We’re flying through our band aids here. When I pre-bought fun kid band-aids to bring in our trunks, I had no idea how many I would use. Quinn goes through an average of three new ones a day, I think. Wound care is critical here. Older mission kids have learned to be serious about their wounds, immediately cleaning out and bandaging themselves when they are hurt.

For my two, they need a lot of supervision. What in America would not have merited a band aid (unless the band aids were cool enough to be worn regardless); perhaps a scratch, a bug bite, or a blister, must be cared for aggressively to prevent the onset of what locals like to call a ” hole”, an abscessing, flesh-diminishing wound.

Our band aid routine here has become an art. I have first aid stuff separated in a very serious manner and I can grab a single bag and have everything I need to treat a given wound (ours or others). We clean thoroughly, add lots of anti-ouch peroxide treatment, open a band aid and add a big glob of antibiotic cream and slap it on. Repeat at least once a day for each wound. They usually heal quickly, but just as quickly a new one shows up (at least for poor Quinn). Wound care is part of our nightly routine; along with peeing, hands-face-feet, and tooth-brushing.

What’s amazing to consider is that the locals (who tend to get more wounds due to a harder lifestyle and less clothing and shoes not to mention malnutrition) have no band aids. That is why I end up bandaging so many wounds. Your choices here are the “hospital” (health center) or nothing. For many, a slice from a machete does not warrant the long wait in hospital lines, they come to me or wrap it up in some leaves and banana fibers. All of the children here have tropical ulcers, “holes” on their legs and feet. They fester and look incredibly scary and painful and are always covered in flies. The kids themselves are quite used to them.

It’s all about perspective. I’m so thankful for your prayers for Quinn’s skin. We worry about him. But compared to his African counterparts, the kid’s got it made. Batman and Spiderman band aids in abundance and a mom who cares for his wounds.
NOTE: We have LOTS of band aids - please don’t worry that we will run out!!