Louise Troh has had a difficult month and it will likely be awhile before she lives a normal life again, but on Sunday she was back to her regular routine and worshipping at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas.
“I think Louise is at the point of wondering what normal is anymore,” said Associate Pastor Mark Wingfield. “Because, as you can imagine, all that she’s been through and all the things that happened, how in the world do you return to normal and what would that be?”
Troh is the fiancee of Thomas Eric Duncan, the first patient diagnosed with Ebola in the United States. He died on Oct. 8 as Troh and her family spent 21 days in isolation.
Wingfield said Troh starts her morning at 9:40 a.m. with a Bible study group. On this particular day, he said her friends threw a party to welcome her back.
“Everyone who walked through the door stopped to hug Louise, and she may be the most hugged person in Dallas today,” he said. “This is a place where I think Louise has received affirmation and we’re very excited to be able to welcome her and demonstrate that there’s no fear here.”
The warmth from the congregation continued as she entered main service at 11 a.m.
“Our pastor said since there is so many of us and just one of her not everyone can get to physically hug her, we all stood up and gave the quarantine hug, which was this,” Wingfield said as he hugged himself. “Louise wanted to let people know that she was well, and to be able to express thanks to everyone who have prayed for her and who have written notes to her and cared for her in so many different ways.”
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A number of Troh’s family members joined her at church, filling up an entire pew. One of her daughters even surprised everyone by standing up and coming forward to join the church and be baptized.
Going forward, Wingfield said there are challenges that need to be overcome.
“The task this week continues to be finding a place to live, that was our full-time occupation this past week,” he said.
Troh has had difficulty finding acceptance from potential landlords. One actually told her that they don’t need any publicity and said while she can fill out an application, it will not be approved. Church members said such treatment was unthinkable.
“I would love for her to move next door to me, I’m sure you all would too. I mean, I don’t know what the problem is,” said Linda Bell.
Bell’s husband Carl added that despite the struggles he was still thankful that Troh was able to take a step forward this Sunday and start her journey toward recovery.
“God bless her and her family and her extended family. It’s a good day and we give thanks to God for sparing her and her family,” he said.
