DRC Update September 2015

Hey, I hope that I'm finding you well and life hasn't been too crazy.

I seem to find myself very busy even though my work schedule is significantly lighter than what it's been in the past.  I've finally found myself back in the healthy category after a pretty severe bronchitis.  I've back to work doing mostly C-sections, some Hysterectomies, outpatient consultations, helping to teach the residents, helping prepare for the opening of the refurbished maternity ward, spending time with friends and neighbors, and, maybe, getting an occasional walk in before it gets dark.  It's busy, but not so busy that I don't have time to reflect and pray.  I am thankful for the time that I've been here, the people I've met, and the work that I have.  I hope that I am able to love others how God has loved me....tough thing to do, but there is always hope!

Dave (one of the pilots who flies for MAF) helping to change out
the inverter for our solar electricity.  It's been sent back with the hope
that it can be repaired or replaced.

My good friend Kimiko (general surgeon) and Dr. Mike in the ICU.
She came to visit during the month and to work.

She jokes that I only had her stay with me
because I wanted her to cook.  Maybe she's a
little bit right.  She is a good cook.

Kimiko and Warren checking out the new toilets
and showers for the maternity ward.

I was sad to see her go.
I am praying that maybe she would want to move back to Nyankunde some day.
Hint, hint...

A visiting Ob/Gyn (center) from Kinshasa who was
helping in rewriting the protocols.

Dr. Albert
The training doctor on maternity working on paperwork.
Not exciting, but necessary.

We said goodbye to one of the training doctors.
Mani is second from the left.
He's waiting for his medical license to start practicing.

Shopping for flip-flops in Bunia (neighboring town)
with Eugenie.  She works for Samaritan's Purse, but,
I found out later, she is also one of the training doctor's aunts.

One of the babies I helped deliver.  Our C-section rate is about 20%.
Last week it was 50% with 2 placenta previas, twins with a lady who had 2 c-sections before,
 2 transverse babies, and more...

We have had a lot of women referred and, I think, it will only get busier with the new ward.

Anna, my next door neighbor, leading a Bible study with some of
the young women who live and/ or work at the hospital.

Her son Luke insisted on helping me clean the toilet.

And, all the stuff that was collected from family, friends and the hospital
finally made it to me.  I'll be able to outfit the maternity ward nicely.

Thank you, everyone, for your prayers and continued support.  The first couple of months were interesting and will likely continue that way.  I'm thankful to be healthy and have such a nice place to live.  Things that I am more and more thankful for everyday.  I don't have to labor away day after day to get water, food, clothes or a warm place to sleep.  It's humbling to see what the people here endure.

Continue to pray for me as tomorrow we will start the process of moving all the equipment into the new ward.  Pray that we will know the best way to organize and store things.  Pray that we will use the space and material to best serve the people here.

Also, pray for a sense of unity on our team of doctors from Samaritan's Purse.  There was some miscommunication, some hurt feelings, but, I hope, a new start after a long talk and the decision to forgive.

I am excited to have my sister coming mid-October.  Pray for her as she comes.  I think she is feeling the stress of traveling to Africa for the first time to a country that speaks French (which she does not).  Pray that she will have peace, that she will be useful, and that she integrates quickly.  She'll be here for 4 to 5 weeks.  We are planning on doing some traveling.  I was hoping in Uganda because of her being able to speak English, but my passport is still in Kinshasa where I'm trying to get my 5 year work visa.  I pray for wisdom to know where to travel and with whom to stay.

And, finally, I'm thinking about traveling to the opposite side of Congo in January to help deliver my friend's baby (who is an Ob/Gyn at Vanga hospital).  I pray for wisdom to know if and when I should go.  I also pray for a safe and healthy delivery for Ryan and Shannon of their second baby.

There are a lot of different things going on.  Day to day life remains very interesting.  There are no two days alike.  I'm learning a lot and thankful for a great group of people here who love God and love people.  We are not perfect, but we try to love others through what we say and what we do.  This, I hope, will help people to understand that there is a God who loves and wants them to know him.

Stay in touch.  I appreciate the e-mails and the notes.

Michelle