tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50833484568206748592024-02-18T18:37:49.343-08:00Chogoria StoriesThe Ritchies' journey to join in God's plan among the magnificent people of Kenya.
Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-10526245447978668742018-10-03T00:59:00.000-07:002018-10-03T00:59:40.866-07:00A Lady with Cancer<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A lady was brought to casualty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was in her 40s, and was in desperate
pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had been diagnosed with cancer
a couple of years prior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her
family had been referred to an oncologist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But someone who called himself a doctor had told them that the hospitals
would give her poisons that would make her feel terrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “doctor” instead offered them
“supplements” that “will make her feel better and treat the cancer more
effectively.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They chose to use the
supplements, and so the cancer grew, otherwise untreated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had now developed abdominal pain that
rapidly worsened, and was brought to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was miserable, unable to find a comfortable position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her abdomen was greatly distended and tender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ultrasound showed her abdominal cavity was
almost completely filled with her spleen and liver, packed with cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was rail-thin, and her nail beds were almost
white.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely she had a dangerously low
red blood cell count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We started all the
“doctor things,” ordering meds and blood and labs and such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The family had many questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were kind, educated people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said she had been doing so well on the
supplements but seemed suddenly to have worsened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggled with what to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had been fooled by a quack, who had been
taking their money while the cancer grew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The cancer was a type which tended to respond well to chemotherapy, and
the family had good insurance which would have paid for the chemo, which added
to my frustration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But here she was
dying, well beyond most intervention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
came up with a plan to evaluate her pain and contingencies for the findings.
When they asked why she was so sick despite the expensive supplements I tried
to gently explain that the cancer had been growing and would soon take her
life, and that the supplements had done nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were quiet. Perhaps they were unsure of
my advice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her condition worsened and she became unresponsive. I
realized that she was near death, and that her illness had progressed well
beyond our ability to rescue her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
a push to help the family with realistic expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If her heart stopped, we needed to know what
to do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told them that her condition
was very serious and she could die at any time, that we would continue to treat
her well, but the end would come soon. They were not expecting such news, and the
truth of the consequences of their earlier decision became an unspoken reality
in their faces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained that when
her heart stopped, we could try to resuscitate her, but the efforts would
probably be unfruitful and dramatic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
chest compressions would break ribs and the electrical shocks would make her
convulse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of those actions would change
her overall condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other
hand, when her heart stopped, we could treat her with dignity and not do those
other dramatic acts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommended this
latter course.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had a time of prayer, and I was very glad to learn that
she was a devoted Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The family withdrew to consider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I checked the clock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was about an hour late in going home, and
other staff were available to take over her care, but I wanted to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed to stay.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The family returned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were confident in their decision to go the way of a quiet end with
dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To my surprise, they asked me
not to continue with CT scans and surgical referral, as we had previously
planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a little time to finish the
paperwork, then the family and our excellent resident and I began to push her on
her bed to the ward. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we neared the ward, her breathing slowed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ward wasn't ready for us and we paused at
the entrance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hearing her breathing slow
further, I told the family that she was finishing, and we turned<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>into a side hall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so very relieved that we had discussed
the plan for her end when we were in Casualty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We prayed again, commending her soul to the Lord, thanking Him for an
end to her suffering, and rejoicing, with sorrow, for her promotion to Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her breathing stopped altogether.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The family thanked us for our efforts and asked God's
blessing on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then they departed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did the necessary things for the body, and
I walked home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The walk home normally takes four minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed much longer this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My patient had been a young woman with three
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her cancer had been very
treatable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She died “needlessly.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her family had been deceived by a
charlatan, with deadly consequences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
grievous injustice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God remains Sovereign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See now that I, I am He, and there are no
other gods beside Me. It is I who put to death and I who give life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have wounded, and it is I who heal, and
there is no one who can deliver from My hand.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Deut 32:39. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both were true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The deceiver had profited from malpractice
and she had consequently suffered and died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And God was sovereign in the whole event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely, He was grieved by the sin of the
situation as He is with all sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
grieved, too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Martha and Meredith and James were already sitting at
supper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I washed and sat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Martha asked what kept me, so I told the
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tears came, which was
surprising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't remember being that
emotional at the death of a patient since my time in a combat hospital in Afghanistan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surprising, but welcome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James gave me a long hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe that God arranges for us people to intersect with
each other for a reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why did He
put me in contact with that family, with that lady?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that I was able to guide them
medically and spiritually in an important time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hope that it was right to choose less medical intervention and more
spiritual support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But those
God-arranged intersections usually have purpose for both parties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What was I to learn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I was supposed to be reminded that
ideas matter, and that we must be teaching to prevent the suffering that comes
from deception and greed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I was
supposed to feel a little of God's grief at the brokenness of this world, and
cry about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And ultimately I think I
was supposed to really live in a situation in which medicine was largely futile,
but God's sovereignty was the source of all comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ps 116:15: “Blessed in the sight of the Lord
is the death of His holy ones.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-3324693265906811652018-05-03T01:23:00.000-07:002018-05-03T01:23:38.739-07:00God's Kindnesses in Tragedy<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe we just saw a situation in which God let us know
that an event which we would call tragic was actually according to His will.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Casualty (our Emergency Room) was quiet in the cool of the
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The three beds were empty and
the staff were chatting socially.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
Family Medicine Resident, Yulu, and our PA, Derek, and I decided to hold a
resuscitation drill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We invited the Casualty
staff, and two nursing students were interested in participating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to the storage area on the far side of
the hospital compound and brought out our old CPR manikin and the ventilation
bag and mask which we had stored with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We moved our “crash cart” and its defibrillator next to the bed and
started to attach leads to the manikin “patient.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was disappointed to see that all of the
defibrillator pads had been used but not replaced from storage, so made the
journey back across the compound to retrieve a new supply while Yulu taught the
students some of the operations of the defibrillator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I returned, we showed the nursing
students how to attach the cables and leads properly and we proceeded with our
teaching case drill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Abruptly, one of the clinical officers stuck her head in the
door and said, “We need you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lady had
been brought by her family, unresponsive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The lady was young, about 40 years old, and did not appear to be
chronically ill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she was entirely
unresponsive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all joined in her
care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was breathing rapidly and her
heart rate was a little fast, but she had a normal blood pressure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her blood sugar was normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why couldn’t the monitor read her oxygenation
level?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried another device with no
success and gave her 100% oxygen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
heart sounds and lung sounds were normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her eyes were open but pupils weren’t reacting very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The family said nothing unusual had happened
and there had been no trauma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had
taken her usual medications.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
daughter, a young adult, was distraught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What was going on?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yulu said, “She has stopped breathing and has no pulse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Start CPR.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We brought the “crash cart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
needed to attach defibrillator leads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Glad for our opportunity earlier, I handed the pads to the student nurse
and said, “Attach these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know
how.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was also glad we had discovered earlier
that we needed to resupply the pads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
didn’t need to shock our patient, but we kept the defibrillator in case the
situation changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We used our suction
