Tanzania Medical Team Tuesday, June 24, 2008

A wonderful day.

Our wonderful pharmacist John Simmons decided to bring some soccer balls. Each day he gives one to the village youth, usually allowing a variety of villages to have new toys. When we pulled up to Muhungamkola (we're we'll be tomorrow for one more day), the kids were playing soccer as always. We hopped off the bus and John grabbed a translator to help present the new gift. Once the boys saw him walking with the new ball they immediately dropped everything and ran over to him. It was like we were in a movie. One boy saw John's new ball then looked at his own, a concoction of plastic bags and trash remnants rolled into a rough, lumpy sphere. He looked down, then through down the ball and sprinted towards the others while yelling something out of excitement. It was probably one of the coolest, most memorable things I've seen in a long time. John received the boy's ball in return; probably the best souvenir anyone will take home.

Yesterday was definitely a good day, but we had to spend time setting up and preparing for the first day. Yesterday we saw about 150 patients, whereas today we saw over 220!! Some of us were concerned that the evangelism wasn't as profound as we wanted. Grant, however, explained how certain social situations can be complicated and should be approached carefully. We are working in a heavily concentrated Muslim area, and it was very well known why we are here doing what we are doing. It's just that sometimes just saying 'God Bless' and offering to pray for patients does not seem like enough. He explained that the Muslims are so taken back that Christians would treat Muslims the same as other Christians and everyone else. Respect and equality show the love of Jesus more than anything else. I thought that was interesting. Something that may seem so small to us, can make a big difference elsewhere.

We're seeing some interesting infections also, some things the docs have never seen and only studied in medical school through lectures and book work. Today, at two different times, we encountered cases of leprosy. Leprosy is something that is often spoken about and taught, but rarely seen in our part of the world. On the other hand, it is very sad to see what some of these people have to endure, and with little medical attention. All we can do is help our absolute best to help. We prescribe medicines, direct, give advice, and refer to the next surgery team when our surgeon doesn't feel an immediate procedure is appropriate. We're doing everything we can, spreading the love of Christ.

Three more days. Please continue to keep the clinic in your prayers.
Mungu aku bariki (God bless),
Stephen