We arrived safely in Conakry this evening after 20 hrs of driving over the last two days. The rains are beginning to wash away sections of the roadways, and smaller bridges will be washed away soon if the rains continue. God kept us safe and it appears our timing for return was rather crucial. There is more political unrest brewing as well which will most likely resolve once Ramadan is over and the rains subside.
The plans are to catch up on sleep tonight and relax tomorrow prior to flying out around 10pm for Paris, Atlanta, and then Portland, hoping to arrive around 7:30pm on Wednesday evening. We are ready to see friends and family again, but will miss Guinea, and our friends here.
Thanks for all of your prayers. It will be fun to see you again.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
Singing and Cutting in the Jungle
My apologies for skipping a day from blogging, however, when 10pm came last pm, I was flat out done. Wednesday night ended around midnight with me scrambling to find ortho supplies for the next day. Thursday saw four cases completed, including a four hour femur repair in a young man who is a believer. He had been struck on Sunday by a motorcycle that resulted in a displaced femur fracture just below his hip joint. God was gracious guiding our hands and minds and allowing for appropriate improvisation, that resulted in a fairly good repair, though I have nothing to compare this to...
Today was intended to be a mellow clinic day with early departure time, however, an 18 year old boy arrived with a terrible burn from one week ago involving a gasoline explosion. His family had tried village medicine which involved smearing the burns with grease and mud. He arrived in terrific pain with badly infEcted wounds and severely dehydrated. After giving him several liters of IV fluids, we took him to the OR, after seeing 12 patients in clinic. Three hours later we had cleaned his wounds and stripped away the dead skin and tissue. I had intended to get through this stay without tears in the OR, but halfway through the case, I suddenly pondered the magnitude and primal nature of this case and this boy's future, and felt the tears begin to well up in my eyes. Forcing the tears back I happened to look across the table from me and see the nurse who had offered to help me, and noticed he also had tears in his eyes. I stopped, put my hand on his hand and told him that God would be with this boy, and we stopped and said a short prayer. This seemed to energize both of us, and we completed the case efficiently. We had been playing music from my iPod on the Bose system in the OR the last few days, which has been a great hit. Just after we had completed the case, " Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin began to play, which we all agreed was a fitting ending.
The inpatient ward is full again. Most are improving, and others will improve with the Lord's help. My tour here is done except for rounds tomorrow morning. We leave early Sunday morning for the two day trek to Conakry, and then fly home Tuesday night. The guys and I all agree the trip has passed quickly, and that we will all return as different men. Many friendships have been formed, and others strengthened. God has been observed in many ways, and his power and grace evident in the lives of many.
Thank you all for your kind notes and prayers. We cannot truly express the timeliness of many of your responses. Hope Clinic is a good place to serve, and I hope that in the future we may be able to put together teams to serve both in the areas of medicine and future building projects as they hope to double the amount of inpatient rooms in the near future. We look forward to returning and catching up with many of you, to share pictures, stories, and what God has done.
Today was intended to be a mellow clinic day with early departure time, however, an 18 year old boy arrived with a terrible burn from one week ago involving a gasoline explosion. His family had tried village medicine which involved smearing the burns with grease and mud. He arrived in terrific pain with badly infEcted wounds and severely dehydrated. After giving him several liters of IV fluids, we took him to the OR, after seeing 12 patients in clinic. Three hours later we had cleaned his wounds and stripped away the dead skin and tissue. I had intended to get through this stay without tears in the OR, but halfway through the case, I suddenly pondered the magnitude and primal nature of this case and this boy's future, and felt the tears begin to well up in my eyes. Forcing the tears back I happened to look across the table from me and see the nurse who had offered to help me, and noticed he also had tears in his eyes. I stopped, put my hand on his hand and told him that God would be with this boy, and we stopped and said a short prayer. This seemed to energize both of us, and we completed the case efficiently. We had been playing music from my iPod on the Bose system in the OR the last few days, which has been a great hit. Just after we had completed the case, " Indescribable" by Chris Tomlin began to play, which we all agreed was a fitting ending.
