You can send donations for the clinic or toward a maternity ward by clicking on African Bible College which is under Donations on the right of this post. Then click on give now and mark your donations for :ABC Clinic, Michelle's Maternity Project.
If you want to send new baby blankets, and towels, cloth diapers, pins and baby clothes send them to ABC USA PO Box 103 Clinton MS 39060. Anything you would send to Malawi directly is hightly taxed so it is better to send it via container when they are sent out which is twice yearly and it is far better to send new items than used for this same reason.
Thankyou Charlene for asking about how to give, I'm sure others are thinking the same way.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
No room in the INN or Hospital.
The staff was all at the College Christmas banquet, and the program had started when our head Dr came to me and said:"We have a pregnant mother in the ward taking care of her 6 year old child malnurished child, who is now in labor her self. She has had two cecerians so she must have a third. And she is in labor. Please take her to the national hospital to have it done. We do not have a trained surgeon on staff and the risks are two high here. Go now."
I rushed to the ward with one of the men on staff who would do the driving. We picked her up and the nurse told us to take her to "Bottom Hospital" which we did. Apon arrival this young mother was given a black plastic bag and told to proceed to the ward. I went with her to see what the situation was like. As we walked down the halls I was struck by a smell that reminded me of a cattle milking stall. The futher we walked in the more women we saw and the more humid it became. The smell was more like a sweat box than anything else. Their were pregnant women lineing the halls, lieing on bentches and lying on the floor. Some facing the aisle and some toward the wall. Then we came apon a room that was packed solidly with pregant women. All the beds were full and under the beds were others lying like boards on a deck, with barely enough room to turn over. The floor was solid concreate. I began to panic. What is this, how can this be that people would be in such a place as this to bare their children. Has no one seen this situation, does no one care? My heart was torn in two. I finally reach the place where the babies were to be born and their was a nurse. The nurse told me she would take care of the ladie I had brought and perhaps the baby would be delivered in the morning. I turned and walked toward the car. As I got there I asked the driver if there wasn't a better hospital in town where this child could be delivered. He told me we could try central hospital. There was no way I could leave this lady here I would feel responsible for her death if she didnot make it and I felt it was likely she wouldn't make it in these conditions.
I walked back in to the delivery area past all the women in labor, and took the lady I had brought by the hand leading her out. The nurses asked me why and I told them there are to many people waiting for delivery. How could I tell her what I was really thinking. Mainly that this was no place for anyone to deliver a child.
Arriving at central. As we walked down the dark hall ways we came apon a couple men, with rain boots, masks plastic aprons and surgery caps on. They were moping the floor. The sight reminded me of the bird flu movie I saw on TV last year. Great I thought, I have brought her to an even more dangerous place. However as we moved along it was evident that this was a better place for this lady. The nurse wasn't very friendly, but she saw it it that my friend was taken care of and seen by a clinical officer/Doctor. He told me he would have her operated on in the morning and that she would be in a semi private room with two other ladies. I would have to pay about 50 USD for this but to me this was worth it. How could I in good concious leave anyone in the other place. I was so depressed yesterday that I went home to try to process all that I had seen. WE MUST DO SOMETHING. In America we treat our dogs better than these ladies are being treated. We need doctors and we need a hospital wing to take care of these women.
When I went back to the hospital to check if the delivery had taken place and If my friend survived she was coming out of surgery and they told me she had delivered a beautiful baby girl. As I walked down the halls of this hospital I could see that the moppers I had seen the previous night were simply moving mud arround. Please pray that something will be done on behalf of the Malawian people.
Merry Christ Mas. A child is born today!
I rushed to the ward with one of the men on staff who would do the driving. We picked her up and the nurse told us to take her to "Bottom Hospital" which we did. Apon arrival this young mother was given a black plastic bag and told to proceed to the ward. I went with her to see what the situation was like. As we walked down the halls I was struck by a smell that reminded me of a cattle milking stall. The futher we walked in the more women we saw and the more humid it became. The smell was more like a sweat box than anything else. Their were pregnant women lineing the halls, lieing on bentches and lying on the floor. Some facing the aisle and some toward the wall. Then we came apon a room that was packed solidly with pregant women. All the beds were full and under the beds were others lying like boards on a deck, with barely enough room to turn over. The floor was solid concreate. I began to panic. What is this, how can this be that people would be in such a place as this to bare their children. Has no one seen this situation, does no one care? My heart was torn in two. I finally reach the place where the babies were to be born and their was a nurse. The nurse told me she would take care of the ladie I had brought and perhaps the baby would be delivered in the morning. I turned and walked toward the car. As I got there I asked the driver if there wasn't a better hospital in town where this child could be delivered. He told me we could try central hospital. There was no way I could leave this lady here I would feel responsible for her death if she didnot make it and I felt it was likely she wouldn't make it in these conditions.
I walked back in to the delivery area past all the women in labor, and took the lady I had brought by the hand leading her out. The nurses asked me why and I told them there are to many people waiting for delivery. How could I tell her what I was really thinking. Mainly that this was no place for anyone to deliver a child.
Arriving at central. As we walked down the dark hall ways we came apon a couple men, with rain boots, masks plastic aprons and surgery caps on. They were moping the floor. The sight reminded me of the bird flu movie I saw on TV last year. Great I thought, I have brought her to an even more dangerous place. However as we moved along it was evident that this was a better place for this lady. The nurse wasn't very friendly, but she saw it it that my friend was taken care of and seen by a clinical officer/Doctor. He told me he would have her operated on in the morning and that she would be in a semi private room with two other ladies. I would have to pay about 50 USD for this but to me this was worth it. How could I in good concious leave anyone in the other place. I was so depressed yesterday that I went home to try to process all that I had seen. WE MUST DO SOMETHING. In America we treat our dogs better than these ladies are being treated. We need doctors and we need a hospital wing to take care of these women.
When I went back to the hospital to check if the delivery had taken place and If my friend survived she was coming out of surgery and they told me she had delivered a beautiful baby girl. As I walked down the halls of this hospital I could see that the moppers I had seen the previous night were simply moving mud arround. Please pray that something will be done on behalf of the Malawian people.
Merry Christ Mas. A child is born today!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Pancakes with flying Ants or Without Ants
On Friday the College students put on a lovely Coral. It was a mixture of Jazz and Malawian Christmas songs. All in all it was beautifully done.
Sunday night as the church service came to a close, their were flying ants swarming all over the place. This usually happends after rains and praise the Lord rainy season has come.
How refreshing it is to sleep in cool of the night rather than in such heat. Anyway after the service on sunday nite the children ran to collect the ants because they are a favorite treat to eat. Free flying protein. Even the missionary children were collecting their ants for eating.
After church on sunday nites the staff generally have waffles and pancakes. A friend of my from toastmasters speaking club gave me a grill for Valentines day, so I have been putting that grill to good use frying pancakes on Sunday nites. As I was frying pancakes the children came in and asked me if I could grill some ants. Of course I said yes and so their on my grill were pancakes and gumi or ants. The strange thing was that it didn't bother anyone that I was frying ants on the grill and to tell you the truth it didn't bother me either. They seemed very compatible together there on my grill. One of the older missionaries suggested I fry some pancakes with Ants for Bob Stauffacher one of the newest missionaries. But I decided we better wait until he has at least ventured out to try a raw ant first. Besides poor Bob and his family has been sick for over a month now and they are just now on the mend, so I didn't want to take any chances.
By the way, my face is on the mend and slowly but surely it should recover. Blessings to all as Christmas draws near. Don't forget it's about Jesus.
Love, Michelle
Sunday night as the church service came to a close, their were flying ants swarming all over the place. This usually happends after rains and praise the Lord rainy season has come.
