Kevin Raymer

PNG Blog #1 (attempt #2)

PNG Blog #1 (attempt #2)

Greetings all!

I hope all is well back home.  I miss you all very much and wish you could be here to see what God is doing here in the lives of so many.

My first day in clinic was highlighted by a call from the ER for a “chop-chop,” Pidgin for “someone got whacked by a huge machete and is likely bleeding all over the place.”  This poor fella reportedly got into a little skirmish with his brother that resulted in the swipe of a machete.  As we examined the patient we found that the laceration was indeed a deep one that did not spare the underlying bone.  After a bit of ketamine, we sewed him up and admitted him for surgical intervention the following day. 

The ER seems to be a happening place to hang out as there is constant stream of patients to be seen.  The nurses typically take care of “routine” stuff, and they call us if they need help.   There’s been lots of things to stick needles in which usually means plenty of blood and pus to be seen by all.  By all I mean all of the natives that are standing around watching and providing reassurance through their “ooo’s and aahh’s” as we go about a day’s work.

The operating theatre is also somewhat unique in its own right.  There is a window that concerned family or friends can look through to watch the operation and to make sure that their loved one is treated properly and that no funny business takes place during the operation.

Enough hospital stuff for now, the people here have been incredibly warm and receptive to having a new face around.  They seem to be a very warm and loving people.  I usually get smothered in wide smiles and “moning,” Pidgin for “good morning,” as I walk into the hospital.  They have left fresh bananas on my porch and I heard there’s a few that have chickens they’ll happily butcher and deliver for 20 Kina (approx. US$6.00).  Not too bad for fresh poultry, ‘ey?

The climate, foliage, and topography have reminded me of, well, that I’m not in Kansas anymore.  It’s typically in the 80s during the day and down to the 60-70s at night.  They say it’s like this year round!  We’re now in the rainy season and a day has not passed without a substantial rain yet.  The foliage has definitely been one of my favorite things to appreciate about PNG.  Some plants are similar to what we might see in the States, but some are completely foreign and somewhat prehistoric looking.  Many of the trees and shrubbery provide a colorful array of flowers.  Of my favorites are the countless bright orange orchids that adorn the station.  The hospital is located in the Highlands area of PNG and is a part a tropical mountain range.  We are also part of the Waghi Valley within the mountains that provides for an incredible landscape.

It has been quite refreshing to be with docs that pray with their patients on a routine basis.  Most of the patients and families seem to be very receptive and appreciative of this.  We plan to visit one of the “bush churches” this weekend.  I am very much looking forward to this experience, and I hope to get some good pics to share with you all. 

Well, I guess I should find something else to do (this is my weekend off)

Remember, “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man.” Psalm 118:8

In HIM>

Kevin.

Oh yeah….. “ROCK-CHALK-Orange-Bowl-Champ-JAYHAWK!”