device (glad we had that out for the drill).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We asked for a bag and mask, and I was again disappointed that all had
been used and not replaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we had
the one that we had been using for training with the manikin, and brought it
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There had been no delay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our patient had normal electrical heart rhythm on the
monitor, but no pulse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We gave
adrenaline and started chest compressions which produced an excellent
pulse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then she regained her own pulse
so we stopped compressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still no
oxygenation level on the monitor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
tried to intubate but the situation made it technically difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we used one of the only LMA devices in the
hospital to be able to breathe for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It worked well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Someone had called for the chaplains, and our Evangelist,
Nancy, came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained the situation
to her and that we had tried everything but we were not being successful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We prayed and she went to the family to
update them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then our patient's pulse stopped again, and we started chest
compressions again and called for the ultrasound machine and looked at everything
but we couldn’t find a reason for the dysfunction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normal hydration, normal lungs, anatomically normal
heart but now with slow beats, no unusual fluid anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The blood count returned with near-normal
values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No clues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tried fluids, drugs, maneuvers, and more,
to no avail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her own heart rate had slowed
to about 20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was dying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pulse would sometimes return and we would stop
compressions, then the pulse would go and we would resume compressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rechecked the history with the family and
reexamined her and asked for ideas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Medicine team came and helped with ideas, compressions, and tries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yulu said, “Shall we continue?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was surprised that I had lost track of the
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked how long we had been doing
CPR.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“About 40 minutes, Daktari.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked again with the ultrasound
machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The heart movement was
minimal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Any further action was futile.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nancy was there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
told her that we had done everything possible in our hospital and that she had
died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We needed to speak with the
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said we should wait and that
she would prepare them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stopped the resuscitation attempt at 11:55. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We reviewed the events of the attempt, asked
for questions and asked if anyone had concerns or reservations or burdens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should have prayed collectively, but
several did individually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one knew where Nancy had gone with the family, so I
called her. “Dr. Jim, come to the
Chapel.” There were sounds of singing in
the background of her call.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yulu and I went to the Chapel, which is in the heart of our
hospital compound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were over
twenty people – family, neighbors, friends; they had come as soon as they heard
something was wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The daughter was sitting
and crying just inside the door, being hugged by two ladies on either
side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Chaplain was speaking to them,
mainly in the Kimeru language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It became
obvious that some in the group only spoke Kimeru, though some also responded in
English and Swahili.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yulu and I sat
among them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the Chaplain finished his words, he asked us if we had
something to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yulu stood and gave a
very compassionate account of what had been done, speaking mainly in Swahili
with some English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well said.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then a mature lady stood and gave one of the finest speeches
I ever hope to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She spoke directly
to the daughter, who was still in school and had lost her mom and still had
younger siblings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she spoke
indirectly to the rest of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lady
introduced herself as a neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
gave testimony to the life of the fine and generous lady who had died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mature lady explained that when she was a
girl, she had three younger sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
mother died giving birth to the only son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The death occurred at our hospital long ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And despite heroic efforts, the boy died, two
days later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the lady gave testimony
as to how God had raised her, and had seen to it that she had what she
needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was not allowed to leave her
education, and the community had joined with her in raising the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of her siblings had finished their education
and were well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She said to the daughter, “You will finish your
education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will be your parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you will find Him faithful, as I
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will see to you and your younger
ones.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She challenged all of us to do
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful act of the Body
of Christ in the midst of a very difficult time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I needed to say something, too, and the Chaplain gave me the
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I spoke to the family and told
them some of the remarkable things that had happened that morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t remember the words, but the sentiment
went something like this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoQuote" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Lord, God of the Universe, who made our souls and gave us
life, you say in your Word in Psalm 116, “Precious in the eyes of the Lord is
the death of His saints.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You also have
said , “'See now that I, I am He, And there is no god besides Me; It is I who
put to death and give life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
wounded and it is I who heal, And there is no one who can deliver from My hand.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We surely did not ask for this event today
and we do not know its purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it
is clear from these people gathered that this was a loved woman who was very
important in the lives of many.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
believing the testimony presented here that she was one of your children, we
know she is rejoicing with You right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoQuote" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoQuote" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Lord, it is remarkable to me that as we were trying to keep
this lady alive, we had everything available to us right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the things we found missing in the
morning, we had replaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even the
training we did this morning helped us be prepared to help her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had all of our tools, even the uncommon
ones, immediately available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had lots
of help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even now gathered here, this
excellent lady was here to give us a very fine word and encourage us all with
her testimony of your goodness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe you have arranged all these events to show that you brought this about
in Your perfect will and for Your perfect purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are not so foolish as to think we know
better than You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We bow to Your wisdom
and Your timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are grieved at this
loss, and we ask for Your blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
have said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let it be so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoQuote">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was difficult to leave this gathered group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God was doing something.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three days later, I met with our Chaplains for our weekly
combined training session.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They spoke of
the death and what happened after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
said the family were so appreciative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The family were grieved, to be sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They were mourning, but not as those who have no hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were mourning as those who have
confidence in a sovereign, good God who had seen to it that all human effort
had been tried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no reason to
despair that the medical care had been poor or uncaring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the best available, with many good
doctors and nurses and clinicians trying their best for a very long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was something that God had done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a kindness!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am convinced that God’s highest plan was for this lady to
be “permanently healed,” as Nancy calls it, and go to Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in His kindness, He arranged for there to
be no “what ifs” regarding the medical care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What must that mean to the daughter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What does that mean to those of us who tried and “failed?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are times in the service of the Good King when I have
to kneel down, put my sword down, and just worship because of something He has
done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-25498535746792929552017-03-03T07:29:00.000-08:002017-03-03T07:29:15.910-08:00Chogoria Chaplains' Excellent Work<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">The Chaplains in Chogoria continue to carry an enormous burden of care. Right now in Kenya, the government doctors have been on strike for three months, and many of the patients who would normally go to the government hospitals have sought care at the Mission Hospitals. Consequently, the workload for Chogoria has increased dramatically. Sadly some of the government-sponsored doctors who work at Chogoria felt compelled to join the strike, so staffing is decreased despite the increased workload. In the middle of the struggle are our magnificent Chaplains. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">Every month, our Chaplains produce a report of their activities. I thought I might reproduce their most recent report here to give you an idea of their wonderful work. They don't just sit around in the office waiting for work. They are out in the wards and offices and waiting areas and counseling rooms, actively doing the King's work. I am intensely proud of them. Please pray for them and for all the Chogoria staff who are carrying the day, showing the compassion of Christ to patients who otherwise may feel abandoned. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">CHAPLAINCY
REPORT FOR FEB 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The chaplaincy
team consist of the following staff members:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Rev
Roy Kamau-------------------------Chaplain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr Fredrick Muguune -----------------Evangelist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mr
Eliphas Mutegi-----------------------Counselor/Preacher<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mrs Trizah
