June 28th
Well the teams bags are all packed and we will be leaving in a few hours to head home. I don’t have the words to express what an awesome team this was. They came with hearts to serve and enthusiasm to learn. They also were a lot of fun, so we had a lot of laughs and fun. We worked hard and long days, so usually they were very tired by the end of the day.
Dr. Matt Johnson, a neurologist, had some very difficult cases but what a great surgeon and teacher. He has blessed many patients lives and taught not only the TZ doctors and students, but the students on the trip. These students have really learned a lot with a lot of hands on experiences.
Our last night together I tell them that they will have a lot of adjustments to integrate into their culture back home. I feel God sent them here for a reason, and I hope and pray they will carry their experiences and hold them in their hearts. I told them many people will be asking them a lot of questions about their trip and sometimes can be overwhelming. I had each of the team members express their trip in one word and explain why. Here are what they said:
Michael: EXPERIENCE. There have been so many experiences that I have been exposed to in the Tanzanian culture and it will have a long-lasting impact on my life.
Maggie: EYE-OPENING. I have been shocked to witness how the people here live with illnesses and deformities for years because of lack of health care and/or no money, yet they are always joyful.
Karly: Gratitude. I am thankful for what we have at home and how they are so appreciative on how little they have, but are always so happy. I am so grateful for this experience.
Katelyn: GROUNDING. It is not things that make them happy but the people. I connected with why I want to be a doctor and this has been such a positive experience.
Matt: STRESSFUL. These have been some long days in the OR and did not have another US doctor along, like my last visit, to consult with.
Foster: INSPIRING: Having been here before, I felt like I was more prepared and had better questions to ask when interacting with the doctors and patients. A very positive experience.
Drew: JOYFUL. Regardless of the situations the people here are so joyful and they gave us so much joy. Joy comes from within.
Gayle: BLESSED. God has blessed me with so many graces on this trip. I have been blessed with the most awesome team and doctor; we blessed so many many patients that will now have a chance at life and many surgeries were transforming. I am blessed that God has been with me on this journey and been there to guide and support us along the way. To God be the glory.
Thanks to all of you who have been following us on this trip and thanks so much for all the prayers. Also thanks to all donors who have supported Hope Ministries, because we could not have helped all the patients that we did without your kindness.
Prayers for a safe journey.
Mama Gayle