Photos

SATURDAY Goree Island and home.

We were on the bus at 7:50 am and headed to the mission for breakfast.  We had all our luggage with us as we checked out of the hotel.  The luggage was left at the mission for safekeeping while we headed off to Gorée Island.  For those who have been to Senegal before, we again commented on how the country is making great strides forward with better roads, better buses, new buildings and later this year a new international airport.

We went to the port and got there just in time to catch the 10:00 ferry.  It took 20 minutes to travel out past big ocean going ships to the small Gorée port. A hired guide took most of the team on a tour of the isle while Mary and Paul did data entry from yesterday's clinic, sipping on Coke Zeros at a restaurant.  The whole team would later join them there for lunch.  There are a lot of cats roaming the small island.
Goree was occupied by the Portuguese,  English, and French before becoming independent in the 1960's.  It was the most important slave trading port during the 18th and 19th centuries as it is the closest point of Africa.   As many as 10 million slaves departed Africa for the Americas through what is called "the door of no return." We walked to the highest point on the island to view some embattlements, now defunct. Bartering for souvenirs and art work with peddlers/vendors went into high gear and continued through lunch.  Members were constantly bombarded by sales requests.   It could be both entertaining to watch and most annoying when they focused  on you.  The art of bartering was quickly developed by most members of our troupe. Most learned to bid a first counter offer of a tenth to a third of the first mentioned price and negotiate from there.  On Gorée we also visited the church, police station, governors house and other ancient buildings built during the 15th to 20th centuries.  It is now a declared world heritage site. 
We returned to Dakar and went to the downtown  market area stopping at an apparel shop.  It was a bit overwhelming with the close quarters and numerous salesmen.  Men were scattered throughout the stacks  of cloth items using sewing machines and another ten men sat in a corner watching  a soccer match.  The shop partially cleared with a Muslim call to prayer led to many of the workers going outside to line up to bow in prayer. A number of items were purchased by team members.
We then went to a market that featured woodwork, drums and more.  A less confining environment provided a more positive experience for bartering.   One final stop at Samba's store who sold cloth goods.
Tired from shopping we returned to the mission for final packing and a beautiful several course meal with four wondrous cheesecakes for dessert. The meal was an expression of gratitude from the Senegal mission.  We were complimented for our expertise, a positive and problem solving team spirit which other teams could learn from, and a laughing, serving spirit given in the name of Jesus Christ.  We noted some of the Theis people called Dr Strong the "miracle doctor" due to relief they experienced.  it is a marvel what an injection or the right med can do.  As Sue commented, we won't let that go to his head. The team is most grateful for his humble leadership, knowledge,  and willingness to teach others.
We took time for further group refections with the Senegal staff who had worked so hard with us and had a time for celebrating each person's contributions to this most successful mission trip.  We are thankful for PJ (aka grandpa) Metz's care of people during heights and weights/BMI, and floride application, Pastor Paul' flow and crowd control and overall administration of the trip.  Kat was our triage and wound care nurse who would remind us to center our souls when things got harried,   Nicole and Katy were our mainstay vital & thorough  history taking nurses who had patience, smiles, and an amazing ability to function like veterans amidst their first medical mission trip.  Morley was "mom" and a most knowledgeable French interpreter who brought out the best in others and was the rock of the Ohioan's.  Donna was our other French translator and she practiced hospitalit hospitality with the children and helped kept things flowing well.  Sue was the first smiling face of the pharmacy and her gentle warm presence made fluoride treatments an act of grace.  Mary was the Senegal veteran in the pharmacy who taught others the Senegal bagging process and taught everyone the meaning of dedication.  Rob was a gift to the team and to all we served.  It was a joy to have a registered pharmacist who could intelligently and compassionately  manage the department which included three mission staff in addition to our own.  Just watch out for his quiet humor. 

