We arrived back at Chandame on the 1st of November 2015. We were gone for a long time so the entire camp site was covered in dust and leaves. We started cleaning the campsite and Jannie also started helping the local farmers by transporting potatoes and corn. The clinic was re-opened after a long hiatus and we had many cases of malaria, and infants (between 1 and 5 months old), having respiratory problems. These usual tasks were really tiring since prior to our arrival, we were on the road for 8 days with the newly acquired tow truck. For those who don’t know, driving long distances in a tow truck can hardly be called humane! Thus, we worked half days and rested in the afternoon to regain our strength.
On the 25th of November I woke up early and started doing the washing. By 9:30, I started feeling really sick. Some of my symptoms included a fever and cold fever. Since we live in a high risk malaria zone, my first self diagnosis was malaria. The next day, Jannie and I crossed the border to Malawi to visit a hospital in Nkhoma. I ended up staying in hospital for 6 days. The doctor diagnosed me with a kidney infection and malaria. However, thanks to everyone’s prayers and the friendly staff at Nkhoma hospital, I recovered.
We would not have gone back to South Africa in December since we did not have enough funds. To make matters even worse, our children and newest grandchild we have not met, were visiting South Africa from South Korea. The situation was really unfortunate and I handed this problem to the Lord. Low and behold, my prayers were answered! Dirk and Marie Smit needed someone to move their belongings back to South Africa in December. And we were blessed even more when we found out that they would pay for the entire trip. It was because of this that we went back to South Africa and spend Christmas with our family. Jannie ended up doing this trip alone. I had to fly down to Cape Town because I was too weak to attempt the drive back to Rawsonville from Chandame. Even though the flight was faster, I was still nervous and jittery on the plane. Ironically, I met a woman called Amanda van Saassen, a qualified nurse. She was also on her way to Johannesburg and reserved her seat next to me. She kept an eye on me the entire flight. What are the odds of that! God is good and caring! Still being sick, I stayed with Hennie and Elsabet Smit. They looked after me really well; 24/7. This was really special to have friends that care this much.
We ended 2015 with our children and grandchildren. Remember never worry when God is on your side!
God Bless!
Susan Smit