Thursday, January 15th

This is Mama Gayle.  The team , except for Alex and I left for safari today.  They were really excited to go see God’s beauty of Africa and have some time to relax.  I will be sharing some of the pictures they sent me.  I just talked to them on the phone and they had a fun day and so enjoyed the safari.

Alex and I left early this morning and headed to the OR.  We had some very difficult orthopedic surgical cases to do.  Surgical cases were going on in other rooms, and many were patients that Hope Ministries is sponsoring.  They were excited to see my familiar face as they entered the OR room.  I am asking for prayers for healing for all the patients we have served during this trip.

Our first case was an autistic child who was crying and scared when brought into OR.  I went to comfort her and at first she was scared of me and my white skin, but soon I was able to calm her down.  As I see cases like this I say a pray of gratitude for having healthy children and grandchildren.  Alex and I had some very difficult and long surgeries, but they went well.

Then this evening we were invited to dinner with the hospital administration, the doctors we have been working with, all the OR staff and the two pastors of the church.  Always so pleasant to socialize with them outside of work.  We had some great conversations and I was brought to tears with all the kind words about how grateful to Hope’s teams for supporting their hospital through teaching, and surgical and medical assistance.  I brought in enough patients from outreach clinics, that we filled their hospital beds and Hope Ministries pays for all this, so these funds are also a great support to them. The pastor said a prayer that was so very special.  I am reminded as to why God has sent me to these special people. To God be the glory.

Her is Alex using the C-Arm that Hope Ministries helped pay for.  This is a bedside x-ray that help so much during our orthopedic surgeries.

Alex and I have one more day in surgery tomorrow and it is a full day.  I ask for your prayers for our patients and strength for us as we have come home very tired with long days of standing all day long.  This old body lets me know it too!

Love to all our Hope Ministries supports, you are changing lives.