Tuesday, January 14th

Today Melissa went to the orphanage, while Gayle, Dr. Alex, and Grace went to the hospital. Unfortunately Jacky was under the weather and was able to rest today. Please keep Jackie in your prayers. The team at the hospital started their day with rounds and a teaching project from Dr. Alex about repairing fractures associated … Read more

Monday, January 13th

The team flew into Mwanza yesterday without any luggage lost!  We had a dinner with the doctors and scrub nurse that the team will be working with at Bugando Hospital and celebrated the graduation of a resident that Hope Ministries sponsored with cake. Jacky spent the day shopping for food for one of the local … Read more

Saturday, January 11th

Jacky, Grace and Melissa have returned from their safari and gained some knowledge of how to survive in Africa.  The safari vehicle did have a breakdown and we went to a craft seller while Julius got the part delivered to fix the problem.  They went to two tribes today. The first tribe were the Bushman. … Read more

Friday, January 10th

It is Mama Gayle.  Alex and I went to Selian Hospital today to do orthopedic surgeries and visit all our postop patients.  Our first case was very difficult and had to make some adjustments in the equipment we needed but it went well.  Alex has taught these new ortho surgeons and registrars so much this … Read more

Thursday, January 9th

Hi everyone this is Mama Gayle.  The nurses are out on safari and Dr. Alex and did surgeries all day.  The journey thus far has been super busy, has had it challenges but I have been blessed with a great team that came to serve.  I referred many patients to Selian Hospital for further diagnostic … Read more

Wednesday, January 8th

Jacky visited hospice patients today while the rest of the team was performing and assisting in surgeries at Selian Hospital. The team saw many patients from the outreach clinics today and cherished their time as they witnessed lives being changed. During hospice visits, Jacky and Julius saw 4 patients, 3 having HIV with 1 also … Read more

Tuesday, January 7th

Today Melissa visited with hospice families at their homes while the others were at Selian hospital doing surgeries on patients that were seen in the clinic. Jacky and Grace learned so much from the surgeons there while assisting and observing their surgeries. It was difficult for the team to see the children post-op as they … Read more

Monday, January 6th

Grace and Julius did hospice visits today.  They brought beans, rice, cooking oil and a powdered protein supplement to each patient that was visited. The group consisted of 2 Tanzanian RN’s, a chaplain and a visiting chaplain. The Hospice staff & clients were very happy to have Grace and Julius. All the Hospice patients had … Read more

Sunday, January 5th.

Sorry we missed a day! We had a very long day, late night!  But here we are on day 5.  Our second started out visiting with children that Hope Ministries previously treated and sponsoring for transportation to school. They were so grateful that they wanted to give Gayle two ducks! Next we tended to a … Read more

Friday, January 3rd

A day of Patience and Perseverance

Today there was a happy dance and a wave of relief as our much-anticipated medical luggage arrived tonight!

It’s remarkable what can be achieved with a dedicated team and a sharp purpose. Despite the hurdles, we witnessed small victories that reminded us why we’re here – to make a difference , no matter the circumstances.

The feeling of the day from the team is – ‘GRATEFUL’, ‘BLESSED’ and ‘WITH GODS GUIDANCE’.
One of our patients had an open wound for the past 10 years, the pain threshold and perseverance they experienced, yet the demeanor of the person was still of so much kindness and openness. These are not just medical cases- they are a reflection of the lives lived with the unimaginable pain and limited access to proper care.

As part of the delicate challenges the team faced was overcoming the hesitation and mistrust of some locals, many believed that because our medical team was from another country, we might misunderstand their needs, or when the tables would turn and they would not open up to our partnered local doctors.What felt daunting to them in the beginning blossomed as they began to break down barriers and build trust.

Tomorrow, with all the equipment finally at hand, we’re ready to provide care at its fullest potential. The promise of a smoother, more impactful day fuels our excitement and gratitude. Onward to brighter moments ahead!