Mugendi---------------------Volunteer Evangelist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIp2dHUjwr4SFdBQgwUORZfezIDhexZFIAZoRsafHqRED-kEJsDYSHaPixe-bilt9atvBDRZeYmeniQmzkgRn-E5Qwa1K22pmUxZdU2vu7S2Fu2n29u_SYvB7JamDajSf_uSgDMNJ8Hqk/s1600/team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIp2dHUjwr4SFdBQgwUORZfezIDhexZFIAZoRsafHqRED-kEJsDYSHaPixe-bilt9atvBDRZeYmeniQmzkgRn-E5Qwa1K22pmUxZdU2vu7S2Fu2n29u_SYvB7JamDajSf_uSgDMNJ8Hqk/s400/team.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Above: Chaplaincy team<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">ACTIVITIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Daily
Ward preaching<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Daily
Bed to bed witnessing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Daily
Departmental preaching/prayers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Daily
bereaved prayers at the mortuary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Daily counseling when called upon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Once
a week staff worship on Mondays<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Monthly
staff intersession (1<sup>st</sup> Wednesday)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fortnight
chaplaincy committee meeting</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Waiting bay prayers at 12.45 pm daily</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Thursday intersession<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"> </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><u style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold;"><br /></u></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><u style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold;">ACHIEVEMENTS
; </u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><u style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold;"><br /></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The new year has
started off well with God finding favour with us in the ministry. The workload
has gone up due to increased number of patients because of striking doctors in
government institutions but we are not
complaining. However many new souls have continued to come to the Lord and a
number of physical healings have been identified . <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ward
preaching----------------48<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bed
to bed witnessing --------1750</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Departmental
prayers----------52<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Counseling----------------------80<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bereaved
prayers--------------18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Received
salvation------------40<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Bibles
distributed--------------42<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Waiting
bay prayers-----------27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ø<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thursdays
prayers -------------5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">CHALLENGES<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">New
converts followups still remain a challenge but we are trying to link them to churches so they can grow. The manpower still remains few compared to the
demands.</span></b> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
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</v:imagedata></v:shape><b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyg8MiZUD22pP2QTeLzasjLs2R0mRT_-TtXaOXIBT0p9LIiecQb6VF4dt35k3Y9FcyeRwhWOuDqHa2M4lKuQVzJPc3lC-h-8yf4sEB7cLPcaUJOtF3JrnO7lI-9mKNj1fiCph_PrBrpBe/s1600/chaplain+preaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyg8MiZUD22pP2QTeLzasjLs2R0mRT_-TtXaOXIBT0p9LIiecQb6VF4dt35k3Y9FcyeRwhWOuDqHa2M4lKuQVzJPc3lC-h-8yf4sEB7cLPcaUJOtF3JrnO7lI-9mKNj1fiCph_PrBrpBe/s400/chaplain+preaching.jpg" width="400" /></a></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Above; Chaplain
praying with patients in the ward<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK3pXp75v-2cKbUnsETwnxSFiaJdbWmpP4SJs2Y1bkmrX5wfMAQ3YjA-zs909-EOLY6002eQpSL-chvUsy7PAVji_gwv8fekuYVNSBxumbmg3_jxzLQybU_w8vmQMwwzN1of1v18mtyUR/s1600/Eliphas+and+Bible+and+patient.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQK3pXp75v-2cKbUnsETwnxSFiaJdbWmpP4SJs2Y1bkmrX5wfMAQ3YjA-zs909-EOLY6002eQpSL-chvUsy7PAVji_gwv8fekuYVNSBxumbmg3_jxzLQybU_w8vmQMwwzN1of1v18mtyUR/s400/Eliphas+and+Bible+and+patient.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Above: Eliphas encouraging a young man
who was recovering from a very challenging situation <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KL_3d7Iyxo4oqdDp1nSraCJD2iijQQqYEss91JNLyxUnjMd3FnzqT39CJwxATdDqL7wImiSQctWguXRLn7gh_95V6yca0QVy5P3tt2P9sgtMMARASPtNC3Kj3LZiLlPiApYV9eLSzWak/s1600/chaplain+gives+Bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KL_3d7Iyxo4oqdDp1nSraCJD2iijQQqYEss91JNLyxUnjMd3FnzqT39CJwxATdDqL7wImiSQctWguXRLn7gh_95V6yca0QVy5P3tt2P9sgtMMARASPtNC3Kj3LZiLlPiApYV9eLSzWak/s400/chaplain+gives+Bible.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Above: Mrs
Mugendi handing over a bible to a patient who has accepted Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTlG6GvYI4zhqcGzhO8Tp6P8yBLAqTbC7bulAM6rcp5JHs7JmAqrIJPllyGZVDEyUglsN3H8HG3e0HlP1RUHPnc8quDYSg8hcCZkU3_4cQc44XLOrj12iGGmfxS_9FdaVont_gBTIN4x7/s1600/Mbae+Bible+study.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTlG6GvYI4zhqcGzhO8Tp6P8yBLAqTbC7bulAM6rcp5JHs7JmAqrIJPllyGZVDEyUglsN3H8HG3e0HlP1RUHPnc8quDYSg8hcCZkU3_4cQc44XLOrj12iGGmfxS_9FdaVont_gBTIN4x7/s400/Mbae+Bible+study.jpg" width="400" /></a></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Above: Mr Mbae with studying the
scripture with a patient who loved Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gIQcptBAeWi8adgzAAUfsEExY5SUR17pKrcUEile68PjRx-zO74Mc22-x0rIByMKAqoeMUcsuF0tfK3e4mn-863Wrnffn92D3v9knyQ5JiPVM3i0zxwOFYD1HTUFYRNObiEVSjTvptDs/s1600/donated+items.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gIQcptBAeWi8adgzAAUfsEExY5SUR17pKrcUEile68PjRx-zO74Mc22-x0rIByMKAqoeMUcsuF0tfK3e4mn-863Wrnffn92D3v9knyQ5JiPVM3i0zxwOFYD1HTUFYRNObiEVSjTvptDs/s400/donated+items.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Above: Chaplaincy team with
donated items.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">NB
Last month Bibles distributed were 38 not 3 as indicated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> May God
continue to bless the good work to His glory</span><span style="background: black; border: 1pt none black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 0pt; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Report compiled
by <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Eliphas Mutegi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Secretary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-84154644120597070582016-10-20T10:15:00.000-07:002016-10-20T10:15:01.330-07:00A family visiting Chogoria is featured in World Medical Mission's "On Call"Back in June 2016, the Roskos family served in Chogoria through World Medical Mission. WMM sent a journalism team to tell their story. And in the fall-2016 edition of WMM's magazine, "On Call," we can read all about it! Try the link below or past this into your browser to download the PDF: <br />
<br />
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/medical/on-call-newsletter/<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.samaritanspurse.org/medical/on-call-newsletter/">Latest edition of "On Call"</a>Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-89997072017743501072016-09-24T11:56:00.000-07:002016-09-24T11:56:13.095-07:00Chogoria's Evangelist has stories to tell.We are very proud of our Chaplaincy Department. They are doing an amazing work at our hospital, working very hard to minister to the patients, families, and staff. On a typical workday, our hospital has about 160 inpatients, 400 outpatients, many visiting family members, and 400 staff members. Our Chaplaincy Department is comprised of four people, and we also have an ordained minister as our Counselor. (He also has a professional counseling degree). <br />
<br />
Mbae Frederick Muguune is our Evangelist. He has faithfully served at the hospital for 15 years. He was born at Chogoria Hospital and was treated there as a boy. This is a man who loves the Lord and serves Him well. <br />
<br />
We knew that many would be interested in some of Mbae's stories of the Lord's work at our hospital. So we hope you will take the time to watch the video of Mbae introducing himself and telling the story of a boy who needed some timely intervention. Follow the youtube link:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://youtu.be/V6v6SATUT2Y">Mbae introduction and The Boy Who Asked for Prayer</a><br />
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Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-55451569138348634982015-10-19T07:02:00.001-07:002015-10-19T07:02:31.379-07:00He had some unfinished workHere's the story of a guy who got some extra time.<br />
<br />
I usually participate in Medicine Ward Rounds on Saturdays when I'm in Chogoria. This past Saturday, during rounds, we saw a patient sit up in bed, gasp for breath, then collapse. When we hurried over to assess him, we found him to be pulseless. Dr. Juliet started chest compressions and I hustled to my office and retrieved our only well-broken-in defibrillator. When we attached the defibrillator pads, we saw ventricular fibrillation, which is a fatal heart rhythm. We shocked him and saw a return to a more normal rhythm. Not really normal, but not fatal. His heart rate gradually increased and even became a ventricular tachycardia, nearly pulseless. Juliet shocked him again and ultimately his rhythm became normal and his breathing resumed.<br />
<br />
The man didn't wake up, though. His primary illness was heart failure. We had ultrasounded his heart a couple of days prior, and we were compressed with how poorly his heart was contracting. Now, after being in a fatal rhythm, requiring CPR and two shocks, his already-underperforming heart was pretty beat up. His pulse was barely palpable, and very little blood was going to his brain. We ultrasounded his heart again, and it was barely squeezing. At times, the squeeze didn't even produce enough pressure to open the aortic valve. I honestly didn't expect him to last very long, even an hour or two, and strongly recommended that his family transfer him to a hospital with an ICU. And, of course, we prayed.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb75tG5iktHBc4oT1cB1xEoMaDS-21jyi1OA32lJSTbhLHRcpVCAZbkbyTjOPIfIqKZyXIUoa-6uue7ylalwrRAhQYEUg9ixi-7DLixoVHayBDy1Qn7obGg-O4kapUd1LYyfF9JNH0sw6F/s1600/20151017_110356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb75tG5iktHBc4oT1cB1xEoMaDS-21jyi1OA32lJSTbhLHRcpVCAZbkbyTjOPIfIqKZyXIUoa-6uue7ylalwrRAhQYEUg9ixi-7DLixoVHayBDy1Qn7obGg-O4kapUd1LYyfF9JNH0sw6F/s320/20151017_110356.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Juliet after the successful defibrillations.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Today, two days later, during rounds, I was stunned to see him sitting up and talking lucidly! Amazing! He is eating and feeling better. I do not speak his language, but with our nurse interpreting we tried to let him know that he had<i> died</i> two days ago and, by God's grace, we had been able to revive him. <br />
<br />
Surely, this was a man who must have some unfinished work. He collapsed during one of the few hours of the week when he would have been directly observed and we could have intervened. The defibrillator is not often available. People who are defibrillated do not often survive the "code." And his heart is badly diseased.<br />
<br />
Further, we left the defibrillator on the ward that night, which is not our usual practice. And Juliet was called by the nurses later that night. The nurses were performing chest compressions on him. And Juliet defibrillated him <i><u>again</u></i>. <br />
<br />
So during rounds today I called Chaplain Roy for a consult. He came with Evangelist Mbae. I explained the situation, and they engaged. It turned out that our patient needed to reconcile with God. So they all prayed. Fervent, active prayer. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEO7pg0A0wQzVpoEkPqvborZGAwN8N2yNaqi3kpsYy5NOJDVhm4hyphenhyphenuWjkSb2jjH0RS7efytQASb7StpDqX1YZmDJ13TDxYHc-KqZ4fCswsIuEpM69jW33b676Gv8LU-JOFlR-D8F_-smZ/s1600/20151019_110246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEO7pg0A0wQzVpoEkPqvborZGAwN8N2yNaqi3kpsYy5NOJDVhm4hyphenhyphenuWjkSb2jjH0RS7efytQASb7StpDqX1YZmDJ13TDxYHc-KqZ4fCswsIuEpM69jW33b676Gv8LU-JOFlR-D8F_-smZ/s320/20151019_110246.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evangelist Mbae and Chaplain Roy in action</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Hopefully, our patient will live on and his family will be able to afford a transfer to an ICU. But even if not, I think he has had the immeasurable gift of some days to reconcile with the King. <br />
<br />
I am so grateful to work in this Mission hospital. My intern colleagues are compassionate and learn skills quickly. And my Chaplain colleagues are also compassionate and can engage in the Great Work freely. How could it be better than that?Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-74406694539299697452015-07-12T10:33:00.000-07:002015-07-12T10:33:27.080-07:00The Story of BoazWe came to Kenya to help start a Christian Family Medicine Program, so young East African doctors could take the Gospel and better medicine to their people. We prayed (and many of you prayed) that the Lord would bring such young, motivated doctors here. And we came without knowing whether the prospective residents would come. And we have learned again that when the Lord is up to something, you can trust him with the personnel issues. <br />
<br />
We recently went through the resident selection process. I am most very glad to announce that Boaz Niyinyumvu is our first resident. Here is his story.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZcLKsaiADvby3Ot2UMSEUyUk8vKdQDzUPx31MgXQQEY1W4XEvhGJd7mx5oqHx-GXXHMqGstjkR2iiby8Aem3e_AC1X89O2Syr9G_22119FU3X0qZ8wBc0amUVuvqrEseLH0bTV3w03ir/s1600/IMG_0287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZcLKsaiADvby3Ot2UMSEUyUk8vKdQDzUPx31MgXQQEY1W4XEvhGJd7mx5oqHx-GXXHMqGstjkR2iiby8Aem3e_AC1X89O2Syr9G_22119FU3X0qZ8wBc0amUVuvqrEseLH0bTV3w03ir/s320/IMG_0287.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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My name is Boaz Niyinyumva.