The mission staff who worked with us included Chistine treasurer of the mission and Wolof translator, Missionary Bill BMI man and his spouse Gwen, the legs of the pharmacy.  Paulette, pharmacy translator and instructor to all patients on taking meds. Dr Galle of the mission (who could sing like a nightingale ), Nurse Practitioner Andre (also sang with Donna) provided medical care with Doc Strong.  David Makobu, the Ag agent for the mission assisted in translation and transport services. His wife, Solange, assisted in the pharmacy.   The prison ministry was lead by N'daye Fatou Diouf.  John was our mission driver and baggage handler.  In the kitchen was Martine and Awa.  The rental van driver, Masila.  There was Mama Kiné, the seamstress, and many more who made our trip a success.
We learned that we had ministered to 858 persons at our six clinics. 

We praised God for the blessings we were able to share, acknowledging the support we received from everyone back home.  Thank you everyone!
We shared in a service of Holy Communion and bade farewell to all the staff.  We had one last blessing to offer.  After all expenses were paid we still had team money left over.  We allocated those funds to provide food for the feeding centers and prisons, to restock some items from the mission clinic pharmacy,  to  pay for three operations for persons we encountered (about $200 per operation).  We added a gift to the agricultural program at Pointe Serane, and helped support the new vehicle fund to replace the present mission van which cannot be taken out of town due to age and wear (they rented a van for our clinics). We also tipped the mission staff who had served and worked with us the long hours, many of whom receive monthly salaries of just over $100 per month.  We felt great blessing in being able to bless others.
We loaded the van one final time and bade farewell to to Senegal.  Obtaining tickets went easy.  Departure customs and security involved some long lines which afforded some good conversation time.  Security did involve a pat down in public and a full luggage search.  We were glad to get through that and immediately boarded buses which took us to the plane.  We all are looking forward to warm showers to wash away the sand that has found its way into every pore and orifice.  The ride across the Atlantic had some bumpy moments.  We rested as we could on the almost nine hour flight to Washington D.C.
We are so thankful for this experience.  Again thank you to all.  We will add more later but are quite tired after a full day followed by an all night flight.  Keep us in your prayers as we complete the final legs of our journey.   Note Arizona Kat won't get home until after dark tonight.  Being home with family and friends is most on our hearts.  Then we will all rest and clean up and do lots of laundry.  And we all have stories to share with you.  Blessings and auvoire.

Paul with contribution by Jeff

In the traffic jam

It is a bit past nine and we are inching along in traffic in Dakar.  It seems rush hour on Fridays is at least four hours  long.  Today was our longest clinic day. We spent about two hours getting to Theis this morning and the return  trip will be longer.  To me, it seemed that we functioned the most smoothly today.  Maybe we should try to reassemble the team for a future trip.
My job has been to help out in the pharmacy  and apply dental fluoride treatments.  PJ and I applied over 180 treatments in the 6 clinic days.  It has been heartbreaking to see the condition of the patients tèeth.  How much discomfort and dental pain these people  must endure.
I think it will take some time for me to mentally process these experiences.
We are finally back to the mission.   Gotta go for supper.  I am looking to sharing pictures and stories when we get home.

Sue

Friday - Theis - the last clinic

IEOn the way to Theis  (pronounced Chez) - a couple fun stories from yesterday...

It is common practice for people to sell their wares on the side of the road (vegetables, fruit, cashews, sunglasses, etc...)  When there is a slow down in traffic due to congestion they come running right up to the vehicles and hold their bags to the window and plead with you to buy. If your window is down they will stick the bag inside the car and shake it in front of your face if they can.  Because I always sit in the front row next to the open window I've gotten very used to being tapped on my left shoulder and back and having bags of products shoved in my face, much to the delight of my fellow teammates.  In fact, they trick me all day long by coming up behind me and tapping me and then looking the other way - I always fall for it too! (Pastor Paul and Bob I'm calling you out!) :) 
Yesterday on the way home I encountered a particularly aggressive saleswoman who really wanted me to buy her green beans. I wish I could have!  They were beautiful! The whole van howled as I tried to tell her "No" in a kind way, but couldn't help admiring her produce as I yelled back "Hey! Nice beans!" as she was hitting me with the bag over and over again (I am from MN originally don'tchaknow  - "MN nice" is heavily ingrained ;)

