Joy! say it again Joy!

The best way to convey the emotions that were surging through us all is South Africa, is to share a few of the entries from the journal I kept during our time there. God worked in so many ways, but the token I gleaned was joy. Joy, from the Zulu people and joy that the God we serve here is the same God they worship there. He is the same no matter where you choose to meet with him, and that is a beautiful thought.

Monday 6-25-07, eSikhawini, South Africa
It was awesome waking up on a Monday morning and finding myself in a beautiful country! No J.O.B. today! We had another clinic and, man, was it busy. There were so many more sick children here than in any of the other places we've been so far. I held a baby girl to try and make her eat. She was two months old and was the size of a newborn. She was so dehydrated. She would have fit perfectly in my carry on to bring home, but the rest of the team advised against it. We gave her mother some medicine for her baby, but only enough for tonight. The hope is she will be back tomorrow so we can follow up and we will give her the rest then. Working at an OB-GYN and seeing all of the couples struggling with infertility, I couldn't help but be a little angry that a 16 year old could have a baby and not know how to take care of it. Today's verse in my journal is Romans 8:28,

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Tuesday 6-26-07, eSikhawini, South Africa
Today was by far the most difficult day for me. Yesterday we had to turn people away, but told them to come back today. They came back, but we still turned away 125 people, mostly women and children. It was so emotional to see young women with babies on their backs, walking back to the other side of the gate. Mercy went out and picked up two vans full of "her kids" that were sick and in need of our care. The young girl with the dehydrated little girl came back! Praise God, her baby looks ten times better. She left with the medicine and the confidence she did a good job. Sharon did a great job of encouraging her. I hate that we're leaving soon, it feels like we just got here. It is raining tonight for the first time, it feels like the weather is reflecting the way I feel. I can only pray God will let me come back next year. Today's journal verse is Proverbs 15:30,

"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."

Praise God we are going back! God answers prayer and I am so excited to see how he will challenge us.

"I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in him will I trust." Psalm 91:2

A message from Kristi
2007 & 2008 Medical Outreach Team

Yes, Without a Doubt, Yes

"Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is
missing." Isaiah 40: 26

I chose this quote last year, because it reminded me that God wasn't surprised that I went to serve His people of eSikhawini, South Africa. He knew each and every person, who was of greatest need, and directed us to share God's love with them. That was His divine purpose for us, and it was the mission in which we accomplished. I didn't go to eSikhawini for personal reasons, it was just where I knew that God needed me to be.

While preparing for our trip, a co-worker once asked, "Do you really think that you can make a difference in their lives, in just two weeks?" My answer was, "Yes, absolutely, without a doubt, yes." We might be the only medical professionals that these people see for a year, or ever. But God just needs their attention of a moment, to share His eternal love. And on this mission, I believe that our team was the vessel for carrying such a message of God's love.

Once in eSikhawini, South Africa, I found it to be a truly remarkable place; they have seen war, terror, famine, drought, and death, yet they still lift their eyes to heaven, and raise their voices singing songs of praise to God. Truth be told, we have so much more to learn from the people of eSikhawini. It is for these reasons, that eSikhawini will always hold a special place in my heart, and it is why I am returning in 2008.

For every person who has made the statement, "Some day I want to do something like that." I encourage you to, "Get up and Go!" Don't just sit around waiting for the opportunities to come to you, go out and find where God needs you to be. Trust me, He won't be surprised at where you end up. He will be grateful that your there serving His people.

-Truly-
Katie
Medical Outreach Team 2007 & 2008
eSikhawini, South Africa

Medicine Needed

The 2008 Medical Outreach Team is in need of the following items: Would you please help us?

Dropoff can be arranged at Genesis the Church, Kensington Community Church, by mail to Africa Christian Ministries, or to a local home of one of our team members. Contact Sarah for information on how to do so.


1. Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)
2. Ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin/Advil)
3. Benadryl/Claritin
4. Robutussin or cough medicine
5. Antibiotic ointment (e.g. Neosporin)
6. Antifungal Creams (e.g. Lotrimin/Lamisil/Clotrimazole)
7. Hydrocortisone (1%) Cream (e.g. Cortaid)
8. Multi-vitamins/Iron (Adult and Children)
9. Imodium
10. Tums
11. Vaginal Creams (e.g. Vagisil/Monistat)
12. Pepcid/Zantac
13. Reading Glasses (+1.5 or +2.0)
14. Toothbrushes/small toothpastes
15. Wheelchairs and Walkers in good condition
16. Ziploc Brand Freezer Bags (Gallon, Quart, Sandwich, and Snack sizes)
bolded items represent our biggest current needs!

All medications should be unopened.
Tablets are preferred.
Generics are accepted.
Adult and Children's medications are needed.
Expiration date should be May 2008 and beyond

We will accept any brand of medication, however, we have found that Costco, Target, and CVS have provided the number of pills stated on the bottles and they have the most consistent packaging.

Compassion International Uganda