The first day of clinics is done and what a day it was. We had two babies born, oxen running amuk and people, people everywhere.
Simalundu is the area people were displaced to when the colonial government built the Karibe Dam. The area around the river was fertile and the people had plenty. They were moved to the Gwembe Valley where the conditions were harsh…bad soil and no water. The elders of the village knew that the only ones who would be able to survive were the young and strong. So they sent their young to the Gwembe Valley and the elders remained in their village knowing they would perish once the dam was complete. The people we are helping now are the descendants of those that were displaced. Five of the displaced group still survive. Two of them came to the medical mission for treatment and to hear about Jesus.
Last year when we came to Simalundu, Tony Cloud from Alaska was a part of our team. Once Tony learned that there was no water and the women and children had to walk for miles to get it, he knew he had to do something. He spoke with Ellie Hamby to find out what it would cost to dig a well at Simalundu. He went home and raised funds for the well. He did it with such enthusiasm, that not only would Simalundu get a well; but two other villages would receive wells also. A result of this is, last year the pharmacy gave out lots and lots of rehydration packets. Even though the well has been in place for a short time, this year no rehydration packets were given out. A Zambian government official once told Ellie Hamby that when you put in a well, it lifts the burden from the women and children.
For 1st timers like Darren Tom, it is a little overwhelming when you see all of the people lined up. It is still overwhelming even when you have been for many years. It seems as if the lines are endless and you think there is no way we could see everyone. But the Lord always provides the help we need.
The morning started out with a baby being born during the medical mission. This is a first for us. Since Ray Ferguson is the “headman” this year, the baby was named Ray. I think it embarrassed Ray; but he also seemed very proud.
Later an ox cart came with a mother who had delivered a twin last night at 10:00. The second baby was “trapped” and couldn’t make it out. The woman had been in stress all night. The oxen were not use to so many people being around and slipped out of their yokes, ran away and had to be corralled. The mother was brought into a makeshift delivery room and the 2nd baby was delivered successfully by two Zambian mid-wives and Dr. Kathy Chang and Liz Eaton. Twin 2 was doing fine; but the mother and Twin 1 needed more care. Twin 1 had not had any nourishment since it was born. It was also very cold so Liz Eaton took some hard warmers and placed them around the baby’s blanket. It started improving and was able to suckle. And they were finally able to stop the mother’s bleeding. Later she was taken to receive a blood transfusion.
It was a very full day. We treated 3,131 patients and 18 were baptized. God is good!
Simalundu is the area people were displaced to when the colonial government built the Karibe Dam. The area around the river was fertile and the people had plenty. They were moved to the Gwembe Valley where the conditions were harsh…bad soil and no water. The elders of the village knew that the only ones who would be able to survive were the young and strong. So they sent their young to the Gwembe Valley and the elders remained in their village knowing they would perish once the dam was complete. The people we are helping now are the descendants of those that were displaced. Five of the displaced group still survive. Two of them came to the medical mission for treatment and to hear about Jesus.
Last year when we came to Simalundu, Tony Cloud from Alaska was a part of our team. Once Tony learned that there was no water and the women and children had to walk for miles to get it, he knew he had to do something. He spoke with Ellie Hamby to find out what it would cost to dig a well at Simalundu. He went home and raised funds for the well. He did it with such enthusiasm, that not only would Simalundu get a well; but two other villages would receive wells also. A result of this is, last year the pharmacy gave out lots and lots of rehydration packets. Even though the well has been in place for a short time, this year no rehydration packets were given out. A Zambian government official once told Ellie Hamby that when you put in a well, it lifts the burden from the women and children.
For 1st timers like Darren Tom, it is a little overwhelming when you see all of the people lined up. It is still overwhelming even when you have been for many years. It seems as if the lines are endless and you think there is no way we could see everyone. But the Lord always provides the help we need.
The morning started out with a baby being born during the medical mission. This is a first for us. Since Ray Ferguson is the “headman” this year, the baby was named Ray. I think it embarrassed Ray; but he also seemed very proud.
Later an ox cart came with a mother who had delivered a twin last night at 10:00. The second baby was “trapped” and couldn’t make it out. The woman had been in stress all night. The oxen were not use to so many people being around and slipped out of their yokes, ran away and had to be corralled. The mother was brought into a makeshift delivery room and the 2nd baby was delivered successfully by two Zambian mid-wives and Dr. Kathy Chang and Liz Eaton. Twin 2 was doing fine; but the mother and Twin 1 needed more care. Twin 1 had not had any nourishment since it was born. It was also very cold so Liz Eaton took some hard warmers and placed them around the baby’s blanket. It started improving and was able to suckle. And they were finally able to stop the mother’s bleeding. Later she was taken to receive a blood transfusion.
It was a very full day. We treated 3,131 patients and 18 were baptized. God is good!