KatB - RN, Phoenix, AZ

Wednesday I saw two of the oldest persons I have encountered at our medical clinics, two Muslim men in their 90's. This is in a country, Senegal, where life expectancy for men is 58 years. The first man was in surprisingly good condition. After a basic exam (ear, nose, throat, hesrt, lungs, andomen) he said it was the most thorough exam of his life. He also raised his arms in the air and exclaimed "Americans are good !"
The second man was less well. We provided exam, medications, and vitamins. Kat debrided and dressed a leg wound with her usual TLC. He was most appreciative and thereafter we began seeing his grandchildren. It turned out he was an Iman (holy man), who led other Imans. Arriving now at last site.                 
Jeff MD

7:35pm. We are heading home after a long and successful final day of clinic!  We cared for 175 patients today and almost 800 for the entire 5 days of clinic. One very memorable case for me was a woman I helped at the very end of the day. I am so glad she made it in the gate before it was closed to patients. She had walked 40km (24 miles) wearing broken shoes and a 2 year old on her back!  She started walking at 6am and arrived at 5pm! When I explained the story to the other patients waiting they all agreed to let her go first. I took her vital signs and the baby's. Bill measured her height and weight (& the baby's too) and she was brought in to see Dr. Strong. After seeing the doctor and getting her medication at the  pharmacy Pastor Paul graciously paid for her to get a taxi ride back home.  What was especially touching was that a young man named Jean who was translating for us offered to give her a ride if a taxi couldn't be found.  She cried tears of joy as I gave her a farewell hug. 

KatB, RN Phoenix, AZ

Today I saw a number of people with chronic disabilities who came from a nearby facility. It was sad to see a man with congenital clubfoot that had never been repaired. Adaptive equipment is rare and mobility doubly challenging with absent sidewalks and sand residential streets. Andre, an orthopedic nurse here, however, said hip and knee replacements are done in Dakar.
     Today we set up in a church. The pastor' s desk served as my exam table. There was a single dim fluorescent  light on the wall, so my head lamp got a work out. Paul M shared the room with me for awhile applying fluoride laquer to teeth. Tooth decay is rampant and the fluoride provides some level of protection for 6 months. I was impressed how Paul could get both kids and adults smiling and laughing without knowing a word of Wolof language! His sense of humor is definitely a gift.
     The team has been fantastic. It's hard to believe how fast the time has gone!

Jeff  MD

Thursday-Mbour & Bandia

You can call me Boba gator "Ismael ". Many observations can be made so far from the mission trip. First of all, people are people all over the world. There are really no differences except for cultural. Also everyone needs God and either searches and finds God, continues to search for God or intends to fill the God sized hole in their spirit with earthly  things. I am glad I have found God.

I have really grasped the concept of social evangelism  as David Makobo explained  at the onion farm  which is supported by the church. We can't as Christians continue to tell people what they are "doing wrong " but we need to go out and do what Christ wants us to do, and that is to serve people.

I have seen on this trip nothing more beautiful than people serving people.  Not only ones from our team, but all involved from the church and even those from the community.

Today was a relaxing fun day spent visiting the new church at Mbour. Visiting a few village's, David Makobo's farm project and finally Bandai reserve with a lengthy safari ride. I now end my blog entry.
Robert Rockwood.

Addendum : Going back a couple of days I feel that I must return to the story of the multiple interpreters.  As stated earlier  interpreting usually  involves 2 languages.  For example,  patient speaks only French, interpreter interprets French to English for the  RN. then interpreter - interpreters English  to French for  the patient.  EASY button.  Well it got a little  more  complicated here in Senegal.  Our patient sat down, we asked if she spoke French, No, Woolof-no, she then says  Portuguese.  Ok, no one here spoke Portuguese.  What to do?  Lo and  behold,  another patient  appears says  that she speaks Portuguese and creole.  OK we're cooking now.  Interpreters gather and this is how  we communicated to find out what  were the medical concerns of our Portuguese patient.  Portuguese to Portuguese, Portuguese to Creole, Creole to Woolof, Woolof to French,  French to English for the RN.  Oh this little language line was not a one time deal.  We repeated this process over and over until her history was complete.  So six people with 5 languages to take care of the one.  Strong work everyone! !   Language in all its diversity is one more thing that we,  humanity, have in common.   May we give thanks to the Creator.