How refreshing it is to sleep in cool of the night rather than in such heat. Anyway after the service on sunday nite the children ran to collect the ants because they are a favorite treat to eat. Free flying protein. Even the missionary children were collecting their ants for eating.
After church on sunday nites the staff generally have waffles and pancakes. A friend of my from toastmasters speaking club gave me a grill for Valentines day, so I have been putting that grill to good use frying pancakes on Sunday nites. As I was frying pancakes the children came in and asked me if I could grill some ants. Of course I said yes and so their on my grill were pancakes and gumi or ants. The strange thing was that it didn't bother anyone that I was frying ants on the grill and to tell you the truth it didn't bother me either. They seemed very compatible together there on my grill. One of the older missionaries suggested I fry some pancakes with Ants for Bob Stauffacher one of the newest missionaries. But I decided we better wait until he has at least ventured out to try a raw ant first. Besides poor Bob and his family has been sick for over a month now and they are just now on the mend, so I didn't want to take any chances.
By the way, my face is on the mend and slowly but surely it should recover. Blessings to all as Christmas draws near. Don't forget it's about Jesus.
Love, Michelle
Monday, December 3, 2007
Mission Accomplished
Praise the Lord I have done it. You know the project I have been working on for the past month that should have taken a day. It would be easy to be discouraged but I decided that I should be happy because at least one thing got done and who knows maybe it will only take me a few months to get the staff to follow the work schedule two days in a row. Perhaps we are progressing, but at a snails pace. Sometimes I wish I could just forget the projects and enjoy relating to the people without trying to get them to get some work done. Life would be so much more pleasant.
We had a lovely little music program the other night done by the students at ABC College. They are new students so the songs are elementary, but never the less thay are trying to play music on these strange new instraments. They also did a stomp which was quite good. The music teacher had shown them a video of one in the states and they made their own up with broom sticks,pots, cans and other things. The president of the college had refreshments served afterwards so we had quite a turnout. Food will do it every time. My friends and I didn't quite make it to the table in time to join in on the tackeling of the refreshment person in order to get out drinks and donut,so we decided to go to a place where there was to be a jazz concert. However the players of the concert didn't show up so there was no concert. This is life in Africa. No use getting up set or you'd be mad all the time.
My Friend Maggy came by today to see the Dr so I had her come in and use my computer, the network was down all last week so we are catching up. Any way she was encouraging. She is a Malawian, but she says the people seem to have some serious mental or spiritual blocks. I think we need to be praying for the ability to think clearly.
Sure hope you are enjoying your cool wheather, cuz we are being steam cooked around here. Blessings to all. Michelle
We had a lovely little music program the other night done by the students at ABC College. They are new students so the songs are elementary, but never the less thay are trying to play music on these strange new instraments. They also did a stomp which was quite good. The music teacher had shown them a video of one in the states and they made their own up with broom sticks,pots, cans and other things. The president of the college had refreshments served afterwards so we had quite a turnout. Food will do it every time. My friends and I didn't quite make it to the table in time to join in on the tackeling of the refreshment person in order to get out drinks and donut,so we decided to go to a place where there was to be a jazz concert. However the players of the concert didn't show up so there was no concert. This is life in Africa. No use getting up set or you'd be mad all the time.
My Friend Maggy came by today to see the Dr so I had her come in and use my computer, the network was down all last week so we are catching up. Any way she was encouraging. She is a Malawian, but she says the people seem to have some serious mental or spiritual blocks. I think we need to be praying for the ability to think clearly.
Sure hope you are enjoying your cool wheather, cuz we are being steam cooked around here. Blessings to all. Michelle
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Hot Nights in Malawi
It's Wednesday and the week is flying by without my being able to catch up to it. Sunday it was 104 we suffered as we sat in church and the sun felt like it was beeting down on our heads. It was a though we weren't even under cover. The heat waves crashed down on us again and again. Malawi needs so fans to suck out the hot air in buildings.
Sleeping in it is no picnic either. I have a new form of Air Conditioning. Before going to bed you soak your PJs in water and then put them on soaking wet. Afterwards you climb into bed and and cover yourself with a sheet. Without a sheet it is too cool and you feel a bit damp, but with a sheet the water warms up just enough so you don't notice you are wet and as it evaporates it keeps you perfectly cool. Not something I's do in the winter in Colorado or Washington, but it's great for the hot climates. By morning your PJ's are dry and you can hang them up for the next nights drenching.
Christmas is coming and I must confess I don't even feel like this is the right time of year.
My Clinic work continues. At times I feel like I"m chasing my tail. That is if I have one.
I'm working on a schedule of work. It has only taken 3 weeks to get it typed on a word document and now we are haveing it traslated into the the local language. I thought it was a day project, silly me. There is no such thing as consistancy I'll let you know why when I find that out for myself. I might get a grip on things if there were four of me to station around the clinic to remind people what they are to do.
On the bright side, we had a visit from the ministry of Health and our parent medical
association. They had two comments, one was that the Clinic was very clean and the other was that we had a great selection of Medications. I was thankful I had spent three weeks pushing my cleaning crew to get the place up to par. Blessings, Michelle
Sleeping in it is no picnic either. I have a new form of Air Conditioning. Before going to bed you soak your PJs in water and then put them on soaking wet. Afterwards you climb into bed and and cover yourself with a sheet. Without a sheet it is too cool and you feel a bit damp, but with a sheet the water warms up just enough so you don't notice you are wet and as it evaporates it keeps you perfectly cool. Not something I's do in the winter in Colorado or Washington, but it's great for the hot climates. By morning your PJ's are dry and you can hang them up for the next nights drenching.
Christmas is coming and I must confess I don't even feel like this is the right time of year.
My Clinic work continues. At times I feel like I"m chasing my tail. That is if I have one.
I'm working on a schedule of work. It has only taken 3 weeks to get it typed on a word document and now we are haveing it traslated into the the local language. I thought it was a day project, silly me. There is no such thing as consistancy I'll let you know why when I find that out for myself. I might get a grip on things if there were four of me to station around the clinic to remind people what they are to do.
On the bright side, we had a visit from the ministry of Health and our parent medical
association. They had two comments, one was that the Clinic was very clean and the other was that we had a great selection of Medications. I was thankful I had spent three weeks pushing my cleaning crew to get the place up to par. Blessings, Michelle
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Sunny Days
I recently hear from my mother who told me to be more positive. So I won't tell you about driving out to visit the Children of the Nations farm and children's home, it was dusk, but by the time I got to the main headquarters it was so dark I could hardly see it. I knew the farm was further out, but wasn't sure how far out it was. After driving for some time I decided I must have missed it and turned around. I drove to the COTN office and found a guard who was willing to take me out the farm. We started out, for the farm and drove for some time and before I knew it there was a large reflector in front of me. I knew we were in trouble, so I hit the brakes. We slide for quite a distance and then hit the reflector and a large dirt mound in the middle of the road. The reflector was made of tin, so it made a loud crashing sound. Then every thing was quiet for a couple of seconds and then I could hear men yelling and screaming. We have been told not to stop on the road and that people get mugged or robbed at night on the roads so I knew we needed to get out of there real quickly. I wasn't sure if the car would run, but it started up easily and I thru it into reverse. We fled like a couple of robbers from a bank hold up. A few minutes later we were at the COTN farm and they were happy to have me there. They served a traditional Malawian dinner and then the kids sang and enjoyed devotions. It was a blessing to hear the children singing. It really lifted my spirit. The next day I took a good look at the truck and it wasn't damaged. But I recalled a conversation my older brother Bill had had with my mom about my driving at night on the african roads. He had said that I should have a rule for myself not to drive at night on the dark roads. I have decided he was right so the rule is now in place.
