Friday, May 17th
Today, our work in the impoverished village of Mererani put our medical knowledge, physical endurance, and spiritual resilience to the test. Many Tanzanians had very little access to healthcare resources or the finances to afford treatment, and the people of Mererani are no different. In response to this need, our team made the hour-long drive to Mererani this morning and organized a small walk-in clinic for individuals within the community with various medical needs. Our clinic was simple in its structure and organization; within a small building we simply set up a few chairs, a table of basic medical supplies and equipment, another table that held medications, and a small doctor’s office just outside the door. However, the interactions, assessments, and healthcare education that happened within this building were vital to our growth as future healthcare professionals and to the holistic health and longevity of community members.
Our team was able to see 152 patients this morning and throughout this afternoon. As community members came to the clinic, they were each given a paper, in which we would document their medical record, and a number. As the afternoon wore on the number of individuals clutching papers in their hand multiplied and it sometimes a challenge not to become discouraged. All those hopeful faces waited patiently at the door. Some of them have been praying for this moment for a very long time. One by one, each community member was thoroughly assessed and one by one they received education regarding their symptoms and a referral to the doctor for needed prescriptions. Not one people, who was deeply desiring quality healthcare, was turned away.
As I was watched the Tanzanian landscape whiz by through our car window on our way home from Mererani, the words of Matthew 25:40 echoed in my mind. Gayle reminded our team this morning that as we look into the face of each patient, we should alway visualize the face of Christ. This profound verse, Jesus tells us that “whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me.” A multitude of “the least of these” most definitely call Tanzania their home. These people live in disheartening conditions and have very little resources available to provide for there family. Yet, they are filled with joy and excitement, when these needs are provided for, as was evident in the many thank-you’s, handshakes, and smiles that were exchanged and well as the excitement in the children’s eyes as we bumped around a homemade surgical glove balloon after a hard day’s work.
A question I would like to challenge you all to ponder today is: “Who are “the least of these” in your life? A neighbor, a friend, or a cashier at a store. Although it is an absolute privilege to be serving in Tanzania, I know their are individuals around the world experiencing physical and spiritual poverty. The need is certainly great, but their is no doubt in my mind that our God’s strength and power within us is not greater!
Alexa
Wow…what a busy day! The team did just awesome. They learned a lot today on assessments skills and I am impressed how well they did. Or those who had the knowledge received a lot of hands on experience. As we did devotions and discussed our day tonight, they all talked about how their eyes were opened to poverty and its impact on the people. As we were leaving the outreach clinic, the village leader came and gave me a sincere thanks and said “Thanks for saving my people”. This brought tears to my eyes and I told the team what they did today was perceived as something way greater than they imagined. I love them all! They were the hands and feet of Jesus today as they served these poor people. Please keep praying as we head out to another outreach clinic tomorrow.
Mama Gayle
