Please continue to pray for the Kenyan election as the ballots are yet to be counted. I am leaving Ethiopia tomorrow en-route back towards the states.
Here in Ethiopia I am leaving many new connections and opportunities for further partnership. It was an ordained time to have spent with people who love God and have a heart for communicating that to His children. I have appreciated the time to witness and be part of many interesting and unique African ministries.
I will be doing some reflection (and sleeping) on the flights home. I plan on giving as many updates as possible where internet access can be found.
I look forward to reconnecting with many of you in the near future. Please stay tuned for prayers as next week is probably the most unique sending process one could ask for (the Residency Match). This time I will find out what kind of doctor and where I will be training. An exciting time is in store!
Thank you all for your continued support.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Lots to cover
Saying goodbyes is always difficult for me. I have a tendency to become attached. My time at Tenwek was fruitful, learning lots about myself and orthopaedics in the developing (but not 3rd) world.
One of my favorite interactions was with a patient that was in a serious accident (many fractures and polytrauma). He was seen at an outside facility before being transferred to Tenwek. At Tenwek I was his first contact with our orthopaedic team and I put a traction pin in his leg in the Emergency Room. Not quite the most fun thing for a patient who is mildly sedated yet still in excruciating pain to have a rod put through their bone with a Dewalt drill (sterile technique). I was pretty sure he hated me.
After the stabilization of his pelvis during the first major operating room procedure, he became quite interactive with the team, smiling and joking at every interaction. His excitement to stand up with two broken legs, yet to be fixed, made the staff and I wonder if he was 100% with us mentally, but that turned out to just be his nature.
The next day one of his family members gave him a mirror. This was quite an event. His face was marred, yet not destroyed; his ear was bulging with a hematoma which was likely infected from the first hospital's repair with incorrect sutures; and some of the scabs were now coming off showing unpigmented skin. He had many questions that I could reassure we would fix the issues upon his last surgery.
I got to be part of the OR team for his remaining fracture fixation as well as ear repair. The surgery went well.
The recovery days following I started to see even more of a friendship develop. The day before he discharged he gave me the most genuine of compliments. "You treated me as if I were your own father." I didn't know that orthopaedics would induce me to tear on rounds.
He was a believer before, but his ability to translate let him be a point person for many others care while they were on the ward together, I know having an impact in each of their lives. He was truly grateful that God provided his healthcare.
Interactions like this one is the reason medical missions makes sense. Life changing interactions on both sides of the white coat.
I feel like every patient is a VIP in a mission hospital. Since we are all God's creation, I find there should be minimal distinction except medical/surgical emergent need. Scripture is very clear in James 2 that we are to not treat people differently if they are wearing jewelery or fancy clothes, lest we are making a worldly judgement. Treating everyone with this high level of priority is exhausting. There great strength provided to bridge this gap.
God provided some awesome opportunities to connect with those who have been doing international missions for most of their life. I interviewed for both Orthopaedics and General surgery programs. Prior to my trip I was unsure what "God's will" was in this choice. All my education and life experience to this pointed towards orthopaedics, however there are many places general surgeons can serve where orthopaedics is too specialized. It is very reassuring that when a general surgeon who has done orthopaedics for 12 years says, "If I could go back again I would do orthopaedics". This sealed my ranking of programs.
I love followup. I was able to see churches thriving ministering to Muslims, street children being rehabilitated, and clinics in the poorest areas providing high quality healthcare that was once only a prayer.
I left behind all of this, praying for a peaceful election(tomorrow 3/4/13) in Kenya, to enter a new land to me. Ethiopia, is rich with tradition of its own. They are very proud to be the only African country to never be colonized (however they were occupied by Italy for 5 years). From the first moment there is a distinction from Kenya in this place. The people are unique. The injera(napkin bread) is full of aroma. Addis Ababa is under construction. It is like Kenya meets Egypt, which makes sense geographically, with a distinction in Amharic language to confuse any fringi(white foreigner). Faiths here are Orthodox, Protestant, Catholic and Muslim. The government is trying to be independent, but accepts assistance from almost anywhere.
What have I been doing in Ethiopia? I have helped American missionaries working at a Korean hospital, visited empowerment projects, observed clinics that are in need of short term assistance and done my best to encourage the difficult work. Staying on the college campus has been nice to continually be connected with the students that my friend, Holly Garrett, has in class.
Playing sports is universally enjoyable. I have had opportunities in both countries to use volleyball, or wallyball, to build relationships. Many of the things that tie us together can be used for God's glory. The one request from the street boys in Ethiopia was for some time to play football(soccer). It could be a very powerful motivator for behavioral change. There are many groups doing missions with sports including two cool missionaries that stay here on this campus.