Did I tell you about the family that lives next door? They own the house that I live in and have been like having my own family. In fact they invite me to come over often, some days Mrs Mittel sends and indian breakfast over for me and they have had me over for dinner as well. Today I decided to do something nice for them, so I made a big pot of soup and sent half of it over to them for lunch with some freshly baked rolls. I had been cooking for the whole week so decided once it was all done to go and take a nap. About 15 minutes into my nap Mrs Mittel came over and thanked me for the lovely rolls, then she said you know Michelle, Poojah and I are vegetarians and w e do not eat meat. I knew that but somehow it had slipped my mind. Then she said what kind of meat did you use for the the soup? I said Beef. Oh Michelle, we do not eat beef, but we shouldn't waste anything so we will send the soup back to you. She was so gracious, I just felt bad that I hadn't thought of those things.
The winds are blowing this afternoon, which was a fantastic change, in that it has been rather uncomfortably hot. Even the Africans are complaining. I can hear the thunder in the distance so perhaps that means we are in for a cooling down. I'm praying for rain. I went swimming this afternoon which was a lovely refreshment of both body and spirit. The pool is not far from the clinic but it is closed when I have time to use it. I've heard that there are requests for a lane or two to be left open for staff to use during the day. That would really be a blessing if that happened perhaps you can pray for that for me. I need some way to cool down and relax after chasing employees down all day. There seems to be a bit of acceptance about the new administrator and her expectations that work must take place during work hours. However some feel they are simply being paid for being present. HMMM The time clock seems to be causing some inconviences as employees have been sighted down town when in fact they are on the clock. This will be my next challenge. To round up the offenders.
There are many more stories this week, in an effort to keep this possitive i will wait till later. Thanks for tuning in and mostly thanks for your prayers. God is faithful and Truely He is at work in our lives. My Love to all, Michelle
Did I tell you about the family that lives next door? They own the house that I live in and have been like having my own family. In fact they invite me to come over often, some days Mrs Mittel sends and indian breakfast over for me and they have had me over for dinner as well. Today I decided to do something nice for them, so I made a big pot of soup and sent half of it over to them for lunch with some freshly baked rolls. I had been cooking for the whole week so decided once it was all done to go and take a nap. About 15 minutes into my nap Mrs Mittel came over and thanked me for the lovely rolls, then she said you know Michelle, Poojah and I are vegetarians and w e do not eat meat. I knew that but somehow it had slipped my mind. Then she said what kind of meat did you use for the the soup? I said Beef. Oh Michelle, we do not eat beef, but we shouldn't waste anything so we will send the soup back to you. She was so gracious, I just felt bad that I hadn't thought of those things.
The winds are blowing this afternoon, which was a fantastic change, in that it has been rather uncomfortably hot. Even the Africans are complaining. I can hear the thunder in the distance so perhaps that means we are in for a cooling down. I'm praying for rain. I went swimming this afternoon which was a lovely refreshment of both body and spirit. The pool is not far from the clinic but it is closed when I have time to use it. I've heard that there are requests for a lane or two to be left open for staff to use during the day. That would really be a blessing if that happened perhaps you can pray for that for me. I need some way to cool down and relax after chasing employees down all day. There seems to be a bit of acceptance about the new administrator and her expectations that work must take place during work hours. However some feel they are simply being paid for being present. HMMM The time clock seems to be causing some inconviences as employees have been sighted down town when in fact they are on the clock. This will be my next challenge. To round up the offenders.
There are many more stories this week, in an effort to keep this possitive i will wait till later. Thanks for tuning in and mostly thanks for your prayers. God is faithful and Truely He is at work in our lives. My Love to all, Michelle
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Welcome New Viewers.
A joyfilled welcome to all my viewers in Iraq. As you know each and every day we take two steps forward and one step back. On sunday I thought I had killed all the cockroaches in my house but on Monday morning I found one large one crawling across my pillow. I tryed to knock him to the floor but he jumped on the curtains and managed to escape my foot. They are clever little creatures.
Sunday night I stopped by to see my friends who's small dog had run away after hearing the neighbors fire crackers. They were feeling pretty bad because it had been several days and the dog had not returned. So I told them I wanted to pray with them. After all, I God cares about even the little sparrow that falls, why wouldn't he care about the dog that was lost. So we prayed and asked the Lord to protcct the little dog. That night they made an anouncement on the radio that the dog was missing and that they would pay a reward to anyone who found him. The next afternoon some men notice an animal in the distant fields. Thinking it might be a monkey or baboon but also knowing there was a reward out for this strange little dog. The africans are afraid of dogs so they found a band of 20 people to round him up. After trying for sometime to catch him. They decided to hurd the dog through the field. accross the road and through the college gate. Apparently it was quite a commotion but Little MollY- the dogs name, was finally home with his family. I was thankful that the Lord had answered my prayer with a yes.
Speaking of chasing, I still continue to chase my cleaning people around the clinic. They were having hearing problems this morning but after talking with the head of personel, there ears were healed and they were willing to do what I was asking them to do. They had gone to the head of personel and asked her if they could do something else, so she not knowing what I had told them to do gave them permission to do what they had requested. When we all talked I let them know that they were not to be running way from what was requested of them.
I had asked them to clean up at our baby ward, and on the way walking up there one of the ladies pulled the mop out of her bucket and dropped it in the middle of the side walk. She didn't stop to pick it up so I asked her if whe was planing on leaving it there. Yes she replied with a look that said" why not" at times I'm shocked at the things they do. This was one of those times. I was seriously wondering what on earth could have been going through her head. I'm wondering if I should find a protein drink for them and see if that helps a bit. That will be my project for today.
I must get back to my chasing as yesterday I found three of my cleaning ladies sitting on the Ward couch chatting. They said they couldn't work all day, so I said Ok I will just pay you for half a day and get others to do the work the rest of the day. Oh no they replied. We need the money for the whole day but could you please let us rest for half a day. Hmmmm
Thankyou for tuning in and have a great day.
Sunday night I stopped by to see my friends who's small dog had run away after hearing the neighbors fire crackers. They were feeling pretty bad because it had been several days and the dog had not returned. So I told them I wanted to pray with them. After all, I God cares about even the little sparrow that falls, why wouldn't he care about the dog that was lost. So we prayed and asked the Lord to protcct the little dog. That night they made an anouncement on the radio that the dog was missing and that they would pay a reward to anyone who found him. The next afternoon some men notice an animal in the distant fields. Thinking it might be a monkey or baboon but also knowing there was a reward out for this strange little dog. The africans are afraid of dogs so they found a band of 20 people to round him up. After trying for sometime to catch him. They decided to hurd the dog through the field. accross the road and through the college gate. Apparently it was quite a commotion but Little MollY- the dogs name, was finally home with his family. I was thankful that the Lord had answered my prayer with a yes.
Speaking of chasing, I still continue to chase my cleaning people around the clinic. They were having hearing problems this morning but after talking with the head of personel, there ears were healed and they were willing to do what I was asking them to do. They had gone to the head of personel and asked her if they could do something else, so she not knowing what I had told them to do gave them permission to do what they had requested. When we all talked I let them know that they were not to be running way from what was requested of them.
I had asked them to clean up at our baby ward, and on the way walking up there one of the ladies pulled the mop out of her bucket and dropped it in the middle of the side walk. She didn't stop to pick it up so I asked her if whe was planing on leaving it there. Yes she replied with a look that said" why not" at times I'm shocked at the things they do. This was one of those times. I was seriously wondering what on earth could have been going through her head. I'm wondering if I should find a protein drink for them and see if that helps a bit. That will be my project for today.