The inpatient ward is full again. Most are improving, and others will improve with the Lord's help. My tour here is done except for rounds tomorrow morning. We leave early Sunday morning for the two day trek to Conakry, and then fly home Tuesday night. The guys and I all agree the trip has passed quickly, and that we will all return as different men. Many friendships have been formed, and others strengthened. God has been observed in many ways, and his power and grace evident in the lives of many.
Thank you all for your kind notes and prayers. We cannot truly express the timeliness of many of your responses. Hope Clinic is a good place to serve, and I hope that in the future we may be able to put together teams to serve both in the areas of medicine and future building projects as they hope to double the amount of inpatient rooms in the near future. We look forward to returning and catching up with many of you, to share pictures, stories, and what God has done.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Real Surgery in the Heart of West Africa
A young man who has been unable to eat for 5 months without vomiting,and lost25 pounds, presented to the clinic early last week, and was scheduled for abdominal exploration at the end of last week. However, he did not show on his scheduled day, and instead appeared yesterday, hoping to receive the operation this week. We explored his abdomen this am and found an obstructing stomach ulcer that was eroding into his pancreas(in layman's terms-- a real mess). Three hours later we had removed the bottom third of his stomach and reconnected his stomach to the small intestine, without damage to his other organs. This man will need prayer for healing in his malnourished state, so as to avoid the disastrous complications that could occur after such an operation. I greatly enjoyed this challenge, finally getting to undertake an operation for which I had received training, but regret that we are leaving soon, and thus this man and several others as well. I also regret that Dr. Jean was unable to join me for this case, as had been planned last week, but Jairus has already called him to tell him what he has missed!
Con spent most of the day with me in the OR, which was helpful when I needed something quickly, and I was able to ask for it in English. He also spent some time cleaning up the suture shelf, which was in bad need of a makeover. Kel enjoyed some time away from work, and spent most of the day hanging out with the kids on the clinic grounds. We enjoyed dinner in N'Zerekore at a nice restaurant by the light of my headlight, as the electricity was off and their generator was not functioning.
Tomorrow will see three small cases and a femur fracture repair-- ring a bell with anybody? We just can't seem to come and get through a short stay without posing as orthopedic surgeons! Would appreciate your prayers as we head towards a busy day that may see some uncharted waters. Thanks for all of your kind notes and prayers.
Con spent most of the day with me in the OR, which was helpful when I needed something quickly, and I was able to ask for it in English. He also spent some time cleaning up the suture shelf, which was in bad need of a makeover. Kel enjoyed some time away from work, and spent most of the day hanging out with the kids on the clinic grounds. We enjoyed dinner in N'Zerekore at a nice restaurant by the light of my headlight, as the electricity was off and their generator was not functioning.
Tomorrow will see three small cases and a femur fracture repair-- ring a bell with anybody? We just can't seem to come and get through a short stay without posing as orthopedic surgeons! Would appreciate your prayers as we head towards a busy day that may see some uncharted waters. Thanks for all of your kind notes and prayers.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Hope and Hopelessness
Today was definitely a roller coaster of emotions here at Hope. We had a productive and safe day in the OR, though Kel is fairly certain he could have completed the hysterectomy in half of the time it took me to accomplish it. Jairus believes that I should take the day off tomorrow and allow Kel to run the OR. Should be a great day...
I met another lady today who appeared to be quite ill, and it became clear to me after her evaluation that she had very advanced cervical cancer, and surgery would not afford her a cure from her disease. We prayed with her and her daughter, and then they both left, weeping softly. Arriving upon terminal diagnoses, is a new facet of this particular trip. It is quite uncomfortable for me personally, to not be able to offer alternative therapies for cancer, let alone provide palliative care for truly hopeless cases. At times, simple prayers for these people who are actively dying, seem rather futile. We pray to a God they do not know, sometimes in a language they do not comprehend, but we must trust that He holds them in His hands, and His will is going to be accomplished. I cannot imagine the empty, hopeless emotions these folks experience as they leave the clinic knowing their future is short. It also makes me wonder why we as Americans decide we will not take advantage of screening programs and preventative ...
