That Just Happened

Today was an early morning compared to our previous days. All of us were ready to go and out the door at 7:45 for our first day in the hospitals!! We made it in time for morning devotionals at the CURE Clinic. We shared in singing worship songs, praying and studying the Word with the CURE staff. After devo time, the group as a whole group joined up for some presentations.

The first presentation covered a more in depth history and information about the medical ministry of CURE. Then we heard from Earnest who is one of the members of the Spiritual ministry team. He explained their multifaceted approach to meeting the spiritual and emotional needs of the children and their families. Their ministry goes from the hospital ward all the way out to surrounding villages. It is in the villages that they join forces with pastors there to share the gospel and disciple new believers. They also introduce children with physical needs in these villages to the ministry CURE offers.

Then we were able to take part in a traditional Chai tea break...Kenyan style... with two scoops of sugar. Yumm. Now that we had our sugar fix we divided into groups and each sent on our way for the remainder of the day.

Leah and Beth were able to experience Kijabe Hospital where they used their experience in oncology and palliative care (end of life care) to consult with and share knowledge with the nurses there. Elaine and Kristen spent time in both the recovery area and operating room of the CURE hospital. Having never worked in these areas, both were blessed to watch and learn from the nurses in this area. Ginny, a physical therapist, with Hannah as her assistant were able to share ideas, answer questions and teach those from both the CURE hospital and the Kijabe Hospital. Michael, Greg, Daniel and D.J. began the morning in the warehouse starting the process of inventory on medical supplies that had been donated to CURE, including those donations we were able to bring from The Village. They were then able to join me (Kristen) and Elaine in the Theatre (Kenyan term for the operating room.) So all six of us were able to watch Dr. Mendonsa, a.k.a. “Smooth Operator” work his magic and perform a below-the-knee amputation. This surgery would enable this child to be fitted with a prosthetic leg and be able to walk again. The guys couldn't stop talking about what they had witnessed the rest of the day. Man Card = Earned!

After lunch we split up again. Leah and Beth to Kijabe Hospital and the rest of us to CURE. At CURE we all went to the warehouse to continue to inventory supplies. 2,600 sutures and one more chai break later, we called it a day and headed back to the house.

The day was topped off with a sweet time as a group. Kristen and Elaine shared their testimonies and then we were able to share encouragement for each of them. It was wonderful to take time to edify each other, and we look forward to being able to do this each night for the remainder of the week for all other team members!

Things to pray for:

Sensitivity to God's leading in where He desires us to spend our time within the CURE hospital. There are multiple opportunities to serve the staff, the children, as well as their families. We desire to be open and obedient to where He wants to use us as we go into our second day in the hospitals. Please also pray for Previns, the young man (probably 10) who had his leg amputated. While this was a needed procedure and will help with both the quality of life and the social stigma attached to his issue, there is much healing and adjustment ahead. Please also pray for out team leader, Paul. This is an amazing man of God, without whom this trip simply wouldn't be the same. Yes we trust God to use anyone, but he chose Paul in his infinite wisdom. Pray for Paul's own wisdom and guidance in being a liaison while dealing with a radically different culture. Thank you!

-Kristen