June 17th
Hi everyone!
Today Foster, Maggie, Drew, Gayle and I spent the day in the OR observing and even scrubbing in to 15 surgeries. What made these surgeries so special for us was that the patients were the ones who we had seen the past few days in our outreach clinic—making us feel like a part of their medical journey, not just the beginning. Surgery was led by Dr. Kimaro and his surgical residents Dr. Dickla, Dr. Joshua, and Dr. Immanuel. Before each surgery, we stopped everything to pray together over the patient, which was a group favorite from the day. Throughout surgery there was Gospel music playing loud and proud in each OR, which reminded us all who was at the center of what we are doing here.
Foster was able to scrub in for an emergency C-section. She was most impacted by her ability to get up close and personal to see new life come into the world. She was appreciative of the way Dr. Mruma (the OB-GYN) welcomed her into the experience, even though we were with General Surgery team for the day. Foster also really liked how much Dr. Mruma cared for both of his patients—Mama and baby—with extra care and attention.
Drew was most impacted by the simple procedures of the day, because it is these procedures (i.e. removal of a small lipoma from the foot, or keloid scar from the ear) that create such a positive impact on the patients’ lives. Drew was moved by the dramatic change in one’s life that Hope Ministries can provide in such a short time.
Maggie described today as a “Full Circle Moment,” meaning we played a role in how the patient even got a chance to see Dr. Kimaro, and also play a role in their treatment. She also resonated with the simple procedures for the patients, especially ones that created a cosmetic change, which create such a positive impact on their life. Maggie also was impressed with Dr. Kimaro’s great suture skills, so good Gayle doubts he will even have a scar.
Gayle was impacted by everything, of course. She was moved the most by the spiritual aspect of medicine here, and wishes we incorporated it more in the US. Also, Gayle got her favorite drink—the Tangawizi (soda)
I was blown away by Dr. Kimaro. He has a God-given talent as a Surgeon, as a teacher, and as a person. I was appreciative of his ability to respect everyone in the room, and find the time to teach and answer any questions we had. I found him to be a wonderful example of what it means to be a physician.
-Katelyn
Hello!
Today Karly and I joined the hospice team to deliver food and offer physical, psychological, social and spiritual care to 4 patients across Arusha. On the way to the hospice office we learned a Tanzanian special; the drive through grocery store to get bread. Drew cued it “Loaf-and-Go”. We spent time with the team at the office getting to know them. We discussed the differences in Tanzanian and American cuisines and they offered us coffee and the new bread.
We headed off to out to our first stop; which ended up being the most impactful for the both of us. This patient was blind, HIV positive and had cervical cancer. This patient described how she has lost support from the community and how much this was hurting her. When we gave her the food, she was crying telling us how grateful she is for the food. She loved the hymns the hospice team sang and started singing the songs herself multiple times.
The next visit took us to a mud hut and we had a pleasant surprise. This patient was unable to even sit up last time the hospice team was here and today he walked to the car to get his medication!
The next two stops included bed ridden patients. Despite these challenges, each of them could not have been happier to pray with us and expressed their gratitude.
Karly thought the experience was very humbling. She noted the differences of driving around the city to actually being able to enter the homes. We saw a variety of homes of all sizes, including a mud hut. Through this all, each patent was beyond grateful. She mentioned how even something as simple as lights we take for granted back home.
I was most impacted by the interaction with the blind patent. After the doctor described her situation to us it was very hard to not be emotional. Hearing her spiritual community had abandoned her and seeing how she sang the prayer songs was very touching. Having her cry in our arms in gratitude was something I will never forget.
-Michael
PS: HI this is Mama G. It was so much fun bringing smiles on all the OR staff and doctors by giving them handmade surgical caps. If you look at the OR pictures you will see them. It is the little things in life that bring smiles. Thanks to everyone who is praying for our team.