The cool weather continues, and only light rain today, with afternoon sunshine. We didn't think we would return home and suffer from the heat. You all are missed and appreciated.
I met another lady today who appeared to be quite ill, and it became clear to me after her evaluation that she had very advanced cervical cancer, and surgery would not afford her a cure from her disease. We prayed with her and her daughter, and then they both left, weeping softly. Arriving upon terminal diagnoses, is a new facet of this particular trip. It is quite uncomfortable for me personally, to not be able to offer alternative therapies for cancer, let alone provide palliative care for truly hopeless cases. At times, simple prayers for these people who are actively dying, seem rather futile. We pray to a God they do not know, sometimes in a language they do not comprehend, but we must trust that He holds them in His hands, and His will is going to be accomplished. I cannot imagine the empty, hopeless emotions these folks experience as they leave the clinic knowing their future is short. It also makes me wonder why we as Americans decide we will not take advantage of screening programs and preventative ...
The cool weather continues, and only light rain today, with afternoon sunshine. We didn't think we would return home and suffer from the heat. You all are missed and appreciated.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Swimming the Backstroke to Work
We awoke to an overcast morning and a light mist that followed a persistent downpour that dominated most of the night. I believe I might have made it across the clinic grounds more efficiently this morning if I had donned my flippers and snorkel! We are amazed at the volume of rain we have received during our short stay here, especially while reading of the drought that has crippled much of the States this summer. Somehow, patients still found a way to maneuver over the slippery, muddy roadways to seek care for many maladies.
The guys finished their remodeling project in the warehouse as well as the inventory process that was required. They then helped the Bohimbos recover from the weekend wedding by transporting mattresses and other furniture from the village back to its original point of origin. The sun did appear this afternoon, which lent it self to 90 minutes of sand volleyball-- a great way to blow off some steam after a long work day.
The clinic was busy, with a few new patients, that has resulted in a rather robust OR schedule for this week. Believe it or not, all three cases for tomorrow are general surgery in nature, and all three patients arrived today in preparation for tomorrow. Sadly I met a young woman today with a 16 mth old son who we diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer, for which we could offer no curative measures. We prayed with her and her brother, and he assured us he would do his best to get her to Conakry for a chemotherapy consult. Another young woman, who had been in another hospital for three weeks with a terrible infection, arrived today in early septic shock with an abscess of her scalp that encompassed the entire left side of her skull. We were able to drain the infection in the OR, and are praying that she will survive the night, and make a full recovery. We sent many patients home this am, but will have a full inpatient census by the end of the week.
We will appreciate your prayers this week as schedules become busier. We hope not to lose sight of the opportunity to build upon relationships that have been established. We hope all of you are somewhere cool tonight and appreciate your kind words and support.
The guys finished their remodeling project in the warehouse as well as the inventory process that was required. They then helped the Bohimbos recover from the weekend wedding by transporting mattresses and other furniture from the village back to its original point of origin. The sun did appear this afternoon, which lent it self to 90 minutes of sand volleyball-- a great way to blow off some steam after a long work day.
The clinic was busy, with a few new patients, that has resulted in a rather robust OR schedule for this week. Believe it or not, all three cases for tomorrow are general surgery in nature, and all three patients arrived today in preparation for tomorrow. Sadly I met a young woman today with a 16 mth old son who we diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer, for which we could offer no curative measures. We prayed with her and her brother, and he assured us he would do his best to get her to Conakry for a chemotherapy consult. Another young woman, who had been in another hospital for three weeks with a terrible infection, arrived today in early septic shock with an abscess of her scalp that encompassed the entire left side of her skull. We were able to drain the infection in the OR, and are praying that she will survive the night, and make a full recovery. We sent many patients home this am, but will have a full inpatient census by the end of the week.
