The surgeon here who has been volunteering on Mercy Ships for the last 25 years with his family always says he is very weak, but he has a great God. Dr. Gary Parker has devoted his whole life to serving the people of Togo. He keeps telling us that God likes to use broken and weak people to do His work. I find this to be true in many cases with the volunteer nurses who seemed to be really struggling to speak English have improved dramatically and its been a little easier giving and getting report on the patients. The testimonies some of these patients have given really shows how much God loves us and can work miracles in peoples lives.
Today I got to work day shift and help discharge a couple patients. The mom of a 1 1/2 year old who had her cleft lip fixed looked so happy and proud of her baby that all of the nurses adored. We were all very sad that she had to leave. I have a picture of her that I will post as soon as they download it. My fifteen year old patient who had a massive tumor on her face removed had the hugest smile when she was told she got to go home. They have follow-up appointments, but are responsible for making sure they eat the proper food and clean their wound properly. Since they don't have normal saline to clean their wound they boil clean water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Many are not allowed to eat rice for several months because it can get caught in their wounds and are only allowed to eat soft or mashed foods. Some people who have more complicated wounds stay at our Hope Center where we can keep a closer eye on them. Tomorrow there will be a group going to show a village the Jesus Film. I've never seen it, but I know it basically shares the message of the gospel in many different languages.
Today I got to work day shift and help discharge a couple patients. The mom of a 1 1/2 year old who had her cleft lip fixed looked so happy and proud of her baby that all of the nurses adored. We were all very sad that she had to leave. I have a picture of her that I will post as soon as they download it. My fifteen year old patient who had a massive tumor on her face removed had the hugest smile when she was told she got to go home. They have follow-up appointments, but are responsible for making sure they eat the proper food and clean their wound properly. Since they don't have normal saline to clean their wound they boil clean water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Many are not allowed to eat rice for several months because it can get caught in their wounds and are only allowed to eat soft or mashed foods. Some people who have more complicated wounds stay at our Hope Center where we can keep a closer eye on them. Tomorrow there will be a group going to show a village the Jesus Film. I've never seen it, but I know it basically shares the message of the gospel in many different languages.
Lindsey...You have my total admiration! It is easy to see that God is using you by working through you & your medical team. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. You write beautifully. You are in my prayers along with all your co-missionary-workers and your patients.
ReplyDeleteSo encouraging to read your blogs Lindsey. I pray for you often and know that God will bless you. It is really cool to read about some of the cultural differences. Great job.
ReplyDeleteJoyce