malaria sucks.

That could pretty much sum up this post as a whole. Two weeks ago Brett spent a week in the hospital sick with malaria. Even though he took malaria meds while in PNG, those never guarantee that you won't contract it. Anyways, two months after coming home, he came down with it. You may be thinking, poor guy which is DEFINITLEY applicable, but at least there's the bright side of having street cred in foreign countries, which is pretty neat. No but seriously, it was a horrible week. He had a temp above a hundred for over a week, constant migraines, chills, vomiting, and couldn't eat. For a guy who can't sit still...like ever, seeing him laid out in a bed unable to move was scary. My family couldn't picture it and I hope I don't have to again any time in the near future...or ever. 

poor lil guy in the ER

passing out from giving blood...again

I was so thankful he was in the states for his first experience with malaria. Even though it took the hospital a long time to get the right meds ( they don't keep them on hand since theirs hardly any cases in the states), Brett was constantly under medical supervision and had access to pain meds, hydration, and top of the line facilities. This experience was eye opening for us "green" missionaries. Brett experienced this in the states, but missionaries all over the world experience this several times a year, while living in a jungle home without air conditioning or an IV. This is something they know will happen and they go to these tribes anyways. They sacrifice their health and comfort so that their tribe won't go without Christ any longer. These are easy things to say and we picture them all romantic and spiritual, the poor missionary laying in a hammock with a wet rag on their sweaty forehead. But holy freaking moly, malaria sucks, theirs nothing pretty about sickness, and it would suck so hard core to have it in the humid remote jungle. Its a HUGE, MIND BLOWING sacrifice. So lets appreciate the hard coreness of these missionaries and what they are willing to sacrifice for the Gospel! So to sum it up, malaria sucks but the Gospel is worth it. Philippians 1:29 speaks to this when it says, "for you have not only been given the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him."

Shout out to Evie Jones for all the malaria advice and for assuring me my comatose hubs wasn't gonna die! Thank you, thank you! Also a huge thanks to all the people who came to visit and who were praying! It felt amazing to have such incredible support. 

Side note, here's a few nuggets of wisdom I gained from this experience....

1. hospital food is prison food...literally...they're made by the same company

2. bring a blow up mattress when sleeping in a hospital for a prolonged period of time, those couches they give you might look nice but will only cause you pain

3. good nurses are angels from the Lord and should be paid loads of money

4. the more pain meds the better...seriously, pump them in as often as possible

5. if they take blood everyday from the same arm, you will begin to look like an oompa loompa

much love.
-morgan