I am 31 years old. I am the fifth
child in a family of seven, three girls and four boys. All my sisters are married. I am an uncle of seven children. My youngest brothers are still in high
school. There is a difference of nine
years between myself and my next youngest sibling. They were not expected to come. I was born in Bujumbura, the capital of
Burundi, in a small city called Kanyosha.
I grew up in a Christian family with a normal middle-class life. I grew up with a Christian education. I loved going to school. When I was 3-5, I was following the older
kids going to school, and I wanted to go, but they would always bring me
back. I had to wait until I was 7 years
old. According to my mother, I was an
active boy, running everywhere, and according to my mother I was smart, asking
questions of the old people. At 7 years
I went to school and started primary school. So, I had a Christian education and went to
Sunday school. I grew up with
acknowledgement that there is a supreme God in heaven who cares about children
but hates sin. I was told about Satan,
the enemy of God’s people. I was taught
that when you sin you go to hell, but if you don’t sin you inherit the Kingdom
of God. I grew up with that. Also deep in my heart I felt a deep
connection with God. I grew up as a
normal child. In my classes, I was always first or second or third. I started serving God in Sunday school,
participating in Sunday school choir, singing or doing outreach in the city to
tell other children that God loved them, and inviting them to come to
church. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Physically, intellectually, I was good and my family was
providing what I needed and I grew up with this knowledge. I tried not to do evil and didn’t want to go
to hell.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 1991, I was 7 years old.
I remember that there was a small crisis in Burundi but it didn’t last
long. One night there was a rebel
movement from DRC attacking Burundi.
They said it was a Hutu movement fighting against Tutsi government. I was too young to know what was going on. In 1993, war broke out in Burundi while I
was starting fourth year of primary school.
That’s when things started to change in Burundi, my life, and my family. There were democratic elections and a Hutu
president was elected. There was a coup
in October which led to the death of that president by the military. The president was Hutu and at that time the
military was about 99% Tutsi. So it
became a war of Hutu against Tutsi. They
were revenging against Tutsi, and the Tutsi said they were defending
themselves. A Hutu would be killed here,
and a Tutsi somewhere else. Tutsi would
attack Hutus in their cities, and they would attack back. If a Hutu was living in a Tutsi city, he moved
to a Hutu city. Hutu and Tutsi neighborhoods
were separated. If you wanted to go to
town and you were a Tutsi and had to pass through a Hutu area, you had to pray,
and vice versa. They hunted each
other. It started slowly and became
worse.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In 1994, my father and other families decided to take us to
DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) in Uvira, in south Kivu. Hutus and mixed Hutu and Tutsi went to
Tanzania and Congo. Because there was
war in Rwanda, some went to Western countries.
We went to DRC with other Christians.
There life changed for me from a normal boy who loved school to a
refugee boy who stopped studying. As a
refugee in DRC, you had no rights.
Soldiers from Congo would take you to prison and require money to be
given them, though you had done nothing.
You had no right to run a business.
Many soldiers were not good, but were jealous of Burundians being helped
by UN organizations. So when we arrived
in DRC, we were living like refugees but had money for a while and lived in a
rented house. After five months, our
money had run out and we started struggling.
The government did something which led to the international community
closing all borders. None could come
from Burundi, to pressure Burundi to stop killing. No food could come to us. My father had stayed in Burundi and had been
sending us food. Now no food could
come. We were isolated and had nothing
and began struggling. I was not going to school and was 10 years old. As a boy in Africa you have to make the
family survive. My brother and I started
a small business of selling plastic in the market. If we got money, we bought food for lunch. In evening, if sold enough, we bought food
for evening food. At 6 PM, because there
wasn’t much electricity, we sold evening petrol/oil for lamps. We would call out “petrol” in the
streets. Whoever needed it would tell us
to come. If they learned that we were
refugees they wouldn’t buy or would laugh at us. Until nine we would go from road to road
yelling “petrol.” From that we made our
family survive that period of isolation away from Burundi in DRC. We were taken from the city and were isolated
in a refugee camp. It was 175 km from
the city and 70 km from the road. It was
very far. We lived there for
months. There were so many cases of
diseases. Diarrhea, salmonella. People dying because we had little care and
were far from the UN or MSF (Doctors Without Borders) doctors, who were not
well equipped. I saw a lot. People dying.
I sympathized and wondered what I could do. A voice came to me to do medicine so when I
saw those things happening I could do something. It was like a voice, like a wish. Because life was hard, my family and others from
the same city decided to go back to the city.
It was far, and we were forbidden by camp rules to go back. We had to sell everything we had to get
transport. We sold blankets, tent, pans,
to get money for family. We left at
night to sneak past guards, and when made it to the main road caught a bus back
to the city. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we arrived in the city, we went to Bethany church. We slept there and lived the same life,
selling plastic and petrol. In 1995,
after a year in DRC, we came back to Burundi.
Things were worse in Burundi. Our
house was destroyed to the foundation.
They even removed the stones and took everything. We went to live in another refugee camp in
Burundi, and it was the same. We saw a
lot. Those diseases, cholera, malaria,
dysentery, malnourished people, eating only maize and beans and not
enough. There was so much killing that
no one was cultivating and they were fully dependent on support. I was moved again to go into medicine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because there was so much killing between Hutu and Tutsi
there were two Hutu rebel movements fighting against the Tutsi government after
the coup. My father decided to take us
back to DRC in 1996. After five months,
war broke out in DRC. Rwanda was part of
the war, as were Uganda and Burundi.
Rwandese said they were chasing Hutu movement and accused them of
committing genocide. When war broke out
in DRC we had to flee from Uvira to another city by the lake called Mboko. When those soldiers came, they killed every
Hutu they met on the way, accusing the Hutus of committing genocide. They invaded.
I saw many people killed. If they
found a person hiding in the bush, they burned the bush and killed the person. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We decided then to come back to Burundi. We thought, “If we have to die, let us die in
Burundi.” There were rumors saying that
if you were a boy over 18, the soldiers would give you poisoned food that would
kill you after six months. So all
Burundians were afraid of going back on the road. Those soldiers had been killing many
people. Because we made a decision to go
back to Burundi and our only way was by that road and the lake had been closed,
we decided to do this: Ladies would go
by the road and boys would go by the lake, though it was forbidden. The day came for us to leave. My mother and sisters and other ladies packed
their things to go by road. My father
and my brother went to the lake to look for a boat to take us at night. Four hours later, I was at home alone. A voice came to me and talked to me. It said, “Go into the house and take your bag
and follow your mother.” Without
hesitation I entered, took my bag, and followed the way my mother and sisters
took. I asked people if they had seen my
mother. I went until I reached a market
with a big mango tree around 4PM, and I slept there near the road. While sleeping I heard voices say “That’s
Boaz.” That was the group of Burundians
including my mother. They gave me a
fabric to dress in so I would look like a girl.
So I went in the group of ladies and passed the station of soldiers
without problem and reached Burundi. The
same day I left, my father and brothers died.
According to the witnesses, they went in 3 or 5 boats on the lakes and
met the marines’ boat from Burundi. The
Burundi marines tied them and threw them in the lake. They were unable to escape. But that is how I survived.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We reached Burundi and lived in the camp again for two
weeks. The government and church sent
people to take us from the camp. We started
struggling for life. The head of our
family was gone. It was difficult to
make ends meet. My sisters stopped
studying but went into small business. Before
my father died, he and some of his friends had made an agreement that if one of
them died the others would take care of the families. One of these friends came and told me and my
sister we could go to school and he would provide school fees. In 1996, I went back to school. This friend of my father had a family with
many children. He helped us and paid
school fees not only for us but also for his family of 5 or 6 children. In afternoon I made money on a bicycle
taxi. I did that for 3-4 months. One day I remember that I took a person from a
Hutu area to Tutsi area late in the day.
He gave me a lot of money for that.
Once I arrived at a military post station. They told me that if I had a problem I was on
my own. They took my money and my bike
and they beat me. They wanted to kill
me, but the chief of the station came and ordered them to give me back my money
and bike. It was dark, around 7, and the
chief told them to find me a place to sleep and bring me back alive in the
morning. They gave me food and a place
to sleep. They soldiers did those things
and I was sent back home. Saved again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life was not easy. We
had no money, and I asked myself how I would do medical studies. But if God has a plan, no matter what, it will
happen. In those hard times of studying,
I finished primary school with good grades.
At the end of primary school there is a test to determine whether the
student can go to secondary school. The
test was very hard. Many people
struggled and had to re-do the test many times.
Two thirds of the 30 people in my class had already taken the test
several times. When I took the test, three
of us succeeded on the test and I was the only one who had taken it the first
time. I got entered into secondary
school with little school fees. God did
that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went to public school.
I succeeded in high school. After
4<sup>th</sup> year, there was another national test to decide whether the
student does science or technical studies.
