Shadie Jr.

In case our hearts managed to make it this far and still be intact, yesterday morning brought more bad news.  Eight-month-old Shadi Jr. died during the night of malaria / diarrhea.  He is the youngest son of Shadie and Josephine, who take care of and guard our house in Mufulira, Zambia.  They live in a small place outside of our back door and have been part of our Zambian family since the very first time we visited in 2003. 

The pictures that you see below are from January when he was looking healthy, chubby, and of course very cute.  His death came very much as a surprise to us.  His mother, Josephine, was also in the hospital for malaria and we have not heard anymore word on her condition. 

As for Murundu, the malaria situation continues to be bad, but we have not lost any more children in the village this week (despite losing one who is very dear to us in Muf).  Five children were taken to the DRC clinic and one was kept overnight.  The good news is that the child whose mother died is no longer in critical condition. 

I cannot think of anything worse than losing a child, and have had the unfortunate experience of seeing the profound impact that this has on the lives of parents. As I let myself imagine the pain that will ache in this family for years to come, it reminds me of Matthew 2:18, "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."  Please join us in praying for this family as they mourn the loss of their child.

~Tannen

Azesa (left) and Shadi Jr (right)

From left to right: Shadi's nephew, Josephine's brother, Jami holding Shadi Jr., and Azesa (7 yrs)