January 2009 Mission - Update 3
Sunday and Monday saw the continuation of all three clinics at Gil Gil where a number of significant impacts were made. Malnutrition continues to be an ongoing problem as evidenced by the stories of two different families. One case entailed a young mother with her ten year old son Benjarmin. Both of whom were severely malnourished. He has a very sore leg which inherits his ability to go to school. The medical team treated the leg and conducted tests but also followed up the case on Monday before travelling to the next site clinic. He has TB on the bone and will have a difficult uphill struggle but is so appreciative of the immediate relief. There was a second case on a 9 year old child who came to the vision clinic but was quickly referred to medical because he was malnourished. The nutritionist seen that he weighed 15kg and got him on a path that will level back to good health. Additionally, he and his four siblings have been connected to Chalice for sponsorship.
This is a significant development because it guarantees medicine, clothing, education, and housing for all five children. Our newly established Nutty buddy supplement program is a God send for these extremely malnourished children. Most kids look like kids half their age. Let us pray that they respond to the nutty buddy. Details as follows
Because malnutrition is such a high issue the Mikinduri Children of Hope under the leadership of the nutritionist Tracy Butt, who is part of our team from Toronto, is undertaking a study to measure the impact of the supplement which is basically fortified peanut butter. She has developed a product that adds a multivitamin to the peanut butter, honey, and milk powder. For the next six weeks female students from Coulson school will be weighed and measured in a group receiving the product as well as a control group that will not be receving it. This is an important initiative that underscores MCOH’s commitment to long term development work as contrasted with the immediate short term emergency needs.
This fact was reinforced on Tuesday when the entire team visited the Bridge of Hope Orphanage having 84 orphans, who have been abandoned by their families. It was truly amazing and very emotional to witness these young children who basically have nothing other than a nurturing pastor and his wife who literally built the orphanage after recognizing the need for such a place. With a lot of hard work and a lot of faith they are providing an enriched environment with scant resources. The MCOH team was inspired by the enthusiasm and hope that the children demonstrated during or visit. After receiving noise makers, balloons, dolls, and a couple of soccer balls we sang songs together and they stressed that it was their favourite day. MCOH were told these were the first toys these children ever received and we could tell by the smiles on the children’s’ faces. The MCOH was also able to see the mattresses sheets and blankets that we were able to purchase with the generosity of the donors who responded so generously to our special appeal over Christmas. WE have yet to buy shoes schools supplies and uniforms for them. Altogether it is a great boost to the orphans. While there the docs treated some some kids with serious cases of ailments. The Docs are such a blessing for those we serve. WE also tested some older ladies who needed glasses. It would be wonderful if there was some way for our donors to experience the response from the kids and when they receive glasses. One quite old lady came back to tell us that she can now read her bible, after years without.
It is truly amazing to see the wonderful work being carried out by the medical pharmacy, dental and vision teams. Dr. Jan was able to uncover a badly infected finger of a ten year old named Winnie. It was so severe that surgery was required and the operation was completed last night again with donated funds. Had this intervention not occurred the consequences for Winnie could have been disastrous. To give you some idea of the commitment and dedication of the pharmacy team, they continued seeing people on Sunday evening until 7pm. While exhausted, they are being fuelled by the satisfaction derived from delivering medication to meet many pressing medical needs.
The MCOH are now embarking on a four hour drive to the next destination, Meru. The drive there will allow them to rest and get prepared for the next three days of clinics in Meru and Tumiani.
Please continue to pray for the very poor we serve. One must be here to truly understand to level of poverty they face.
Another blog to come soon.