daughter of a newly-arrived Somali Bantu family was unannounced – it usually takes most refugee families more than a month to obtain phone service.

On Wednesday, she had been seen by one of our volunteer pediatricians for severe malnutrition. A report from an overseas medical exam performed in the refugee camp where she had lived most of her life recommended “immediate medical attention upon arrival for severe malnutrition.” It did not mention any other problems.

Friday morning, while reviewing lab results, this child’s general screening work-up for anemia revealed atypical cells – malarial cells, in fact. The type of malaria was not yet known – neither was the severity of her condition.

The most common type of malaria in Kenya (where the refugee camp is located) is also the most deadly form of malaria. After consulting with Dr. David Gregory (Siloam’s volunteer medical director and an infectious disease specialist) and our volunteer pediatrician, it was decided that the treatment of this child’s malaria could not wait for her follow-up visit the next week, or for the final report from the state lab confirming the malaria type.

Walking up to the door, I knocked several times. I knew the family was inside. Not speaking much English, driving, or having family in Nashville limited their options on a Friday night. After a few moments, the mother cautiously opened the door and seeing my name badge, allowed us to enter. Mom was alone in the apartment, pregnant and caring for her two children, ages two and four.

The four-year-old with malaria was nearly equal in stature to her two-year-old brother . Weighing 25 lbs. with a thin face, long thin arms, thin legs, and with a distended belly, she resembled the African children we see portrayed on television. She didn’t smile or cry. Her big eyes seemed to stare absently. Surprisingly, without reservation she gathered close, reached for my hand, and stood at my side as I took a detailed history from her mother.

It is estimated that 10% of the child population in Somalia dies before age four. Approximately 25% of the deaths are due to malaria which is highly preventable and treatable. For many, the only recourse they have had for treatment has been traditional religious healers. This child, like many others we’ve seen had burn markings on the chest where they attempted to “cure” the malaria. Unfortunately, she was not cured but was instead left with malaria and permanent scars.

Her history revealed that she had been symptomatic for malaria, so we went to a nearby pharmacy to obtain the needed medication. She uttered weak cries of objection to the crushed bitter pills we tried to disguise in applesauce. There would be an additional visit over the weekend – but for tonight the right treatment was underway. I left feeling thankful that I was part of Siloam’s ministry to care for those in need.

Through God’s providence and Siloam’s willing supporters, volunteers and staff, this child, like many others we’ve seen in recent days, has been given a new chance at life. Today, she is not only alive but is a playful, happy toddler who is gaining weight and growing.

This Bantu family has experienced the gospel in word, deed and presence through their time at Siloam, through the intensive services of the resettlement agency World Relief, and through the services of local churches. These collaborative efforts help each of us to reinforce our ministries to many families in the Nashville area.

“If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.” Matthew 10:42

Thank you for helping us to share the love of Christ by serving those in need through health care. Your prayers, time and financial support are helping bring health, healing and hope to those who need it most.

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