Day 12

Our last full day in Samfya was very rewarding.  Mr. Zulu was able to get the autoclave fully operational.  Everyone cheered when the vacuum pump started and the sterilized surgical packs were found to be completely dry.   It ONLY took a year to get done, but that’s Zambia.  Another milestone for the hospital was that the first x-ray was done today as well.  Slowly, but surely, the Samfyan people will be able to get better healthcare.

Holly and I did two more cases: a cyst removal from the left eyebrow and an excision of a left breast mass.  That was the first breast case I’ve done in 10 years.  Brian and Caitlin wanted to come and watch.  It was Brian’s first time being in an operating room.

The group then gathered over at SCCP for a time of thanksgiving for the past 10 days.  We shared in a traditional Zambian meal which was very tasty, and gave thanks to God for his faithfulness in bringing hope to our broken world. 

We then went to Mark and Carmen’s for dessert and to debrief. Everyone thought the time here was very productive and suggestions were made on how to maximize the impact of future medical teams. The next team will probably spend a few days on one of the islands, camping overnight to avoid having to cross the lake several times. 

 Prayer request:  1) That God will continue to work through SCCP, 2) That Mark and Carmen will continue to seeks God’s will for their ministry in Samfya.