2 snakes in 48 hours...

Yikes! On Monday I found out that one of our guards killed a snake in our garden; with a broom! Even worse- later I heard it was actually spotted in the bathroom in the gazebo area. Boy, am I glad I never use that bathroom. I hate snakes. That is probably because I have no clue, by looking at a snake, if it’s a ‘good’ or a ‘bad’ snake. In my eyes, all snakes are BAD ones. I hate snakes.

Yesterday on our way home from work one of my colleagues said there was another snake on the compound. I thought it was a joke. Nope. Unfortunately there was another snake at the team house and this time it escaped! Sick. It was first seen along the top of our wall, it then fell off of the wall, into the compound but made its way out, under the gate, into the gutter. One of my colleagues took a picture of it, which I saw tonight. A LONG THIN GREEN SNAKE.

So, the question is: what type of snake was it? And is it dangerous or not? One guard says the green snakes are the good snakes and it’s the black snakes that are dangerous. The other guard says it’s the green ones that are dangerous. Well, I’ll stick to my own idea: ALL SNAKES ARE BAD.

Sweet dreams!

Painting on the wall...

This evening I am not very inspired to write, so I thought I'd show you some of my creative moments...

My first project in 2008 was a very creative one. A mural! Luzanne and I decided it was time to paint the waiting area in the outpatient clinic. I was a bit hesitant at first, but we got started anyway. So after buying the paint we got going. We had to mix many of the colors, but that was half the fun. Thanks to internet we found the perfect picture of Noah's ark. And thanks to modern technology we could use a projector to get the picture onto the wall. After penciling the picture onto the wall, a number of hours of painting, help from some others, lots of music, a little bit of a mess and lots of fun, we finished. I love it! Now I am hoping to teach families that come to the clinic who Noah is! Because unfortunately I found out this past week that many of them do NOT know the story of Noah's ark...

Interesting start in the outpatient clinic...

Getting up early was tough, but I managed and was in the car at 730am, wondering how many patients would be waiting at the gate. As we drove by, it was hard to estimate the number of patients; they were in a clump rather than a line, but I soon heard that there were about 60 children waiting. Welcome back!

Today was an interesting start to the new year. Lots of 'excitement' and a bit of a delay in getting started in the lab which is also why we were still waiting for lab results at 6pm.

The excitement started when I plugged in my oto/opthalmoscope (machine to look in ears/eyes). Within a few seconds it smelled like something was burning, something electrical. Never a good smell. A few seconds later I saw smoke coming out of the machine. Again, not good! I unplugged it and later got an electrician to help sort the thing out again. Believe it or not, the machine still works! But I wonder how long the burnt smell will linger???!!

The excitement continued when the microscope bulb blew. Then the microscope itself blew. And to make matters worse, when we tried our back-up microscope, it wasn’t working. Agghhh. First day hiccups for sure. Fortunately we got the back-up microscope up and running, but only after 1 1/2 hours; hence the delay in lab results.

On top of the excitement we already had, I’ll add the story of the MISSING WEIGHING BAGS. This sounds strange I know, but it’s a serious matter. You see, we have a hanging scale in the clinic. Basically we have a bag that the children can wear, then we hang the bag on the hook and see how much the child weighs. Well, today both bags were NOWHERE to be found. Imagine that. Both bags missing. Just think about how practical it is to weigh a 1 month old on a standing scale! Well, we managed, but I sure do hope the mystery of the missing bags is solved. Any ideas?

3 days, 2 nights at River no 2...

Dec 25-27 was spent at River no 2 beach. Need I say more? It was amazing. What a treat.

Early morning swims, lovely sunsets/rises, chicken on the barbeque, roasting (mini!) marshmallows over the campfire, stargazing, floating in the lagoon & lots of time to relax.

A perfect break!

River's Edge Christmas play...

The children’s Christmas play on the 23rd was spectacular; they did an amazing job. The reciting, singing, acting etc. was perfect. I was so proud of them.

Before the play however, we first we had a regular church service, which meant Sunday school for us. After going through a few of the songs we decided to color. And while the children colored, they were crowned. Finally, it was time for the Christmas play and this is how it began...

“Once upon a time, a long time ago, begins the story of a baby that most of you should know. His daddy’s name was Joseph and Mary was his mom. This babe was very special He was God’s only Son.”

It ended with the cast surrounding Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. And everyone singing “O come all ye faithful”. And of course a big applause for the children as they finished. They were stars!

And I'd have to say my fourth wise man stole the show. At least, in my eyes he did. But he's stolen my heart anyway... He didn't want to wear a costume but he was brave enough to walk to the front, with gift in hand.

My top story from 2007...

“Throw the child away, it’s not worth keeping! How will you ever afford medical care or even begin to look after it?” Huddled together in the small hut, the mood grows darker and more foreboding as harsh words pass back and forth. Family members peer down at the newborn baby; all are intent on expressing a view. Finela tries to cover her ears as each word pierces her heart. Gazing at her husband, Ishaka, their eyes begin to fill with tears. Their hearts overflow with compassion. This is their newborn baby boy, Tamba.

This is the beginning of a story I would like to share with you. You can find the full story at: http://www.mercyships.org/site/apps/nl/content2.asp?c=ehKHI0PJIqE&b=2735009&ct=4734563

This little boy & his family had an impact on my life. They came to the clinic desperately looking for help; I wasn’t sure if I could do anything. I couldn’t believe what they had been through; it was frustrating to hear. Thankfully I was able to send the child to the Africa Mercy in Liberia for a CT scan, (secretly) hoping that he would have surgery soon afterwards. Tamba’s story is one of compassion & endurance. About a father & mother who fight for their child, sacrificing the little they have, never giving up. Not only has Tamba’s life been changed but his parents recognize there is a God who cares. Ishaka’s love for his son is so evident; it reminds me of God’s love for us, His children. The essence is summed up in the following lyrics: “How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure. That He should give His only son, to make a wretch His treasure.”

Life...

On December 28th I received news that a friend passed away in a tragic diving accident. She was 29 years old. I met her in 2005, while she spent 9 months here, serving the disabled in Sierra Leone. She was full of energy, full of life and a great laugh. Needless to say her absence will be felt by many.

This tragedy has made me think a lot.
Ponder about various aspects:
Life. Death.
Purpose. Goals. Dreams.

Life is full of unknowns.
Full of circumstances which can be turned into opportunities.
I am reminded of a quote from the movie “Dead Poets Society”: Carpe diem
Or seize the day.
Make your lives extraordinary.
Live life to the fullest.
Make every moment count.

My friend’s sister ended her email with a comforting thought, which I want to leave with you:

“It is not what happens to us in life but how we deal with it.
The things that happen to us in life can either leave us a little bit better or a little bit bitter.
It's our choice. We choose better, and we hope you do too.”

I am continuing to pray for my friend’s family in this difficult time and pray that God will use it for the better.

1.1.2008...

Happy New Year!

I hope 2008 brings you lots of joy & laughter.
Many memory making moments.
Special times with loved ones.
Some of your dreams come true.
I looking forward to sharing more of my thoughts & stories with you this year...