We will appreciate your prayers this week as schedules become busier. We hope not to lose sight of the opportunity to build upon relationships that have been established. We hope all of you are somewhere cool tonight and appreciate your kind words and support.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
A Subdued Sunday
We awoke to a steady rain this morning and enjoyed intermittent showers all day. After completing morning rounds, we made breakfast and ate and relaxed until 10:30. We went to church in the village and enjoyed the children's choir. The same pastor we heard last Sunday in N'Zerekore spoke in N'Zao and focused on sanctification. He did a masterful job of utilizing the Old and New Testament scriptures and delivered a sermon most Americans need to hear. Of course it was delivered enthusiastically and with great passion. We headed back to the clinic grounds for lunch and then relaxed for a few hours catching up on Emails and other correspondence. Promptly at 4pm, sand volleyball kicked into full swing and went on for a couple of hours. We enjoyed dinner at Dr. Simeon's home and were treated to several authentic African dishes. We returned to the Albright's and viewed a tape delayed version of the women's all around gymnastics competition and were pleased to see the outcome. We have missed viewing the Olympics regularly, though consider it a small sacrifice to make.
Tomorrow begins our last week here in Guinea, as we leave for the airport a week from today. The guys are already dreading the long two day trip to Conakry over the rough roadways. We are praying for a productive wek here at Hope, and asking God to use us as he wills. Thanks for all of your support and prayers.
Tomorrow begins our last week here in Guinea, as we leave for the airport a week from today. The guys are already dreading the long two day trip to Conakry over the rough roadways. We are praying for a productive wek here at Hope, and asking God to use us as he wills. Thanks for all of your support and prayers.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
The Everlasting Wedding
The last two days have included a rare opportunity to enjoy the events revolving around an African wedding. Jairus and Adeline's daughter, Bintu, was married over the course of the last two days. This involved cultures from Gabon, Cameroon, Liberia, and Guinea, which caused the dowry negotiation process to be quite prolonged. We were invited to the family's home last pm where we witnessed the dowry negotiation that is usually reserved for the two families. After four hours, both sides agreed to meet Saturday am to finish up the details, which took almost the entire day, forcing the wedding ceremony to be delayed almost three hours. We were told that even the African people were complaining about this delay. The pastor recognized that it had been a long couple of days and shortened the ceremony, to allow all to enjoy an excellent meal, dancing, and cake. We are hoping that both families are blessed by some much needed sleep. It was an honor to be included in this event, and one we will never forget.
Friday saw the guys finish their construction work in the warehouse, and I saw 12 patients in the clinic. We have a few cases for next week, and hope to add a few more after seeing a robust clinic on Monday. We anticipate worshipping in the church in N'Zao in the morning, and then possibly doing some four wheeling and volleyball in the afternoon. The boys realized we are down to our last week here, and are amazed at how quickly the time has gone by. The cross cultural experience has been valuable and life changing for them. Thanks to all of you for your notes of encouragement and prayers.
Friday saw the guys finish their construction work in the warehouse, and I saw 12 patients in the clinic. We have a few cases for next week, and hope to add a few more after seeing a robust clinic on Monday. We anticipate worshipping in the church in N'Zao in the morning, and then possibly doing some four wheeling and volleyball in the afternoon. The boys realized we are down to our last week here, and are amazed at how quickly the time has gone by. The cross cultural experience has been valuable and life changing for them. Thanks to all of you for your notes of encouragement and prayers.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
For those of you not on facebook...a few great pictures of reunions Jeff had with two miracle patients from his last trip...These boys look AMAZING!!
this is Mamadou...severe head injury as a result of the car accident that Modey was also in.
This is Modey, his femur fracture is healing well and he is awaiting final adjustments for his new prosthetic leg.
this is Mamadou...severe head injury as a result of the car accident that Modey was also in.
