Update for Wednesday and Thursday

October 10 and 11, 2007:

The last few days have brought some frustrations for several of us as well as adventures and some triumphs.

We continued to be sad about the death of the matron’s nephew yesterday. Several of us had participated in his care. His mother just left for England 2 weeks ago to get some education and her disabled son was in the care of relatives so it was additionally sad for this reason. We asked Joan what an appropriate response for sympathy would be and she suggested we consider a donation for funeral expenses.

The trip to Livingston for electrical materials for a few of us took most of the day and resulted in a fraction of the material needed. Several of the projects were at significant risk for non-completion this visit due to this. However, we had a big discussion in the evening with missionary Janet, missionary Joan, the team and Drs. Dan and Joan. Janet had fortuitously met an American at the American Embassy party in Lusaka a few weeks ago who had a contractors’ supply business. The team electricians were able to give her a list of needs, she was able to contact him in Lusaka and he was able to find most of the needed items. Joan helped us figure out how to handle additional expenses along with a discussion of our known available resources from the church and home so we could cover the costs. We now have a couple of the team members (Ray and Andy with a driver) going on a trip to Lusaka and back tomorrow for the supplies – God is good!

Cooler weather came the last few days (yeah!) and a somewhat early rainy season (yeah!) along with lightening and power outages (boo!). The first one occurred about the time a patient started hemorrhaging and needed a D and C. The emergency generator still was not available, the usual OR staff were all gone or sick. We (Dr. Kari, Dr. Dan, Barb, Ann, Dr. Joan) managed to do the case with flashlights, Barb monitoring the patient by taking her pulse and only feeling for her breathing. It was quite an adventure. We decided that they are right about the wasteful use of U.S. health care dollars – who really needs things like lights, power, and silly monitoring equipment! ? (Actually we were able to do this case on God’s grace alone – many women in Zambia die for lack of proper equipment, care, blood, etc.). The next major power outage occurred when we were starting another D and C, this one, not quite the same kind of emergency. As God had it planned, a few other things “got in our way” of starting – waiting for blood to arrive from Livingston, a child’s broken arm, etc. That gave the construction team time to set up the emergency generator and they had it working in the OR (“theatre”) before we started! One of the delightful parts of the power outages is eating dinner the last 2 nights by candlelight! Edy pulled out some gas cookers and STILL managed great meals!

One of the most exciting things that has happened while we have been here is the Drs. Dan and Joan have gotten their medical licenses’ approved and Dr. Dan’s work permit was completed. (We aren’t really sure if Dr. Joan’s work permit is properly complete or not.) But it has been wonderful to get to see Dr. Dan FINALLY get to start BEING a doctor while we are here. He has obviously worked hard to become knowledgeable about all the different diseases we see here. What Dr. Joan and I (Kari) have been doing is “rounding” on patients in the hospital together. This has been such a joy to me! While I “co-sign” her entries, to be official, she has such a wonderful knowledge base that I can actually feel far less anxious and stressed being here knowing that she fills in the huge gaps when I am unable to figure out what is going on with a patient and treat them properly. It’s really fun learning from her! What a wonderful trip this is turning out to be from a medical standpoint! Also, I hope, I have been able to refresh Dr. Joan and Dr. Dan on OB/ GYN management of some patients, so they may feel a little more prepared.

Another joyful part of the trip has been renewing old friendships. Anna, a retired but very compassionate and experienced nurse, has been my translator. She is such a great asset to the patients and me and a truly wonderful person. I have not seen Moono as she is getting married next week and is off! Her “kitchen party” is this week – a sort of shower, where she is given gifts and taught how to be a wife by all the local women with a series of songs and dances. I SO wish I could go but we had other team plans for the weekend. We love seeing Joan Wallace again and Ann, Dianna and she have been caught doing their usual giggling.

Larry, Andy and Janet met with Mr. Khondowe ( the administrator) today to present the draft for the water and sewer systems and discussed how to move forward in general. They were pleased with the meeting and have an increasing understanding of issues and how to proceed. As discussed in the past, the nursing housing is critical to attracting and maintaining staff (which are at less than ½, even by Zambian standards). However, as is, the hospital spends up to 70% of its budget in rent for these employees now, sapping needed money for medications, supplies and other needs. When the housing is complete, not only will there be more staff, but also there will actually be more money available for patient care! So – back to getting that project completed. Janet tells us there is a funder for the first of four phases now started who is ready with the money. We just need to get supplies here now before the rainy season. If they get the roofs on before the rainy season, they can work on the finishing and interior work sheltered from the rain.

Ray and Bud guided the rest of the guys through installation of lighting, switches and outlets in the new OR, the overhead surgery lighting, repairing several other pieces of equipment (e.g., the oxygen tanks and suction pump for surgeries). They kid around quite a bit with each other and Larry “the shorter" and they have a little trouble adjusting to the pace and challenges of getting the parts you need to do the job the way they think it should be done, but they’ve certainly been a blessing to have on this trip and are already planning what to bring on the next trip. Andy has been keeping a watchful eye on our funds and taking copious notes to assist our reporting when we get back and has also been very instrumental in helping develop our working relationship with missionary Janet. We also think Andy has befriended every dog in Zimba and quite a number of the children.

Lots more news and adventures but can’t tell them all now. Please continue to pray for our safety, our work, the people of Zambia, the long-term missionaries and for electrical equipment!