Ah I forgot.  While eating our lunch at the Bandai Reserve (tables outside with a view of the water.  And not just any ordinary view.  We saw Egrets, herons, kingfishers, alligators, lizards, more birds and  lots of monkeys.  There is a sign that  says "do not feed the monkeys" (in French of course".  So cute these monkeys, in the trees, on the ground, on the tables, on the patio just waiting for yummy human food. Well  while helping one of the team with  her order, I turn my back and one of those cute little critters snagged the  lime off of my glass.  Sneaky.  He then sat in the tree in front of  me thoroughly enjoying his lime. Bonus Appétit mon singe!
Morley.

On our travels we stopped at Pointe Sarene, a village of 2,000, where we were greeted by swarms of children. We also had the opportunity to visit the first United Methodist Church built in Senegal.  The build was arranged by the first missionary to Senegal, Al  Streyffler.

We also visited the newest church in Senegal at Mbour.  The church structure is functional with a sand floor.  Funds are being sought to complete the church and a women's skill center, five to ten thousand U.S. dollars. 

Mary with Sue scribing.

One final note about our visit to Bandia.  The 1500 acre game reserve is guarded by soldiers because of the rare wide mouthed white Rhino.  It's horns value as an aphrodisiac to Asian countries led to near extermination.  We were able to get to within 30 feet of the female who snorted softly as we left.  Warthogs were running around  as we broke into Memories of Pumba in the Lion King.
Have a great night. Every one here is doing fine.
We're off to Theis in the morning.  It will be our longest day.  Two hours to get there.  Keep us in your prayers.
Paul

Wednesday, 27 Jan 2016

Hello everyone! Greetings from Sebeponty, Senegal!

Our day began with a delicious breakfast, consisting of eggs, ham, freshly cut cheese, and french bread (and our staple, cafe au lait). I must say, there is no way I'm coming home any lighter than I was prior to leaving. After finishing our breakfast, we packed the van and headed to our 5th clinic of the trip. This one was particularly touching to me--mostly because of the children we encountered.
The first child was early in the day--she came to the clinic with open, infected lesions covering her entire body. She had tinea capitus on her head, and impetigo covering the rest of her body, which is a staph infection of the skin that spreads easily and quickly all over the body. She just plain and simple looked like she didnt feel good. The little girls father pulled one team member aside and asked her if she would take his daughter back to the United States with her. I'm not a parent yet, but it brought tears to my eyes. Could you imagine feeling as though you can't give your child a better life--feeling so helpless that you're willing to give your child to a complete stranger to take to a different country because that life would be better than the one they're living now? I don't even want to imagine a life like this and I'm willing to bet none of you do either. On a more positive note, the team provided her with antibiotics and medications (as well as coloring books) for a full recovery! :)

We had another boy that came in towards the end of the day whom was very ill. His family walked hours from their home to get him seen by a doctor. He had a high fever due to a large tooth abscess. His family has not had access to Health care; thus, what is typically an easily treatable problem has spiraled into a much bigger issue. The entire right side of his jaw was inflamed and the infection has now spread into his ear. He was the last patient we saw today and again, was provided antibiotics and supportive medications for a full recovery.

After packing up, we watched the children play soccer in their little field, and passed out coloring books to the ones that were present. I have truly never seen a smile so big from a gift so small. God has an amazing way of giving you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it. Today (and each clinic day for that matter), he gave me a view of people that truly need blessings. Seeing their appreciation, generosity, and unconditional love has been so much more of a blessing than I could have ever asked for, and one I will be forever thankful for.

Katy McKinnon
RN from Columbus, Ohio

Tuesday part 2

In reference to the woman who had the dramatic reading, read Luke 4:38.
One thing not mentioned in last night's posting was that the facility we were at was trying to clean up their grounds.  In the middle of our day a large caterpillar front end loader scooping up debit and chasing people away from the canopied area they were waiting in.  It was a few minutes of noise and dust storm.  Relief for all when they left.
We are in the bus on the way to Seba pointy for today's clinic.  More later.

