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 with implants. The residents gained a lot of knowledge from Dr. Alex and his presentation. The team continued on to do two hip replacements. One of the patients we did a hip replacement on has been a patient of Hope Ministries for quite awhile. Mama Gayle met this patient originally three years ago wheelchair bound at 18 years old. She had been unable to walk for two years. At this time they decided she needed a total hip replacement which Dr. Alex was able to complete. Six months later, Gayle saw her again and she came in dancing! Another six months went by and she started walking with a limp so they checked labs for a possible infection which was negative. Her care team wanted to try some therapy first to see if that would help, however she was seen again at clinic yesterday and she could barely walk. Today, Dr. Alex and Dr. Swetela were able to give this patient a new hip again. The hope is this will be the last for this young girl as she has been so strong during this journey! Please send up some extra prayers for her during this journey of recovery. Dr. Alex and Gayle were very impressed with the skills of the surgical team today at Bugando. Mama Gayle saw more of the residents she sponsors as well today which she enjoyed very much! She also brought some fun scrub caps that a friend from home made for her to bring.
Melissa enjoyed her day at the orphanage. Melissa was able to go on a tour of the orphanage and saw where the children did all of their activities. The children loved playing games on Melissa’s phone. She mentioned how well-behaved the children were and how good they were at sharing! Melissa did two teaching projects today. She taught the younger children about bathroom hygiene. With the older girls, she was able to teach them about menstruation and gave them some reusable sanitary pads. She had a great day with the kids and they loved her. One child even took a small nap on her lap.
We ended the day seeing God’s beautiful work in the sky with a beautiful sunset!