Our children have always been pretty healthy. In fact, out of the four of them, antibiotics were never needed. Now there was the occasional soft tissue injury that I would very lovingly place on facebook…because most of them were quite impressive. But in our short five weeks here I have had three of my children visit me at the hospital (and Jacob has been there twice). Today was Hannah’s turn…
So our little princess hasn’t quite been herself ever since we arrived. Over the past couple weeks, she has been vomiting almost daily. We have been working to change her diet and have been giving her zofran to control her symptoms. While she hasn’t returned to normal, we had been seeing at least a glimmer of improvement. On Saturday, after another home consultation with our neighbor (a pediatrician), we decided to treat her for Giardia (a very common infection here). At first it seemed like this was helping a bit but last night she vomited again after we put her to bed. We had another episode this morning. After I arrived at work, I received a call from Steph (I’m starting to dread seeing her name come up on my phone at this point) telling me that Hannah was acting lethargic and she was bringing her up to get checked out again.
Side note: It was also at this time that I was made aware that the smoke I had seen a few minutes earlier was actually coming from the boarding school which sits right next to several homes of other missionaries. It was large enough that flames were visible from about 75-100 yards away. There is no fire department. There were no fire extinguishers or hoses. It also sounded like there was a significant amount of confusion as to how to handle the situation. Every fire extinguisher from missionaries homes were taken over, as were hoses. Eventually the fire was controlled with no major injuries. Thankfully the children had been off (because of the elections last week) and were set to return today. Praise God the children were not there!!
So we weighed our little peanut and found that she has lost ~2-2.5 lbs. Her little frame can’t afford to be losing weight like this. We decided that it was time to check labs and urine. While we were waiting on results we gave her IVF. For a while it seemed like this was going to turn things around but sadly it has not.
A full day in casualty resulted in near normal labs and still no clear indication for why our little princess has been so sick. A feeding tube was placed so as to allow us a means to provide oral rehydration salts (they taste pretty nasty and we haven’t been able to get her to eat much of anything).
One benefit of being here is that we could bring her home to continue interventions. While I’m not much of a nurse, I have myself set up to watch over Hannah for the night. She had been tolerating the rehydration salts without vomiting…until about 5 minutes ago. I am now covered in those as well.
We came here fully expecting adversity. Anyone who commits themselves to the Lord’s service should. While I would give anything to transfer her illness upon myself, we are comforted by the fact that as much as we love and care for Hannah, she is loved and cared for even more by our Heavenly Father. We rest in the knowledge that He can heal her in His timing..and sometimes He chooses to do His best work when we get out of the way. For now, we remain faithful, steadfast, and thankful for the opportunity to serve here at Tenwek.
It wouldn’t be right to post this update without mentioning the amazing people that we have the privilege to serve along side. As I mentioned, Steph, Hannah and I spent all day in casualty. All three boys were looked after, fed (sorry Bemm’s for the enormous amount of food that Levi ate…we owe you!), bathed, entertained, and ministered to. Joyce, our househelp, cleaned the entire house, locked everything up, and then came to the hospital to check on us. She even stayed with Steph while the feeding tube was being placed. We also had several friends coming back and forth checking on us and praying with us throughout the day. Stateside we have watched as our family has been lifted up in prayer by friends, family, and even strangers. We don’t know what we have done to deserve such an outpouring of love but we are more grateful than this post or our thank you’s could possibly express.
- Changing Seasons - September 4, 2016
- Well Done Good And Faithful Servants - May 2, 2016
- Looking Back….Looking Ahead - March 14, 2016
25 Comments
Lisa LaBar
Mar, 11, 2013Aaron and family
Although many miles apart if there is anything you need shipped to you please please don’t hesitate to ask. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Katie
Mar, 11, 2013I’m so proud of you all. Thank you for being faithful and even during this difficult time you are remaining faithful. Tell Hannah we miss her and love her! Hugs and kisses to the boys! I’m proud to call you my brother!
Miriam Wert
Mar, 11, 2013Aaron…What an inspiration you and your family are to us back in the U.S! I thank God for your steadfast faith and your example to all of us. At age 88, I agree with you that our Heavenly Father loves us and is faithful in all things. You don’t know me, but my husband and I are good friends of Jayne and Phil and go to the same church. I contine to pray for Hannah and all of you. The strength of Jesus is sufficient to take you and Kelley through all things (as you already know)!
