You may not remember me, but I wanted to write in here anyway. I hope you'll bear with me.

My name is Tashi Tachingwe. I am originally from Nigeria, in Africa. I have had a wonderful life since coming here to America, but about a year or so ago, I had a very hard time. I cut my foot by accident when I stepped on something (I don't remember what it was at this time), and I ended up with tetanus (lockjaw), which is very uncommon in America (but fairly common in my former home of Nigeria).

I was very sick. I ended up in hospital for nearly two months. I was in bad shape. I wasn't expected to survive. But I di, and I am now totally healthy again, thanks to the Lord! :) I have had no lasting effects from the tetanus since my recovery, but for several months afterwards, I had pain, and I startled easily whenever a loud (or unexpected) noise occurred. That did not help the pain any.

That was then. This is now. I am going to university here in Nashville, Tennessee (where I live), studying to become a teaher to little children in a church setting. I want to be a positive influence to future generations (and hopefully lead them to Christ).

I now have a boyfriend. He goes to university with me. His name is Markus Obatumwe, and he is originally from Kenya; he and I share a common kinship in our African upbringing. Like myself, he comes from a very large family: in his family, there are thirty six children; he has an astounding 35 brothers and sisters! WOW! He doesn't know of my experiences with tetanus yet, but one day I shall tell him. Maybe I will even write a book about my experiences (what I remember, that is).

Markus and I have many plans. We plan to get married and travel the world. He wants to becoem an evangelist and bring the Gospel to needy people around the world. We plan to have children and bring them up in a Godly fashion. We plan to return to Africa one day and help needy children in orphanages and hospitals, to bring them hope, healing, and even joy.

I don't know what the future holds in store for me, but right now it is bright with promise. As long as I have the Lord and Saviour in my life, my life is indeed very blessed, and I pray it continues!

~Written by Tashi Tachingwe, survivor. :)