A Quiet OR
The lights in the OR remained off today, as no patients arrived for elective surgery, and unlike yesterday, there were no emergent cases to be done. Dr. Jean quietly assembled the OR staff today and respectfully turned over the reins to me, and asked for their cooperation and support. I appreciated this gesture greatly, but one of the staff reminded him that I had been here just a few months before, and could probably handle it. Still, all the same, the symbolism of this act demonstrates great trust and mutual respect. Dr. Jean is a young surgeon, but very capable technically, and possesses a kind heart, full of compassion. I pray that my attitude will reflect Christ as well as Jean does on a daily basis.
The guys worked hard today rearranging portions of the warehouse that will allow the inventory process to run much more smoothly, and allow folks to find things more efficiently. They are now getting themselves up early in the am, and arriving to work punctually, prepared to take on whatever is asked of them. They have been spending late afternoons with the children on the clinic grounds, and have been accepted into the inner sanctum-- known as the trampoline.
We spent dinner time with the Barrys, the administrator's family, and heard more of their testimonies. What is clear is that every heartbeat is spent honoring God, whether working, at home, or in the market. Not a single patient leaves without this family having spent time with them discussing the Lord. A great example for us... Thank you all for your support. You are missed.
The guys worked hard today rearranging portions of the warehouse that will allow the inventory process to run much more smoothly, and allow folks to find things more efficiently. They are now getting themselves up early in the am, and arriving to work punctually, prepared to take on whatever is asked of them. They have been spending late afternoons with the children on the clinic grounds, and have been accepted into the inner sanctum-- known as the trampoline.
We spent dinner time with the Barrys, the administrator's family, and heard more of their testimonies. What is clear is that every heartbeat is spent honoring God, whether working, at home, or in the market. Not a single patient leaves without this family having spent time with them discussing the Lord. A great example for us... Thank you all for your support. You are missed.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Gynecology Fellowship--Round #1
I have learned that the only thing you can count on in West Africa, is that you can't count on anything... None of the general surgery patients for the OR showed up today for surgery, but a young lady with an ovarian cyst and infertility did come, and we were able to remove a cyst and reopen her Fallopian tubes that had scarred shut due to chronic infection. Shortly after finishing that case, another young lady arrived with a blood pressure of 55/30( that's low for those of you keeping score at home) and was found to have an extra uterine pregnancy with a lot of blood in the abdomen when looking with ultrasound. We took her straight to the OR and removed the fetus and associated tissue and approximately two and a half liters of blood. Fortunately, her husband has the same blood type, so he gladly donated and she is doing well receiving her transfusion postoperatively. We have no cases scheduled for tomorrow, but again, ya can't count on anything...
The guys worked hard today in the warehouse installing shelving units, and a water tower at one of the missionary's homes. We are all currently resting and awaiting dinner time. The sun came out again this afternoon, which is welcome after starting almost very morning with clouds and a light mist.
I was informed by the administrator today that several pts accepted the Lord last week while hospitalized, as well as several of their family members. This reemphasizes the importance for me to return and work hard to learn the French language so that I can communicate freely upon our next trip. It is satisfying to wield the scalpel in an effort to help fight disease, but would be icing on the cake to be able to talk with others about Christ. Thank you all again for your kind words and prayers. We are enjoying the unpredictable here at Hope...
The guys worked hard today in the warehouse installing shelving units, and a water tower at one of the missionary's homes. We are all currently resting and awaiting dinner time. The sun came out again this afternoon, which is welcome after starting almost very morning with clouds and a light mist.
I was informed by the administrator today that several pts accepted the Lord last week while hospitalized, as well as several of their family members. This reemphasizes the importance for me to return and work hard to learn the French language so that I can communicate freely upon our next trip. It is satisfying to wield the scalpel in an effort to help fight disease, but would be icing on the cake to be able to talk with others about Christ. Thank you all again for your kind words and prayers. We are enjoying the unpredictable here at Hope...
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