Monday, January 5, 2009 (5-1-09 Africa style)

January 5th, 2009 Posted in Uncategorized

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Today was my first experience with Clinic days at Nilerigu Baptist Medical Centre!  We started the day at 7am with staff devotions and then I shadowed Dr. George Faile this morning and afternoon.  Saw just a few patients on my own.  Some of the more dramatic patients I’m remembering are a couple of women with Osteosarcomas (bone cancer) diagnosed by just looking at their femurs.  One looked like she had a 2L pop bottle stuck inside of her leg, the tumor was that big!  I wonder if they come to the doctor only when its to the point they can hardly walk, its amazing and so sad.  Also saw multiple men with inguinal hernias, some the size of a grapefruit, but they were reducible.  Most of them will have to wait at least a month for their surgeries because they have so many to do.  Also saw a D&C, miscarriage, and amputation of a middle finger off a girl who had been bitten by a snake.  The doctor I was with today probably saw 100 patients and there were 3-4 other docs seeing patients and performing surgeries today as well! :)  Such a great need and so many patients.  We saw clinic patients after rounding (about 10am) til 6pm with an hour lunch break, then did the amputation. 

Harmatan(sp?) is the name for when the winds blow the sand from the Sahara desert down to us and its hazy out.  In some of the pictures I posted yesterday and trying to get a few more on today, you’ll notice a “fog” but its really sand from the Sahara!  Quite interesting, this is their dry season and Harmatan is part of it.

Tomorrow Sam Gillis (a retired surgeon) is traveling back to the U.S. after working here for the past 6 weeks, I know he would appreciate your prayers for his traveling safety.  Also, I ask for your prayers as well!  Thank you so much! :)

  1. 3 Responses to “Monday, January 5, 2009 (5-1-09 Africa style)”

  2. By Mama Jo on Jan 5, 2009

    Wow, what a day you’ve had for your first day in the clinic and hospital seeing many patients.
    We continue to lift you and Sarah up in prayer, what a burden for so many people with great needs. May God continue to keep you safe as you learn how to care for their health.
    Love ya, Mom

  3. By Janie on Jan 5, 2009

    All of us at your Grandma Bev’s church are rejoicing with you and praying for you and your co-workers. What a blessing to be able to read and see pictures of your experiences! May you be gifted with stamina and strength to match your compassion and caring!

  4. By Mendi on Jan 5, 2009

    Kristin~

    We’ve been thinking of you and praying for you since you left on the 30th and hated it that we weren’t able to see you before you departed. It’s wonderful yet humbling to see and hear about the various aspects and responsibilities of your trip. A great reminder that we have much to be grateful for…their hospital rooms are quite different than the one I stayed in just three weeks ago recovering from surgery!?!? It also reminds us of our time in Romania. If there are any specific prayer requests that you would like us to intercede for please let us know. We are praying for the Lord to place a hedge of protection around you…physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. We are asking the Lord to fill you with the knowledge and wisdom you need to heal the bodies and souls of those in your care. We are holding you close…

    Love~
    Kyle, Mendi, MaKayla and Mal

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