Hi Friends -
Well "The September Six" became "The September Two" coming home as Jerry S. and Don S. had come home a week earlier and Don & Marilyn G. went to Spain for a little vacation. Jerry Jo and I left Freetown at 9:30 am on Tuesday and did not get home until about 8:30 pm on Wednesday and we lost four hours in there somewhere. Needless to say we were a little tired! We lost a piece of luggage between Freetown and London. Jerry Jo's personal luggage with all her clothes in it. Luckily it was not one of the luggages containing lab equipment from Kissy Hospital which was being brought back to be repaired as they all had Don G. name on them. Well this will be the last blog on the adventures for this team, but you can follow the January Teams of Sierra and Leone starting around January 12th on the same blog address. It was such a pleasure for all of us to meeting and learn to love the people of Sierra Leone!
Peace & Blessings,
Barb
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Last Day for "The September Four Team" in SL
Dear Friends, Families & Supporters,
Well, this will be our last full day at Kissy Hospital and we are very sad, because we will be leaving some great friends!! But, some of us will be back in January, 2010 to see these individuals. I can not say enough about the beautiful people of SL especially the wonderful smiling children. I will not miss all the rice and the small loaf of bread with cheese for breakfast. But there are some people in this country who do not even have that. Many eat only one meal a day. We saw many malnourished children in the village with their reddish sparse hair or their bloated bellies and swollen feet. We are so blessed in the states!
We had a great week-end! Almost everyone works Saturday morning, so we came to the hospital until noon. Marilyn, Don & Jerry Jo with Tendai Paskwababiri (How that for a last name), the new administrator, started emptying the new container that came on Friday. A Container is like a trailer on a semi truck, it is loaded in Lapel, Indiana with school supplies, furniture and hospital equipment. It was hot enought loading it Lapel. I can't imagine what it is like in this hot, humid weather unloading it. They had a little problem unloading the container with some of the local men since they thought there was food on the container and they should have it. I went to the Internet Cafe to do a blog and met a white missionary woman from Colorado, I think she was associated with Doctors Without Border. She gave me some ideas on how we get some money for the little girl with Cleft Palate who lives at the hospital for travel, but there is still the expense of the surgery and the caregiver housing. We later went to the Lighthouse Restaurant in west Freetown to eat. This time it only took us about an hour to drive there. Bishop John Yambasu and his wife joined us for dinner. What a delightful man and woman! On Sunday, we went to Brown UMC on the Kissy campus for a 3 hour service. There were only 2 offerings since we missed one because we did not enter the church until 10:00 am and the service started at 9:30 am, Afterwards Don, Marilyn, Jerry JO and Tendai went to the beach for awhile. I worked on some projects for the hospital that I wanted to get done. I understand that the beaches were beautiful, but the road was terrible going there.
Don & Marilyn are working on emptying the containers today with Smart from Operation Classroom. Three people from Carmel UMC arrived last night at 11:30 pm, they missed the ferry also because it was full. (According to Abu, our driver, the Bishop missed his plane due to the ferry also.) I bet Marilyn & Don will be exhausted by the time they reach Madrid, Spain where they are going to celebrate their 53rd Wedding Aniversary. HAPPY 53rd !!
Jerry Jo & the Friend's Unit staff are meeting with Cherian Thomas' (He is from UMCOR, Global Ministries)wife who is here from New York. She is going to assist the Friend's Unit in planning their programs on HIV/AIDS for next year.
I'm in my friend's, Rev. Lulu, office (there is a fan in here) blogging and sorting through old medical and nursing books some go back into the 1970's. Then I'm off to see if I can fix some to their cardiac monitors in ICU which do not work.
We will leaving tomorrow, Tuesday, at 9:30 am to catch the ferry, but Barb & Jerry Jo's plane does not leave until about 11:30 pm (well at least we will not miss our plane due the ferry)and we will be arrive in Indianapolis around 6:30, Wednesday
Someone stated, "We are ordinary people created in God's image & we can (should)contribute to the common welfare of others - God expects no less from us than to accomplish good for others."
I hope "The September Six" including Jerry H. and Don S. have accomplish some good for the people of Sierra Leone. I know some individuals without there hurting molars which Jerry H. pulled, feel better. Or like the blog address states, we are here to "Rebuilding Hope In Sierra Leone!"
Well, this will be our last full day at Kissy Hospital and we are very sad, because we will be leaving some great friends!! But, some of us will be back in January, 2010 to see these individuals. I can not say enough about the beautiful people of SL especially the wonderful smiling children. I will not miss all the rice and the small loaf of bread with cheese for breakfast. But there are some people in this country who do not even have that. Many eat only one meal a day. We saw many malnourished children in the village with their reddish sparse hair or their bloated bellies and swollen feet. We are so blessed in the states!
We had a great week-end! Almost everyone works Saturday morning, so we came to the hospital until noon. Marilyn, Don & Jerry Jo with Tendai Paskwababiri (How that for a last name), the new administrator, started emptying the new container that came on Friday. A Container is like a trailer on a semi truck, it is loaded in Lapel, Indiana with school supplies, furniture and hospital equipment. It was hot enought loading it Lapel. I can't imagine what it is like in this hot, humid weather unloading it. They had a little problem unloading the container with some of the local men since they thought there was food on the container and they should have it. I went to the Internet Cafe to do a blog and met a white missionary woman from Colorado, I think she was associated with Doctors Without Border. She gave me some ideas on how we get some money for the little girl with Cleft Palate who lives at the hospital for travel, but there is still the expense of the surgery and the caregiver housing. We later went to the Lighthouse Restaurant in west Freetown to eat. This time it only took us about an hour to drive there. Bishop John Yambasu and his wife joined us for dinner. What a delightful man and woman! On Sunday, we went to Brown UMC on the Kissy campus for a 3 hour service. There were only 2 offerings since we missed one because we did not enter the church until 10:00 am and the service started at 9:30 am, Afterwards Don, Marilyn, Jerry JO and Tendai went to the beach for awhile. I worked on some projects for the hospital that I wanted to get done. I understand that the beaches were beautiful, but the road was terrible going there.
Don & Marilyn are working on emptying the containers today with Smart from Operation Classroom. Three people from Carmel UMC arrived last night at 11:30 pm, they missed the ferry also because it was full. (According to Abu, our driver, the Bishop missed his plane due to the ferry also.) I bet Marilyn & Don will be exhausted by the time they reach Madrid, Spain where they are going to celebrate their 53rd Wedding Aniversary. HAPPY 53rd !!
Jerry Jo & the Friend's Unit staff are meeting with Cherian Thomas' (He is from UMCOR, Global Ministries)wife who is here from New York. She is going to assist the Friend's Unit in planning their programs on HIV/AIDS for next year.
I'm in my friend's, Rev. Lulu, office (there is a fan in here) blogging and sorting through old medical and nursing books some go back into the 1970's. Then I'm off to see if I can fix some to their cardiac monitors in ICU which do not work.
We will leaving tomorrow, Tuesday, at 9:30 am to catch the ferry, but Barb & Jerry Jo's plane does not leave until about 11:30 pm (well at least we will not miss our plane due the ferry)and we will be arrive in Indianapolis around 6:30, Wednesday
Someone stated, "We are ordinary people created in God's image & we can (should)contribute to the common welfare of others - God expects no less from us than to accomplish good for others."
I hope "The September Six" including Jerry H. and Don S. have accomplish some good for the people of Sierra Leone. I know some individuals without there hurting molars which Jerry H. pulled, feel better. Or like the blog address states, we are here to "Rebuilding Hope In Sierra Leone!"
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Back In Freetown!!
Dear Friends, Supporters & Families!
Well, we are back in Freetown again! Sorry I have not blogged sooner, but I have tried. The computers in the Internet Cafe in Bo were so slow and than after I had written a short blog a storm came and shut off all the computers. So my blog was erased and the rest of the team was waiting on me.
We have been on some real adventures in the area around Bo. We stayed MTC which is a training center ran by the Methodist Church. This was a nice place to stay but they have no air conditioning and with the mosquito nets around your bed, the rooms are a little stuffy. (Future team members bring battery operated fans and be sure you have a converter with your electrical plug. There are only about 2 plugs per room. Jerry Jo & I have to decide, "do we want the fan on or hot water for coffee or charge our computers or phone"). Speaking of coffee, there is only instant coffee here in SL that we can find, NO STARBUCKS!
Wednesday, we drove to Bo, SL to visit the clinics at Tiama, Baoma(Operation Doctors had never been at this clinic) and one other clinic. These are places Kattia, the nutrionist, has worked with the people to prevent malnutrition of the children. The trip took about four hours of which there was 17 miles of mud road with big, big chuckholes. We stop around 91 Junction to use the bathroom (You don't have six women traveling with you and not have to stop somewhere to use the bathroom) THIS WAS A REAL EXPERIENCE!! Sorry Don S & Jerry H. that you were not with us, you would had a good laugh out of this. Remember the bathrooms on the ferry, those were better. Speaking of Don S., what an asset he has been in trying to help get a financial system in place at Kissy Hospital. Michael, who Don worked with at the hospital, could really of used your help yesterday as he presented the YTD financial report to the hospital's taskforce which is studying the hospital's operations. Don, I still think you should apply for the Jeopardy Quiz Program. You are so knowledge and have so many experiences. I miss bouncing ideas off you about the hospital.
When we stop at the Tiama School where the Head Master was Mr Williams. This school is supported by the west district of Indpls and others. It was a headquarters for the rebels during the war, at that time, many building were gutted by the rebels. Joe Wagner sent a laptop computer for Mr. William, he was so excited as this will decrease the cost of examinations and repair cost to their computer. Don G. made Mr. William a honorary member of St. Luke's UMC World Mission Program with a ballcap. The library which St. Luke's helped rehab after the war was being used by many students. They really need more up to date books. The container of items we loaded in August arrived today and is at the Old Bishop's house. It has many desks and chairs & school supplies for this school. We shared our bread and peanut butter & M&M's with many people at Mr. William's home. We never know who we will be sharing our table with us here. His wife was cooking soup out back on an open fire for dinner. Many people have a thatched hut outside their house to cook on a charcoal stove or open fire. We visited all the classrooms at the school, all children had their uniforms on, they are so proud. Three little beautiful girls of one of the teachers followed us wherever we went. The children with the wonderful smiles always want to touch our white skinned hands. I tell them that I may have white skin, but I'm just like them inside and a Child of God.
The one village we visited (sorry I don't remember the name and I forgot my notes at the hotel) , the people have a community garden and they were busy picking rice. It is than shaken out or picked out the hulls, then ran through a sifter before it bagged to be sold. They also raise corn and squash in this same garden. They have a immunization clinic, a nurse, HIV/AIDS clinic and the nutrition program. The clinic where many people were seen by Operation Doctor last January is still closed, as our government has not finished rehabing the buildings.
At Baoma Clinic, where 50 people live in the village, we had 37 mothers & 31 infants show up for the nutrition program. To get the nutritional supplement for their infants, they have to listen to a short lecture and have their babies measure in height and weight. This was quit a sight to see as they lay their babies on a table to be measured in length and then weighed with a grocery type scale. After this was done, they were given the nutritional supplement. There was a few Dads there, but most of them were working in the fields, they said. We did discover possibly two children who could be candidates for Dr. Leland who is coming in January. He is an Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in club feet. We will have them further evaluated before January. There is always the problem of money for medical care. They need it for travel to Freetown and the hospital. There is one little girl who lives in the children's ward at Kissy who was found in the bush. Her mother had died and she has a severe cleft palate. She is an orphan and cannot get not get a passport to the States, and the only other place it might be repaired is Liberia with the "smile program". But once again the problem is the money to pay for the trip, surgery and the expense of the stay of the caregiver.
Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink! During the rainy season there is plenty of water but it is not safe to drink so people travel to the wells to get the water. But even some of them are not safe to drink. Don G. has discovered several wells which are contaminated with his testing. But the people do not have any other water, so they will continue to use them. Don says it would take about $3,000.00 to put a filteration unit on these wells, but the question is, will the people drink the water since it will taste chlorinated. Even though I dislike carrying this 1.5 liter bottle of water around with me, I know it save!
We have had so many adventures I can't put them all on this blog and I think my time is running out at the Internet Cafe. So I would like to share one thing I read in Pastor Lulu's office in Alive magazine by Minerva Carardo, "Africians know God's Spirit, the mighty One, which hovers over creation & springs forth in the blossoms of flowers and whispers of the wind that caress the people..." The land may be scarred by the war which only ended about 5 or 6 years ago, in fact you still see the bullet holes in some of the building, but most people are thriving with their love for each other, not just their nuclear families but the love from the extended families of their villages. God has expectations of the members of this team including Jerry H. and Don S and that is I feel to contribute to the common welfare of others. Our gestures of servanthood to the people on SL may be small to us, but they are ones which we reach out to join forces and energy to improve the lives of the people of SL in some small way.
Peace & Blessings,
Barb
Well, we are back in Freetown again! Sorry I have not blogged sooner, but I have tried. The computers in the Internet Cafe in Bo were so slow and than after I had written a short blog a storm came and shut off all the computers. So my blog was erased and the rest of the team was waiting on me.
We have been on some real adventures in the area around Bo. We stayed MTC which is a training center ran by the Methodist Church. This was a nice place to stay but they have no air conditioning and with the mosquito nets around your bed, the rooms are a little stuffy. (Future team members bring battery operated fans and be sure you have a converter with your electrical plug. There are only about 2 plugs per room. Jerry Jo & I have to decide, "do we want the fan on or hot water for coffee or charge our computers or phone"). Speaking of coffee, there is only instant coffee here in SL that we can find, NO STARBUCKS!
Wednesday, we drove to Bo, SL to visit the clinics at Tiama, Baoma(Operation Doctors had never been at this clinic) and one other clinic. These are places Kattia, the nutrionist, has worked with the people to prevent malnutrition of the children. The trip took about four hours of which there was 17 miles of mud road with big, big chuckholes. We stop around 91 Junction to use the bathroom (You don't have six women traveling with you and not have to stop somewhere to use the bathroom) THIS WAS A REAL EXPERIENCE!! Sorry Don S & Jerry H. that you were not with us, you would had a good laugh out of this. Remember the bathrooms on the ferry, those were better. Speaking of Don S., what an asset he has been in trying to help get a financial system in place at Kissy Hospital. Michael, who Don worked with at the hospital, could really of used your help yesterday as he presented the YTD financial report to the hospital's taskforce which is studying the hospital's operations. Don, I still think you should apply for the Jeopardy Quiz Program. You are so knowledge and have so many experiences. I miss bouncing ideas off you about the hospital.
When we stop at the Tiama School where the Head Master was Mr Williams. This school is supported by the west district of Indpls and others. It was a headquarters for the rebels during the war, at that time, many building were gutted by the rebels. Joe Wagner sent a laptop computer for Mr. William, he was so excited as this will decrease the cost of examinations and repair cost to their computer. Don G. made Mr. William a honorary member of St. Luke's UMC World Mission Program with a ballcap. The library which St. Luke's helped rehab after the war was being used by many students. They really need more up to date books. The container of items we loaded in August arrived today and is at the Old Bishop's house. It has many desks and chairs & school supplies for this school. We shared our bread and peanut butter & M&M's with many people at Mr. William's home. We never know who we will be sharing our table with us here. His wife was cooking soup out back on an open fire for dinner. Many people have a thatched hut outside their house to cook on a charcoal stove or open fire. We visited all the classrooms at the school, all children had their uniforms on, they are so proud. Three little beautiful girls of one of the teachers followed us wherever we went. The children with the wonderful smiles always want to touch our white skinned hands. I tell them that I may have white skin, but I'm just like them inside and a Child of God.
The one village we visited (sorry I don't remember the name and I forgot my notes at the hotel) , the people have a community garden and they were busy picking rice. It is than shaken out or picked out the hulls, then ran through a sifter before it bagged to be sold. They also raise corn and squash in this same garden. They have a immunization clinic, a nurse, HIV/AIDS clinic and the nutrition program. The clinic where many people were seen by Operation Doctor last January is still closed, as our government has not finished rehabing the buildings.
At Baoma Clinic, where 50 people live in the village, we had 37 mothers & 31 infants show up for the nutrition program. To get the nutritional supplement for their infants, they have to listen to a short lecture and have their babies measure in height and weight. This was quit a sight to see as they lay their babies on a table to be measured in length and then weighed with a grocery type scale. After this was done, they were given the nutritional supplement. There was a few Dads there, but most of them were working in the fields, they said. We did discover possibly two children who could be candidates for Dr. Leland who is coming in January. He is an Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in club feet. We will have them further evaluated before January. There is always the problem of money for medical care. They need it for travel to Freetown and the hospital. There is one little girl who lives in the children's ward at Kissy who was found in the bush. Her mother had died and she has a severe cleft palate. She is an orphan and cannot get not get a passport to the States, and the only other place it might be repaired is Liberia with the "smile program". But once again the problem is the money to pay for the trip, surgery and the expense of the stay of the caregiver.
Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink! During the rainy season there is plenty of water but it is not safe to drink so people travel to the wells to get the water. But even some of them are not safe to drink. Don G. has discovered several wells which are contaminated with his testing. But the people do not have any other water, so they will continue to use them. Don says it would take about $3,000.00 to put a filteration unit on these wells, but the question is, will the people drink the water since it will taste chlorinated. Even though I dislike carrying this 1.5 liter bottle of water around with me, I know it save!
We have had so many adventures I can't put them all on this blog and I think my time is running out at the Internet Cafe. So I would like to share one thing I read in Pastor Lulu's office in Alive magazine by Minerva Carardo, "Africians know God's Spirit, the mighty One, which hovers over creation & springs forth in the blossoms of flowers and whispers of the wind that caress the people..." The land may be scarred by the war which only ended about 5 or 6 years ago, in fact you still see the bullet holes in some of the building, but most people are thriving with their love for each other, not just their nuclear families but the love from the extended families of their villages. God has expectations of the members of this team including Jerry H. and Don S and that is I feel to contribute to the common welfare of others. Our gestures of servanthood to the people on SL may be small to us, but they are ones which we reach out to join forces and energy to improve the lives of the people of SL in some small way.
Peace & Blessings,
Barb
Monday, September 28, 2009
GREAT WEEKEND!!
IDear Friends & Supporters -
As I write this blog, I'm looking out at the mountains in Sierra Leone and listening to all the birds singing & the many conversations in the background. It seems there is always noise in this community even in the middle of the night with dogs barking or about 5:00 am with the "call to worship" for the Muslim or the rooster crowing outside our window as we get up. There are even roosters & hens in the courtyard at Kissy Hospital or downtown on the street outside the Bishop's office. We have not had the pleasure of them visiting us in the canteen as previous teams, I guess they don't like us or they have been dinner for someone, sometime. Don G. still has not put the screens on the doors to the canteen, but he will before we leave!
I'm in the Internet Cafe writing this blog, since the only modem in the hospital belongs to Tendai, the administrator, who is gone today. It is very hot here and my fingers are sticky to the keys on the keyboard so please excuse any mistakes!
Don Griffith is busy getting things fixed at the hospital such as the lab analyzer which he thinks could be burned up from the electrical adapter malfunctioning. Also he is trying to get a person to fix some of the hospital beds and the lights in the hospital.
Marilyn G. is trying to get the containers opened that are on the Kissy Hospital's campus to see what usable equipment and supplies are in them that can be disbursed to the appropriate people. But first she had to find the keys! That was a difficult task, nobody seemed to know where they were. Many of these items have been sent over by "Operation Classroom". The people of SL really appreciate what has been sent and how Operation Classroom & Operation Doctor has helped them!
Jerry, THE DENTIST, has been working really hard to get as many people as possible seen for their dental needs so this department can prove they could be a revenue producing department. He has seen some of the doctors on staff at the hospital and some of the Bishop's employees. I'm surprised he does not have the rest of the team handing out fliers on the street about dental care. But many people can not read! Well maybe a picture of a tooth with an arrow directing them to the clinic. Today he took over 500 toothbrushes & tubs of toothpaste to give away free. Staff sometimes have a hard time give things away free.
Jerry Jo B. has been helping with testing of individuals for HIV/AIDS. Out of the 15 persons tested Saturday, only one was positive for HIV/AIDS. She also was involved in handing out food items from World Mission to people this weekend. The group dished out grains and rice from large grain sacks into individual containers. Then the people would put the baskets on their heads to carry them home. 30 individuals with AIDS or HIV/AIDS in their family also gathered together in a support group on Sunday afternoon.
Barb H. has be reviewing hospital processes with individuals to find out how things work and where we might tweak the systems to make it better. The staff is great! Most staff wants to do a good job, but management just puts them in processes that are bad! Many members of the team have met with Beatrice from the conference and The Bishop to discuss their findings. The hospital staff is knowledge & caring and just wants the systems to function better. Every morning we greeted my smiles and a "Good Morning" by staff and patients as we walk into the hospital.
We started the weekend, Friday evening, by going to the Lighthouse Resturant to eat. As we left most of us thought maybe an hour to get to the resturant! Boy were most of us wrong. As we approached the downtown, it was like someone opened the doors. Multiple people, multiple cars and multiple beggars! After 2 hours we finally arrived at our destination. This is just across the bay from Kissy. Dr. Muembo (a delight physician who is very interested in his patients and is the acting Medical Director at Kissy) and his wife joined us. We sat out on the baloney with a nice breeze and the sun setting across the water. It only took us about 45 minutes to return to the Hotel 5:10.
On Saturday, we awaken to the "call to prayer" which went on for about an hour. Most of us worked in the morning since the staff also works a half day on Saturday. We decided to journey downtown to shop for jewelry and clothing items and fabrics. If anyone of you have been in JoAnn Fabrics or Hancock's, just multiple their fabrics about 100 times if not more and that what we saw on the streets of downtown SL. Then we went to market place which had wall to wall booths with a little bit of everything in them. People selling everythings wherever there was a space in the marketplace and on the street.
On Sunday we thought maybe we could sleep in! Well we were wrong again. We met at 7:30 am for breakfast so we could get to church downtown. This church was suppose to have the shortest service. Wrong again! A guest minister spoke from the prisoner system plus they were a celebration for the youth, the Bishop spoke for about 5 minutes and they introduced some people such as our group. The minister spoke in Kiro so we could only understand certain words. There was only one offering but they had 3 baskets so you could give to 3 different things. We left after the sermon to go to the beach and shop. We were at the church a total of 3 hours! I don't think I will complain about the length of a worship service again!
Marilyn was the only one who swam in the Atlantic Ocean, the rest of shopped. The arts & craft barn loved Jerry H! I think he bought one of everything. Because we can not eat raw vegetables or drink the water, most of us are usually eating a hamburg and fries. Marilyn & our driver, Abu, and sometimes Jerry Jo are the only adventurous eaters.
