Monday, August 13, 2012

August 13, 2012, 12:17 p.m.

 

Yesterday we left Boa Vista right after lunch and came here to
Italiano.  We sent a small group of people out on the speed boat
to let the surrounding people know we were here and would be
opening our clinics today.  The rest of us stayed behind and played
soccer games with the Brazilians!  Even our boat crew came out
and played with us.  I've never played soccer a day in my life, much
less with Brazilian women!  The men play much more aggressively,
of course, so thankfully we had enough men to play each other!
It was a great afternoon building relationships over their favorite sport.

 

Ananda (translator) and I spoke to a woman in the village this morning, and
she said she's never seen a missionary boat here.  Praise God for guiding
us here!  Pray as we minister to these people today, that as we meet their
physical needs, they would see the Great Physician working through us.

 

Here's a note from Joanna Loyd from our team.  She's an ARNP.

 

"I spent a day and a half with the Brazilian doctor soaking up
every piece of knowledge he could give me, taking notes and
doing exams.  He is also a new doctor, just out of medical school
1 month ago.  We saw 60+ patients the first day and saw diagnoses
like fungal skin infections, ringworm, migraines, hypertension,
possible heart disease, and acid reflux.  We even saw 2 kids with
pneumonia.  The doctor left yesterday, and from here on out, it's me...
something I didn't expect.  Those of you who know me know that I'm a
quick learner, have a great education from Vanderbilt, and love taking
care of people.  But I'm treating patients with which I have very limited experience,
like kids, women with gynecological problems and people
who are fairly healthy.  My training is with very sick patients in the ICU. 
I covet your prayers for wisdom, knowledge, and safety for these
patients.  I saw patients today with diagnoses such as headaches,
miscarriages, nausea, acid reflux, inflammation of the gallbladder,
gynecological problems, and infectious bacteria... possibly shigella. 
One family came from an area where there was flooding
in their house, which is near a flooded cemetery.  They
have been drinking the same floodwaters from the cemetery. 
The Lord only knows what bacteria, hepatitis, and other infections
they have because of this.  All of these villagers live a 4-hour boat ride from
any medical care.
 
I know I'm here for a reason and these people need attention. 
I know that the Lord has me on this trip for a reason, and I'm willing to
be uncomfortable for His glory.  He is calming me, giving me wisdom, and
bringing diagnoses to mind... this I KNOW.  My team is praying for me.  The
translators are used to dispensing medications in the pharmacy, and they are
reminding me of the dosages for the various medications that I'm not used to prescribing.
While I'm working in the medical clinic meeting physical needs, I'm thankful
that everyone else is able to meet their spiritual needs and spread the gospel. 
We are so thankful for your prayers!"