Jayne Wirrick
Mar, 12, 2013Tell Joyce and your missionary friends who have helped you that there are some thankful Grandmas here in PA who are praising God for them!
Tammy Weigner
Mar, 12, 2013Hi guys. You are all in our prayers, especially miss Hannah. Hang in there. love to all, Tammy
Joanne Vollmer Goodhart
Mar, 12, 2013Thank you for the update, Aaron. We are praying for all of you—sweet baby Hannah, concerned parents, dear big brothers, far away grandmas and grandpas.
barb
Mar, 12, 2013Thinking about you all…….from Hannah, the boys and especially you and Steph
Carol
Mar, 12, 2013Wishing Hannah a speedy recovery, you and your family will be in my prayers!
Chrissy Kaufman
Mar, 12, 2013Aaron and Steph,
Steve and I are saddened by the news of Hannah. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. May Hannah have a full and speedy recovery.
Laurie & Tim Hower
Mar, 12, 2013Hi Aaron and Steph…just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you and especially Hannah. We love you and pray God’s blessing and favor on you as you serve.
Patrick
Mar, 12, 2013Aaron — how is she?
Aaron Kelley
Mar, 12, 2013I just posted another update. Still not great…hopefully turning the corner though.
Niki & Greg
Mar, 13, 2013Aaron
We just heard about little Hannah. You guys have been in our prayers since u left. We will continue to pray for her and your family. Stay strong and let us know if there is anything we can do for you and your family. Hugs!
Victoria
Mar, 13, 2013Wow! I was compelled read your blog update about Hannah after seeing a prayer request on FB! Although, we have never met, I am thankful for you Kelley Family and the precious life of your daughter. I will be praying for continued comfort and restoration for Hannah’s body. And I will petition with Thanksgiving 🙂 for Hannah to be filled with Life and Strength to the Glory and Praise of Jesus the Messiah Our Faithful Father!
2 Cor 1:3ff
Much Love from the Pacific Northwest, USA
Kathie
Mar, 13, 2013Praying for your little princess here in Saginaw MI. I lived in Berne IN and know all of the Ernie Steury family. May your family have the peace that only God can give during this time!
starlately
Mar, 14, 2013Wow… I’m catching up on your posts to find out what’s going on with little Hannah. I can’t help but feel a connection to your family for the simple fact that my own two boys are named Noah & Levi. God Bless!!
Lynda
Mar, 14, 2013Many prayers coming from Aloha, Oregon for your precious little princess.
Jenny
Mar, 14, 2013I do not know you. I came across your blog on Brennan’s mom’s facebook page. As I read, I am weeping and praying for you at this very moment. I am praying that you feel Jesus near in a way you never have before. I pray that the Lord’s strength, comfort, and peace will surround you as he wraps His arms around you and your family. I pray that “when we are weak, HE is strong” will be very real to you at his time. I will continue to pray for you in the many days ahead.
Evelyn
Mar, 14, 2013You don’t know me….I randomly read your blog after seeing a FB post from Samaritan’s Purse- and it totally touched me. Praying for you all to stay strong and continual example to people of Kenya. Thank you for your faithfulness to God.
My prayers to all of you!
Marmot
Mar, 14, 2013My deepest condolenses on the loss of your precious Hannah. Praying for you all.
Darnell Rutherford
Mar, 14, 2013My prayers are with your family! You gave the ultimate sacrifice just as our Heavenly Father did. I can’t even imagine what you are feeling. I pray God will wrap your family in His arms of love and give you the grace and strength you need at this time.
Jean Young
Mar, 15, 2013Your family is very much in my thoughts now. I pray you feel God’s love and
comfort in these and the adjusting days ahead.
With sympathy and care-
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God
(…the God of all comfort), and the communion of the Holy Ghost,
be with you all. Amen.”
2 Corinthians (1:3);13:14 KJV
Elizabeth
Mar, 15, 2013I was passed this prayer request by a friend and want you and your family to know that I’m praying for you.I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you all, and I admire your ability to look to God’s ultimate sovereignty and goodness in the face of bleak sadness and darkness. I will be praying for you all even though we have never met, and know that your faith is being admired around the world.
Tammy
Mar, 15, 2013Just learned of your family today and the loss of your beautiful daughter. I am so sorry. You’re in my prayers and thoughts. God bless you.
Tammy
Pa.