On the way back from the beach, the van broke down & over heated with a broken belt. Luckily we were about to coast down the hill (about a mile or two) to a repair shop. About 6 men came out to fix the van. This was not an easy job because the thing needing replaced is under the front seat and it had to be removed to get to it. About an hour later or more we were back on the road again to the Hotel 5:10. Then at 7:00 pm, we started planning for our meeting today with The Bishop on our findings at the hospital. We have a couple slave drivers as our leaders! Ha! Ha!
These are just some of our adventures, we will have many more stories to tell when we get home! Jerry H. & Don S. will be leaving tomorrow for the states. We will miss their great sense of humor and their great knowledge base for each of their specialties.
God has blessed each of us, calling us to SL.
Peace & Blessings,
Barb
As I write this blog, I'm looking out at the mountains in Sierra Leone and listening to all the birds singing & the many conversations in the background. It seems there is always noise in this community even in the middle of the night with dogs barking or about 5:00 am with the "call to worship" for the Muslim or the rooster crowing outside our window as we get up. There are even roosters & hens in the courtyard at Kissy Hospital or downtown on the street outside the Bishop's office. We have not had the pleasure of them visiting us in the canteen as previous teams, I guess they don't like us or they have been dinner for someone, sometime. Don G. still has not put the screens on the doors to the canteen, but he will before we leave!
I'm in the Internet Cafe writing this blog, since the only modem in the hospital belongs to Tendai, the administrator, who is gone today. It is very hot here and my fingers are sticky to the keys on the keyboard so please excuse any mistakes!
Don Griffith is busy getting things fixed at the hospital such as the lab analyzer which he thinks could be burned up from the electrical adapter malfunctioning. Also he is trying to get a person to fix some of the hospital beds and the lights in the hospital.
Marilyn G. is trying to get the containers opened that are on the Kissy Hospital's campus to see what usable equipment and supplies are in them that can be disbursed to the appropriate people. But first she had to find the keys! That was a difficult task, nobody seemed to know where they were. Many of these items have been sent over by "Operation Classroom". The people of SL really appreciate what has been sent and how Operation Classroom & Operation Doctor has helped them!
Jerry, THE DENTIST, has been working really hard to get as many people as possible seen for their dental needs so this department can prove they could be a revenue producing department. He has seen some of the doctors on staff at the hospital and some of the Bishop's employees. I'm surprised he does not have the rest of the team handing out fliers on the street about dental care. But many people can not read! Well maybe a picture of a tooth with an arrow directing them to the clinic. Today he took over 500 toothbrushes & tubs of toothpaste to give away free. Staff sometimes have a hard time give things away free.
Jerry Jo B. has been helping with testing of individuals for HIV/AIDS. Out of the 15 persons tested Saturday, only one was positive for HIV/AIDS. She also was involved in handing out food items from World Mission to people this weekend. The group dished out grains and rice from large grain sacks into individual containers. Then the people would put the baskets on their heads to carry them home. 30 individuals with AIDS or HIV/AIDS in their family also gathered together in a support group on Sunday afternoon.
Barb H. has be reviewing hospital processes with individuals to find out how things work and where we might tweak the systems to make it better. The staff is great! Most staff wants to do a good job, but management just puts them in processes that are bad! Many members of the team have met with Beatrice from the conference and The Bishop to discuss their findings. The hospital staff is knowledge & caring and just wants the systems to function better. Every morning we greeted my smiles and a "Good Morning" by staff and patients as we walk into the hospital.
We started the weekend, Friday evening, by going to the Lighthouse Resturant to eat. As we left most of us thought maybe an hour to get to the resturant! Boy were most of us wrong. As we approached the downtown, it was like someone opened the doors. Multiple people, multiple cars and multiple beggars! After 2 hours we finally arrived at our destination. This is just across the bay from Kissy. Dr. Muembo (a delight physician who is very interested in his patients and is the acting Medical Director at Kissy) and his wife joined us. We sat out on the baloney with a nice breeze and the sun setting across the water. It only took us about 45 minutes to return to the Hotel 5:10.
On Saturday, we awaken to the "call to prayer" which went on for about an hour. Most of us worked in the morning since the staff also works a half day on Saturday. We decided to journey downtown to shop for jewelry and clothing items and fabrics. If anyone of you have been in JoAnn Fabrics or Hancock's, just multiple their fabrics about 100 times if not more and that what we saw on the streets of downtown SL. Then we went to market place which had wall to wall booths with a little bit of everything in them. People selling everythings wherever there was a space in the marketplace and on the street.
On Sunday we thought maybe we could sleep in! Well we were wrong again. We met at 7:30 am for breakfast so we could get to church downtown. This church was suppose to have the shortest service. Wrong again! A guest minister spoke from the prisoner system plus they were a celebration for the youth, the Bishop spoke for about 5 minutes and they introduced some people such as our group. The minister spoke in Kiro so we could only understand certain words. There was only one offering but they had 3 baskets so you could give to 3 different things. We left after the sermon to go to the beach and shop. We were at the church a total of 3 hours! I don't think I will complain about the length of a worship service again!
Marilyn was the only one who swam in the Atlantic Ocean, the rest of shopped. The arts & craft barn loved Jerry H! I think he bought one of everything. Because we can not eat raw vegetables or drink the water, most of us are usually eating a hamburg and fries. Marilyn & our driver, Abu, and sometimes Jerry Jo are the only adventurous eaters.
On the way back from the beach, the van broke down & over heated with a broken belt. Luckily we were about to coast down the hill (about a mile or two) to a repair shop. About 6 men came out to fix the van. This was not an easy job because the thing needing replaced is under the front seat and it had to be removed to get to it. About an hour later or more we were back on the road again to the Hotel 5:10. Then at 7:00 pm, we started planning for our meeting today with The Bishop on our findings at the hospital. We have a couple slave drivers as our leaders! Ha! Ha!
These are just some of our adventures, we will have many more stories to tell when we get home! Jerry H. & Don S. will be leaving tomorrow for the states. We will miss their great sense of humor and their great knowledge base for each of their specialties.
God has blessed each of us, calling us to SL.
Peace & Blessings,
Barb
Friday, September 25, 2009
We Have Arrived!!
Dear Friends -
We arrived in Sierra Leone on Tuesday, September 22nd at 11:30 pm at the Hotel: 5 & 10. We had no delays in our flights and no lost luggages! As we were greeted by a "Welcoming Committee from Operation Classroom" and all the men gathered to load our 12 suitcases on top of the van, we thought had plenty time to eat and unpack Jerry Holman's dental instruments and supplies. This was only 4 extra large suitcases! After leaving the airport we had 10 minutes to get 7 miles to get to the ferry which takes us across to Freetown. As we drove along the dirt road, I notice something that I feel we may be missing in US. Family and friends gathered on the front porch with their children and sharing the day with each other. No busyness! No stress!
When we arrived at the ferry and we had about 2 to 3 minutes before it would normally leave, we found out it was full and it had left early. So we had 3 hours to wait until the last ferry for the day would leave. But we saw the true culture of SL during those three hours. From women and children carrying barricuda fish in a basket on their head to the men selling coconuts along the dock. Then there was the preacher preaching the gospel on the ferry - maybe The Garden could think about do this type of service! Hit hop music in the canteen blasting away with the young men and women gathered around going home from work.
Marilyn Griffith has been around greeting all old and new acquaintances. And the people love it !! Today she is teaching a class to the Nurse Aides on Communication. Everyone person on staff have received their hugs from Marilyn!
Donald Griffith hit the ground running on all the projects he had in mind to do. Such as measuring the windows for screen in the Canteen and checking on the generators and the Lab .
equipment. Today he is teach a class in downtown Freetown for the clergy
Jerry Holman is in seventh heaven here!! No regulations to follow!! No office bills to pay! Just doing dental care for some individuals who have never received care and teaching dental staff about equipment and procedures. The first day he saw 38 patients and did 5 extractions. I think he is more productivity here than he is in his office. He will have many stories to tell when he gets back to the states!
Jerry Jo Burkman is busy in the "Friends Unit" which is a HIV/AIDS outpatient area. This unit is very comprehensive in their care for HIV/AIDS patients and reaches out to many communities. It works very closely with the Maternity Unit to prevent transmission of AIDS from the mother to the baby. Jerry is are meal coordinator and finance person. All we have to do is say "We want something and we get!" Ha!! Jerry Jo has found something we all like for breakfast instead of a small loaf of bread and cheese which is the normal meal and that is a cold/hot cereal. Future teams need to check this out! She found at the petrol market where I found some M&M. Yeah!
Don Spence is working hard with Michael in the accounting department for get "Quick Books" up and running. Hopefully they can use it to register patients, do inventories and keep track of charges for patients. We all have decided Don needs to be on Jeopardy Quiz Program with all of his knowledge and experience. He could probably beat Ken Jennings even
Barb Hale has been busy working with the new administrator, Tendi. What a great person with a wonderful smile and wants the hospital to do the best it can! Anytime you have a new person , changes happen and it is not always easy. I hope we can help her in someways to make the changes a little easier for the staff, physician and her. The children in SL are beautiful and they are the future of this country. I hope they can all keep their wonderful smiles and great personalities since life is not real easy here.
More later - my computer is about to go dead!
We are receiving so much love here from the people. We are God's servants here for a short time trying to bring the love of God to them.
Peace & Blessings,
Barb
But
We arrived in Sierra Leone on Tuesday, September 22nd at 11:30 pm at the Hotel: 5 & 10. We had no delays in our flights and no lost luggages! As we were greeted by a "Welcoming Committee from Operation Classroom" and all the men gathered to load our 12 suitcases on top of the van, we thought had plenty time to eat and unpack Jerry Holman's dental instruments and supplies. This was only 4 extra large suitcases! After leaving the airport we had 10 minutes to get 7 miles to get to the ferry which takes us across to Freetown. As we drove along the dirt road, I notice something that I feel we may be missing in US. Family and friends gathered on the front porch with their children and sharing the day with each other. No busyness! No stress!
When we arrived at the ferry and we had about 2 to 3 minutes before it would normally leave, we found out it was full and it had left early. So we had 3 hours to wait until the last ferry for the day would leave. But we saw the true culture of SL during those three hours. From women and children carrying barricuda fish in a basket on their head to the men selling coconuts along the dock. Then there was the preacher preaching the gospel on the ferry - maybe The Garden could think about do this type of service! Hit hop music in the canteen blasting away with the young men and women gathered around going home from work.
Marilyn Griffith has been around greeting all old and new acquaintances. And the people love it !! Today she is teaching a class to the Nurse Aides on Communication. Everyone person on staff have received their hugs from Marilyn!
Donald Griffith hit the ground running on all the projects he had in mind to do. Such as measuring the windows for screen in the Canteen and checking on the generators and the Lab .
equipment. Today he is teach a class in downtown Freetown for the clergy
Jerry Holman is in seventh heaven here!! No regulations to follow!! No office bills to pay! Just doing dental care for some individuals who have never received care and teaching dental staff about equipment and procedures. The first day he saw 38 patients and did 5 extractions. I think he is more productivity here than he is in his office. He will have many stories to tell when he gets back to the states!
Jerry Jo Burkman is busy in the "Friends Unit" which is a HIV/AIDS outpatient area. This unit is very comprehensive in their care for HIV/AIDS patients and reaches out to many communities. It works very closely with the Maternity Unit to prevent transmission of AIDS from the mother to the baby. Jerry is are meal coordinator and finance person. All we have to do is say "We want something and we get!" Ha!! Jerry Jo has found something we all like for breakfast instead of a small loaf of bread and cheese which is the normal meal and that is a cold/hot cereal. Future teams need to check this out! She found at the petrol market where I found some M&M. Yeah!