I must get back to my chasing as yesterday I found three of my cleaning ladies sitting on the Ward couch chatting. They said they couldn't work all day, so I said Ok I will just pay you for half a day and get others to do the work the rest of the day. Oh no they replied. We need the money for the whole day but could you please let us rest for half a day. Hmmmm
Thankyou for tuning in and have a great day.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Monday or Friday?
Last week I spent observing the happenings of the Clinic and decided that working on getting the cleaners cleaning, would be a great place to start. Little did I know what a tough job that would be. I must have walked 5 miles today. Moving from person to person, making sure they were doing the job that they were supposed to do. The job for the majority of them was to was the walls. They are white with spots and drips as well as foot makes on the door bottems. I've heard all the excuses i care to hear. Mother i'm dizzy, mother I need my tea break, Mother I need to break for lunch. No I didn't finish ironing the ten things you asked me to do, because I was mopping. Mopping for 6 hours? no mopping for 30 minutes. Surely I will loose wait running from one to another.
One of the doctors said he had never seen so much activity. Another said it sure smelt good around here.
At lunch I went into the lunch room and found all my staff lining the walls, when I asked what they were doing they told me they were having a staff meeting. I asked them why I hadn't been informed of this meeting and told them the meeting was over. An hour later I got a letter from my " hard working staff" which wanted wedding days off and a raise in pay. You can imagine my frustration.
I'm writting this a little backwards but I must tell you my bottom biting next door neighbor dogs came over this morning and somehow tore a hole in the screen, so that when pooh came out to pee in his face, be was able to sink his teeth in Pooh's chin and the right side of his mouth. I screamed bloody murder and then went for my bear spray. Now I was ready for the dog. When he came back again I said come on baby I'm ready for you. Once his head was in the hole of the screen I sprayed him real good in the face and he silently walked away. Hu I got him. Mean while my dog was covered with blood. I got a dish towel and washed him off with detol. Then later this afternoon I took him to the vet. She cut some hair off his chin and gave us some Anti Biotics 25 dollars and rude talking to about how dare I come with my dog when she was on her way out. I was finished. She's the only vet in town, so she can say and do as she pleases. Customer what?
I think my staff has a bit of the same attitude. They know we are the best clinic in town, so they feel like the patients should wait on them. Oh my dear do I have my work cut out for me. Thankyou for your prayers.
One of the doctors said he had never seen so much activity. Another said it sure smelt good around here.
At lunch I went into the lunch room and found all my staff lining the walls, when I asked what they were doing they told me they were having a staff meeting. I asked them why I hadn't been informed of this meeting and told them the meeting was over. An hour later I got a letter from my " hard working staff" which wanted wedding days off and a raise in pay. You can imagine my frustration.
I'm writting this a little backwards but I must tell you my bottom biting next door neighbor dogs came over this morning and somehow tore a hole in the screen, so that when pooh came out to pee in his face, be was able to sink his teeth in Pooh's chin and the right side of his mouth. I screamed bloody murder and then went for my bear spray. Now I was ready for the dog. When he came back again I said come on baby I'm ready for you. Once his head was in the hole of the screen I sprayed him real good in the face and he silently walked away. Hu I got him. Mean while my dog was covered with blood. I got a dish towel and washed him off with detol. Then later this afternoon I took him to the vet. She cut some hair off his chin and gave us some Anti Biotics 25 dollars and rude talking to about how dare I come with my dog when she was on her way out. I was finished. She's the only vet in town, so she can say and do as she pleases. Customer what?
I think my staff has a bit of the same attitude. They know we are the best clinic in town, so they feel like the patients should wait on them. Oh my dear do I have my work cut out for me. Thankyou for your prayers.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Homeward Bound!!!
It's 5:30 am and all my bags are packed, and I'm ready to go. Connie and I are happy to be going home to Malawi. The modern world is really quite hectic.
We had a good appointment with Dr Chait yesterday. He gave us the final instructions on which stitches come out when. I showed him that he had missed the cyst that I had hoped he would take out and he said: Oh my we must do that right now, if anyone hears of this they will think I am a complete idiot. Will you stay so I can take care of it. It will only take ten minutes.
Connie had wanted to see the first operation which they would not allow, so this was her chance to see this one. Dr/Professor Chait had me lie down on his operating cot and then told me to bite down on this thing that looked like a plastic bullet. He called it a bullet too. We were back in the wild west or so it seemed when he stuck the first needle in my face to numb it. I wanted to scream but just cried instead and reached for Connie's hand so I could squeeze it to death as he proceeded to poke me again and again. Once it was good and numb he started his incision and then took out the cyst. It was a bit of a battle to get it all out and in the end the Dr won, but he was surprised at how large and hard the thing was. I could feel most of the stitches going in, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the injections so I decide it was the lesser of two evils. Connie made it through the whole procedure without fainting and I managed to keep my whits about me as well. I guess his bullet treatment worked. The the patients on the other side of the door didn't know he had done a thing, although I wanted to shout it from the roof top. I cannot tell you how grateful I was that he had knocked me out for the first procedure. I really liked Dr Chait. He is a man of great humor and Connie and I had a wonderful time joking around with him. He wants to follow up on me via the Internet. I will send him pictures as the days go by so he can keep an eye on his work. What a wonderful thing these computers are. I think he did a beautiful job. He is a Jewish surgeon which was a plus. The only other Surgeon I ever go to is Jewish as well and he makes all things new. His name? Jesus!!
I'm praising the Lord this morning for His unfailing love and faithfulness. He is all we need in time of joy and trouble. What a wonderful savior,husband and friend. Truly the Lord has carried me through. My love to all. I love your comments so keep leaving them. Thanks Kendal, Cheryl, Shari and Michele.
We had a good appointment with Dr Chait yesterday. He gave us the final instructions on which stitches come out when. I showed him that he had missed the cyst that I had hoped he would take out and he said: Oh my we must do that right now, if anyone hears of this they will think I am a complete idiot. Will you stay so I can take care of it. It will only take ten minutes.
Connie had wanted to see the first operation which they would not allow, so this was her chance to see this one. Dr/Professor Chait had me lie down on his operating cot and then told me to bite down on this thing that looked like a plastic bullet. He called it a bullet too. We were back in the wild west or so it seemed when he stuck the first needle in my face to numb it. I wanted to scream but just cried instead and reached for Connie's hand so I could squeeze it to death as he proceeded to poke me again and again. Once it was good and numb he started his incision and then took out the cyst. It was a bit of a battle to get it all out and in the end the Dr won, but he was surprised at how large and hard the thing was. I could feel most of the stitches going in, but it wasn't nearly as bad as the injections so I decide it was the lesser of two evils. Connie made it through the whole procedure without fainting and I managed to keep my whits about me as well. I guess his bullet treatment worked. The the patients on the other side of the door didn't know he had done a thing, although I wanted to shout it from the roof top. I cannot tell you how grateful I was that he had knocked me out for the first procedure. I really liked Dr Chait. He is a man of great humor and Connie and I had a wonderful time joking around with him. He wants to follow up on me via the Internet. I will send him pictures as the days go by so he can keep an eye on his work. What a wonderful thing these computers are. I think he did a beautiful job. He is a Jewish surgeon which was a plus. The only other Surgeon I ever go to is Jewish as well and he makes all things new. His name? Jesus!!
I'm praising the Lord this morning for His unfailing love and faithfulness. He is all we need in time of joy and trouble. What a wonderful savior,husband and friend. Truly the Lord has carried me through. My love to all. I love your comments so keep leaving them. Thanks Kendal, Cheryl, Shari and Michele.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Home From the Hospital
Yes it is true. I am home and feeling fine from the neck down. My head feels like my hair has been pulled much too tight and ear as though someone has pulled it off and sewn it back on. Everywhere there is stitches it's as thou I'm bursting from the seems. I think thats more of a feeling than a reality.
