uNkulunkulu muhle! (God is SO good!)

From high atop the mountain of Ingwavuma , we greet you in the name of the Lord, your friends, Brooke and Susan (buddies)…
As we drove up the mountain and enjoyed the amazing beauty of God’s creation, we saw many people walking, but to where we were uncertain.
We arrived at the clinic where many were already awaiting our clinic, their once yearly visit to the medical team. We quickly unpacked and set up our clinic in an empty concrete building with an earthen foundation. Prayers and introductions were made by Sharon with Mercy translating in Zulu to those who had waited hours already for our arrival. Laughs went round the Zulu crowd as Susan introduced herself. We were all perplexed and thought maybe it was her blonde hair that was such a big hit, but learned quickly that her name sounds like the Zulu word for “passing gas.”
Clinic began, with a line up of beautiful Zulu people, many with warm smiles, others showing pain and despair. Our ACM helpers called them in by name and they were greeted by our nursing team of kind-hearted Katie (who is not the charge nurse), soft-spoken and loving Amita (who was at one point speaking her native language, not realizing she was with Zulus and Americans only), charismatic Kristi (with a world of knowledge from past mission trips and contagious laugh, helped keep us going), and Swedish Susan Mary (who wanted to open an ICU bed and couldn’t keep out of the docs rooms to assist them in any way possible). Our nursing team reached out with a warm touch and welcoming “Sawubona!” while checking blood pressures and triaging our visitors. Outside their partitioned off rooms made of white sheets with only a cot, medical supplies, and a chair, doctors awaited the first patients who were accompanied by an ACM translator. Compassionate Kate (who is changing the world one person at a time), our director of operations, would gently escort the patients one by one to the “best” doctors. At that moment, our busy and exhausting yet fulfilling day began!
After the doctors’ evaluation, the patients were then directed either to the eyeglass factory or to the pharmacy. The vision team was run by radiant Reverend Robertson (our umfundisi and baba) and assisted by brawny Brian (with his many talents), and fantastic and fabulous Allie. It was amazing to experience that first patient who was given the gift of sight. Allie’s smile was as precious as the patients, and she received many kisses from our Zulu friends. Brian has amazed us by his already nearly native Zulu tongue. In the pharmacy all patients received vitamins and mebendazole, as well as their prescribed medications. Pharmacy support staff consisted of creative Cathy (who exudes love and peace), our fearless leader, stupendous Sarah (without whom we would not have made it on the first airplane), amazing Megan (who will be starting a physical therapy clinic on next year’s trip), and awesome Angela (who is requesting more dietary consults). What a joy it was to see God’s fulfillment of our mission when we received Zulu hugs and many thanks.
Before exiting our clinic, each patient received prayer by our prayer team of generous Jill (our Safari tour guide) and no nonsense Norberta (the Queen of Hush). Thanks to the two of them, they helped keep organization and order throughout the clinic.
The doctors were a consulting team of different specialties. In the pediatric corner, were Andy, Brooke, and Prasanth. Enjoyable Andy (the jokester and team minstral who most enjoys naps and eating) initially got stuck with the DO’s. Breath-taking Brooke (who has been driving Zulu-style: a manual van on the LEFT side of the road) and peppy Prasanth (who keeps the group grinning) attempted OMT on their adult patients while God answered Brooke’s prayers for guidance in caring for the adult Zulu population. From the OB/GYN department, gentle Jamie (who can shop like a rock star and get things done), caring Cathy, and our delightful Danette (nurse midwife extraordinaire), were ready to deliver any Zulu baby at any moment’s time.&n bsp; Humble Hilda, our family practice physician, was able to easily manage all patients of any age or medical problem (THANK YOU, Hilda!). Of course, super-hero Sharon (our lead doctor, who began this clinic many years ago) has amazing skills in all aspects of the Zulu culture. Without Sharon and Mercy, this clinic would not exist for the Zulu people of the mountain. It is so refreshing and inspiring to see them work together with God and as dearest friends to serve these incredible people!
As the sun went down, lanterns and pen lights came out, not to mention the bats that only our medical team feared, but brought tears of laughter to the Zulus, as they saw our frantic state as we were not prepared for a bat bite! Through the windows, you could see the children playing soccer with peels of laughter, even as they hadn’t and perhaps wouldn’t eat dinner that night, not to mention their long walk home.
After our final patient was cared for and prayed for, we reflected upon our ability to communicate without knowing the same language, as radiant smiles and a soft touch are universal. Only God could provide such an expression of love!
Exiting Ingwavuma Medical Clinic, most of us silent, only then realized the mountain we were driving down was the same mountain our friends had been climbing up all day to see us. We pray that we may return to serve God and his people again next year, or even sooner, as He wills.
Siakuthanda, siabonga! (We LOVE you, we thank you!)
Brooke, Susan, and the team!!!