Don Spence is working hard with Michael in the accounting department for get "Quick Books" up and running. Hopefully they can use it to register patients, do inventories and keep track of charges for patients. We all have decided Don needs to be on Jeopardy Quiz Program with all of his knowledge and experience. He could probably beat Ken Jennings even
Barb Hale has been busy working with the new administrator, Tendi. What a great person with a wonderful smile and wants the hospital to do the best it can! Anytime you have a new person , changes happen and it is not always easy. I hope we can help her in someways to make the changes a little easier for the staff, physician and her. The children in SL are beautiful and they are the future of this country. I hope they can all keep their wonderful smiles and great personalities since life is not real easy here.
More later - my computer is about to go dead!
We are receiving so much love here from the people. We are God's servants here for a short time trying to bring the love of God to them.
Peace & Blessings,
Barb
But
Friday, September 18, 2009
Getting Ready
If anyone asks me to travel with them and they want to know how long it will take me to get ready, I usually say, "Maybe 15 minutes". Since I have the philosophy, if I do not have something I will buy it or do without it. Little did I know when I said "yes" to going to Sierra Leone it would take a little longer than 15 minutes to get ready and I probably can not buy most things in the market place I need or want.
A couple members of the mission team who had not been to Sierra Leone before started their preparation over two months ago. That was when they had to get our shots to go abroad, Hepatits A, Yellow Fever and Typhoid. Then they had to fill out all the paper works to get approval to enter Sierra Leone and apply for their Visa. Between then and now, we have had multiple meetings to plan the trip and many e-mails from people in Sierra Leone requesting our help with projects.
This week we have started spraying our clothes with deet and taking Vitamin B1 to fight off the bugs and mosquitoes. It is the rainy season there! And the day before we leave we have to start taking anti-malaria drug until a week after we return. Tomorrow we are meeting at Jerry Holman's home to pack and check that our luggages are not to heavy. We are all allowed two large suitcases and two carryon's. But we have to use some of the extra large suitcases for Jerry's dental equipment and supplies, he will be needing.
Our team is made up of Rev. Don Griffith and his wife, Marilyn, this is their 6 or 7 trip to SL. They are our leaders. Jerry Holman, who is going for one week, is a dentist. It is such a blessing he can go and provide dental care to the people in Freetown. Don Spence from Marion will be helping the UMC Kissy Hospital with their computers. Last year Don went on a mission trip to SL to install some software, he felt called to go on this trip to complete that work. Jerry Burkman and Barb Hale will be hanging around Kissy Hospital the first week to help in administration and the HIV ward.
After Jerry H. and Don S. return to USA, Marilyn, Don G., Jerry B. and Barb will be going to Mercy Hospital in Bo and also visiting the Talama Clinic. We also plan on going to the ocean one day and doing some shopping in the market. I hope they have some Hershey or Snicker bars, but I'm not real optimistic. Maybe they will have some kind of Chocolate.
We will be blogging whenever it is convenient for us to get to a computer connected to the internet after we get to SL.
Please keep us in your prayers.
Barb
A couple members of the mission team who had not been to Sierra Leone before started their preparation over two months ago. That was when they had to get our shots to go abroad, Hepatits A, Yellow Fever and Typhoid. Then they had to fill out all the paper works to get approval to enter Sierra Leone and apply for their Visa. Between then and now, we have had multiple meetings to plan the trip and many e-mails from people in Sierra Leone requesting our help with projects.
This week we have started spraying our clothes with deet and taking Vitamin B1 to fight off the bugs and mosquitoes. It is the rainy season there! And the day before we leave we have to start taking anti-malaria drug until a week after we return. Tomorrow we are meeting at Jerry Holman's home to pack and check that our luggages are not to heavy. We are all allowed two large suitcases and two carryon's. But we have to use some of the extra large suitcases for Jerry's dental equipment and supplies, he will be needing.
Our team is made up of Rev. Don Griffith and his wife, Marilyn, this is their 6 or 7 trip to SL. They are our leaders. Jerry Holman, who is going for one week, is a dentist. It is such a blessing he can go and provide dental care to the people in Freetown. Don Spence from Marion will be helping the UMC Kissy Hospital with their computers. Last year Don went on a mission trip to SL to install some software, he felt called to go on this trip to complete that work. Jerry Burkman and Barb Hale will be hanging around Kissy Hospital the first week to help in administration and the HIV ward.
After Jerry H. and Don S. return to USA, Marilyn, Don G., Jerry B. and Barb will be going to Mercy Hospital in Bo and also visiting the Talama Clinic. We also plan on going to the ocean one day and doing some shopping in the market. I hope they have some Hershey or Snicker bars, but I'm not real optimistic. Maybe they will have some kind of Chocolate.
We will be blogging whenever it is convenient for us to get to a computer connected to the internet after we get to SL.
Please keep us in your prayers.
Barb
Thursday, September 17, 2009
New Team leaves for SL
A new, but small team has been formed and is leaving for Sierra Leone on Monday, September 21. Please say prayers for this six member team called: The September Six.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Taiama Medical Statistics - please forward to contributors
In case your relatives wondered if you were out touring the countryside or if their financial support was being filtered away by some unsavory Dictator or we couldn't make a difference, please share the following stats: In addition, please pass this along with a thanks to those people or organizations who donated funds or supplies.
On the first day at the Taiama clinic, we saw 90 patients. Of those patients we treated at least:
On the first day at the Taiama clinic, we saw 90 patients. Of those patients we treated at least:
- 46 cases of Malaria. Diagnoses Laboratory work and medicine provided
- 5 cases of Typhoid. Diagnoses Laboratory work and medicine provided
- 1 patient with Sickle cell and Malaria. Diagnoses Laboratory work and medicine provided
- 5 cases of worms. Diagnoses Laboratory work and medicine provided
- 4 cases of Bronchitis and/or Pneumonia. Diagnoses and medicine provided
- 6 children with Ear Infections. Diagnoses and medicine provided
- High Blood Pressure. Diagnoses and medicine provided.
- Of the 90 patients, 55 were children. I remember ear infections. They were awful. Glad to say I skipped Malaria, typhoid and worms.
On the second day at Taiama clinic, Drs. Kellie and Patrick and team saw 113 patients. Of those patients we treated:
- 77 cases of Malaria. fyi: The lack of cold weather allows Malaria to continue to parasite on mosquitoes. There is a good reason for January is the USA. Diagnoses Laboratory work and medicine provided.
- 6 PID. I'd rather not say, so ask you doctor or nurse, or surf the net to explain what this is.
- High Blood Pressure: 6. The good news is one has to be older to get this. Diagnoses and medicine provided.
- Arthritis. More good news. One normally has to be older to get this. Diagnoses and medicine provided.
- Bronchitis or Pneumonia: 10 cases.
- Constipation: 5 patients treated with Colace.
- Eye Infection or Irritation: 8
- HIV: One patient out of two days came up with a HIV positive test result. This is a credit to the Health organizations and the Sierra Leone govt. who have minimized the damage that has wounded many worldwide communities.
Please note that many supplies given to Freetown's Kissy Hospital, City of Bo's Mercy Hospital, or Taiama Clinic were used outside of the two dates given above or will be used for treatment after the teams departure. In other words, all medical supplies and medicines are not accounted for in the 2 days of treatment provided. The above is an example of two days of clinic run by the Taima staff and USA volunteers.
Deep Thoughts
A trip member noted the WSJ stated the average American is born into $384,000 of public and private benefit. Those windfalls come from 12+ years of public and/or private schools, playgrounds, drinkable water, waste water treatment, 24 x 7 electricity and heat availability, and parents with food, clothing, shelter and disposable income. Compare USA's inheritance to malaria, typhoid, worms, crops too close to untreated waste water and trash, and families who have to choose between food and sending their children to school. Pour on that daycare is having your son hang out without activity while you work, seeing the doctor is a luxury and unemployment at 70%. Underemployment runs rampant.
Compare that Sierra Leoneans are just as bright, talented and personable as Americans, even more so. They're looking for better work, scholarships or sponsors for themselves or their family; economic opportunity isn't the same. There's a void between zero and $384,000 .
Sierra Leone has some bright spots: they include an excellent HIV prevention program, many growing and capable schools such as the one we visited in Taiama, and if you passed away leaving no godparents for your kids, you would want them cared for at the City of Bo's UMC Child Rescue Center (CRC) that sits securely next to the UMC Mercy Hospital. These kids are so lucky, however there are a million more you would wish the same for. With Sierra Leone's Civil war being further and further away, and the prevailing attitude among its people, things can only get better. With the sense of security, in part by Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on the streets in strength, the hearts and minds of the residents should prevail: I have no numbers in hand to support the following but the economy has to be growing 5-10% per year and unemployment can only go down; they are and they will.
Compare that Sierra Leoneans are just as bright, talented and personable as Americans, even more so. They're looking for better work, scholarships or sponsors for themselves or their family; economic opportunity isn't the same. There's a void between zero and $384,000 .
Sierra Leone has some bright spots: they include an excellent HIV prevention program, many growing and capable schools such as the one we visited in Taiama, and if you passed away leaving no godparents for your kids, you would want them cared for at the City of Bo's UMC Child Rescue Center (CRC) that sits securely next to the UMC Mercy Hospital. These kids are so lucky, however there are a million more you would wish the same for. With Sierra Leone's Civil war being further and further away, and the prevailing attitude among its people, things can only get better. With the sense of security, in part by Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on the streets in strength, the hearts and minds of the residents should prevail: I have no numbers in hand to support the following but the economy has to be growing 5-10% per year and unemployment can only go down; they are and they will.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Updates from Cathy and Marilyn
Cathy: Travelling is an interesting challenge. Facilities are limited and at times we have had to stop by the road in clearings. People may appear and we had negotiated to use a family's "outhouse" in the bush. some rural places have toilets that sort of flush. Plumbing and running water vary greatly but the people are always gracious and frequently recognize that we're volunteers with the UMC or operations classroom. In downtown Freetown we shopped at the cloth market/street and the 2 story market. Several bought cloth and weavings and/or jewelry. We try to do our part to stimulate the economy. Many wonderful experiences everyday. We are well cared for by the Sierra Leonians. - Cathy
Marilyn: We attended church downtown this Sunday at King Memorial UMC. Church was packed. I enjoyed the 3 1/2 hour service. Great music and good preaching. Although we should not be looking at clothes during worship when people process up for offerings and communion, we still look. Mostly all clothing worn for church is tailor made and therefore all outfits are unique and generally beautiful. Fabrics come from Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and some from China. At one of the most beautiful sandy beaches I have ever seen David, Sally and I shared Chicken curry, met and ate with the newly elected UMC Bishop, John Yombasee, and then walked the beach, swam, read and enjoyed a great Sunday. We finished the evening with a junk food Indiana style "pitch-in dinner". In menu and Spirit we called it the Super Bowl. - Marilyn.
Marilyn: We attended church downtown this Sunday at King Memorial UMC. Church was packed. I enjoyed the 3 1/2 hour service. Great music and good preaching. Although we should not be looking at clothes during worship when people process up for offerings and communion, we still look. Mostly all clothing worn for church is tailor made and therefore all outfits are unique and generally beautiful. Fabrics come from Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and some from China. At one of the most beautiful sandy beaches I have ever seen David, Sally and I shared Chicken curry, met and ate with the newly elected UMC Bishop, John Yombasee, and then walked the beach, swam, read and enjoyed a great Sunday. We finished the evening with a junk food Indiana style "pitch-in dinner". In menu and Spirit we called it the Super Bowl. - Marilyn.
