Mr. Plumpy Nut

Ok so if you've never heard of Plumpy Nut, than go here before reading this post so you know what I'm talking about. 

Then meet Okirori, or Mr. Plumpy Nut, as Taylor and I like to call him, because we can't figure out how to pronounce his name.

(Photo Credit: Taylor VanDuinen)

I noticed him one of the first days of walking through Namatala. First, because he was scared for us to come anywhere close to him. Second, because of his lack of energy and enthusiasm compared to the other kids. And third, because of his thinning hair.

Reasons two and three are both signs of malnourishment. So, I kept my eye out for this little guy, and later on in the week, I was able to measure his upper arm circumference to see how malnourished he really was. He was about two centimeters under the danger zone which didn't surprise me because he's five years old but looks more like two or three.

Before our trip, we had plans with a knock-off company of Plumpy Nut called Cibo for Children to bring over a few suitcases full of this stuff to help malnourished kids. Unfortunately, a few weeks before our trip, something went wrong with their machines, and they were unable to produce anymore for us to bring with us.

So, Taylor and I decided to make some "Plumpy Nut" ourselves with a jar of peanut butter, powdered milk, and vitamins. We gave it to Okirori, and told him to take one vitamin every morning and a spoonful of the peanut butter and powder milk mixture three times a day everyday until it was completely finished.

I wish I would have gotten a picture of him running out of his house with this empty jar of peanut butter held high over his head and smile spread wide across his face. It was by far one of the cutest things I've seen. He was so proud of his accomplishment and looking forward to getting another full jar from us.

Needless to say, by the end of our trip, he was looking much healthier, acting much livelier, and was actually excited to see us.  

(Photo Credit: Taylor VanDuinen)

Love this little boy and the relationship we were able to build with him and his mama.

Please pray for his health and for continued healing over his body. Also pray for his mom. She brews alcohol for a living and as well joins in on nightly drinking going around in Namatala. Pray that Holy Spirit would overcome this family and that we will be able to see them again in heaven one day!