Day 7
Sept. 1, 2010
Lifeline Malawi Mission House, Ngodzi

We had another awesome day today!  We actually had a rain shower early
this morning.   Here are some team highlights of our day:

At the clinic renovation site, an elderly lady approached Connie for
prayer, and she was elated to pray for the lady’s painful legs.  The
lady was deeply moved and they finished in a long embrace.

Sr. Gertrude’s highlight was the children’s help in moving bricks.
She thanked them profusely in English, and they responded in Chichewa,
and then Gertrude switched to Chichewa, they to English.

Sarah’s highlight was spending the day with Nelson (and Chelsey), who
spent significant time teaching them about HIV/AIDS and the history of
Lifeline Malawi’s AIDS work.  Then they followed two patients who came
for HIV testing.  One was positive, one negative.  They followed the
positively tested patient through to the end and were impressed by the
thoroughness of the assessment and counseling.

Chelsey spent the day (in black) at the clinic and was excited that
Hope (one of the clinical officers) allowed her to shadow him (Chelsey
is in pre-med).  They saw a pregnant lady with malaria and Chelsey
helped prepare the malaria smear which tested positive.  She is a keen
learner.

Marilyn spent the day again with pregnant women and their babies (her
passion at home working with CHANCES).  No deliveries today but she
participated in immunizing expectant mothers against tetanus to
prevent neonatal tetanus, which is common here.

Supper was Brian’s most cherished moment of the day, four or five
pieces of perch out of Lake Malawi.  He deserved it, working hard at
the construction project.

Hank worked with Pastor Yunusu (pronounced Eunice) who translated for
his patients (many children with very high fevers from malaria and/or
pneumonia).  He was extremely encouraged to hear that the staff
devotion that he led two years ago on “Living Worthy of Your Calling,”
was still remembered and being shared around.

Victoria’s day was punctuated by “God moments.” She really saw Him at
work connecting all the dots in the various circumstances she found
herself in (sharing at the women’s ministry at the church, praying for
a brained damaged boy who often comes to the Chilambula church
meetings, staff devotions on Joshua and it being her son Joshua’s 9th
birthday at home.)

We left home one week ago tomorrow.  Seems like ages ago, we have
experienced so much.  Thanks to all of you following our blogs and
keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.  Our communal journaling
every evening acts as debriefing as well an outlet for much needed
laughter.