I succeeded in the test and was given my choice. I chose my school. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When in high school,
in second year, I gave my life to Jesus in a Bible study. I had grown up fearing God and punishment. But that year in 1998 in a Bible group, the preacher
spoke of God reconciling himself with the world. Jesus reconciled God to His people, as our
creator. That day, based on my experience,
I told God I was his. I saw God changing
my life in many ways. Because when I
succeeded in that exam, my family and school were very far apart. Two buses every day both ways, which I
couldn’t afford. How would I be going to
that school? I had an aunt who lived
near that school but in a Muslim family.
It was hard for me to leave my home and live in that family where there
were 19 children from one man and three wives.
It was hard for me to go there but I went there and lived with them,
which was difficult to do physically, mentally, spiritually. Very hard.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the 4<sup>th</sup> year of high school, my pastor’s
son asked me, “How do you live in a Muslim family?” The pastor’s son was little, maybe 12 years
old. He went back to the family and told
them about me, and that I was involved in kids’ ministry. He went and asked his family if they could let
me live with them. The whole family accepted and in my fifth year, my pastor
came and asked me, “Would you mind if you would leave where you are now and
live with us?” I said I would ask my mother. My mother said to ask my current host. I did,
and he didn’t mind. So I was taken from
the Muslim quarter to the highest quarter of the city, calm and distinguished. In the Muslim quarter, I lived in a room with
5 or 6. But there, I got my own room. Life went on changing. I had been going to school on foot, but in my
new home I was taken in a car. At 1 PM I
was being picked up. They really did a great job with me and took good care of
me. A sudden change. I studied and finished
secondary school. Then I took the test
that determines your future. If you do
not pass it you are done with school. If
you do well, you have a chance of doing university, for me medicine. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was the second person at my school to succeed on that test. They gave us forms to fill for what we wanted
to take. We had three choices. I put first and second choices medicine,
third choice low. The first person also had
asked for medicine. But she was not
given medicine. She had higher marks
than me. But I was given medicine. God did that, too. I had to wait one year because we were so
many students waiting for university and there were many strikes. During that year of waiting I was deeply involved
in VBS with children, working with Korean missionaries. One day after a session, a Korean missionary
asked me about my studies. I told him
what was going on. He asked how many
universities we had. I told him which I
wanted. He said they would be paying it
for me. So my medical training was covered! But on the third year those missionaries had
to go back, so that was a problem. How
would I get fees to finish my training?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was class representative for the first years of medical
school. We were having difficulty
finding a teacher for genetics. An
American came to teach it. During class
he stopped class and asked me if he could pray for me. In my heart I hesitated because everyone
would know I had a problem. I wanted to
refuse, but a voice told me “Why refuse?”
So I allowed. He prayed for
me. After praying, he said, “God told me
to help you. How can I help you?” I told him.
He said, “From now until you finish your medicine I will take over. I will give you medicine, pocket money, and
will be helping your family.” At the
same time, my pastor’s wife whom I consider as my other mother introduced my biological
mother to a Christian NGO called SISTER CONECTION helping widows. So my mother
was receiving financial support from the NGO which made my life comfortable. I had not been able to help my family much. My church at high level also joined in my
education. So I was favored by God in
many ways. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you God; you have your ways. I never had a problem with school fees when I
was at school. God made it possible
what He told me in refugee camp. He
helped me in all those tests when I was in difficult moments. When I ever had a problem He brought a
solution to the problem. He made it
possible for me to do medicine, even with solutions to every problem. When I was doing medical studies in
internship, we had to go up-country.
When up there, I met these people living in bad conditions. Very poor.
Could not afford the least medical care, even paracetamol, less than a
cent. They could not pay for a blood
smear. My heart went to them. God told me, “This is where I want you to be,
to walk with these people.” I felt I was
part of them, it was part of me. I made
a decision that’s where I belong. When I
finished I went in January with a mission team in DRC. Where we went, we went to serve very poor
people who cannot afford treatment of malaria, which was almost free. It was a calling for me. “This is what I want you to do.” This is the kind of place where things
happen. Because I have lived in those
conditions, I feel that I can do more. I
left DRC with the heart of being a medical missionary. My background, internship, first visit as
medical doctor were directing me where and what to do. I had a dream to do pediatrics. I love kids.
So I wanted to be a pediatrician to do congenital heart defects. Maybe a pediatric cardiac surgeon. But God was directing me differently. The first Sunday back home in Burundi from
DRC, I met a pastor from here in Kenya.
They had a Christian NGO establishing contact with Burundian evangelical
colleges. He spoke English and my pastor
had told me to interpret for this pastor.
I interpreted for him when he was preaching. Afterwards I said “Thank you for the sermon
but my pastor asked me to stay with you for a short moment of his absence.” During that time, the visiting pastor wanted
to know about me and I gave him a brief part of my story - I told him who I
was. He asked if I wanted to do more
studies. I said “Of course.” He asked if I could come tomorrow for an
introduction. Next Monday I went to his
hotel. I met Ted Burnett. He said he also wanted to know about me. We talked and he told me that his father was
one of the doctors who started one of the missions hospitals here. I don’t remember which. So I gave my email. Two weeks after, I got an email from Bruce
Dahlman telling me he got my email and asking if I was interested in Family
Medicine. He gave me the name of someone
who could help me understand. He gave me
the email of a doctor in Burundi who was one of my teachers. Eric gave me a brief view of Family Medicine
and what it is. I read about it and it
was just who I am supposed to be and where I am supposed to go. It was like an answer. “This is what you have to be to go where you
have to go.” And considering the mystery
of how it came to be known to me is part of the answer. It is not chance. It is not just something that happens. “It is
me sending to you.” So I applied. When I applied, I had only just worked for
two months after medical school. I spoke
of that to other people we were with in Congo and they decided to support me
through the program. That family of American
medical missionaries was ready to assist me.
God has made it all possible. And
here I am.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
THIS IS MY SHORT STORY OF MY LONG LIFE. <o:p></o:p></div>
Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-73067995497936722122014-11-17T05:12:00.000-08:002014-11-17T05:12:50.074-08:00Signs of the TimesSince arriving at our new home in Chogoria, we have been gradually integrating into the life of this vibrant community. Here are a few "signs of the times" that may illustrate some of the events, concerns, and victories of the PCEA Chogoria Mission Hospital and the community we serve. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiugnsVDX3yZA6ybuP7lcW6CmSQGy5M1CoMYnEnoCVouRocStoeZsSyNS3XoTuhMQ43bx5jVCw_rE-fI9MfjH2ZeYcAd_yTeDLVc0bFa5xlOXGwFxHT1wHV2Q0gegAdHEdTemfp1LUTfk_/s1600/CameraZOOM-20141107075223596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiugnsVDX3yZA6ybuP7lcW6CmSQGy5M1CoMYnEnoCVouRocStoeZsSyNS3XoTuhMQ43bx5jVCw_rE-fI9MfjH2ZeYcAd_yTeDLVc0bFa5xlOXGwFxHT1wHV2Q0gegAdHEdTemfp1LUTfk_/s1600/CameraZOOM-20141107075223596.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This part of the Hospital was dedicated by none other than Jomo Kenyatta himself, the first president of the Republic of Kenya. I think that's very cool.<br />
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A Mission Statement that's worth following.<br />
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We don't have Ebola in Kenya, and pray that we never will, but the Kenyan government and supporting organizations are ahead of the curve in awareness and prevention.<br />
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I like a lab that is so confident with their turnaround times that they post them <i>painted</i> outside the lab. Among the tests are those for malaria, typhoid, TB, HIV, etc. <br />
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'Tis the season. This crucial part of becoming a man in Kenya is offered as part of a comprehensive program teaching how to be a responsible Christian man, husband, and father.<br />
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Mosquito nets have made a big difference in decreasing the number of people suffering with malaria.<br />
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Posted in the outpatient area in English, Swahili, and Kimeru is the offer to help in medical and non-medical ways.<br />
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This is a good place. It isn't like the place where I grew up. Very different, indeed. But we are exceptionally glad to be allowed to add a shoulder to the wheel here. The Lord is up to something here. We are privileged to be along for the ride.Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-77007642519477861152014-10-12T07:17:00.000-07:002014-10-12T07:17:06.067-07:00I don't have any problems. (Our first village medical and evangelism outreach)Yesterday, we had the indescribable privilege of participating in a village medical and evangelism outreach. <br />
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(We finished language school in September. For the last month, we have been living and working at Tenwek Hospital in order to learn some African medicine, become familiar with the medical education system, and get our feet wet with medical missions in this country. We will be moving to Chogoria around Oct 21st.)<br />
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Our friends the Crognales invited our family to go on this outreach to a local village near Tenwek. All five of us went. We joined 16 or so other folks and sallied forth on a couple of little buses in the morning. After a while jolting along on dirt-and-rock mountain roads, we pulled in to a little schoolyard and found about 130 people already waiting for us on the hillside. <br />
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Their local pastor had advertised our visit. After greeting them and sharing prayer and a short interpreted sermon, we started setting up shop. Triage at this end of the school building, then the room for the docs and nurses, then the room for dental, then the pharmacy. A little outbuilding served for a procedure room and place for more private exams. Martha joined the triage team. Helen, Meredith, and James started work in the pharmacy, arranging medications and systems. Jim pushed together a couple of desk rails, met his interpreter, Vivian, and started in seeing the patients. Seven providers (four docs and three nurses (two recent grads from the Tenwek nursing school)) saw patients. <br />
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One little disappointment: few of the patients spoke Kiswahili, the language we spent three months learning. They spoke Kipsigis. Oh well. <br />
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Some of our patients had very simple complaints, like aches and pains. We treated their symptoms, prayed with them, and showed them some love. Some had physical problems that we could really help with, like folks who had undiagnosed asthma and urinary infections. Some were truly heartbreaking.<br />