All of these experiences are building a network for the future of the Kingdom. It has been a very blessed time of preparation.
Last night I was writing by candlelight when the power came back on around 8:15pm (12:15pm est). The connection was spotty, but I got to watch my Louisville Cardinals defeat the Orange. I'm excited for March Madness. Go CARDS!
One of my favorite interactions was with a patient that was in a serious accident (many fractures and polytrauma). He was seen at an outside facility before being transferred to Tenwek. At Tenwek I was his first contact with our orthopaedic team and I put a traction pin in his leg in the Emergency Room. Not quite the most fun thing for a patient who is mildly sedated yet still in excruciating pain to have a rod put through their bone with a Dewalt drill (sterile technique). I was pretty sure he hated me.
After the stabilization of his pelvis during the first major operating room procedure, he became quite interactive with the team, smiling and joking at every interaction. His excitement to stand up with two broken legs, yet to be fixed, made the staff and I wonder if he was 100% with us mentally, but that turned out to just be his nature.
The next day one of his family members gave him a mirror. This was quite an event. His face was marred, yet not destroyed; his ear was bulging with a hematoma which was likely infected from the first hospital's repair with incorrect sutures; and some of the scabs were now coming off showing unpigmented skin. He had many questions that I could reassure we would fix the issues upon his last surgery.
I got to be part of the OR team for his remaining fracture fixation as well as ear repair. The surgery went well.
The recovery days following I started to see even more of a friendship develop. The day before he discharged he gave me the most genuine of compliments. "You treated me as if I were your own father." I didn't know that orthopaedics would induce me to tear on rounds.
He was a believer before, but his ability to translate let him be a point person for many others care while they were on the ward together, I know having an impact in each of their lives. He was truly grateful that God provided his healthcare.
Interactions like this one is the reason medical missions makes sense. Life changing interactions on both sides of the white coat.
I feel like every patient is a VIP in a mission hospital. Since we are all God's creation, I find there should be minimal distinction except medical/surgical emergent need. Scripture is very clear in James 2 that we are to not treat people differently if they are wearing jewelery or fancy clothes, lest we are making a worldly judgement. Treating everyone with this high level of priority is exhausting. There great strength provided to bridge this gap.
God provided some awesome opportunities to connect with those who have been doing international missions for most of their life. I interviewed for both Orthopaedics and General surgery programs. Prior to my trip I was unsure what "God's will" was in this choice. All my education and life experience to this pointed towards orthopaedics, however there are many places general surgeons can serve where orthopaedics is too specialized. It is very reassuring that when a general surgeon who has done orthopaedics for 12 years says, "If I could go back again I would do orthopaedics". This sealed my ranking of programs.
I love followup. I was able to see churches thriving ministering to Muslims, street children being rehabilitated, and clinics in the poorest areas providing high quality healthcare that was once only a prayer.
I left behind all of this, praying for a peaceful election(tomorrow 3/4/13) in Kenya, to enter a new land to me. Ethiopia, is rich with tradition of its own. They are very proud to be the only African country to never be colonized (however they were occupied by Italy for 5 years). From the first moment there is a distinction from Kenya in this place. The people are unique. The injera(napkin bread) is full of aroma. Addis Ababa is under construction. It is like Kenya meets Egypt, which makes sense geographically, with a distinction in Amharic language to confuse any fringi(white foreigner). Faiths here are Orthodox, Protestant, Catholic and Muslim. The government is trying to be independent, but accepts assistance from almost anywhere.
What have I been doing in Ethiopia? I have helped American missionaries working at a Korean hospital, visited empowerment projects, observed clinics that are in need of short term assistance and done my best to encourage the difficult work. Staying on the college campus has been nice to continually be connected with the students that my friend, Holly Garrett, has in class.
Playing sports is universally enjoyable. I have had opportunities in both countries to use volleyball, or wallyball, to build relationships. Many of the things that tie us together can be used for God's glory. The one request from the street boys in Ethiopia was for some time to play football(soccer). It could be a very powerful motivator for behavioral change. There are many groups doing missions with sports including two cool missionaries that stay here on this campus.
All of these experiences are building a network for the future of the Kingdom. It has been a very blessed time of preparation.
Last night I was writing by candlelight when the power came back on around 8:15pm (12:15pm est). The connection was spotty, but I got to watch my Louisville Cardinals defeat the Orange. I'm excited for March Madness. Go CARDS!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Sunday Treat
I was able to visit a friend's church, eat lunch with the family and take lots of pictures in the process.
