Strep Throat

If you had strep throat in America, I suppose you would go to the doctor and get an antibiotic. When Caleb got strep here in China we called a car to the hospital (45 min), stood in line for a number (10 min), waited to see a doctor (30 min), blood test ordered (30 min), antibiotic IV prescribed (2.5 hours), returned home (45 min). Day 2 returned to the hospital for second dose of antibiotic IV (4 plus hours). Day 3 returned again to the hospital, stood in line for a number (10 min), waited to see a doctor (30 min), blood test ordered (30 min), antibiotic pill prescribed.

Actually my purpose is not to complain about China’s medical methods, but to praise our friends, the family of Chong Chong. It just so happened that Chong Chong was on a seven day stretch of IVs at the hospital for a “spot on the lung?” On day one, when GaoYan carried Caleb into the hospital with a 103 fever, Chong Chong MaMa was there for reassurance. She ran out and bought Caleb apple juice, potato chips, and chocolate. When the IV was finished Chong Chong BaBa drove us back home (in the BMW yahoo). On day two they picked us up (in the BMW). Caleb and Chong Chong played together during the 2.5 hours of IV time. On day three they picked us up again. Chong Chong MaMa helped me communicate with the doctor and led me through all the steps of getting a blood test and buying medicine.

God’s provision is so evident in times of need.