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One mom handed me (Jim) two triage forms, one for her and one for her 5-year-old girl. The girl smiled, looking at me happily from under her hoodie, and wanting to hold my hands. A little sweetheart. Mom's problem was pretty straightforward- some headaches. When we finished with mom and I asked how we could help her daughter, I was surprised to see tears. The little girl had been complaining of headaches, had been crying, and still couldn't walk at 5 years old. Then mom pulled back the hood. The little girl had hydrocephalus, and her head was quite enlarged. There was nothing we could do in the clinic about this, of course. We explained that she would need a CT scan and some surgery, and explained how much that would cost. The cost is much less than in the US, but was still well beyond the mom's means. (The missionary doctors don't charge for services, but the hospital has to charge for materials.) We provided them with some de-worming medications and vitamins, and gave instructions for how to arrange the surgery, but mom's tears never left and I doubt that they will ever be able to afford the CT or surgery.<br />
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Two ladies had large abdominal masses. One man my age had progressive weakness and could barely walk. He had been a robust farmer before April. A lady in her 30's had horrible valvular heart disease and couldn't walk up hills at all. Cancer. Strokes. Heart disease.<br />
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I don't have any problems.<br />
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We prayed with everyone. Or almost everyone. A couple of people escaped. But Vivian and I held hands with our patients and asked God to intervene in their lives. The faith was so apparent in some of them that I wanted to examine them again to see if they had been healed there and then. I wish I had re-examined them. All were grateful. <br />
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The pastors on our team were wonderful. They preached on the hillside, sang with the children, prayed, and handled crowd control. Of course, their work was the most effective of all. <br />
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Martha, Helen, Meredith, and James worked tirelessly throughout the day. They acted as pharmacists, runners, messengers, encouragers, and general servants. When the smoke cleared at the end of the day, we had seen about 250 patients in the clinic, about 95 patients had been tested and/or counseled for HIV, many had been seen in dental clinic, and at least 1,000 prescriptions had been filled. The Word had been preached to hundreds.<br />
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I wish I could say that we were able to take care of everyone who came, but I can't. We had to send many away, because we simply ran out of time. The sun was setting when we drove away, tired but glad that we were able to do a little something for some eternal souls made in the image of God. Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-51655283535440599892014-07-24T05:53:00.000-07:002014-07-24T05:53:50.520-07:00God's praise in a new formSince arriving in Kenya, we have been adjusting to life here. We are re-learning how to cook, speak, drive, shop, greet, hike, study, and so many other functions that were second nature back in the US. One of our favorite new "functions" is our praise time in the morning in language school at Brackenhurst. We always sing in Swahili, and until recently, our only accompaniment has been a drum (ngoma). We also have some Korean classmates. You should hear the blend of Kenyans, Americans, and Koreans singing Swahili words in English hymns to God. Check out the video of this.<br />
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Sometimes, our morning praise time includes some of that Kenyan praise music. But more commonly, we use European hymns that have been translated into Swahili (Kiswahili, for you purists). <br />
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Here is Amazing Grace, in Swahili:<br />
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And here's the translation of the first stanza:<br />
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<span style="color: #212121; font-family: "inherit","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In the grace of Jesus, I am saved; I was lost in sin, blind in soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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You might say that some important phrases were literally 'lost in translation.' And you'd be right. But that's no fault of the translator. Swahili commonly requires more syllables than English to convey the same information. So when fitting the words into the song's meter, the translator had to truncate. In order to keep the tune and meter, we finish with words that seem less profound, less lyrical.</div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Some of our instructors are also prominent singers in their local church's choir. But don't think of this choir as a stationary arrangement of robed Southern Baptists. Oh, no. Their music is festive, responsive, active, harmonious, and thoroughly wonderful. W</span>hen our Kenyan instructors give us original African hymns, with words and music not wedged into the grid of European hymnody, oh, how much more appropriate! Responsive, joyous music with complex rhythms and harmonies. That's how Swahili music is supposed to sound!<br />
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We do love singing tunes we have known for years. The Sunday before we left the US, our wonderful Church blessed us by singing "Leaning On the Everlasting Arms." We especially love this hymn, because we get to 'act up' in church (we lean when singing "leaning"). And a very neat thing happened here. On our first day at Language School, we were very happy to recognize the same tune, this time with Swahili words. </div>
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As we integrate into Kenya, we are trying to keep in mind that we can't wedge our American expectations into Kenyan life. Those expectations often will not fit, and may produce awkward, truncated relationships. We need to be ready to stretch and grow and find new, fuller ways of living. Dwight Gradin taught us a quote: "Learn a new language; grow a new soul." </div>
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Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-25307747915864624772014-07-24T05:48:00.000-07:002014-07-24T05:48:31.575-07:00Kiswahili at Brackenhurst<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here we are at Kiswahili (the Swahili language) School at Brackenhurst, near Limuru and Tigoni Kenya. After landing in Kenya June 12th, our hosts the Steurys, Manchesters, and Vanderhoofs helped us find the stirrups and ride. They took us to buy phones and food and study materials and pick up the delayed luggage from the airport. They fed us and held our hands. And we are very grateful for their expert guidance. <br />
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Then three days later, they dropped us about an hour north at Brackenhurst Conference Center, where we checked into freshly renovated rooms and continued learning how to live in this country. Our language course started on June 16th. We have completed two weeks and are surprised at how much we have learned in a short time. <br />
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<br />Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-67908589624303544392014-04-25T04:24:00.000-07:002014-04-25T04:24:26.560-07:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Meet
our new friend, Ethan.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ethan is a hero,
through choice and dedication and long-term blood, sweat, and tears.
Ethan is a missionary who works with street kids in a gang neighborhood
in Honduras. Almost none of these kids have an engaged father. Many
of them don't know who their father is, and a few of them are orphans.
Ethan is the only father many of them will know. He's the
disciplinarian and the source of reward. He teaches them how to behave,
how to live without stealing, how to love. Eight of the kids call him
"Dad." He has even taken one of them in, and spends much of his
support money paying for the kids' school and clothing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ethan works in a tough
neighborhood. When he drives in, if he doesn't give the proper signal, he
finds a gun to his head, held by a gang member. It has happened several
times already. Ethan has been tied up inside his own apartment and
robbed, again at gunpoint. He has delivered a eulogy for an 11-year-old
kid, one of his Sunday School kids, who died due to violence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Often we think of a
hero as a guy running into a burning building to rescue someone. That's a
perfectly acceptable definition of hero. But the "burning
building" hero is finished with his deed in a few minutes and (hopefully)
goes home. Ethan is a more profound hero. Ethan has been risking
his life for years to save the lives of these otherwise hopeless kids. He is currently back in the States, raising
support to return to his work saving kids. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Oh, by the way, Ethan
is 23 years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some young people are
dissatisfied with the trajectory of their lives, dominated by electronics, and
making little difference in others' lives. Those folks would do well to
ask the Lord for a job. Perhaps He would give them a chance to be a hero,
like Ethan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-18135028031583333592014-04-22T19:34:00.000-07:002014-04-22T19:34:27.919-07:00Studying Hard at MTIWe're in our final week at Missions Training International. It has been a highly fruitful time of superb training. During the first two weeks, we concentrated on methods of language learning. They showed us how to make our tongues and mouths create the most bizarre sounds. Here are a couple of photos and videos of the training materials and drills. <br />
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The pronunciation drills were fun, but the language-learning games and processes were better. Here's Martha following directions from world language-learning expert Dwight Gradin in the Vietnamese tribal language of Jeh. </div>
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Dwight was one of a small team of missionaries who developed a system of writing for that language. He is a master teacher.</div>
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During the last two weeks, we have been concentrating on cultural integration. We have been involved in role-playing, simulations, and other imaginative means of teaching us how to thrive in our new home. Here's a bridge-crossing exercise that may look sort of "summer camp-ish" but was actually packed with profound insights. </div>
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All of our instructors are former missionaries with extensive experience. This has been a stellar month. Helen and Meredith and James have been learning all day, too, in 'tracks' that are sometimes separate, sometimes included with Martha and I. We are looking forward to putting our new training into practice in Kenya. <br />
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Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-27435945903205888632014-04-02T19:08:00.000-07:002014-04-02T19:08:05.561-07:00Training for New Servants at the Grand Household<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We’ve arrived for our final training in the US prior to
departure for Kenya. Our destination for
this trip is Mission Training International, in Palmer Lake, Colorado. We are most excited. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The COMPASS Course at MTI is universally praised as marvelous
preparation for the Field. The course
lasts four weeks. All of our
interactions so far with the MTI folks have been wonderful and professional and
gracious. If I remember correctly, all
of the instructors are former missionaries.
