Thursday, July 8, 2010

            During breakfast, JJ and Lovemore were video-recording people’s testimonies. I tried to escape it but it didn’t work. Then ECYC members brought all of our stuff to the boat to head home. We took a lot of pictures at the dock! It was a sad sight as we starred across the water at each other, getting further apart. Although tears never came in my eyes, they could have had I thought about the fact that probably the only way I’d see most of these people again is if I returned to Zambia.

Tecla and I

 

Herris wanted to jump in after us

            But those thoughts changed when we got to the first island. Michelle and I realized that since our departure date was different from other ECYC members, we didn’t have to leave the mission so early. When offered the choice to stay at this next island, we immediately accepted! That was the easiest decision of my life! We didn't know any of them nor did they know us. Only Jones had met us the week prior. But they hadn’t had any health care providers yet and Michelle and I really didn’t want to leave the islands yet. So we grabbed our stuff, said a surprising good-bye to the rest of the team, and joined the team on Chishi Island.

Welcome to Chishi Island

            Since the other missionaries were on outreach, we hung out with Jones, helped him collect water…As the missionaries returned and saw us at the house, the only reason they knew we were on their team was because of the uniforms. We helped them cook dinner and learned some new songs. Before the crusade, Jones led the children’s program. Any child who came to the program was fed nshima, beans, and soychunks. I don’t know how often they did this, but I really appreciated it! We fed about 20 children but unfortunately they were hoping for more.

 

Isn't he cute?!

 

Jones leading the children's program

 

Some weren't fond of the soy chunks. One of these boy ate two servings of everything.

            During the crusade, Michelle and I were requested to go to the clinic to see a sick child. When we walked in, I heard her squeaks on exhale and immediately thought of the baby Dr. Tim had taken care of the week before. This girl was 3 years old and dehydrated and hadn’t urinated all day. The family was told that the discoloration in her hands meant low blood. We were not able to test this girl’s blood. Her temperature was low, respirations fast, and heart rate normal. I brought a pocket size assessment guides we referred to and Michelle had her “Justin Case” medical bag.

Cindy, one of the Zambian missionaries, had been interpreting for us. She had told us before that people just needed someone to care. We encouraged fluids and blankets and told them that we would return in the morning. The ambulance couldn’t come that night because it was a speedboat that would take her to mainland and it was too windy that night. The rest of the team joined us after the crusade for prayer and song and we left.