Written April 21, 2013
It is with a heavy heart that I write you one last update of my most recent week in Africa. For I know that it was not my final week. I will return. the mission is not over, children still need love; widows need hope; and the Gospel must be shared.
The week was like none other. It was different in many ways and I will forever treasure the experiences as a leader, as part of a medical team, and one of God's disciples.
Last Saturday, I met with the team in Kigali. We had our first clinic that afternoon at Catch Up. On Sunday we were able to have church with the kids. These kids have never had medical attention. They had anything from a runny nose to dental issues to worms causing GI problems. The latter of which could be fixed by one medicine taken twice a day for three days and they would be set for 6 months.
Monday we served at Kimisagra. It is probably the poorest orphanage in the country of Rwanda. It is located literally on the side of a hill and is landlocked allowing for an outside area of about one third of basketball court....or maybe less. When we arrived they were eating lunch. It was rice and some beans. It was heartbreaking to see them eat with their hands. We were able to buy some spoons that afternoon for them. Silverware....just one of many things that is taken for granted. We set up clinic that afternoon and were able tos ee kids that had new issues. There was a team there last fall and so we were able to see their charts and check on kids that needed follow up.
Tuesday was our travel day. We had a "3 hour" bus ride from Kigali to Gisenyi. A first I had on this trip was that our bus broke down shortly after leaving. We were blessed with a beautiful day of weather for our 90 min wait on the side of the road for the mechanic to come. He showed up with a bottle of water, a screwdriver, and pliers. But he got the job done and we were on our way. We had a relaxing afternoon at Noel orphanage and took the time to simply love the kids. We would return on Thursday to have clinic for the new kids that have been dropped off at Noel (including a set of twin boys only two weeks old) and to spend another afternoon hanging out with the kids.
On Wednesday we saw the ladies and their children that work at No. 41 and in the afternoon the guys of His Imbaraga brought their families to the clinic. It was amazing to see how the clinic was intended for them but they insisted that their families (to include grandparents) were seen first. If I remember correctly, the first patient was saw was in his 90's. I encourage you to check out these ministries and how they are changing lives.
Friday we left Gisenyi early in the morning to start the 40+ hour journey back to our American families. I am confident that countless lives were changed from our week in Rwanda. I believe this includes the team, the kids we saw, the patients we treated, and even the street kids that were seemingly filled with joy with a simple wave and a friendly smile from a white person.
Confidently, I can tell you that the trip may be over but I believe God is about to begin a new journey larger than my wildest dreams. I look forward to seeing it unfold and sharing with you what He does.
It is with a heavy heart that I write you one last update of my most recent week in Africa. For I know that it was not my final week. I will return. the mission is not over, children still need love; widows need hope; and the Gospel must be shared.
The week was like none other. It was different in many ways and I will forever treasure the experiences as a leader, as part of a medical team, and one of God's disciples.
Last Saturday, I met with the team in Kigali. We had our first clinic that afternoon at Catch Up. On Sunday we were able to have church with the kids. These kids have never had medical attention. They had anything from a runny nose to dental issues to worms causing GI problems. The latter of which could be fixed by one medicine taken twice a day for three days and they would be set for 6 months.
Monday we served at Kimisagra. It is probably the poorest orphanage in the country of Rwanda. It is located literally on the side of a hill and is landlocked allowing for an outside area of about one third of basketball court....or maybe less. When we arrived they were eating lunch. It was rice and some beans. It was heartbreaking to see them eat with their hands. We were able to buy some spoons that afternoon for them. Silverware....just one of many things that is taken for granted. We set up clinic that afternoon and were able tos ee kids that had new issues. There was a team there last fall and so we were able to see their charts and check on kids that needed follow up.
Tuesday was our travel day. We had a "3 hour" bus ride from Kigali to Gisenyi. A first I had on this trip was that our bus broke down shortly after leaving. We were blessed with a beautiful day of weather for our 90 min wait on the side of the road for the mechanic to come. He showed up with a bottle of water, a screwdriver, and pliers. But he got the job done and we were on our way. We had a relaxing afternoon at Noel orphanage and took the time to simply love the kids. We would return on Thursday to have clinic for the new kids that have been dropped off at Noel (including a set of twin boys only two weeks old) and to spend another afternoon hanging out with the kids.
On Wednesday we saw the ladies and their children that work at No. 41 and in the afternoon the guys of His Imbaraga brought their families to the clinic. It was amazing to see how the clinic was intended for them but they insisted that their families (to include grandparents) were seen first. If I remember correctly, the first patient was saw was in his 90's. I encourage you to check out these ministries and how they are changing lives.
Friday we left Gisenyi early in the morning to start the 40+ hour journey back to our American families. I am confident that countless lives were changed from our week in Rwanda. I believe this includes the team, the kids we saw, the patients we treated, and even the street kids that were seemingly filled with joy with a simple wave and a friendly smile from a white person.
Confidently, I can tell you that the trip may be over but I believe God is about to begin a new journey larger than my wildest dreams. I look forward to seeing it unfold and sharing with you what He does.
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