Updates from Sally, Alice, Helen, John and others
From Sally: "I did it." I can't wait to share this experience!
From Alice: Today we are enjoying a sunny warm day at the beach. It is hard to believe its winter here. btw: how are all you Hoosiers doing with all that snow and ice.
From a trip female [David G. not sure which. Sally?]: It was a blessing that the team would be flexible and take on different roles at the Taiama clinic. It made it possible to see many patients. No one knows when another medical team will be able to work at Taiama. Most residents cannot travel to other clinics due to lack of money and transportation. .... Dr. Kellie diagnosed three teenagers with tooth abscesses. The team was able to make arrangements for the teens to be seen by the dentist in Bo. Without our help the teens had no transportation or funds for paying the dentist.
Mr. Fixit (John) says to Bob Mink: the secret to getting the alternator on the generator to charge its batteries is to hold the start button in an additional five seconds after the engine starts. Say hello to Pat and others of the Columbus district. A trip to Fakunya is planned Tuesday afternoon. Soffa and I will load Fakunya supplies and tools. In addition the UMC Kissy Eye clinic donated seed for planting. We will spend Wed. and 1/2 of Thursday before heading back to Kissy Freetown. Hope to arrive at the work team project effort for the planned November 09 trip, and the work team member talents desired. John.
From Helen V: I read a song "Itsy bitsy spider" book to children at the Childrens Rescue Center in Bo. They are all orphans from the civil war. They are precious children. - Helen.
From Alice: Today we are enjoying a sunny warm day at the beach. It is hard to believe its winter here. btw: how are all you Hoosiers doing with all that snow and ice.
From a trip female [David G. not sure which. Sally?]: It was a blessing that the team would be flexible and take on different roles at the Taiama clinic. It made it possible to see many patients. No one knows when another medical team will be able to work at Taiama. Most residents cannot travel to other clinics due to lack of money and transportation. .... Dr. Kellie diagnosed three teenagers with tooth abscesses. The team was able to make arrangements for the teens to be seen by the dentist in Bo. Without our help the teens had no transportation or funds for paying the dentist.
Mr. Fixit (John) says to Bob Mink: the secret to getting the alternator on the generator to charge its batteries is to hold the start button in an additional five seconds after the engine starts. Say hello to Pat and others of the Columbus district. A trip to Fakunya is planned Tuesday afternoon. Soffa and I will load Fakunya supplies and tools. In addition the UMC Kissy Eye clinic donated seed for planting. We will spend Wed. and 1/2 of Thursday before heading back to Kissy Freetown. Hope to arrive at the work team project effort for the planned November 09 trip, and the work team member talents desired. John.
From Helen V: I read a song "Itsy bitsy spider" book to children at the Childrens Rescue Center in Bo. They are all orphans from the civil war. They are precious children. - Helen.
News from the Sierra Team who abandoned Don G., Don T. John, and Matt in Freetown for Bo and Taiama. "Up country to Taiama Medical Clinic and Secondary School. The Medical team left Kissy and drive to Bo stopping in Taiama to visit the Secondary School. We met Mr. Williams, the principle and toured the campus. We spent that night in Bo and visited the Children's Rescue Center (CRC) that evening. Before we left Bo the next morning we negotiated with Mercy Hospital to loan us George, one of their personable lab techs, a Microscope for typhoid testing and Malaria testing kits. Mercy Hospital and the CRC are supported by the UMC Virginia USA conference. We bartered drugs and were successful getting George, a microscope and Malaria kits.
We had discussed our roles prior to getting to the clinic Alice to do nutritional counseling, Cathy and Sally to do developmental assessments on children. Quickly we had to be flexible and Alice helped Dr. Kellie Hughes write diagnoses and Rx's. Marilyn wrote prescriptions for Dr. Patrick Z. During the 2 days our roles varied; interviewing patients prior to their seeing the doctor. Cathy helped in the lab, David Griffith did everything and at the end of the day compiled statistics on patients seen. Marilyn also did everything from crowd control to keeping all of us connected. Dave Teeter ran the pharmacy and was on the go constantly. Lunch was provided by Christiana, midwife at the clinic. We ate in the nurses quarters, an open air building (like the clinic) with cats and chickens nearby and in our midst. The first day we treated 91 patients and the second day 115. Diagnoses and treatments consisted were large numbers of malaria, high blood pressure, one sickle cell, multiple typhoid, river blindness, scabies, STDs, arthritis, cerebral palsy, diabetes, asthma, multiple w/ worms, bronchitis/pneumonia, and GERD/acid reflux, and ulcers.
The first day we sent at our expense 2 people to Mercy Hospital: One baby with severe malaria and near-death and an adult with peritonitis. As of this writing both are improving. The second day, Helen helped transport a patient with pre-eccampsia with very high blood pressure. She had two contractions along the way. Helen was praying she wouldn't have to delivery a baby!!
The cooperation among the team and Mercy Hospital was amazing! God's love flowed both ways. A highlight, especially for Marilyn, and those of us involved in Operation Classroom was the dedication of the Library extension at Taiama Secondary School on our 2nd day (for Marilyn, Cathy, Sally, and Helen) while Alice, Dave, Patrick and Kellie worked away at the clinic for 2 1/2 hours. The students looked on in their clean white & wine colored uniforms and carrying their book bags and notebooks which in part we helped get to them. After the ceremony, David Griffith talked to a library full of students about School, Engineering Disciplines, getting a job, and some day hiring employees. Helen, Cathy, and Salley spoke to students interested in Medicine and answered questions. We can't convey in writing all the wonderful experiences we had at the Taiama School and clinic. The memories will be with us the rest of our lives."
We had discussed our roles prior to getting to the clinic Alice to do nutritional counseling, Cathy and Sally to do developmental assessments on children. Quickly we had to be flexible and Alice helped Dr. Kellie Hughes write diagnoses and Rx's. Marilyn wrote prescriptions for Dr. Patrick Z. During the 2 days our roles varied; interviewing patients prior to their seeing the doctor. Cathy helped in the lab, David Griffith did everything and at the end of the day compiled statistics on patients seen. Marilyn also did everything from crowd control to keeping all of us connected. Dave Teeter ran the pharmacy and was on the go constantly. Lunch was provided by Christiana, midwife at the clinic. We ate in the nurses quarters, an open air building (like the clinic) with cats and chickens nearby and in our midst. The first day we treated 91 patients and the second day 115. Diagnoses and treatments consisted were large numbers of malaria, high blood pressure, one sickle cell, multiple typhoid, river blindness, scabies, STDs, arthritis, cerebral palsy, diabetes, asthma, multiple w/ worms, bronchitis/pneumonia, and GERD/acid reflux, and ulcers.
The first day we sent at our expense 2 people to Mercy Hospital: One baby with severe malaria and near-death and an adult with peritonitis. As of this writing both are improving. The second day, Helen helped transport a patient with pre-eccampsia with very high blood pressure. She had two contractions along the way. Helen was praying she wouldn't have to delivery a baby!!
The cooperation among the team and Mercy Hospital was amazing! God's love flowed both ways. A highlight, especially for Marilyn, and those of us involved in Operation Classroom was the dedication of the Library extension at Taiama Secondary School on our 2nd day (for Marilyn, Cathy, Sally, and Helen) while Alice, Dave, Patrick and Kellie worked away at the clinic for 2 1/2 hours. The students looked on in their clean white & wine colored uniforms and carrying their book bags and notebooks which in part we helped get to them. After the ceremony, David Griffith talked to a library full of students about School, Engineering Disciplines, getting a job, and some day hiring employees. Helen, Cathy, and Salley spoke to students interested in Medicine and answered questions. We can't convey in writing all the wonderful experiences we had at the Taiama School and clinic. The memories will be with us the rest of our lives."
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Very Hot, No Snow in sight!!
Those of us that remained (Don Griffith, John McDonald, Don Spence and Matt Hughes) at Kissy Hospital in Freetown received the notice that Indianapolis had at least 12 inches of snow accumulation on the 28th. No snow in sight in Seirra Leone. The weather has been pleasant, not too hot.
The rest of the team took a long 6 hour journey to Tiama, staying in Bo until Saturday morning. News came back late last night that the team had arrived safely and was staying at a Medical Mission Dorm (MCS) for the next few nights. As mentioned in previous blog, the team will be providing a clinic for patients in country and facilitating training for hospital personnel (Nursing, Geariatrics, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Pediatrics, and Mental Health.). Team members made a special donation of anti malarial drugs that were picked up in Freetown and packed for the trip.
Matt Hughes and Don Spence have made progress on upgrading computers and loading payroll for the first month. Additional activities will include managing inventories, general supplies, improving patient payment process and day to day accounting. On a lighter note, Don Spence got some great video of a gentleman scalling a coconut tree. All I can say is the man is extremely brave!!!
John McDonald continues to improve electrical systems and general maintenance. His knowledge seems endless and his passion motivating.
Don Griffith continues to be a great leader as he motivates all to take responsibility and feel empowered. By the way, Don shared some of the most delictable homemade coconut macaroons from a popular bakery in town, today. What a treat!!
The rest of the team took a long 6 hour journey to Tiama, staying in Bo until Saturday morning. News came back late last night that the team had arrived safely and was staying at a Medical Mission Dorm (MCS) for the next few nights. As mentioned in previous blog, the team will be providing a clinic for patients in country and facilitating training for hospital personnel (Nursing, Geariatrics, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Pediatrics, and Mental Health.). Team members made a special donation of anti malarial drugs that were picked up in Freetown and packed for the trip.
Matt Hughes and Don Spence have made progress on upgrading computers and loading payroll for the first month. Additional activities will include managing inventories, general supplies, improving patient payment process and day to day accounting. On a lighter note, Don Spence got some great video of a gentleman scalling a coconut tree. All I can say is the man is extremely brave!!!
John McDonald continues to improve electrical systems and general maintenance. His knowledge seems endless and his passion motivating.
Don Griffith continues to be a great leader as he motivates all to take responsibility and feel empowered. By the way, Don shared some of the most delictable homemade coconut macaroons from a popular bakery in town, today. What a treat!!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Team Leone: Second Day on the Job
After a pleasant breakfast at the 5-10 Hotel, the team loaded and traveled directly to Kissy Hospital. Everyone is in good spirits and very excited about interacting with hospital personnel and patients. The main goal is to discuss empowerment and management of resources in all areas.
Sally Peters and Cathy Wrigley worked with 2 babies, one with Down’s syndrome (that was a delight), one with CP and malnutrition. Also, adults with stroke, shoulder / neck pain, and a man with severe arthritis. The therapy staff is doing a great job and they are training the assistants as they go. Tired but having a wonderful time.
Marilyn shared the story of the opportunity to take tables and chairs to the women’s center.
Alice Bishop went shopping with Tatiatu to see what is nutritional supplements are available in the marketplace. She mentioned that she saw the President in a motorcade driving through Freetown.
Kellie Hughes humorously cited that she had provided Pediatric Cardiologist patient care. With limited internet access Kellie was able to access the CDC / AAP certified pediatric growth charts and discuss the benefits of charting to Dr. Plamer.
David Griffith and John McDonald worked diligently on piecing together and fabricating parts for a stainless steel whirlpool.