They will teach us how to integrate well with our new culture, how to
learn language more effectively, and how to deal with some important situations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And, of course, it’s in Colorado. None of our kids have ever seen the
Rockies. Martha and I will enjoy showing
them the splendor of that part of God’s creation. We will have some weekend time open, and hope
to spend much of that time outdoors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When thinking about the preparatory training, I imagine that
we’re like new servants, freshly hired to work in a fine 19<sup>th</sup>
century manor house. We’re elated to
have been hired. We know we’re not
worthy to work there, but we so desperately want to do well to please the
Master. We know He is a wonderful
Master, gracious and grand, and we want Him to find us obedient and
diligent. We need to be taught where to
stand and how to dress and how He likes his pheasant prepared and how to treat
His guests. We know that He values
integrity and honesty and courage and industry.
We know that we’re imperfect in those characteristics, but we’ll try so
very hard. And so we are overwhelmingly
grateful for the training, so that we might have a better opportunity to
succeed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After MTI, we will spend the next two weeks in the “Grandparent
farewell tour,” returning home on May 10<sup>th</sup> or so. The next month will be our final push to pack
up, close down the house, and be sure the older kids are tucked in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Because we have a departure date! The tickets are bought! We fly out on June 11<sup>th</sup> and arrive
in Nairobi the next day. We start work in the Master’s house soon
afterward. We are thrilled with
anticipation and a bit apprehensive, hoping that we will be ready and able for
our place in the Household. We would be
most grateful for your prayers to that end.
Onward, Upward!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-89011855839327546842013-12-23T11:32:00.000-08:002013-12-23T11:32:11.312-08:00Christmas newsletter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-22208671821460020462013-11-16T15:42:00.000-08:002013-11-16T15:42:42.184-08:00Fair warning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcMiOBS5W0zQK_0iIjDWM9X-P83ZRE4nFpa2GitS1o1USzXsjBgEjAb0dCtq5XXfvk6T0vQyADpznYLxCmNy2GAc-RMYTIkDsMfVw-uGf9h3GGUCDzD7jRB3wWRFBZTdUNkcnSXuJYHGK/s1600/surgical-implements-hospital-_taip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcMiOBS5W0zQK_0iIjDWM9X-P83ZRE4nFpa2GitS1o1USzXsjBgEjAb0dCtq5XXfvk6T0vQyADpznYLxCmNy2GAc-RMYTIkDsMfVw-uGf9h3GGUCDzD7jRB3wWRFBZTdUNkcnSXuJYHGK/s320/surgical-implements-hospital-_taip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I am grateful for a gracious reminder.<br />
<br />
I work part-time in the emergency department of a hospital nearby, to cover our expenses so that everything donated to our WGM account will only be used when we're en route to Chogoria. I was working in that local ER a few days ago, taking care of a fellow who was quite sick and becoming sicker. He had a whole-body infection, termed 'sepsis,' and his blood pressure was dropping. He needed a large IV in his jugular vein to give fluids and check internal pressures and give powerful blood-pressure-supporting medications. This IV procedure isn't surgical, but is somewhat complex, requiring multiple needles, a scalpel, wires, sutures, and other devices. Because the procedure carries some increased risk to the patient, including collapsing a lung, injury to the carotid artery and infection, we took extra precautions. We prepared the area carefully and used large sterile drapes, and I suited up with sterile gown, mask, and gloves. I also used ultrasound to visualize the vein and artery during the procedure, and was glad to have ultrasound available, because this patient's anatomy was somewhat different and I would have to insert the needles at an atypical angle. <br />
<br />
I found his vein with the ultrasound, injected anesthetic, used the large-bore needle to enter the vein, threaded a wire through the needle, removed the needle, used a scalpel to open the skin around the wire, inserted a dilator and removed it, and threaded the IV catheter over the wire. Then I pulled out the wire and used a syringe to pull out some blood to confirm placement. All was going well. Then, while holding the catheter and reaching for the suture needle, I felt a prick on my finger. The bloody scalpel had fallen into a cavity of the tray and was lying blade-up. I had cut my finger with the scalpel. <br />
<br />
I paused to consider risk of contagion. And my thoughts were not reassuring. This fellow's medical record included many past visits to treat STDs. And his white blood cell count had been low for the last couple of years, which could be a sign of HIV infection. <br />
<br />
I finished the procedure, suturing the catheter in place, and cleaning up my mess, including policing up the needles and scalpel and other 'sharps' so our superb nurses and technicians wouldn't be injured by them. Then off to the sink to wash as best I could, and then I reported the 'needle stick' to the charge nurse. She and the rest of the staff were very good, completing lots of paperwork and drawing lots of blood from me and from our patient to check for hepatitis and HIV and other concerns. All of this is routine procedure for a 'needle stick.'<br />
<br />
The more difficult part followed - waiting the few days for the test results, and ruminating about my foolishness. The stick had occurred at about 1:00 in the morning. I was tired and was sloppy with my 'sharps.' I should have been much more deliberate with every piece of equipment that had touched my patient's skin. What if he had HIV? And what if he had hepatitis C? That was actually the main risk, based on his history. Hepatitis C could be very debilitating, even fatal. Surely the Lord would not allow those infections, especially as we're preparing to go to the mission field.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, we recently had the profound privilege to hear the story of a friend already on the field who had been raped and subsequently had a positive HIV test. This friend's story of faith and deliverance is truly remarkable and miraculous. Perhaps we can tell it someday. But I could hardly claim some sort of right to protect me from those infections when I knew our friend's story.<br />
<br />
Isn't blood interesting? Life-giving. The Bible says life is in the blood. Lose too much and you die. Astoundingly complex, containing proteins, clotting factors, antibodies, inflammatory mediators, infection-fighting and cancer-fighting cells, electrolytes, hormones, cellular fuels, buffers, and cells that carry oxygen and carbon dioxide, among hundreds of other things. And sometimes infectious viruses. When it carries those, blood can be death-giving. What is profoundly good by design can be exceptionally dangerous when tainted. Symbolic of all creation, I suppose.<br />
<br />
Martha took the news well. She prayed and I prayed. I might have lost a little sleep about it, but not much. My favorite verse is Isaiah 26:3. "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, for he trusts in you. Trust the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord is the rock eternal." I am very grateful for that peace.<br />
<br />
And then came the phone calls from the very kind Occupational Health nurse. First, about HIV. Our patient's test was negative. (So was mine, in case you were wondering.) And, last night, the second phone call. His hepatitis tests were negative, too. Hallelujah.<br />
<br />
I am very grateful for this event. In prayer, I feel that I have received fair warning. Or at least an important reminder to be much more careful. We're going to a place with a very high incidence of HIV and hepatitis and parasites and other dangers. I cannot be sloppy with my 'sharps' or with similar procedures, and must insist on my students' diligence as well, for their protection. We can go with the best of intentions and unfortunately still make a mess of it, both for ourselves and others. But we desperately don't want to do that. We will still engage as best we can, but we will make ourselves diligent. As innocent as doves and as shrewd as serpents. Thank you, Lord, for the very kind reminder.Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-8465910686165896572013-10-01T07:22:00.001-07:002013-10-01T07:22:52.876-07:00Proud of MeredithMeredith is our just-turned-12 daughter. She is a trooper. Upbeat, always willing, looking for a way to help in a meaningful way. Sometimes, she hides her worries.<br />
<br />
Night before last, after being tucked into bed, she appeared again at our bedroom door, in tears. Earlier in the week, she had heard about the terrorist attack at the Westgate Mall in Nairobi. She knew about the killings and explosions and woundings and all. And she knows that we will be living in or near Nairobi when we're in language training, which is scheduled to occur a few months from now. Hence the worry and the tears.<br />
<br />
We talked for quite a while about the dangers of Nairobi and how we will deal with them. We talked about the earthly issues (Nairobi is a city of 3 million people, and the terrorist attack last week hurt fewer than 300 (we think). We will be following Embassy warnings and avoiding risky places. Etc.)<br />
<br />
But more importantly, we talked about the heavenly issues. Jesus has all authority over heaven and earth (Mt 28). We are told not to worry but to bring our requests to God, with the promise of His peace (Phil 4, Mt 6). <br />
<br />
Also, this journey isn't a vacation. We're 'deploying' on God's orders to help some magnificent people. The mission is important. And important work is rarely accomplished from the couch, free of risk. <br />
<br />
Sometimes people tell us, "The safest place is in the middle of God's hands." And sometimes they're really wrong, and sometimes they're really correct. <br />
<br />
When they mean "No bodily harm will befall you when you're a servant of God," they're quite wrong. Anyone who knows the history of the biblical Apostles knows that. They lived lives of shipwreck, imprisonment, torture, and violent death. Those risks did not end with those Apostles, as we know from the stories of Jim Elliot and so many contemporary Saints who are tortured and killed for their faith. <br />
<br />
But they're correct if they mean, "Even in physical peril and death, the Child of God is secure and safe in knowing his or her destination." We hope and expect to hear, "Enter into the joy of your master." <br />
<br />
Meredith heard this very difficult lesson, smiled, gave us a hug, and went back to bed.<br />
<br />
The very next day (yesterday) she and James studied Swahili (Kiswahili, for you purists). They made post-it notes for their vocabulary words, attaching them to representative objects or drawing illustrative pictures. <br />
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Despite the very real concerns of the World, Meredith trusts in the Most Powerful, and is doing her best to prepare for her new life in Kenya. She sings as she studies. She makes the learning fun for her brother. I am very proud of my Meredith.<br />
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There are dangers. But God has all authority. And in the midst of difficulty and pain and risk and loss and cost and even death, we can look forward to His overwhelming lovingkindness. How blessed indeed we are to be Children of God!<br />
<br />
By the way, today (Oct 1) is Meredith's 12th birthday. I know she would love to hear your encouragement. Feel free to leave a comment for her.Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-44628334665137861012013-09-30T13:17:00.000-07:002013-09-30T13:17:23.803-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love this painting, the Good Samaritan by Vincent Van
Gogh. He painted it in 1850, while a
patient in an asylum. He was struggling,
and found solace and direction in his artistic meditations. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The painting is dense with meaning. The Samaritan is himself struggling,
awkwardly pushing the ambushed and injured Jewish man onto his donkey. The Samaritan has given up his place of
relative comfort on the donkey and has emptied his chest treating the man with
oil, wine, dressings, and clothes. But the Samaritan man isn’t glorified. His face is in shadow, and his leg serves as
a step-stool for the Jewish man. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The injured man doesn’t even appear to be particularly
grateful to the Samaritan. His countenance
is heavenward, which is more appropriate.
