We up and running!

MIRIAM's JOURNAL

Monday, January 31st

I didn't sleep well last night (for all the reasons I have already mentioned - too hot, barking dogs). God, give me strength to get through the day.

I'm excited and as we walked towards the clinic, a line had already started forming. Initially, we were told that we were going to be seeing all the kids from the orphanage for exams. Well, that changed when we arrived at MCF a couple of days ago. The kids at the orphanage are very well taken care of. When they arrive at MCF from the streets or their poverty-stricken home, they are given an intake exam and any medications and treatment they need. Every 6 months, they are all given deworming medication. They are treated if they need medication, have malnutrition, HIV or any illness. So, we learned that the word had been sent out to the neighboring communities that we were going to be at MCF and "open" to see anyone. We were still going to see all the kids, but it was going to be for a quick exam by a nurse and see a physician, if needed. We also had a toothbrush and toothpaste for all the kids.

The morning was busy, busy. Some patients had walked up to 6 hours to be seen. One baby was really sick, needed an IV and was sent to the hospital (2 hrs away) to be admitted. Dr Neil treated a broken collarbone - it was an older gentleman who had walked 2 hours to be seen for an eye problem and he fell. There was a lot of high blood pressure's ... ie. 220/110, 200/98; parasites, malaria, typhoid, rashes / ringworm, etc. It was challenging to use interpreters for everything; especially if the interpreter had a hard time with medical terminology or with trying to triage and figure out what what going on with a patient who had multiple complaints. After a few hours, we started to get into a bit of grove and the day flowed pretty well.

Things finished up about 5pm and we went back for a shower and to relax before dinner. We are told the clinic will get busier as the week goes on and more people hear about us. I'm looking forward to more interesting days ... more people to help and show God's love to through our work.

SARAH's JOURNAL

Today was our first day of clinic. I'm exhausted after a busy day and very little sleep last night. The dogs kept waking me up as they chased and barked at bush bunnies (bigger than a squirrel, smaller than a monkey; even though many of us guessed them to be monkeys from the squealing sounds they make). Apparently, they have big round eyes but are rarely seen as they are nocturnal.

Anyways, back to the clinic ... a massage room had been set up for me, but I was kept very busy coordinating the flow of patients to intake, the the nurses, to the doctors and to the pharmacy. It went smoothly overall and was a good "practice" (if you will) for the anticipated increase of patients expected for tomorrow. They estimate quadruple the number seen today, as word spreads of the free medical clinic. One mother and daughter walked 6 hours this morning to be here. They have no other access to see a doctor. In addition to seeing members from the surrounding communities, we saw the Baby group and Grade 4 from Mully Children's Family. The children are given a check-up and some vitamins.

It felt so good to hop into the shower at the end of the day today ... waiting for dinner now and then will fall into bed!