Patrick interviewed a patient that was dealing with injuries. He also, discussed setting up a mental health office at the hospital. Interest was encouraging.
Helen provided Geriatric Classes today. She laughed about the fact that she received a round of applause when she shared her own age with the group that she was teaching. Everyone complimented her on her great health and energy.
John McDonald shared his opportunity to talk to Soffa about traveling in country to take much needed furniture and supplies and his impending trip to Facunia (sp?) next week. John will be working on secondary schools while in country. John was also able to sort some more materials in the container that sits at the entrance to the compound.
Tomorrow (28 JAN), part of the team will be traveling to Tiamma and staying over in Bo for three nights, returning on Saturday. The team will be taking about 6 suit cases of meds. Dave Teeter was kind enough to separate items today in preparation for the trip. The team will be holding clinic and providing training on Physical Therapy, Geriatrics, Nutrition, and General Medicine.
Sally Peters and Cathy Wrigley worked with 2 babies, one with Down’s syndrome (that was a delight), one with CP and malnutrition. Also, adults with stroke, shoulder / neck pain, and a man with severe arthritis. The therapy staff is doing a great job and they are training the assistants as they go. Tired but having a wonderful time.
Marilyn shared the story of the opportunity to take tables and chairs to the women’s center.
Alice Bishop went shopping with Tatiatu to see what is nutritional supplements are available in the marketplace. She mentioned that she saw the President in a motorcade driving through Freetown.
Kellie Hughes humorously cited that she had provided Pediatric Cardiologist patient care. With limited internet access Kellie was able to access the CDC / AAP certified pediatric growth charts and discuss the benefits of charting to Dr. Plamer.
David Griffith and John McDonald worked diligently on piecing together and fabricating parts for a stainless steel whirlpool.
Patrick interviewed a patient that was dealing with injuries. He also, discussed setting up a mental health office at the hospital. Interest was encouraging.
Helen provided Geriatric Classes today. She laughed about the fact that she received a round of applause when she shared her own age with the group that she was teaching. Everyone complimented her on her great health and energy.
John McDonald shared his opportunity to talk to Soffa about traveling in country to take much needed furniture and supplies and his impending trip to Facunia (sp?) next week. John will be working on secondary schools while in country. John was also able to sort some more materials in the container that sits at the entrance to the compound.
Tomorrow (28 JAN), part of the team will be traveling to Tiamma and staying over in Bo for three nights, returning on Saturday. The team will be taking about 6 suit cases of meds. Dave Teeter was kind enough to separate items today in preparation for the trip. The team will be holding clinic and providing training on Physical Therapy, Geriatrics, Nutrition, and General Medicine.
Up and Adam! Running Start!
Everyone on the team woke up bright and early, 5 am local time (Midnight EST).
After a very pleasant breakfast at the Harmony Hotel in Lungi, the team boarded the vans and traveled a short distance to the Ferry.
The Ferry departed about 8:30 am local time and arrived in Freetown less than 1 hour later. The travel from the Ferry to the 5-10 Hotel was very quick.
After checking in, half of the team opted for showers and nap, and half of the team got right to work by traveling to Kissy Hospital.
Everyone reconvened at lunch time and those who had been working the first half of the day shared their accomplishments and tours.
Here are a few excerpts of what people were working on today:
Alice Bishop: Spent time with the nursery.
David Griffith: Took a tour of the Nutrition Area with Suri and met John who is charge of facilities. David looked through the Pharmacy Area as well. He finished the day by helping John McDonald retro some equipment.
Marilyn Griffith: Gave general tours. Walked through the wards and introduced several staff members. Marilyn also worked on storage method improvements and scheduling for the week.
Patrick: Met with Fredrick, GP, and with Marilyn go a general tour. He visited with 3 or 4 patients and visited the pharmacy.
Don Spence: Toured with David and Marilyn. Later Matt Huhges and Don assessed the capability of the computer systems to handle the accounting software implementation. It looks as if the computers will need to be upgraded in order to work properly. Team is looking for estimate of cost tomorrow from a local technician.
Don Griffith: Working with Fredrick on amount of work don on the compound. Also, worked with management and David Griffith on retro fitting equipment.
John McDonald: Helped with restoring power to computer lab. He noticed that the breaker was turned off. Also worked on circuit board and got the generator running. Worked on Surgical Ward on autoclave. Generally speaking several maintenance tasks keep piling up.
Kellie: Met with Dr. Palmer and staff. Took and afternoon tour and discussed objectives to teach pediatric processes for the next two weeks.
Helen: Took a general tour with Marilyn and then began to scope out ways to improve storage and layout.
Dave Teeter: Worked with Pharmacy Staff. Assessed the renovation plans, assessed inventory and determined logistics of storage and distribution.
Cathy and Sally took a tour of the Physical Therapy facilities and began interviewing patients and discussing training schedule for the two weeks.
The plan is for about 8 of the Medical team members to head up country to Bo and visit Tiama on Wednesday. The rest of the team will be staying at Kissy to work management and accounting implementations.
After a very pleasant breakfast at the Harmony Hotel in Lungi, the team boarded the vans and traveled a short distance to the Ferry.
The Ferry departed about 8:30 am local time and arrived in Freetown less than 1 hour later. The travel from the Ferry to the 5-10 Hotel was very quick.
After checking in, half of the team opted for showers and nap, and half of the team got right to work by traveling to Kissy Hospital.
Everyone reconvened at lunch time and those who had been working the first half of the day shared their accomplishments and tours.
Here are a few excerpts of what people were working on today:
Alice Bishop: Spent time with the nursery.
David Griffith: Took a tour of the Nutrition Area with Suri and met John who is charge of facilities. David looked through the Pharmacy Area as well. He finished the day by helping John McDonald retro some equipment.
Marilyn Griffith: Gave general tours. Walked through the wards and introduced several staff members. Marilyn also worked on storage method improvements and scheduling for the week.
Patrick: Met with Fredrick, GP, and with Marilyn go a general tour. He visited with 3 or 4 patients and visited the pharmacy.
Don Spence: Toured with David and Marilyn. Later Matt Huhges and Don assessed the capability of the computer systems to handle the accounting software implementation. It looks as if the computers will need to be upgraded in order to work properly. Team is looking for estimate of cost tomorrow from a local technician.
Don Griffith: Working with Fredrick on amount of work don on the compound. Also, worked with management and David Griffith on retro fitting equipment.
John McDonald: Helped with restoring power to computer lab. He noticed that the breaker was turned off. Also worked on circuit board and got the generator running. Worked on Surgical Ward on autoclave. Generally speaking several maintenance tasks keep piling up.
Kellie: Met with Dr. Palmer and staff. Took and afternoon tour and discussed objectives to teach pediatric processes for the next two weeks.
Helen: Took a general tour with Marilyn and then began to scope out ways to improve storage and layout.
Dave Teeter: Worked with Pharmacy Staff. Assessed the renovation plans, assessed inventory and determined logistics of storage and distribution.
Cathy and Sally took a tour of the Physical Therapy facilities and began interviewing patients and discussing training schedule for the two weeks.
The plan is for about 8 of the Medical team members to head up country to Bo and visit Tiama on Wednesday. The rest of the team will be staying at Kissy to work management and accounting implementations.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Leone Team has arrived!!! Hurray!
The Leone Team arrived at the Freetown Airport about 8:20 PM local time (3:20 EST). Marilyn and Don Griffith met us at the airport.
It was pleasant to see friendly faces on arrival. The team only is missing two pieces of luggage, both of which were medical supplies.
Everyone has their personal luggage. Due to the delay in luggage claims, the team missed the last Ferry for the day.
The team is staying at a Hotel in Lungi called the Harmony Hotel. The team plans to take the first Ferry Monday morning at 6 am local time (1 am EST).
It was pleasant to see friendly faces on arrival. The team only is missing two pieces of luggage, both of which were medical supplies.
Everyone has their personal luggage. Due to the delay in luggage claims, the team missed the last Ferry for the day.
The team is staying at a Hotel in Lungi called the Harmony Hotel. The team plans to take the first Ferry Monday morning at 6 am local time (1 am EST).
From Marilyn on Saturday, January 24
It is a nice afternoon in Freetown, wall to wall people and coal fires and traffic. This has been an awesome trip so far. Just can't believe the changes here that God is bringing. Friday after the team left, we wiped tears from men and women missing their mates from the US. For Bob, Janet , Stacy, Marchusa, whomever they had come to know and love. And yet, they are ready to welcome the new team. Work with the electrician, Josie, and workers, and Johnny and his crew are working well. We have begged Johnny to finish the concete work on the doorways today and tomorrow in the outpatient buiding. The patients walk through plaster to register and all of the offices are a mess. The container is empty, unfortunately laying on its side after they could not drop it. It will take a crane and $500 to aright it on Mon. The beds, trollys, bedside commodes and bandages are majorly needed. The chairs from Butler will make a great difference. Wish we had more teams for the hospital in the future. Kissy has one maintenance person and every building needs doors, screens, drawers, pipes, etc. fixed. Most of it not expensive stuff, just help.. We also need help in Med Records. Melissa may cover this , but, Electrical--Lab inverter installed, Blood analyzer serviced, staff trained, Generator installed, wired and exhaust system installed today, Sat, all pt. equipment have transformers on step down, operational. Working on Surgical lights. Have bulbs. 2 classes in electronics. More on Semi-conductors on Mon.Surgery, 3 or more epidurals, new proceedures, Sterilizer is working again. David Whittaker really likes working with Dr. Benjamin. I sat in on a triple Hernia Surgery Fri. AM. I have seen 2 people die this past 2 weeks, but I have seen many people who are living who would have died if the hospital were not here.
3 statements from team membersWhen I am at home, I live, when I am here, I am alive. Desperate people can still be happy. Sierra Leone people have great faith.From Marilyn, I have experienced such joy and love since here. It is a great highlight of my life. Safe travel to team flying home,Safe travel to Leone team on their way here. Love to all family, friends, Can't wait to welcome our son, David who arrives tomorrow night. Marilyn
3 statements from team membersWhen I am at home, I live, when I am here, I am alive. Desperate people can still be happy. Sierra Leone people have great faith.From Marilyn, I have experienced such joy and love since here. It is a great highlight of my life. Safe travel to team flying home,Safe travel to Leone team on their way here. Love to all family, friends, Can't wait to welcome our son, David who arrives tomorrow night. Marilyn
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Power up Kissy!!
Electricity is on with power this morning at Kissy Hospital. New surgeries, new testing, and all staff are doing well. More details to come once we get back to Freetown this afternoon. Those of us at Bo, (Don, Jeanette, Stacy, Marchusa, Team Cipro- Melissa & Angie) taught classes and observed at Mercy Hospital yesterday. Stacy went in the morning to Taiama to teach a class on HIV to 100 junior and senior high students. It was well received. The tour of the artificial limb clinic here on the hospital grounds was amazing. They have done over 300 limbs since 2005. All free of charge. They have recently learned how to make arms. Once the material arrives they will be able to start making them. After dinner last night we took a tour of the city. Bo is the second largest city in Sierra Leone. The Children's Rescue Center also located here was quite entertaining. There are about 70 children ranging from 3-18 living there. They greatly received the gifts that were collected from many of you (soccer balls, stuffed animals, arts and crafts supplies). On a sad note, over the weekend Ruben ( Kissy hospital staff administrator) lost his daughter during childbirth. She was only 30 years old. The baby survived. This is not an uncommon occurrence in Sierra Leone. Please keep his family in your prayers. We hope to write once more before we leave tomorrow. Until next time....
