small steps

Gentle readers who have been reading our adventures with us will no doubt be wondering if we can talk about something else other than Tuberculosis.

We wish we could - and do try to - but we see so much TB among our friends with HIV here in Thane.

A couple came on Friday. Both have HIV. He has been to the government hospitals now for the past 2 months. They have done something - checking his Cd4 count - and since it was over 200 telling him that he is 'fine.'

Whatever the government health folks have done - it is clearly not nearly enough. At JSK we try as much as possible to work with and help our Positive Friends use the government facilities. Compared to so many parts of Africa (and large swathes of our own country too) we are so privileged. At the same time, it is deeply disheartening to hear the apathy and cruelty that many of our friends with HIV have faced from the doctors and health workers at government health centres and hospitals.

This last month was terrible for our friend. He has lost 10 kgs. He keeps coughing and has no appetite, has a persistent fever and is always weak. Why no one detected this TB and started treatment on him is a sad mystery and an indictment of the way he has been treated.

When he came to meet Dr. Sheba he cried.

After discussing the situation and talking with him, Sheba prayed.

The couple came back today.

The wife could not help but tell this story. Before any medicines were given - when her husband returned home everyone was amazed - he looked so fresh and better than he had been in weeks.
They fully linked this transformation to the prayer on his behalf.

This episode is a small positive step for our friends. But even the longest journey starts with a single step.

What a privilege to be used in different ways. And what an encouragement to see pin-points of light - signs of the abundant life amidst the decay and degeneration that we see so much of.