Tuesday

Up and on the bus by 7:40 am, even with Paul & Paul's alarm not going off til 7:25.  Typical breakfast was served after a singing prayer. After morning instructions and encouraging words from leadership we headed off to Sebekenta.  1.5 hour drive through very heavy traffic.  Senegal roads are much improved but there are twice as many vehicles.  There are hawkers on the roadways who dash between vehicles and may tap you if are by an open window.  Kat knows well.
There was a lot of sand in the air blocking direct sunlight and showing up in our noses and eyes.  Pastor Paul was out in the "sun" all day and showed no signs of sunburn.  Yes, dear spouse, he did put on sunblock at the beginning of the day.

We unloaded the bus after arriving at our clinic point and unpacked. Before beginning we met with the village leaders who thanked us for coming and offering a free clinic in their community.   Bob had a "God Moment" as his morning devotion was on Jesus saying how blessed we are when we "minister to the least of these" and the Muslim leader said those very words.
We went to work with our clinic starting a bit slow as most spoke only Wolof requiring two translators at near all stations: Wolof to French to English.  Some of the local translators were not very good slowing us down.  We made adjustments there and changed a few roles to increase efficiency so that we would see about 150 people by the end at 6:15 pm.  Kat started doing advance triage to separate out who really needed to be seen by the Docs and who had simpler needs that nurses Nicole and Katy could address with translator/chaplain Morley.  Donna V was shifted to translating French to English for nurse practitioner Andre who doesn't speak English, and Christine was brought in to translate Wolof for the the nurses replacing a local person who struggled.  Christine is the missions financial officer.  We make these kinds of changes every day to adjust to our situation and available  staff.
We were upset after working for an hour and half to discover that the local people were charging people 500cfa (about 2 dollars) to be seen. After thanking us for offering a "free" clinic at the beginning, they were charging entrance at the outer gate.  Our leadership conferenced and made the the decision to let it be known that no future clinics will be offered if such charging was done.  We could not alter their practice today without causing a major scene with those who had paid and already been processed and left versus those who had not.  As it was, they had to manage people who had paid but we're not able to be seen at the end of day even when we stayed an hour late. A few were a bit angry but we're reimbursed . We deferred people to the next village over where we would be the next day. 

We continue to see lots of hypertension,  dehydration,  worms, diabetes,  high blood pressure. 
We did want to give a woman an Academy Award: she came seemingly unable to walk and was given a lift to the Dr's room where she collapsed on the floor.  After examination Doc Strong gave her two Tylenol she rested for a few moments and miraculously walked away without any problems.  Hallelujah!

Despite a few glitches in the day there were many joys.  We identified a man with a severe diabetic situation.  He was given an IV to stabilize him and called for a taxi to take him to the hospital.  Numerous people were given relief from their infirmities and offered thanks.  Pastor Paul emptied his shoes of sand many times as he was running the most between stations.  Socks were quite soaked in sand as well.
After a farewell picture for the local press we headed home.  Lots of singing, storytelling, and laughter on the way back to the mission.  We did learn that Andre, the nurse from the mission, had been in medical school and was half way through when he got word his father had been murdered back in the Congo.  His father was a professor of gynecology at a university. Andre had to stop school and go home.  Without his father's income he could not continue in school and hopes for a scholarship to complete his degree.  Andre does valuable work for the mission's medical program.
Dr Strong was able to see Nurse Valerie's daughter whom he had helped medically on a prior visit.  She is 21 now, and doing great.  She hopes to go to medical school and has been earning grades that can get her there.  Pastor Paul also enjoyed seeing her again as she said in Avatar movie style, "I see you."
We returned to the mission for a typical supper and reflection on our day.  God is blessing us on this trip.  Again, this is an amazing team.
Our last blessing of the day was getting Laundry back from the Gibson's (missionaries from Wisconsin) housekeeper.  It was cleaned and folded flat just like out of the store.  Amazing.  Perfect for packing a suitcase for the way home. More laundry will be done later this week.
Thanks to Doc, Sue, Kat, Pastor Paul for doing the evening data entry of medical info.
Time to rest.  Six hours to wakeup.
Pastor Paul for the team.