God Bless
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Good news all around!
The container is at the hospital and the generator is inside! Finally it has arrived. All are very happy for the container to have finally been released from customs. The unpacking now begins. 6 of us are now in Bo. The roads were much better this year and the trip took about 4 hours. We had one unexpected stop along the way as we witnessed an oncoming car fishtail and flip over onto the road opposite of us. It was a very scary scene to see. 5 people were in the car and all ended up being ok. Three of our nurses (Jeanette, Stacey, and Marchusa) rushed over to evaluate the injuries and administer care with the very limited supplies we had in our bags. It was amazing that no one appeared to be severely injured. Even the chicken that was in the car made it out ok! We stopped in Taiama for a brief visit at the school and to see the new library. Some will return tomorrow while others will stay here at Bo to work at the hospital. We just finished a nice dinner at the center we are staying at. It too is on the grounds of the hospital along with an orphanage and limb fitting clinic. Glad to here the weather is warming up for those of you in Indy. We too are experiencing a cold front here upper 70's to lower 80's. :) Until next time...
God bless.
Monday, January 19, 2009
One down, one to go!
So here is a quick recap of the weekend... Finally the shopping and beach day arrived! Many people shopped for fabric on a narrow crowded street. Paul, our driver, help to negotiate good prices. Next, we ate lunch at Crown Bakery. Some tried the pizza, chocolate scones, and sandwiches. All the food was very good. Craft shopping followed at the big indoor market. Inside the 2 story building were many rows with many different goods. The shop owners were very anxious for our business. Many negotiations were made there too. Late in the afternoon many headed for Lumley beach. A few people got in to swim, others took walks and others chilled in chairs. A good time was had by all. On Sunday we moved to the 5-10 hotel. It is less then ten minutes from Kissy hospital which is very convenient. We attended church in the morning which lasted 2 1/2 hours with spiritual music and 3 offerings. Our own Don Griffith preached a well received message. Lunch was had a the Atlantic again at Lumley beach. Everyone had some alone time back at the hotel before dinner. That concludes the weekend. Early Monday Don, Marilyn and Bob went to check on the container. Promises of delivery to the hospital this evening or tomorrow morning, God willing. Everyone else went to the hospital to continue thier work. Tomorrow some of the group will be going to Bo and Tiama. We will return back on Thursday. I hope to blog there, but if you don't hear from us don't worry. There may or may not be internet. The rest of the group will stay at the hospital to do more with the generator if/when it arrives.
Angie wanted to let Heather know (OT that went last year) that the equipment is here. However, it needs to be converted to 220v.John has the supplies needed to do it, once we have power. Therapy department is going strong-very enthusiastic group!
Thank you again to all for your thoughts and prayers.
Angie wanted to let Heather know (OT that went last year) that the equipment is here. However, it needs to be converted to 220v.John has the supplies needed to do it, once we have power. Therapy department is going strong-very enthusiastic group!
Thank you again to all for your thoughts and prayers.
Friday, January 16, 2009
More fun from Sierra Leone
It's Friday! Lectures continue to be well received. The lunch today was much appreciated. Jeanette, Marilyn, and Kadi (nutritionist) and the team of 5 volunteers went to two villages north of Freetown to follow-up malnurished children and enroll 26 new ones. The main measurement taken is mid upper arm circumference to establish malnutrition and monitor progress. Only one bag is missing now. All personal bags have arrived! Tomorrow is a free day and we hope to go to the market and perhaps the beach. The container full of supplies and generator is still on lock down at customs. We are being well fed. Lots of rice (a bit spicy for some of us- maybe just this blogger), meat, and veggies. Jeanette misses her chocolate. Jeanette, and Angie are helping out with the blog today. We expect to move to a new hotel the 5-10 on Sunday. It is much closer to the hospital and we will not have to deal with as much crazy traffic. On most trips it takes an hour and a half to get to or from the hospital. A few people had some comments to put on.
John: I received one large bag of clothes and tools on Thursday. Second bag not received. Work is happening. All is well, Love John.
Janet: Praise God the chemistry analyzer is here! The box was battered. When we get power we will check for damage but it looks ok. I gave a lab info class to the med staff and answered many good questions.
Marchusa: I am impressed educational offerings from our group. Hospital staff is very receptive and want more. Hello cold Indy from Marchusa in 80 degree Sierra Leone.
Bob: The delight of a smile, the shake of a hand, the longing for freedom, the desire for love and the commitment of faith are what keep the Kissy people in tune with God. Each day is a challenge for the people in our team but through it all we'll overcome.
Angie and David: Trainings continue with PT/OT staff. The therapists love the toys and equipment we brought and sent over- lots of huge smiles. Thanks for the candy Heather. We are eating it every night and sharing it with the group! David did several surgeries with a portable generator provided by the surgeon.
Melissa: We are doing a lot of hands on training with parents and staff. Today Angie and I saw more children. Many of them are delayed due to malnutrition. It's a sad reality here. However, with the right help many will improve and hopefully catch up.
Thanks for all of your comments. Everyone loves to hear from their loved ones. Until next time. God Bless
John: I received one large bag of clothes and tools on Thursday. Second bag not received. Work is happening. All is well, Love John.
Janet: Praise God the chemistry analyzer is here! The box was battered. When we get power we will check for damage but it looks ok. I gave a lab info class to the med staff and answered many good questions.
Marchusa: I am impressed educational offerings from our group. Hospital staff is very receptive and want more. Hello cold Indy from Marchusa in 80 degree Sierra Leone.
Bob: The delight of a smile, the shake of a hand, the longing for freedom, the desire for love and the commitment of faith are what keep the Kissy people in tune with God. Each day is a challenge for the people in our team but through it all we'll overcome.
Angie and David: Trainings continue with PT/OT staff. The therapists love the toys and equipment we brought and sent over- lots of huge smiles. Thanks for the candy Heather. We are eating it every night and sharing it with the group! David did several surgeries with a portable generator provided by the surgeon.
Melissa: We are doing a lot of hands on training with parents and staff. Today Angie and I saw more children. Many of them are delayed due to malnutrition. It's a sad reality here. However, with the right help many will improve and hopefully catch up.
Thanks for all of your comments. Everyone loves to hear from their loved ones. Until next time. God Bless
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Still going strong
Hello again. The server has been down latley but we are now back. So here is an update. Everyone is doing well. (Angie is helping me out with the blog today). More bags have appeared, however there are still a few missing. We continue to await for the generator to get out of customs...hopefully it will arrive in the next few days. The hospital has been without power since Monday, therefore surgeries have been limited and lab tests have not been conducted. Everyone is in good spirits helping out unload the container, teaching classes, and organizing the stock room. We hear it's really cold back home. It is really warm here. Tomorrow, for those who attended the inservices this past week, lunch will be provided. We anticipate 50 on Friday and another 50 on Monday (staff included). Thank you to those of you who donated to this event! Here are some messages from members of the team.
Marchusa: I gave med-surg classes and met OR nurses. I am very excited to give my presentation.
Don: She grabbed the railing on the new ramp leading to the outpatient building. Arthritic knees moved her to the doctors. Thanks to all who made the new ramp possible so her trip was much easier.
Bob: A war torn country on a slow recovery. With our help we can achieve great things. Kissy hospital staff are hard workers with limited resources achieving greatness. It is hard to imagine a hosptial not having electrical powers for days. With our help this will be a big step in the right direction. When this happens I will tell you the rest of the story.
Janet: Training for the lab chemistry analyzer is delayed because it is still missing in transit. I am talking about test theory and equipment maintenance and helping to unload the container. We are so serving with joy.
The Whittakers: The OT/PT department is up and running and they have seen over 150 patients since October when it openend. Angie has been helping with trainings with Melissa, the OT. Looking forward to attending a school for children with disabilites on Monday. David got proposed to!! He politely declined his anesthetized patient :)
Jeanette: Tuesday was my day for lectures for staff. Stacey and I enjoyed role playing to illustrate health assessment.
Melissa: I am having a great time working with everyone here. Angie and I saw at least 25 children today in 2 hours! It was a bit crazy but fun at the same time.
Marchusa: I gave med-surg classes and met OR nurses. I am very excited to give my presentation.
Don: She grabbed the railing on the new ramp leading to the outpatient building. Arthritic knees moved her to the doctors. Thanks to all who made the new ramp possible so her trip was much easier.
Bob: A war torn country on a slow recovery. With our help we can achieve great things. Kissy hospital staff are hard workers with limited resources achieving greatness. It is hard to imagine a hosptial not having electrical powers for days. With our help this will be a big step in the right direction. When this happens I will tell you the rest of the story.
Janet: Training for the lab chemistry analyzer is delayed because it is still missing in transit. I am talking about test theory and equipment maintenance and helping to unload the container. We are so serving with joy.
The Whittakers: The OT/PT department is up and running and they have seen over 150 patients since October when it openend. Angie has been helping with trainings with Melissa, the OT. Looking forward to attending a school for children with disabilites on Monday. David got proposed to!! He politely declined his anesthetized patient :)
Jeanette: Tuesday was my day for lectures for staff. Stacey and I enjoyed role playing to illustrate health assessment.
Melissa: I am having a great time working with everyone here. Angie and I saw at least 25 children today in 2 hours! It was a bit crazy but fun at the same time.
Monday, January 12, 2009
We made it!
Hello everyone! We finally made it to our destination after an unexpected flight change from Indy and a few flight delays along the way. After arriving the airport and gathering our luggage(we have about 10 missing bags that are hopefully coming tonight/tomorrow) we took a Hovercraft to Freetown. It was quite the experience for all. We then headed for out hotel and were told we had no place to stay. This was about 12 am so we then made two more stops before finding the lovely Hill Valley Hotel. It is a great place to stay. We will be there the rest of the week. Today (Monday) we went to Kissy hospital. Some of us took a tour, others began teaching and Dave participated in two surgeries. The travel was long but the week is now starting out great. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Chritmas Letter from Kissy - 2008
EUGENE & RACHEL MUEMBO MISSIONARY NEWS Christmas 2008
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”(Luke 2:12)
As by God ‘s grace we reach the end of 2008 and celebrate Immanuel, the presence of God among us, once more we want you to know that we appreciate your support -spiritual as well as financial-to our ministry in this part of the world.
Kissy United Methodist Hospital is the field of our ministry. It is located in the poorest part of Freetown in Sierra Leone. The facility is growing not only in size but also in terms of variety or number of services it renders to the community. The then Kissy Health Center and Maternity can boast to be called today United Methodist Hospital. A new unit has been added to the ones in place: Rehabilitation unit is now operating under the direction of Steven Moinina .Steven is the physiotherapist who started the early rehabilitation exercises for Jessica after her burns accident. The unit is one of the best equipped in Freetown and is integrated to the others departments of the hospital. We thank Operation Doctors of Indiana for this precious gift.
The Kissy hospital computer class is going on. The computer lab has a new look with the computers (flat screens) it has just received from Indiana/Operation Doctor. God bless the senders. The class has been scheduled for 6 months for our staff. At the end of that period of time Rachel is going back to the medical coordinator office.
Our operating room (theatre) can receive patients for operation any time of the day. We have now a resident surgeon, Dr. Ernest Jai Santosh Benjamin.
One day we received a patient. Ibrahim is his name. He had a bowel obstruction. He needed an urgent operation. There was no relative to sign for his consent or to pay the required amount for the operation. He was first resuscitated with IV fluids then the operation was done. After days spent in the surgical ward, he was discharged. A life was saved, we praised the Almighty. But the hospital did not recover the cost of the operation neither the cost of resuscitation…If only we have a special account for patients who are unable to pay, we will be able to save many other “Ibrahim”.
