The Wittz End: Medical Teams Worldwide and loved ones from Virginia

Emily and Nevaeh doing triage. Emily bravely cleaned out and wrapped up gangrene on a man's hand during the first day of clinics.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. "1 Peter 4:10-11

Last week a medical team came from the USA, as well as other parts of Kenya, to provide medical care in this Northeast area. Around 900 local people came and received treatment and medicine. I am so squeamish when it comes to any wounds, diseases, broken bones, medical traumas, you name it- I have a weak stomach and simply can't stomach it. Medical people are my heroes- including my husband who I officially consider a "bush doctor ". I believe that the wisdom and knowledge that doctors, nurses, lab technicians, pharmacists have not only comes from the education they worked hard for but also from the Lord. The Lord has not given me the strength or will power to treat the sick but I so admire those that are able to do so. Last week it was beautiful to see this medical team come to give out remedies and relief to the people here who are margarlized and live in poverty-stricken villages. The Americans and Kenyans used their gifts "as faithful stewards of God's grace" like the above scripture says. Indeed as they took the time to hear the different ailments and made the diagnosis of what medication was needed- "God is praised through Jesus Christ." There were a lot of bronchial infections- because it is "winter". There was also a man who came with terrible gangrene on his hand, a lady with oozing puss on her foot, most older folks had high blood pressure, lots of UTI's and a beatle was flushed out of a young boys ear.

Not only did we have the pleasure of the medical team come but also Tiffany and her daughter Marlee. I met Tiffany before I left for the mission field. We both attended the same Southern Baptist church in Zuni, Virginia. Our Firstborns were in the nursery together. It was such a joy to have Tiffany and Marlee arrive (after a flight cancelation and a complete change in flight plans) and jump right into wherever they were needed. Tiffany helped out in the pharmacy, with our good friend Lucy, and Marlee poured out love on the little ones by doing crafts and playing games with them. When we got home after the days of medical clinics we would prepare the craft for the next day. After that was done I was so delighted to spend time with Tiffany while our girls got to know each other and the living room was often filled by their laughter.

Dr. Teresa came all the way from Kijabe, Kenya to serve here. It was her first time and hopefully not her last. Nevaeh was born in Kijabe hospital 16 years ago on August 6th, 2008. She thought there wouldn't be time to celebrate her birthday because we were busy with the clinics but we managed to have a surprise party for her. Our family from the Far East were in town along with some teenage guests of theirs. So with them, the Gtown Bethany team, the medical team and Tiffany and Marlee there were around 40 people to shower Nevaeh with love and gifts. I can't believe Nevaeh is 16. She has really developed into a marvelous young lady who will hold my hand occasionally. She is outgoing and writes eloquently. She keeps me on my toes and is always ready to give me a hug at the end of the day. It's a huge blessing that God saw it fit to have her be a part of our family.

We also had some time to take the medical ladies around the market to buy material and get them made into diras- the dresses worn here. They also got henna done by the same lady who taught Righteous how to do makeup.

Tiffany and Marlee stayed a few days after the medical team left so we were able to go searching for giraffes with them one evening (we found more than 5) and out to eat camel meat for lunch. They were super chill and low maintenance. They were very flexible and down for whatever. I never quite know what each day will bring and interruptions in the schedule seem to happen often. This would frustrate most people, understandably so, but not Tiffany and Marlee. We are praying and hoping God will send them again in the future!

May God receive the highest praise and not only heal the sicknesses of all who came to the medical clinics but may they also believe and know Psalm 130:2-4

"Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion "

I hadn't seen !$an!n0 since July 2015 when she invited me and some of my visitors to her house to celebrate EID. We took a picture then and took an updated picture.