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 language barrier is difficult here at work as well, especially this time of year with the pickers in town. The eternal importance is far greater in your case. Since I don't plan to learn Spanish I need to hire someone with that capability. That is so great to hear of those new believers. The roads now that is another big obstacle, no easy fix for that. Prayers going up.
ReplyDeleteI would bet there are plenty of folks around who would be happy to have a solid seasonal job out of the heat in an air conditioned environment working with you. Plenty of eternal implications there as well... I'm amazed that the rains keep falling, the roads become more treacherous, but patients keep traveling here for care. Thanks for your prayers.
ReplyDeleteJeff