The ladies/nurses were very nice and helpful. I woke up at 4am and they brought me coffee as I asked. Then I asked for toast and got that as well along with hot chocolate. I tried to watch tv but other than an evangelist preaching at 4am there wasn't much to see. Finally I fell back to sleep and woke up to Connie setting her bag on the floor next to the bed.
The Doctor came in about 7 and said he thought it all looked pretty good. I didn't have the heart to tell him he hadn't cut out the cyst I wanted him to get on my left cheek. He said he had taken out two other bumps, who knows what they were. I wanted to mark the right spot the day of the surgery but we couldn't find a pen to mark it. Anyway at least he didn't remove my nose or a chunk of my lip. We'll just pray that the scar goes away. There is always so much to be thankful for.
Connie and I tried to go to Nelson Mandella Mall today which we saw, but I wasn't much fun cuz I wanted to come home and go to bed. It was my idea to go to the Mall and it was fun. We even found Cinnabon and got some rolls to bring home. Not long after we started walking around I started to feel a bit dizzy so we came home. We are here now in our locked up house where we are staying. I'll post some pictures as soon as I get back to Malawi.
The ladies/nurses were very nice and helpful. I woke up at 4am and they brought me coffee as I asked. Then I asked for toast and got that as well along with hot chocolate. I tried to watch tv but other than an evangelist preaching at 4am there wasn't much to see. Finally I fell back to sleep and woke up to Connie setting her bag on the floor next to the bed.
The Doctor came in about 7 and said he thought it all looked pretty good. I didn't have the heart to tell him he hadn't cut out the cyst I wanted him to get on my left cheek. He said he had taken out two other bumps, who knows what they were. I wanted to mark the right spot the day of the surgery but we couldn't find a pen to mark it. Anyway at least he didn't remove my nose or a chunk of my lip. We'll just pray that the scar goes away. There is always so much to be thankful for.
Connie and I tried to go to Nelson Mandella Mall today which we saw, but I wasn't much fun cuz I wanted to come home and go to bed. It was my idea to go to the Mall and it was fun. We even found Cinnabon and got some rolls to bring home. Not long after we started walking around I started to feel a bit dizzy so we came home. We are here now in our locked up house where we are staying. I'll post some pictures as soon as I get back to Malawi.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Happy Birthday to you too!
Hello, all of Michelle's friends and family!
Michelle is "in hospital", as they say here in South Africa, and resting comfortably. She and I left for the hospital at 5:30 a.m. and she was treated to a lovely hospital gown and a pair of very exciting underpants! Can I use that word on a missionary's blog??? Anyway, she was rolled out of her room at 10, but she said she wasn't rolled into surgery until about an hour later. She came back to the room at noon with stitches on her left cheek, behind her right ear, and a gauze patch over her right eye where they did the graft and removed the cancer, not in that order. She groggily climbed into bed and a few minutes later uttered her first words, "How long did you have to wait?" Sweetie, thinking of MY wait on HER birthday after HER surgery! Anyway, she was able to eat lunch an hour or so later. She had a good dinner and after getting a bit more medicine for pain, was doing well when I left her about 6:30 this evening. She prayed with me for my trip home alone in Joburg which I greatly appreciated. (One very heavy chain on the outside street gate, another locked gate into the yard, another one into the entrance way, then one into the house and then dash to turn off the alarm where there is another gate in the middle of the house and one on each of the room doors so that if the bad guys get in through a bedroom window, they won't have easy access to the rest of the house! Things are different (in a creepy sort of way in regards to security) here in Johannesburg!
So, Michelle should be discharged tomorrow after breakfast. I know she is so grateful for all of your prayers. God is faithful and good.
In this Rock,
Connie
Michelle is "in hospital", as they say here in South Africa, and resting comfortably. She and I left for the hospital at 5:30 a.m. and she was treated to a lovely hospital gown and a pair of very exciting underpants! Can I use that word on a missionary's blog??? Anyway, she was rolled out of her room at 10, but she said she wasn't rolled into surgery until about an hour later. She came back to the room at noon with stitches on her left cheek, behind her right ear, and a gauze patch over her right eye where they did the graft and removed the cancer, not in that order. She groggily climbed into bed and a few minutes later uttered her first words, "How long did you have to wait?" Sweetie, thinking of MY wait on HER birthday after HER surgery! Anyway, she was able to eat lunch an hour or so later. She had a good dinner and after getting a bit more medicine for pain, was doing well when I left her about 6:30 this evening. She prayed with me for my trip home alone in Joburg which I greatly appreciated. (One very heavy chain on the outside street gate, another locked gate into the yard, another one into the entrance way, then one into the house and then dash to turn off the alarm where there is another gate in the middle of the house and one on each of the room doors so that if the bad guys get in through a bedroom window, they won't have easy access to the rest of the house! Things are different (in a creepy sort of way in regards to security) here in Johannesburg!
So, Michelle should be discharged tomorrow after breakfast. I know she is so grateful for all of your prayers. God is faithful and good.
In this Rock,
Connie
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Happy Birthday and Pass the scalpel.
To day is my Birthday and the day of my Surgery. I will have Connie write an entry in this blog after all this is over today. I covet you prayers. God Bless you. Michelle
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Navigating through JO Burg
Good evening. Connie and I have been trying to navigate this very complex city. We are both(buggared) that is South African for tired. This city is full of robots which means full of traffic lights. It seems to lack street signs however so every one tells you how to go by telling you how many robots and stops you need to go by. There are also alot of y's in the road, so we feel like every other y we have managed to not be on the proper side of. We went out shopping again today and it took 5 or six maybe more stops to ask for directions before we got it right. We do know how to get from East gate to home now, but we won't be going to east gate again.
After talking to the doctors I realized that the bill will be closer to 3500 or 4000 dollars. However that will include my stay in the hospital and the plane ticket as well. I am trusting God for his provision at the time. He is able. Thank you Jesus for providing for all my needs.
I am a bit nervous but, trust that my life is in the Lord's hands. Vanity will get me no where at this time. It's amazing how attached we get to this house me live in called our bodies. We are called to take care of them because they are the temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells, but when He decides to remodel them we must trust He has a purpose and plan in all of this. My hope and prayer is that we will be able to share Christ with Dr. Chait.
I'm also very thank you to the Lord for my friends the Dehnerts. Connie has been a lot of fun to be with and has kept me positive as well. Her husband Kelly is home with his 3 kids and my dog, what a willing soul. Pray for this family as they are separated from one another in order to walk with me during this time. What a blessing they are. Good nite and may God bless you. Michelle
After talking to the doctors I realized that the bill will be closer to 3500 or 4000 dollars. However that will include my stay in the hospital and the plane ticket as well. I am trusting God for his provision at the time. He is able. Thank you Jesus for providing for all my needs.
I am a bit nervous but, trust that my life is in the Lord's hands. Vanity will get me no where at this time. It's amazing how attached we get to this house me live in called our bodies. We are called to take care of them because they are the temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells, but when He decides to remodel them we must trust He has a purpose and plan in all of this. My hope and prayer is that we will be able to share Christ with Dr. Chait.
I'm also very thank you to the Lord for my friends the Dehnerts. Connie has been a lot of fun to be with and has kept me positive as well. Her husband Kelly is home with his 3 kids and my dog, what a willing soul. Pray for this family as they are separated from one another in order to walk with me during this time. What a blessing they are. Good nite and may God bless you. Michelle
Friday, October 19, 2007
Taking JO Burg by Storm or Something?
