James slipped out of St. Laurence House long enough to run to the internet cafe to send us these pictures. Every click of the camera’s shutter is a prayer for James – as every click of the prayer beads is a prayer for Fr. Seraphim. With these pictures, the prayers are for Roo and the family.
James told me that his heart broke within him last night as he tried to seek help for his ill child. The fever was at dangerous levels and no doctor would take the time for him. It was dark…”come back in the morning”. James said that seeing his son like that and no way to help, was terrible. Its that “at the foot of the Cross thing, again” – where Blessed Mary stood witnessing her son where there was nothing she could do to stop the Crucifixion.
As I look at the following pictures (click on pictures to enlarge) I see the fear in Kadijah’s face as she sits in vigil, watching her son. I see Lucy, head down, helplessly waiting. James captures the moment with his camera, visually documenting his prayer.
Roo opens his eyes and stares at the back of the couch. Such a horrific experience for a child to deal with at any age, but especially at 2 years old.
In America it is hard for us to imagine, having a sick child and no facility to take him to for treatment. What pain Kadijah and James must have went through knowing that their son was seriously ill and no one way to comfort him. It is especially hard for me to deal with this, knowing their pain and also knowing how much they do for others. Its hard to understand the affects of malaria in your body. However, all these things that puzzle us, are common occurrences in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone is ranked top above all other nations in under-five mortality rate with 278.1 deaths per 1000 live births. Malaria plays a big part in these deaths. The United States ranks 163 on this list with 7.8 death per 1000 live births of children under age 5.
Roo sleeps as he is covered in beads of sweat as his fever finally breaks.
We all love you very much!