Today was our last day to work with the clinician team from Malawi. We repeated the morning routine and this time held a clinic in the village of Chilolo. We were also lucky to have a classroom here to work in that allowed us to set up desks for vitals, clinician, lab, and pharmacy stations. Unfortunately, we had to go on the road without one of our members. Kristen was not feeling great last night or this morning so we sent her to bed to get some rest and spend the day with Prisca and the other women in the house. Since this left Patrick, Kristen’s physician partner, alone, Eric stepped up and assumed the role. Though this left the pharmacy one short, we were still able to see over 200 patients and fill about 350 prescriptions!
Setting up for our mobile clinic day at Chilolo village.
We seemed to have our system down and we were able to see everyone before we had to pack up the van. After dropping off our new friends back at the hospital, we returned to the parsonage to eat and rest. After another wonderful meal prepared by Prisca, Dorothy led us in another fitting devotion. Before wrapping up and heading to bed, Hugo gave us a special reminder as to what we are doing here in Malawi. He talked about how Jesus asked his disciple, Peter, three times if he loved him. After telling Jesus that he does love him, he says, “Feed my sheep” – John 21:17. He told us that in serving the people of Madisi through medical needs, we were feeding Jesus’ sheep. He said that not only were we taking care of others, we were giving them the best. We provided quality assessments, care, and the best medications we could bring. He told us how the people we were serving noticed this – that not only did they feel blessed that we came to help them, we thought enough of them to provide the best we could. It really does feel like you are being welcomed into a very large family here in Madisi. We have all witnessed why Malawi is referred to as “the Warm Heart of Africa.” Upon arriving here you are not greeted by “hello” or “welcome back”, but “welcome home.” This is a very special place that we will all treasure in our hearts.
This is one of Brenda’s children, Promise, chewing on the syringe she had just taken medication from. Brenda was one of the wonderful women who helped Prisca take care of us at the parsonage.
Prisca, Pastor Peter’s wife, along with some of the women who help around the parsonage.
Tonight we also received a very special gift from back home. Each of us received letters from loved ones to help encourage us and keep us going through our hectic days. It was just what we needed after 3 long days of clinic and to recharge us for the week to come.
Now it is time to throw our mosquito nets over our beds and get some sleep. The women have been having a much more fun time before bed than the men thanks to Dorothy. She always has stories to share that have us giggling long past the time the men go to bed! We shall see what she has in store for us tonight.
Love and Blessings,
Manja a Machiritso