For the last six weeks I have been in Darwin undertaking an infectious diseases rotation. It has been an enjoyable time, and given me a few insights in to the medicine I will be seeing shortly (albeit very sanatised!) The team I have been working with has also been a surprising blessing. Almost all the doctors have worked in Africa at some point, and most in Zambia at various stages! It has been very encouraging hearing how much they enjoyed their time there and how much they would like to go back!
Although my excitement is building about the coming medical mission trip, there is some sad news out of West Africa. As has been reported in many of the newspapers, there is an out break of the extremely deadly Ebola virus happening, that has infected over a thousand people. Sadly two of those affected are hospital staff that work for SIM, one a doctor. Please feel free to pray for all those affected by this outbreak.
As for me, now that the departure is on the horizon, I shall try update this blog more regularly.
One thing that I have become very good at this year is writing notes for doctors. As you drift from patient to patient in the ward, things that are said by doctors and patients are recorded. The results of any examinations are noted, as well as the doctor's overall impression. Above all though, the thing people want to see at the end of the notes is "The Plan". In fact, it's about the only part of the notes people will ever read again. People will flick through the many pages looking for the scribbled 'P/' and the ensuing list.
I guess it's fitting here given this is a short term medical mission trip if I finish with a few P/rayer points, but leave the Plan up to God!
P/
#1 Good preparation and safe travels over the next few days.
#2 For the staff at Mukinge whom I shall seen be meeting and serving with
#3 For the patients at Mukinge - for the opportunities to treat them medically and share with them faithfully.
#4For all those in West Africa affected by the outbreak of Ebola.
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| The Territory from the air. |