Monday

We were on the bus at 7:30 am and rolled thru traffic for the now familiar breakfast of juices, croissants,  jams, coffee and today's addition: eggs.  We were on the bus to the Rufisque women's prison. Picture taking was prohibited in the prison so we had to turn in our cameras/phones  to Pastor Armstrong for safe keeping.
There are two women's prison in Senegal.  The maximum security prison is in Dakar.  Rufisque is the minimum security prison.  The women are here for a variety of reasons including drugs, theft, domestic violence and unlicensed prostitution. Some women have been in the facility for 5 years without being before a judge. The United Methodist mission provides an advocate for the women's prisons, Ndeye Fatou Diouf. She works with the prisoners and prison staff to create a caring community,  assists in reconciling prisoners with their families especially near release (many families disown them), helps as a judicial advocate,  and assists in food and health matters.  Mother's can bring infants and toddlers up thru 3 yrs of age so they  can be nursed. The cost of milk substitutes is too high so nursing is encouraged. We saw several children in the prison and a total of 78 prisoners, guards and staff. Lunch didn't come until 3:15 so we were running low of energy by then.
Lunch was a traditional Senegalese lunch of rice with some vegetables and beef added in the middle.  It was served on large steel plates about 25 inches with 5 to 6 people eating off the same plate.  We were given spoons to carve out one's territory on the plate.  We also had some cold soda which helped break the heat.
Some went on the prison balcony to watch the children letting out of school and to see the ocean a couple of blocks away.  We finished our work around 5:30, packed, and had a farewell moment with the prison director who thanked us profusely along with an inmate's representative. We were told that we are the only medical group being allowed to come this year because of the integrity, reputation of past United Methodist medical teams, fair treatment of all, and professional care.  All other groups are being denied.  This reflects the work of Ndeye along with Dr Strong' wisdom and care over the years and the amazing teams we are able to bring.  This year's team is one of the strongest we have ever had here.  Give praise to God.
We journeyed back to the mission and had supper at 8:00.  The meal featured grilled chicken, a bowtie pasta mix, vegetable mix, bread and a mix of juices.  We were so glad to get back to our motel for rest.  Dr & Sue Strong did data recording tonight relieving Pastor Armstrong and assistants  Kat and Paul M. for one night.
One last comment regarding building construction. Buildings are not built like in America.  There are staircases with varying heights to steps along with some real headbanging overhangs.  We have to help each other with reminders every time we encounter one and they are all over.  Even then one is still surprised, especially at the end of the day.  Dr. Strong, our beloved and gracious doctor, now has a Rufisque bump from a low beam.  He is quite fine and in good humor.
Keep us in your prayers. Off to the village of Sebakatone tomorrow for a little different experience.
We are thinking of all of our loved ones and dear friends as we move to sleep.
Till tomorrow.
Pastor Paul with a little help from Paul and Jeff.

Sunday

Our day began with the bus ride to the mission for breakfast.  We again had a choice of croissants and breads and juice.  The worship service followed.   The service was joyful, Senaglese contemporary with keyboard, drums, guitar,  flute, singers, dancing and clapping.  Donna V. sang "Breath" in French and English joined by Andre the nurse practioner and the whole congregation. Pastor Paul had the honor of being the preacher of the day preaching on Luke 4:14-21, Jesus at his hometown of Nazareth.  The congregation was surprised as the sermon was only 15 minutes in length as they were used to 30 minute or longer sermons.  The service time was 2 hours and regarded by all as a good day of celebration and inspiration.
After the service we went to a Brazilian restaurant in downtown Dakar.  It was a delicious meal with a variety of meats shaved off the skewers. Yum.
We drove by the USA embassy and the renaissance monument before stopping at the home of Senegal superintendent Rev.  Joseph Bleck.  He broke his leg recently so we stopped to visit him and learned more of the mission work from him.
We then headed back to the hotel  to relax, process the data cards, enjoy a sunset from the rooftop and eat sandwiches brought to us at 8 pm.  A few people watched some Senaglese  TV to see the results of the wrestling match which was nothing like American wrestling.   They danced in manly gyrations after having oil poured on them.  Prebout trash talking ensued in front of a crowd of tens of thousands.  The match itself was in a sand court at least as big as a volleyball court.  One guy was about 100 lbs heavier.  The match was composed of a lot of posturing, some punching and finally the big guy got the little one down in the sand.  The match was over in less then 10 minutes.
We were cautioned not to be out after the match as people can be roudy.
There was also a French show trying to explain the English phrase "from the horses mouth."  Quite funny to hear them try to explain that.  How would you explain it to a person from a different language?
We regret we can't post pictures as the connections for us keep blocking submission.   For those of you with Facebook you can look for the Senegal United Methodist page and see some pictures there.
Time for bed.  Off to Rufisque Women's Prison in the morning.
Paul A & company.

