10:30 pm, Monday, September 27, 2010
No matter what you think or plan what your day may bring in Kenya, it’s always so much more diverse.
Today was Day 1 of 2 medical camps we are doing at the Dago Project near Kisii. This area has the highest per capita HIV/AIDS in the country. This is also the place where our container clinic will be placed. (Hopefully within the next couple of weeks. It was to leave South Africa fort Kenya today.)
We arrived and immediately set to work unpacking medications and preparing for the area medical teams to arrive. Patients had already gathered and were there very early to be the first in “Queue”.
The first man in line to be seen was very ill. He was HIV positive, had TB, was extremely anemic and had a very severe wound on his leg. The doctors said that they would not be able to help him and he needed to go to the hospital for treatment and most critical was a blood transfusion. As they spoke to his son about what he needed, it was determined that he had no insurance and no money. I asked the Dr. what would happen and he said he would go home to die. Deaconess Lorna’s sister Ruth, who manages the Dago Project, said this happens all of the time because treatment is unavailable to most.
Dave and I could not believe what we were hearing. I could barely contain my emotion knowing this man would soon die unnecessarily. We tried to get an estimate of what the charges would be for him to go to the hospital. After much discussion, we were told for the blood transfusion and up to 2 weeks in the hospital would be upwards of 10,000 Shillings. That amounts to about $120!!! That was a no brainer for us and we made arrangements to ensure he received treatment. I found out later from Karen that at the blood level he was at, he should have been unconscious; yet he walked who knows how far to get to the clinic and waited hours to be the first person seen. Please pray for his recovery.
After that, the rest of the day was calm yet very productive as 126 men, women and children were treated. Karen helped in the HIV/AIDS clinic with testing and education. We immunized and played with the children, assisted with the pharmacy, helped wherever we were needed and Linda even did a little “politicking” with the local officials about electricity and other needs for the area. I am learning more and more what it means to be Jesus’ hands and feet here on earth.
The day ended with a bumpy ride through extremely rough terrain to the Atemo Mission Center where we are staying for 2 nights. We enjoyed a candlelit dinner since the power went out and as I write it is still not back on. God is in control and is clearly in this place. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Sue Wood
4 comments:
What a blessing, honor and privilege it is for the team to be sent by our Lord to that place on that day and time in order to be used by Him to reach out to this man in particular(and the others as well). Through you, God has performed a small miracle in this man's earthly life, and hopefully has won him for eternity. We pray that if he did not already know his Savior, he will realize Him now, and that his healing be completed. All Glory to God...
John-Paul and I continue to be humbled by your experiences and thankful for the Savior that leads, guides and protects you all. We join you in prayer for the recovery of the life touched as Mauro so eloquently said, by miracle. Sending love to each of you.
Peace in all things,
Phyllis
Wow - what a profound story. These are the experiences that make a person know why you are there. Reminds me - Paula - of some of our experiences in Guatemala. May God bless your work throughout the trip!
SUE!!!!!!! WOW!!!!! I am crying at my desk praying for this man......I am soooo proud of Dave and you all there to have such loving hearts to help this man......God bless you all!!!!
Dave......side note....I saw your beautiful boy at church on Sunday.....HE IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!
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