The priest and the Levite, who should have stopped to help a fellow Jew,
pass by on the road, ignoring the need and the struggle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan after a Jewish
lawyer asked, “Who is my neighbor?” After telling the Parable, Jesus asked “Which
of these three proved to be a neighbor…?”
The answer was, “The one who showed compassion toward him.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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Let us be compassionate toward our neighbors, regardless of
where they are and regardless of their acknowledgement and regardless of the
attention of others. The One who sees
and remembers our compassion is He who taught us about compassion and showed
the greatest compassion of all. <o:p></o:p></div>
Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-48139860770230063812013-09-27T09:40:00.000-07:002013-09-27T09:40:58.505-07:00Partners Joining in the Program<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While we're going through all of our preparations here in the States, sometimes we tend to lose visibility of all the preparations going on in Kenya. Then we receive very encouraging updates like the one below, which is an introductory letter to potential partners over there. </span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Information about
Chogoria’s involvement with Kabarak U. Family Medicine Residency and the coming
of Dr. Jim and Martha Ritchie<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In July 2013, PCEA Chogoria hospital, along with AIC Kijabe
Hospital and Tenwek Hospital, signed Memoranda of Understanding with Kabarak
University to become the core collaborating teaching hospitals for the new Family Medicine residency program. This four-year,
M.Med- Family Medicine post-graduate degree will prepare Kenyan medical
officers to become the “primary care team consultants” for both church and
Ministry of Health, county-sized hospitals and health centres. Traditionally these have been staffed by posted internship-trained
Medical Officers who aspire to ongoing post-graduate training. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In 2005, the same hospitals, with the assistance and
collaboration of the Nairobi-based Institute of Family Medicine, partnered with
Moi University, Eldoret Kenya, to begin Kenya’s first family medicine residency
program. To date the residency has
trained 18 graduate family doctors with another 12 currently enrolled. Chogoria’s initial registrar, Dr. Patrick
Chege, started his training at Chogoria, finished at AIC Kijabe and has now
gone on to become the first Kenyan Chair of Family Medicine at Moi University.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In preparation for Chogoria’s new start as a family medicine
teaching site in 2014, Dr. Franklin Ikunda has come as its first family physician. In the new year Dr. Ikunda will be joined
by Dr. Jim Ritchie and his family from
Virginia USA, who will come to assist in the teaching as Chogoria begins family
medicine teaching again with the new Kabarak program. Dr. Ritchie has had many years of experience
in residency educational administration
while serving in the US Navy medical services.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Ritchie family with Jim’s wife, Martha, and
three of their younger children, will be relocating to Chogoria in early
2014. You can follow their blog at <a href="http://www.chogoriastories.blogspot.com/">http://www.chogoriastories.blogspot.com/</a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">They will be sponsored by World Gospel Mission
who are beginning their 81<sup>st</sup>
year of service in Kenya, much of which has been concentrated at Tenwek
Hospital.. Housing on the Chogoria
campus for the Ritchies will be rehabilitated with a generous grant from the
Medical Benevolence Fund. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are inspired to be part of a much larger work of the Lord! As we plan for upcoming events, like the Comprehensive Advanced Life Support class in December, the COMPASS course in Colorado during the entire month of January, and our upcoming support-building trips, we're grateful for the work and support of so many in the US and Kenya as our nest is feathered and the work is prepared. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This semester, the kids are learning more about Africa as part of their formal school curriculum, and we're adding Kiswahili language training. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Onward, upward...</span>Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-39034635321533626982013-05-27T10:09:00.000-07:002013-05-27T10:09:16.623-07:00Drs. Brown who served at ChogoriaWe are very grateful to have met Drs. Richard and Judith Brown, who served at Chogoria Hospital for three years, ending around 2001. He is a physician and she is a cultural anthropologist.<br />
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We were introduced by Jim Wood, Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Norfolk. <br />
<br />
The Browns are wonderful saints who served on the mission field for 38 years. They shared an abundance of advice with us. They described the ministry at the hospital, how to avoid social and cultural missteps, how to navigate the countryside, what to expect about daily life, what sort of car to buy, and so much more. <br />
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Dr. Brown (Richard) helped set up the Casualty (ER) at the hospital and started the HIV program there.<br />
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We are honored to follow in their footsteps. Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-12682892893655400042013-05-27T09:40:00.000-07:002013-05-27T09:40:15.156-07:00Our house at ChogoriaOur hosts at Chogoria have picked out a nice house for us on the hospital compound. Here are a few photos.<br />
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Entrance gate<br />
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The front garden<br />
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Attached chicken coop - Helen is especially happy about this!<br />
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Living room<br />
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Rear garden<br />
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Kids' bedroom with mosquito net<br />
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Jim and Martha's bedroom<br />
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We are grateful to our advocates!Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-30514956915941745742013-05-21T12:32:00.000-07:002013-05-21T12:32:33.281-07:00<h2>
Where is Chogoria?</h2>
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Chogoria is located in the Central Kenyan Highlands, just east of Mount Kenya. The town is on the shoulders of Mount Kenya, at an altitude of approximately 6,000 feet. Chogoria is a popular route of entry for climbers of the mountain, and is a couple of hours drive from Meru Game Preserve. It is a rural very small town in the middle of a very fertile agricultural region known for its excellent tea.</div>
Chogoria Storieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16684721743146539246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083348456820674859.post-34441602485083024312013-05-21T12:17:00.001-07:002013-05-21T12:17:35.608-07:00<br />
We are excited to be part of God's plan of redemption in a magnificent land. Back in the 1920's, the Lord brought Scottish Presbyterian missionaries to the Central Kenyan Highlands, just east of Mount Kenya. They started a medical outpost there. Over the next 80 years, they and the Kenyans built a 300-bed hospital and two fine boarding schools. All were very effective in spreading the Gospel throughout the area. After 80 years, the Scots moved their Mission to a different country, and the Kenyans have been running the hospital and schools themselves. PCEA Chogoria Hospital is a well-run facility with a very good reputation, but very few fully-trained mission-minded doctors remain there. <br />
We are convinced that the Lord would have us move to Chogoria to assist the Medical Missions Ministry there, and especially to help start an advanced medical training program. This program will function in partnership with Kabarak University and Tenwek Missions Hospital, and will train East African medical professionals for medical missions service throughout the continent.<br />
We strongly believe that the Lord has been preparing us for this role. Jim has been training medical students, interns, and residents for over 15 years, and he was the Program Director of an Emergency Medicine residency for seven years. He earned three national teaching awards as well as many local teaching awards. Jim's trainees have also won many national competitions and serve in positions of leadership and service nationally and internationally. He has served and taught in Kenya, Cameroon, and Afghanistan. A recognized speaker, he has lectured on international medical ethics to many groups including national medical meetings, high school and college groups, and the Pentagon. <br />
Martha has homeschooled our six children for seventeen years, served in leadership in many local ministries such as Awanas, homeschool co-ops, and Venture Crew. She has lived in Puerto Rico, Korea, Holland, and Italy, and has a deep love of service.<br />
Helen, though only 15 year old, has completed all required credits for High School, and is very excited about moving to Chogoria. She has an interest in medicine, and will be an apprentice with Jim at the hospital. <br />
Meredith and James are also very excited about the move to Africa. Though they are sad about leaving their friends (and dog and cats) here, they anticipate meeting new friends in Kenya.<br />
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