I now deliver 25kgs mealie meal, a form of protein, salt, veggies (if I have), oil and tomato puree on a daily basis - at present enough for one meal for all the attending staff and the patients. This started on Monday and already I have noticed a change of heart in the staff and patients. Today I took some 'epap', milk powder and a soya mince mix that was donated by the Presby Church - thank you! I think that the one meal a day has given a small glimmer of hope amongst the chaos - amazing how little it takes to please in times of such desperation. . . .

I have also delivered some medicines to the hospital pharmacy, the hospital superintendent (surgeon) and Mr Kitcat (surgeon).

All of the above could not have happened if you folk had not been so generous in your giving and let me assure you that you have certainly made a huge difference - I heard via the grape vine that we are the only government hospital still open! Our task is far from over - used supplies have to be replaced, water supply comes and goes for days on end, oxygen is needed for children with breathing problems etc. etc. but at least the race has begun and we are off the starting blocks!

I was messaged last night and asked to bring burn medicines into the hospital urgently. We have a little 4 month old girl who has severe burns sustained from boiling water. Her mother had gone to the field and left her with her two older siblings. Tragically while they were playing one of them knocked over the pot of boiling water which fell onto the baby lying nearby. She sustained burns to both legs and one arm. Even more tragic, due to the fact that the hospital the mother took her baby to had no medicines available, her little feet began to rot and they have partially been removed. The baby has been brought to Mutare General to have further amputations as the burns run to the top of her thighs and previous care has been insufficient. The mother holds her baby to her breast desperately trying to comfort her and soothe her pain. I gave the baby a dose of paracetamol (all I am allowed to administer) and left the necessary medicines. Dr Kitcat will access the situation when he sees her and I will update you at a later date.

We also have a little boy who is very ill - he needs urgent chemotherapy and surgery - sadly we do not have sufficient funds to be able to extend ourselves this far. If you know of anyone who is able to help please send this on to them. . .

The children in the malnourished ward are making a little progress as a kind donor gave enough milk powder to last until the end of the year. They are still unwell and most have diarrhoea. Due to the lack of water (no water in the hospital the whole of last week) to wash the nappies, the children have been left in dirty nappies for far too long - now their little bottoms are terribly raw. I am trying to treat them and teach the mothers how to be more thorough.

I am planning to get little goodie bags together for all the children in the hospital on Christmas day, and hopefully the men and women as well. These I will deliver, hopefully with help, on Christmas day together with a yummy plate of casserole. Last year we did the same and the delight on the little faces is certainly worth the effort!

I wish you all a very happy Christmas, appreciate your loved ones, enjoy life and take good care of yourselves. . .

With love and thanks
Jenny