Yesterday Connie and I rented a car. We decided that Connie would be the only driver in that It was likely that I would not be able to drive after surgery. Connie's neighbor's mother(Marjorie) met us at the Airport and brought us home. We are staying with her.
This morning we woke up early to go see the doctor. Marjorie used to work with this Doctor 30 some years ago, so she had a picture of him at her wedding, which we took to show the doctor-Larance Chait. My neighbor in Malawi, Kush asked a good friend of his Mr Barney Herwitz to recommend a plastic surgeon and that's how I got Dr. Chaits name. Anyway he was very fun and friendly. He said"your a missionary? Then why did God do this to you? I said, if God hadn't allowed this, than I wouldn't have met you. What does one say to that?
So here's the game plan. He will operate first thing Monday morning. His plan is to take the cancer out and make sure that he got it all. In order not to make it impossible for me to close my eye, he will be taking a skin graft from behind my ear and placing it over the spot. Then he will put something he said will look like a small pumpkin on the skin graft and when the pumpkin falls off the skin graft should be well taken. He plans on putting me under for the operation and keeping me in the hospital for one night after the job is done. He doesn't want me to be uncomfortable so he said it would be best if I spent the night in the hospital. I will have Connie take pictures so we can post them later for you who are into seeing how it looks.
Connie and I decided to try and make the rest of the weekend fun, as Monday is my Birthday and that's the day I go in for surgery. Today we went shopping for all the missionaries on campus. They all gave Connie a list of things to pick up for them while we are here. I picked up a few essential things as well, but the Bank didn't know I was coming down here so they cut me off.
Driving home from the Mall it was dark and raining. The people have warned us that this is a very dangerous city, so we tried not to stop to long anywhere, especially at stop signs. We made several U turns because we were lost and the street signs are tough to see. I kept telling Connie to "Keep moving" it's hard to hit a moving target. We made it home and we are proud of ourselves. Marjorie locks every door in the house to keep the thief's out or localized if they should break into a room in the house. She's quite a kick. Connie is writing down famous quotes from our trip, so I will share them with you. We have done alot of laughing thus far.
This morning we woke up early to go see the doctor. Marjorie used to work with this Doctor 30 some years ago, so she had a picture of him at her wedding, which we took to show the doctor-Larance Chait. My neighbor in Malawi, Kush asked a good friend of his Mr Barney Herwitz to recommend a plastic surgeon and that's how I got Dr. Chaits name. Anyway he was very fun and friendly. He said"your a missionary? Then why did God do this to you? I said, if God hadn't allowed this, than I wouldn't have met you. What does one say to that?
So here's the game plan. He will operate first thing Monday morning. His plan is to take the cancer out and make sure that he got it all. In order not to make it impossible for me to close my eye, he will be taking a skin graft from behind my ear and placing it over the spot. Then he will put something he said will look like a small pumpkin on the skin graft and when the pumpkin falls off the skin graft should be well taken. He plans on putting me under for the operation and keeping me in the hospital for one night after the job is done. He doesn't want me to be uncomfortable so he said it would be best if I spent the night in the hospital. I will have Connie take pictures so we can post them later for you who are into seeing how it looks.
Connie and I decided to try and make the rest of the weekend fun, as Monday is my Birthday and that's the day I go in for surgery. Today we went shopping for all the missionaries on campus. They all gave Connie a list of things to pick up for them while we are here. I picked up a few essential things as well, but the Bank didn't know I was coming down here so they cut me off.
Driving home from the Mall it was dark and raining. The people have warned us that this is a very dangerous city, so we tried not to stop to long anywhere, especially at stop signs. We made several U turns because we were lost and the street signs are tough to see. I kept telling Connie to "Keep moving" it's hard to hit a moving target. We made it home and we are proud of ourselves. Marjorie locks every door in the house to keep the thief's out or localized if they should break into a room in the house. She's quite a kick. Connie is writing down famous quotes from our trip, so I will share them with you. We have done alot of laughing thus far.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
On my way.
In about one hour I will be leaving the house for JO Berg. The appointment is set for me to see the Doctor on Friday Morning and then have the surgery on Monday morning. That will give my friend Connie and I some time to have a little fun and relax a bit before I "go under the knife" as they say. It has been a tough two weeks and I feel as though the Lord is blessing me with a rest.
The nurse at the Clinic in JO Berg gave me an estimate of the cost of this whole procedure and it will be a little over 2000 dollars US. That is if they don't insist I go into the hospital.
Thank you for your prayers. I will keep you posted and take some pictures along the way.
Blessings,
Michelle
The nurse at the Clinic in JO Berg gave me an estimate of the cost of this whole procedure and it will be a little over 2000 dollars US. That is if they don't insist I go into the hospital.
Thank you for your prayers. I will keep you posted and take some pictures along the way.
Blessings,
Michelle
Saturday, October 13, 2007
A need for Grace.
I had written the below posts several times over the past three days and lost it several times. I'm sorry for the mistakes but I'm thrilled that the post was made today. thank you for your grace.
First Days in Malawi
Day 1:
I arrived in Malawi at 9:45 am local time just 60 hour after leaving Washington. There were two people at the Airport to meet me. Dr Paul Chinchen- the Director of the college and Toni Moffet, the present Clinic Administrator. They brought me back to the college and then took me to my new home.
I stepped out of the car and was bitten by on of three dogs who had come to greet me. They looked like I was food to them and not anything short of that. The bite was the size of a silver dollar but turned Ugly black.
I was excited to take a shower and try to rest for a moment. So once Toni left, I grabbed a bar of soap and jumped in the shower. They had told me there was hot water, so I was looking forward to my hot shower. The water was stone cold, so I fiddled with the nobs encluding one nob which was to the far right of the normal shower fixtures. I thought it mignt be a hot water valve, but it didn't seem to make much if any differance. Cold, Cold, Cold. Oh well this is Africa and I'm lucky the water is running at all. I turned off the water and went to dry off. It sounded like there was a water fall in the house. strange, I thought but then decide to go investigate. Walking out into the hall I saw a gushing water fall coming from the ceiling tiles. The floor in the call was flooded and the water was moving out into the living room very quickly. I was horified. I ran back to the shower and turned that strange extra knob I had thought was for hot water and the water was shut off. I then asked the next door neighbors house help if he had a mop and he came back with a small mop with about three strands. This of course was no match for the lake that was now in my hall way and livingroom. I decide to use the only towel I had and a trash can to mop up the mess. Once my Landlord"s wife was home I talked to her about the problem and she said she would send a crew in the morning. Night fell and I took some sleeping pills to rest. They worked.
Day 2:
The 5 member repair team came to help with the plumbing problem. They worked 8 hours, crawling up and down the stairs and in the end declared the hot water tank fixed. It was about 5pm so I checked their work and it was not done. The water was stone cold. I needed a shower however, so I jumped back in the shower and when I got out I once again found the flood in the hall and living room. I think we have a problem, I thought.
Day 3: A two man crew returns to solve the water problem. By this time I was a bit tired of hanging out at my house, but this crew only took 2 hours and the water seemed warm so I was happy. My Landlord Family are Indians from India. They are very kind and loving. They had me over for at least one meal each of the three days.
Day 4:
I jumped into the shower and turned on the hot water, knowing it would take a while for it to get warm enought to enjoy. Once it got hot I reached for the cold water. Suddeningly there was a strong electrical current running through my body. I hadn't had my coffee quite yet, but I was now wide awake. Quickly I decided to jump out of the water and run away. I put on my clothes and opened the locked doors to run out of the house and tell the Landlord. On the other side of the outer pattio gate were the three dogs barking and grawling like ferousious lions ready to tear me from limb to limb. I stood there and yelled:" HELP HELP HELP" This was Drama at it's best. Apparently the house help had gotten a shock at about the same time in the Landlords house, so they came a running to my rescue. I decided showers aren't all they are cracked up to be and went to work with dirty hair and smelling like one of the locals. Oh MY I don't think they noticed, but I was longing for an out of body experience.