The special account for needy patients could also help patients in other wards. Last time, I admitted Fatmata, a 2 years old female patient. She had fever and was very pale…She had malaria and needed transfusion. The mother was unable to pay the deposit for admission and for the blood bag. She had no even a coin with her. One of my nurses donated blood free of charge, we treated Fatmata and after a few days she was discharged. We praise the Almighty for Fermata’s life. Our capacity to treat free of charge is very small. Our finances are overstretched. But the day we will have that special account, many other Fatmata will be saved.
Doctors are now on call regularly. This is normal for any hospital. Up to recently the system was not applied to Kissy Hospital. But we need to improve the apartment which accommodates doctors on call. Light is a problem at night. A solar system can be the ideal solution. An alternative would be a small generator.
The nutrition unit is performing well. This is a needed department since the unit feeds weekly an average of 50 malnourished children. But the unit does not generate income for the hospital. We thank you for your support to this unit.
The remodeling of the outpatient is going on. We were not able to relocate our services elsewhere. We thank Indiana St Luc UMC Church for the work going on.
Our other departments are performing well, organizing workshops and keeping the outreach program on the track (Friend unit, nutrition unit…).
Dr Benjamin facilitating workshop on budget
At the last meeting of its internal management committee, the hospital has been able to draw a draft of its budget for 2009.
As you can see, Kissy Hospital is still a baby who needs your help. But the baby is growing. By God’s grace and with your help, one day the baby will walk by himself. Until then, your help is always welcome.
As for our family, we had 2 birthdays last September: Jessica turned out 18 and Dany 16. We thank the heavenly father for their lives. We took them out to celebrate…
Last Sunday I was honored at Charles Davies United Methodist Church. The congregation crowned me “Man of the year”…
Today, it is not about me, but about the baby in the manger, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. May he give you the desire of your heart and make your plans succeed. Along with Alberta, Jessica, Dany and Elisha, we wish you merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Rachel, Jessica, Alberta and Eugene
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”(Luke 2:12)
As by God ‘s grace we reach the end of 2008 and celebrate Immanuel, the presence of God among us, once more we want you to know that we appreciate your support -spiritual as well as financial-to our ministry in this part of the world.
Kissy United Methodist Hospital is the field of our ministry. It is located in the poorest part of Freetown in Sierra Leone. The facility is growing not only in size but also in terms of variety or number of services it renders to the community. The then Kissy Health Center and Maternity can boast to be called today United Methodist Hospital. A new unit has been added to the ones in place: Rehabilitation unit is now operating under the direction of Steven Moinina .Steven is the physiotherapist who started the early rehabilitation exercises for Jessica after her burns accident. The unit is one of the best equipped in Freetown and is integrated to the others departments of the hospital. We thank Operation Doctors of Indiana for this precious gift.
The Kissy hospital computer class is going on. The computer lab has a new look with the computers (flat screens) it has just received from Indiana/Operation Doctor. God bless the senders. The class has been scheduled for 6 months for our staff. At the end of that period of time Rachel is going back to the medical coordinator office.
Our operating room (theatre) can receive patients for operation any time of the day. We have now a resident surgeon, Dr. Ernest Jai Santosh Benjamin.
One day we received a patient. Ibrahim is his name. He had a bowel obstruction. He needed an urgent operation. There was no relative to sign for his consent or to pay the required amount for the operation. He was first resuscitated with IV fluids then the operation was done. After days spent in the surgical ward, he was discharged. A life was saved, we praised the Almighty. But the hospital did not recover the cost of the operation neither the cost of resuscitation…If only we have a special account for patients who are unable to pay, we will be able to save many other “Ibrahim”.
The special account for needy patients could also help patients in other wards. Last time, I admitted Fatmata, a 2 years old female patient. She had fever and was very pale…She had malaria and needed transfusion. The mother was unable to pay the deposit for admission and for the blood bag. She had no even a coin with her. One of my nurses donated blood free of charge, we treated Fatmata and after a few days she was discharged. We praise the Almighty for Fermata’s life. Our capacity to treat free of charge is very small. Our finances are overstretched. But the day we will have that special account, many other Fatmata will be saved.
Doctors are now on call regularly. This is normal for any hospital. Up to recently the system was not applied to Kissy Hospital. But we need to improve the apartment which accommodates doctors on call. Light is a problem at night. A solar system can be the ideal solution. An alternative would be a small generator.
The nutrition unit is performing well. This is a needed department since the unit feeds weekly an average of 50 malnourished children. But the unit does not generate income for the hospital. We thank you for your support to this unit.
The remodeling of the outpatient is going on. We were not able to relocate our services elsewhere. We thank Indiana St Luc UMC Church for the work going on.
Our other departments are performing well, organizing workshops and keeping the outreach program on the track (Friend unit, nutrition unit…).
Dr Benjamin facilitating workshop on budget
At the last meeting of its internal management committee, the hospital has been able to draw a draft of its budget for 2009.
As you can see, Kissy Hospital is still a baby who needs your help. But the baby is growing. By God’s grace and with your help, one day the baby will walk by himself. Until then, your help is always welcome.
As for our family, we had 2 birthdays last September: Jessica turned out 18 and Dany 16. We thank the heavenly father for their lives. We took them out to celebrate…
Last Sunday I was honored at Charles Davies United Methodist Church. The congregation crowned me “Man of the year”…
Today, it is not about me, but about the baby in the manger, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. May he give you the desire of your heart and make your plans succeed. Along with Alberta, Jessica, Dany and Elisha, we wish you merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Rachel, Jessica, Alberta and Eugene
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Back Home Again in Indiana
We spent Friday and Saturday at Two Rivers, a resort on a beach close to 1 1/2 hours along a bumpy road from Freetown. This "resort" had the most wonderful sandy beach with brightly colored umbrellas, chairs, and tables lined up along the shoreline. There were shade trees with groupings of patio chairs and the grounds were neatly kept. Colorful cottages faced the water, each providing a bed and bath. Our bathrooms were always "lacking" along our trip - lacking water, toilet seats, soap, toilet tissue, and sinks, toilets or showers that did not operate. The accommodations may have not been the best, but the view, refreshing ocean water, and food was excellent. A small village had made this their money making project, their means of survival. They provided security and even had shops with crafts and outfits made by the villagers. Boating excersions were also available. This was an endeavor we hoped would succeed. It just needed a paved road.
Early Sunday morning we dressed in the dark, with no water in some rooms and no mirrors (!) and went back to Freetown to worship at Bishop Baugman Memorial UMC. Our own Rev. Dr. Don Griffith was in the pulpit and the service was only 2 1/2 hours long! No, Don kept his sermon short.
Joe and Carolyn Wagner and Soffa, the Operation Classroom coordinator in Sierra Leone joined us for lunch at the Atlantic Bar & Restaurant on Lumley Beach. It started to rain as we ate - but just enough to settle the dirt.
We climbed aboard the ferry Sunday afternoon and made our way back to the airport in Lungi, across the bay. Our flight was to be early Monday morning so we had a somber dinner at the airport hotel and were ready to go at 3:15 a.m. Goodbye to Abu and Samuel, two very wonderful men that proved to be invaluable to us in so many ways.
Our trip back to the US was without incident. We applauded as we touched down at the JFK Airport in NY. As we said our farewells to each other back home in Indy we wondered if we would see each other again, or if we would do such a wild adventure like that again... sign me up!
Thank you for your continued prayers. We felt God's presence in all we encountered. Please keep these wonderful people of Sierra Leone in your prayers.
Early Sunday morning we dressed in the dark, with no water in some rooms and no mirrors (!) and went back to Freetown to worship at Bishop Baugman Memorial UMC. Our own Rev. Dr. Don Griffith was in the pulpit and the service was only 2 1/2 hours long! No, Don kept his sermon short.
Joe and Carolyn Wagner and Soffa, the Operation Classroom coordinator in Sierra Leone joined us for lunch at the Atlantic Bar & Restaurant on Lumley Beach. It started to rain as we ate - but just enough to settle the dirt.
We climbed aboard the ferry Sunday afternoon and made our way back to the airport in Lungi, across the bay. Our flight was to be early Monday morning so we had a somber dinner at the airport hotel and were ready to go at 3:15 a.m. Goodbye to Abu and Samuel, two very wonderful men that proved to be invaluable to us in so many ways.
Our trip back to the US was without incident. We applauded as we touched down at the JFK Airport in NY. As we said our farewells to each other back home in Indy we wondered if we would see each other again, or if we would do such a wild adventure like that again... sign me up!
Thank you for your continued prayers. We felt God's presence in all we encountered. Please keep these wonderful people of Sierra Leone in your prayers.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Our Final Days
Our service time here is drawing to a close. As we look back over the last 2 weeks of heat, dirt, mosquito netting, and throngs of people just packed together on the streets, we realize we have loved our time here. There were rough moments, but we wouldn't trade this experience for anything. We are looking forward to going back to cold weather, traffic and pot-holes, and McDonald's. Thank you for your prayers. They are being answered and will continue to be answered as each team brings hope to this wonderful country.
Pray for our safe return home,
Bev
Pray for our safe return home,
Bev
Elaine's Last Words
Over bumpy roads and through the dust back to Freetown we go. The time at Bo and Tiama was very good. I enjoyed working with the medical team. Many people were treated for malaria, worms, dyssentary, and many other diseases. There were many babies who were dehydrated. We did what we could. I am looking forward to green salads, milk and orange juice at home.
Vickie's Notes
Friday -
Dear Friends,
Continuing on our journey. The Leone team is leaving the Bo - Tiama area. We will return to Kissy then on to Two Rivers, north of Freetown. We praise God for our safe travels and for all that we are leaving behind: excellent health care, compassionate hugs - handshakes, school books & supplies, toys, fabric - patterns - notions, a good assortment of tools, much-needed education, knowledge shared and many new friends who we pray will continue to rebuild hope in Sierra Leone.
Joy and peace,
Vickie
Dear Ones,
3 more sleeps! My heart will be happy to hug each of you! Always remember how very much I love you! Vickie XXOO
Dear Friends,
Continuing on our journey. The Leone team is leaving the Bo - Tiama area. We will return to Kissy then on to Two Rivers, north of Freetown. We praise God for our safe travels and for all that we are leaving behind: excellent health care, compassionate hugs - handshakes, school books & supplies, toys, fabric - patterns - notions, a good assortment of tools, much-needed education, knowledge shared and many new friends who we pray will continue to rebuild hope in Sierra Leone.
Joy and peace,
Vickie
Dear Ones,
3 more sleeps! My heart will be happy to hug each of you! Always remember how very much I love you! Vickie XXOO
Janet's Latest
Surprising to me, there is a lab-to-be in the works at Tiama Clinic, so I spent Thursday there with Jonathan setting up a brand new microscope and talking "Lab." I spent Wednesday in Bo, at their new and well-run hospital lab.
The Tiama Clinic was visited Thursday by an American colonel and an attache' from our embassy and also by the director of CHASL (Christian Health Assn. of Sierra Leone) who coordinates 40 clinics nationwide. Both listened intently to the list of lab needs.
Janet still misses Jim!
The Tiama Clinic was visited Thursday by an American colonel and an attache' from our embassy and also by the director of CHASL (Christian Health Assn. of Sierra Leone) who coordinates 40 clinics nationwide. Both listened intently to the list of lab needs.
Janet still misses Jim!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