Getting back to the guesthouse I had some responsibilities to take care of. Now being a longstanding resident, I have been giving hospital tours. A really awesome family from Tennessee have came with two small kids, and finally another medical student has arrived!
The most exciting part of my day was facetiming with Mt. Olivet Church in Williamstown. God is doing some amazing things in a really active part of the body of Christ. The love and support they/you provide is capable of sustaining the tough challenges of doing medical missions.
Its time to start another week. I'm praying for remarkable outcomes in all of our lives because we have trust in the Lord almighty.
Getting back to the guesthouse I had some responsibilities to take care of. Now being a longstanding resident, I have been giving hospital tours. A really awesome family from Tennessee have came with two small kids, and finally another medical student has arrived!
The most exciting part of my day was facetiming with Mt. Olivet Church in Williamstown. God is doing some amazing things in a really active part of the body of Christ. The love and support they/you provide is capable of sustaining the tough challenges of doing medical missions.
Its time to start another week. I'm praying for remarkable outcomes in all of our lives because we have trust in the Lord almighty.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Long Overdue....
So surgery at Tenwek is going well. The orthopaedic team is very busy, often having over 40 patients on our service with 10-15 or so needing a non-elective surgery at any given time. I have worked hard.
Today was very restful. I woke and talked to a very nice lady who with her husband was helping in a village for 6 months when she was handed a 15 month old that weighed less than 5 pounds. For the short story she started taking care of the child that a grandmother couldn't raise and her twin sister was also brought for IV fluids and food. She has 100% family approval for adoption with a commitment to raise the children as dual citizens, but is still fighting a custody battle with the Kenyan government adoption program. Her husband and other children have been in the states and have been divided off and on for the last 1 year with another 6 months+ to go. Please pray for this family. The girls are adorable and doing well.
I have had really a dose of what residency could be like. Lots of logistics in managing patients, helping make decisions on care for patients, changing dressings, updating medications, teaching patients and helpers on how to take medicines, participating in surgeries, holding reductions, casting fractures at 2:30 am, answering questions about homeopathic herbal remedies, scrubbing legs, sewing up ears, and getting questioned by American chief residents.
I love it.
Last weekend I went to Kisumu and saw people from my trip in 2009. It was such a blessing to surprise Mary(she has her son with her now) and Ephantus(the new program director, Oke is back in Nairobi and has a second child), and ride along with Jakes (who is much more confident in his English). So many great things are happening there. 17 children are off the streets and no longer snorting glue, 19 churches are involved up from 5 before, a new rural location is added, a medical clinic is supporting the healthcare needs of the many people involved in this growing empowerment movement, and many widowed ladies are now able to provide for their children. The impressionable elderly lady that proposed to me 4 years ago is doing well and still leading her church in giving and service while raising many of her grandchildren. The focuses are shifting towards vastly expanding the work to prevent children from getting to the streets by using their church family as a network of support. God has blessed this ministry immensely.
Many of us on the orthopaedic team (including two attendings, a short and long term) are leaving this week. Please pray we are able to help as many people as possible and that Lord would use the work to glorify His name. Pray that the census would reduce so that those left will not be overwhelmed.
God continues to bless me with great mentors and conversations about what faith journeys look like when you surrender your own wants and desires. I am thankful for the time to tangibly be molded during this crucial transition point in my life. He has also given me many people to encourage out of the abundance He blessed me with.
Check back. More to come tomorrow!
Today was very restful. I woke and talked to a very nice lady who with her husband was helping in a village for 6 months when she was handed a 15 month old that weighed less than 5 pounds. For the short story she started taking care of the child that a grandmother couldn't raise and her twin sister was also brought for IV fluids and food. She has 100% family approval for adoption with a commitment to raise the children as dual citizens, but is still fighting a custody battle with the Kenyan government adoption program. Her husband and other children have been in the states and have been divided off and on for the last 1 year with another 6 months+ to go. Please pray for this family. The girls are adorable and doing well.
I have had really a dose of what residency could be like. Lots of logistics in managing patients, helping make decisions on care for patients, changing dressings, updating medications, teaching patients and helpers on how to take medicines, participating in surgeries, holding reductions, casting fractures at 2:30 am, answering questions about homeopathic herbal remedies, scrubbing legs, sewing up ears, and getting questioned by American chief residents.
I love it.
Last weekend I went to Kisumu and saw people from my trip in 2009. It was such a blessing to surprise Mary(she has her son with her now) and Ephantus(the new program director, Oke is back in Nairobi and has a second child), and ride along with Jakes (who is much more confident in his English). So many great things are happening there. 17 children are off the streets and no longer snorting glue, 19 churches are involved up from 5 before, a new rural location is added, a medical clinic is supporting the healthcare needs of the many people involved in this growing empowerment movement, and many widowed ladies are now able to provide for their children. The impressionable elderly lady that proposed to me 4 years ago is doing well and still leading her church in giving and service while raising many of her grandchildren. The focuses are shifting towards vastly expanding the work to prevent children from getting to the streets by using their church family as a network of support. God has blessed this ministry immensely.