Day 5
I had been to the clinic and had decided to check out my E-mail. There were several notes from my mom in which she complained about not hearing from me and also saying that she had not told anyone about my problem. She didn't know about the ones I have just told you about so I was wondering what on earth she could be referring too.
After scanning down the mail entry page, I notice a note from my Doctor, called Biopsy results. As I read his note I Knew what my mom was referring too. I have a basil Cell Carcinoma on my face just right of my right eye brow. Great, when it rains it pours. But what can one expect when they are doing what God has called them to do. I will not cower or be afraid, for the Lord my God is with me.
Day 6-10 They have fixed the water heater and stopped the electrical current in the shower. We are makeing calls to South Africa to see if we can make an appointment for surgery. Please pray that we will be able to find a doctor and make any appointment quickly. A missionary friend well be flying down with me to help me through this process. God is providing. A lady here on Campus has family in South Africa and they will host us while we are down there. I will need to rent a car. I do not have heath insurance so you can be praying that the Lord will undertake for me in this as well.
There are two doctors and an EMT coming in to help out in the clinic this week. Our main doctor's wife is having a baby. They have lost three children so pray that every thing goes well with the Birth of this child. We also need to begin out team building at the Clinic. Pray for UNITY. There is talk in the country that the "whites should be asked to leave. The president will be making a statement about this soon, so pray that the people will hear and that God will do a miracle in this land. We need revival. The ABC campus is also in need of Revival. I want to pray, pray, pray. Drop me a line if you will. I have to go to people's house to get the internet access, so I'm not exactly in an eazy place to get to communication.
I arrived in Malawi at 9:45 am local time just 60 hour after leaving Washington. There were two people at the Airport to meet me. Dr Paul Chinchen- the Director of the college and Toni Moffet, the present Clinic Administrator. They brought me back to the college and then took me to my new home.
I stepped out of the car and was bitten by on of three dogs who had come to greet me. They looked like I was food to them and not anything short of that. The bite was the size of a silver dollar but turned Ugly black.
I was excited to take a shower and try to rest for a moment. So once Toni left, I grabbed a bar of soap and jumped in the shower. They had told me there was hot water, so I was looking forward to my hot shower. The water was stone cold, so I fiddled with the nobs encluding one nob which was to the far right of the normal shower fixtures. I thought it mignt be a hot water valve, but it didn't seem to make much if any differance. Cold, Cold, Cold. Oh well this is Africa and I'm lucky the water is running at all. I turned off the water and went to dry off. It sounded like there was a water fall in the house. strange, I thought but then decide to go investigate. Walking out into the hall I saw a gushing water fall coming from the ceiling tiles. The floor in the call was flooded and the water was moving out into the living room very quickly. I was horified. I ran back to the shower and turned that strange extra knob I had thought was for hot water and the water was shut off. I then asked the next door neighbors house help if he had a mop and he came back with a small mop with about three strands. This of course was no match for the lake that was now in my hall way and livingroom. I decide to use the only towel I had and a trash can to mop up the mess. Once my Landlord"s wife was home I talked to her about the problem and she said she would send a crew in the morning. Night fell and I took some sleeping pills to rest. They worked.
Day 2:
The 5 member repair team came to help with the plumbing problem. They worked 8 hours, crawling up and down the stairs and in the end declared the hot water tank fixed. It was about 5pm so I checked their work and it was not done. The water was stone cold. I needed a shower however, so I jumped back in the shower and when I got out I once again found the flood in the hall and living room. I think we have a problem, I thought.
Day 3: A two man crew returns to solve the water problem. By this time I was a bit tired of hanging out at my house, but this crew only took 2 hours and the water seemed warm so I was happy. My Landlord Family are Indians from India. They are very kind and loving. They had me over for at least one meal each of the three days.
Day 4:
I jumped into the shower and turned on the hot water, knowing it would take a while for it to get warm enought to enjoy. Once it got hot I reached for the cold water. Suddeningly there was a strong electrical current running through my body. I hadn't had my coffee quite yet, but I was now wide awake. Quickly I decided to jump out of the water and run away. I put on my clothes and opened the locked doors to run out of the house and tell the Landlord. On the other side of the outer pattio gate were the three dogs barking and grawling like ferousious lions ready to tear me from limb to limb. I stood there and yelled:" HELP HELP HELP" This was Drama at it's best. Apparently the house help had gotten a shock at about the same time in the Landlords house, so they came a running to my rescue. I decided showers aren't all they are cracked up to be and went to work with dirty hair and smelling like one of the locals. Oh MY I don't think they noticed, but I was longing for an out of body experience.
Day 5
I had been to the clinic and had decided to check out my E-mail. There were several notes from my mom in which she complained about not hearing from me and also saying that she had not told anyone about my problem. She didn't know about the ones I have just told you about so I was wondering what on earth she could be referring too.
After scanning down the mail entry page, I notice a note from my Doctor, called Biopsy results. As I read his note I Knew what my mom was referring too. I have a basil Cell Carcinoma on my face just right of my right eye brow. Great, when it rains it pours. But what can one expect when they are doing what God has called them to do. I will not cower or be afraid, for the Lord my God is with me.
Day 6-10 They have fixed the water heater and stopped the electrical current in the shower. We are makeing calls to South Africa to see if we can make an appointment for surgery. Please pray that we will be able to find a doctor and make any appointment quickly. A missionary friend well be flying down with me to help me through this process. God is providing. A lady here on Campus has family in South Africa and they will host us while we are down there. I will need to rent a car. I do not have heath insurance so you can be praying that the Lord will undertake for me in this as well.
There are two doctors and an EMT coming in to help out in the clinic this week. Our main doctor's wife is having a baby. They have lost three children so pray that every thing goes well with the Birth of this child. We also need to begin out team building at the Clinic. Pray for UNITY. There is talk in the country that the "whites should be asked to leave. The president will be making a statement about this soon, so pray that the people will hear and that God will do a miracle in this land. We need revival. The ABC campus is also in need of Revival. I want to pray, pray, pray. Drop me a line if you will. I have to go to people's house to get the internet access, so I'm not exactly in an eazy place to get to communication.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Man makes his plans, but God.....
Just when you think the coast is clear, than something happens. My friends the Skagens came and spent the last two days here at my Mom's place, so we could get a few last minute things done and then they said they were willing to take me to the airport.
We left here at 8am sharp, and arrived at the airport with 3 hour to make it on the plane. Plenty of time, right? Wrong! When we got to the front of the line the attendant asked me for my visa, there was no visa in my Passport and they refused to look at the letter the mission had given me. They simply sent me away. We tryed for hours to get the papers in order, but after 6 hours of efforts we gave up and came home. We left the car full of stuff and pulled our way across the lake . I keep missing things like my wallet and passport, but that's what happens when you .
are running back and forth between airlines and making calls on cell phones. All is found.
Tomorrow is a new day and we will see what the Lord will do with it. My heart is at peace. I will try to get some rest this week-end and trust that the Lord has a purpose in all this. Thanks for your continued prayers. Michelle
We left here at 8am sharp, and arrived at the airport with 3 hour to make it on the plane. Plenty of time, right? Wrong! When we got to the front of the line the attendant asked me for my visa, there was no visa in my Passport and they refused to look at the letter the mission had given me. They simply sent me away. We tryed for hours to get the papers in order, but after 6 hours of efforts we gave up and came home. We left the car full of stuff and pulled our way across the lake . I keep missing things like my wallet and passport, but that's what happens when you .
are running back and forth between airlines and making calls on cell phones. All is found.
