Completing our time in Ndola is surpising. The time has certainly flown. We have had a great trip. We have been able to provide significant medical care to over a thousand people in just a short time. The medical care has extended beyond the clinic; we typically took one or two people to the hospital each day and helped them financially as well to manage the costs of food and public transport once they were at the hospital. We have also seen hundreds of people place their faith in Jesus Christ for eternity. Approximately 70% of the people of Zambia live in poverty. Being able to help them today as well as for eternity has brought us great joy.
Kathy and I had the joy of meeting Innocent, a beautiful 11 month-old boy that we sponsor through Living Hope International. Kathy has had the privilege of working with the children at the Living Hope International home, while I have spent the majority of my time at the clinic sites in the villages where we served. It was my pleasure to make several trips in the “jambulance” taking patients to the hospital. I literally carried two of the patients into the hospital with I.V.’s already in place.
My greatest joy was watching our team operate with unity and humility. I have felt many emotions here that will forever change me (Kathy as well), but to see the members of my team function in ways that utilized their strengths for the glory of God has been inspiring.
If you have not heard through the electronic grapevine, my ankle has been swollen for about a week. I did not injure it, so the Dr. (it is good to be on a mission with a medical team) has determined that it is either a skin infection (cellulitis) or a blood clot. There is no ultrasound machine (necessary to diagnose a blood clot) in Ndola so we are treating it for both. I have been taking bactrim to treat the infection possibility and today I begin giving myself injections of lovanox twice daily to treat the blood clot possibility. Please pray for healing.
Tomorrow we leave at 5 a.m. to take a bus 10-12 hours to Livingstone. Livingstone is the home of Victoria Falls. We will enjoy two days of rest, team debriefing and the beauty of God’s creation before heading for home on Saturday.
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It sounds like God has used each and everyone of you in a precious way. I can only imagine the life changing impact it would have on one to experience what you all have. I praise all of you for helping these children and families. It is wonderful so many have been baptized. Praise God! Praying for a safe travel home and that you are all able to catch up on your rest. Jamie, I pray for your ankle and that it heals quickly. Thank you for keeping us posted on the Zambia trip. We were able to be with you in spirit. Blessings - Michele
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