Many of us on the orthopaedic team (including two attendings, a short and long term) are leaving this week. Please pray we are able to help as many people as possible and that Lord would use the work to glorify His name. Pray that the census would reduce so that those left will not be overwhelmed.
God continues to bless me with great mentors and conversations about what faith journeys look like when you surrender your own wants and desires. I am thankful for the time to tangibly be molded during this crucial transition point in my life. He has also given me many people to encourage out of the abundance He blessed me with.
Check back. More to come tomorrow!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
The Greatest Entitlement
I have seen a patient in Kenya struggle with some of the same hard times many Americans face daily. Getting assistance from the government or other organization is really appealing. Kenyan social services are not nearly as generous as ours. These were some of my patient's thoughts:
-Someone else has it "more fair" because the system helps them.
-If I could just get help with not having to pay my taxes then I would have more money for...
-I am a victim of my situations
Longing for these things rob us of our joy, hope and trust that God alone can provide for our needs. Here is how I think Christians can radically look at the situation differently.
-God has me in this situation with a purpose.
-How can I give abundantly out of the struggles God has helped me overcome.
-I am empowered by my Savior to bring light in a dark situation.
Let's trade worldly traps of dependence on aid for eternal entitlement. Salvation through Jesus Christ is the most sustainable life-giving program ever created, we all should desire it more than any provision on the earth.
-Someone else has it "more fair" because the system helps them.
-If I could just get help with not having to pay my taxes then I would have more money for...
-I am a victim of my situations
Longing for these things rob us of our joy, hope and trust that God alone can provide for our needs. Here is how I think Christians can radically look at the situation differently.
-God has me in this situation with a purpose.
-How can I give abundantly out of the struggles God has helped me overcome.
-I am empowered by my Savior to bring light in a dark situation.
Let's trade worldly traps of dependence on aid for eternal entitlement. Salvation through Jesus Christ is the most sustainable life-giving program ever created, we all should desire it more than any provision on the earth.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Church
I went to the missionaries church today. It was very nice, but not as charismatic as most African churches. However, a 5 year old boy was playing the drums very well (and I am told he has been doing so for about 3 years!).
I took a walk down to the hydroelectric generation plant situated on a 75 foot waterfall. God's provision is incredible.
It was great to see a lot of your faces on facetime. Technology makes the world feel very small.
We are gearing up for another busy week, please pray for continued rest and health, giving thanks for the gifts that have come thus far.
I took a walk down to the hydroelectric generation plant situated on a 75 foot waterfall. God's provision is incredible.
It was great to see a lot of your faces on facetime. Technology makes the world feel very small.
We are gearing up for another busy week, please pray for continued rest and health, giving thanks for the gifts that have come thus far.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Kiddos in Spica Casts
So today was restful. I woke and rounded, later than on weekdays, and was left with a task. A family was promised to go home by today, but on a busy service, promises are often forgotten in the medical community. Doctors rely on comfort levels when making judgement calls like discharge dates. I had remembered an earlier conversation with this dad that had indicated he needed to be home soon, and his son was indeed ready to go minus some casting that we needed to do. Cast technicians work M-F like in the states. After reminding the surgeon of his promise, he told me we would walk over and try to find someone to cast (something that would never happen in the States). God provided a willing person with the time and resources and I was charged by the doctor to help put this cast on.
Please pray for this boy. He has an infection in his bones, it could cause him to loose walking function for the rest of his life if it does not clear. He has had surgery to remove what was bad that could be seen and he is on antibiotics to help clear the blood. Our team treated, but only Jesus, the great physician, can heal. We protected his leg with a cast for the treatment process to be facilitated.
So the patients leg is protected and he is home in his bed tonight. I thank God for the small part that I was able to play in today's adventure.
Ps: Cute kids get even cuter with whole body casts.
Please pray for this boy. He has an infection in his bones, it could cause him to loose walking function for the rest of his life if it does not clear. He has had surgery to remove what was bad that could be seen and he is on antibiotics to help clear the blood. Our team treated, but only Jesus, the great physician, can heal. We protected his leg with a cast for the treatment process to be facilitated.
So the patients leg is protected and he is home in his bed tonight. I thank God for the small part that I was able to play in today's adventure.
Ps: Cute kids get even cuter with whole body casts.
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