Tomorrow is a new day and we will see what the Lord will do with it. My heart is at peace. I will try to get some rest this week-end and trust that the Lord has a purpose in all this. Thanks for your continued prayers. Michelle
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
On My Way
Well the day has finally come and I am ready to go. Thanks to all you who are praying and or have prayed. God has done above and beyond all that I could ever ask or think, truely He is faithful.
The last few days their have been complications with my ticket but it seem that the Airlines have cleared all the problems up now. Keep praying for a safe and restful trip. Can 30 plus hours of traveling be restfull? We will see.
I also had to have a byopsy on my face this week and would appreciate your prayer on my behalf that this won't be cancer but just a funky groweth.
I will post again tomarrow once I'm through the ticket line.
The last few days their have been complications with my ticket but it seem that the Airlines have cleared all the problems up now. Keep praying for a safe and restful trip. Can 30 plus hours of traveling be restfull? We will see.
I also had to have a byopsy on my face this week and would appreciate your prayer on my behalf that this won't be cancer but just a funky groweth.
I will post again tomarrow once I'm through the ticket line.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
In Oregon
Hi I'm checking in from Springfield Oregon. Yesterday my dog Whinny the Pooh and I drove for 9 and a half hours up the 5 highway. I'm always captured by the beauty of the Mount Shasta area. I think that drive is one of my favorites. It's pretty clear that we have entered an area where there is rain. The trees have become so lush and green. Beauty at it's best. Pooh and I will be going to Sisters Oregon today. But my friends the Snyders have invited me to hang out at their home for a few hours to do laundry and rest.
I recieved a letter from Malawi today and the people there are anxious for me to come. they say they are praying. Thankyou also for your prayers as I visit with old friends and encourage others along the way. Blessings Michelle
I recieved a letter from Malawi today and the people there are anxious for me to come. they say they are praying. Thankyou also for your prayers as I visit with old friends and encourage others along the way. Blessings Michelle
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Welcome to my Blog page.
Hi, welcome to my new Blog page!
My Name is Michelle Clark, and I'm excited about embarking upon a new adventure in Malawi, Southeast Africa, where I will be running the clinic at the African Bible College. The clinic plays a vital role in the local area, providing much-needed care to people who don't always have access to good, reliable medical treatment. I'm very honored to have been asked by college president Paul Chinchen and head physician Mark Borsma to assist the doctors working there. I will help them by taking on a variety of administrative tasks, which will free them up to treat more patients.
At this point, I'm in the preparation stages for departing my home in the US for Malawi. I'll be visiting various churches on my way from California to Washington state, where I'll have time to visit my mother and speak to the local churches before departing for Africa. It's very important for me to build a support team of people who will commit to praying and/or giving financially to the ministry in Malawi. I will be working full-time at the clinic, overseeing a staff of 40-plus individuals. It's a very busy position, and I will not have the ability to earn a salary while I'm in Africa, so finances are needed and much appreciated.
So far, my support team consists of some Individuals and American churches. I am very grateful to each person as well as each church that has made this important commitment, and I pray for my support team daily. I welcome your prayer requests and would enjoy reading your comments and answering your questions while I'm away, which is why (in part) I decided to create this blog page. I feel that it is very important to stay in close contact with my support team and anyone interested in my work in Africa. I want to support you, too, by praying for you. Please don't hesitate to ask!
On the 20th of July, 2007, I closed up my apartment in Colorado and drove to Chandler, Arizona, where I was introduced to The Grove Bible Church. They have committed to supportting me with prayer and finances, for which I am very grateful. While I was speaking to the church, a generous man donated money to purchase mosquito nets, which are needed to protect Malawian children from contracting malaria. I will be overseeing the distribution of the nets, in conjunction with LIVE LOVE.
While in Arizona, I met with a couple of doctors and shared my mission with them. I also had a chance to talk with the donation-supplies clerk for the local Mayo clinic, who donated some Dopplers and IV poles, along with other medical equipment. These supplies will be greatly appreciated by the doctors working at the African Bible College clinic.
My next stop was San Diego, California, where I met with three pastors. All three were positive and encouraging, and I enjoyed meeting with them. Today I'm in Idyllwild, California, visiting my friend Sharilyn Miller. She's a jewelry artist who works with wire. We thought it would be fun to take a break from my support activities to spend some relaxing time making jewelry, which I'm quite new at but enjoying very much. You never know where a new skill can be used for God. I'm hopeful that I can teach the African widows how to make jewelry, too, so that they can make a living.
Thanks so much for reading my very first blog. I've never done this before, so my travels in Africa will be coupled with new adventures in cyberspace as I attempt to share my daily life with you. I welcome your comments, questions and prayer requests. If you'd like to know more about supporting my efforts working at the clinic in Malawi, please visit the various links I have posted and feel free to e-mail me anytime.
My Name is Michelle Clark, and I'm excited about embarking upon a new adventure in Malawi, Southeast Africa, where I will be running the clinic at the African Bible College. The clinic plays a vital role in the local area, providing much-needed care to people who don't always have access to good, reliable medical treatment. I'm very honored to have been asked by college president Paul Chinchen and head physician Mark Borsma to assist the doctors working there. I will help them by taking on a variety of administrative tasks, which will free them up to treat more patients.
At this point, I'm in the preparation stages for departing my home in the US for Malawi. I'll be visiting various churches on my way from California to Washington state, where I'll have time to visit my mother and speak to the local churches before departing for Africa. It's very important for me to build a support team of people who will commit to praying and/or giving financially to the ministry in Malawi. I will be working full-time at the clinic, overseeing a staff of 40-plus individuals. It's a very busy position, and I will not have the ability to earn a salary while I'm in Africa, so finances are needed and much appreciated.
So far, my support team consists of some Individuals and American churches. I am very grateful to each person as well as each church that has made this important commitment, and I pray for my support team daily. I welcome your prayer requests and would enjoy reading your comments and answering your questions while I'm away, which is why (in part) I decided to create this blog page. I feel that it is very important to stay in close contact with my support team and anyone interested in my work in Africa. I want to support you, too, by praying for you. Please don't hesitate to ask!
On the 20th of July, 2007, I closed up my apartment in Colorado and drove to Chandler, Arizona, where I was introduced to The Grove Bible Church. They have committed to supportting me with prayer and finances, for which I am very grateful. While I was speaking to the church, a generous man donated money to purchase mosquito nets, which are needed to protect Malawian children from contracting malaria. I will be overseeing the distribution of the nets, in conjunction with LIVE LOVE.
While in Arizona, I met with a couple of doctors and shared my mission with them. I also had a chance to talk with the donation-supplies clerk for the local Mayo clinic, who donated some Dopplers and IV poles, along with other medical equipment. These supplies will be greatly appreciated by the doctors working at the African Bible College clinic.
My next stop was San Diego, California, where I met with three pastors. All three were positive and encouraging, and I enjoyed meeting with them. Today I'm in Idyllwild, California, visiting my friend Sharilyn Miller. She's a jewelry artist who works with wire. We thought it would be fun to take a break from my support activities to spend some relaxing time making jewelry, which I'm quite new at but enjoying very much. You never know where a new skill can be used for God. I'm hopeful that I can teach the African widows how to make jewelry, too, so that they can make a living.
Thanks so much for reading my very first blog. I've never done this before, so my travels in Africa will be coupled with new adventures in cyberspace as I attempt to share my daily life with you. I welcome your comments, questions and prayer requests. If you'd like to know more about supporting my efforts working at the clinic in Malawi, please visit the various links I have posted and feel free to e-mail me anytime.
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