Saturday

Day 2 of clinic.  Today we took two buses loaded with people, meds, and one monkey.  He is so cute.  He greated us this morning on top of our luxurious  bus and continued to be our guide until we arrived at Diamniadio, about an hours ride from Nord Foire. 
I am a chaplain in a Trauma hospital  in Colombus,  Ohio and from time to time I am called to interpret Spanish or French.  Piece of Cake!  Easy button right?  Right!  Well today we had a patient that spoke Creole.  Well guess what?  None of us spoke Creole either.  What to do?  Answer- Creole to Woolof, Woolof to French, French to English.   Awesome amazing teamwork all working together to help  this woman  with her health  needs.
One more comment  then I leave the tiny key board of  cell phone.  The people of this community were so gracious.  So many returned to us to say thank  prior to  leaving with their meds in hand.  Quelle journee. 
Morley

I also work with an interpreter, Valerie, a nurse with the mission health ministry.  She is a valuable source of information with knowledge of local resources and customs. On the medical side, I've seen some fantastically elevated blood pressures. We've identified 4 new cases of diabetes, with many other known diabetics with poor control.  I've performed some minor procedures such as joint injections, lancing of abscess,  and removal of foreign body from nose. Common complaints are back pain, joint pain, heartburn, eye irritation,  and cough. My goal is to keep the team healthy. We had two incidents today that made us gasp, but fortunately resulted in no injury:  hand slammed by van door and collapse of plastic chair at lunch.  The team has still been trying to catch up on sleep after our flight, will appreciate off tomorrow. Paul, Mary, and Morley will all play a role with church tomorrow.
Jeff
P.S.  About the collapse of this plastic chair - Peter Pan has lost his wings!!

Friday

    Hello everyone. Today was our first day of clinic at the mission in Dakar. We served over 200 people (which is a record first day for the previous missions) I am a nurse from Columbus and this is my first time serving in a medical mission. I am both tired and exhilerated. We were able to help so many people. I am amazed at the dehydration, diabetes and hypertension that I see with the senegalese. But what stuck out to me the most was a young man, I never cought his name, who volunteered to help Donna Morley (interpreting French for me) to interpret Wolof into french for her. He sat there for hours helping us before being seen himself for a painful hernia.
     It is amazing the hospitality (teranga in Wolof) that we have been shown though the missionaries that live here. So much preparation to feed us and set up space to be able to help others in senegal.
     I am very tired and should probably help the others pack up medications so that we can get up early and do it all again tomorrow. Continue to pray for our energy to keep up and that we all stay healthy to help each other as well.

Thank you,
Nicole Smith RN (columbus,oh)

Thursday Evening

Today, which started with departures yesterday, went very well.  It looks like we a wonderful team with a great attitude and spirit.  After we settled into our rooms we went to the United Methodist mission and we're served a good breakfast with scrumptious breads and fruit.  We then had a tour of the mission facility meeting people and learning what they do.  We then went back to our rooms and took some naps and organized our rooms.  It was warm, upper 80's and sunny.
Oh, we stopped at a pharmacy to see if they had distilled water for some medical devices.  A few of the team told the pharmacist that the milk they were buying was going to the women's prison to help feed the young children who are incarcerated with their moms.  He was moved and donated a bunch of bibs to share- a sign of God's grace for all.
We have air conditioning and some fairly nice rooms with stiff foam beds.  We headed back to the mission and had a late lunch of fish, rice, fruits and vegetables before starting work on reorganizing the 550 lbs of pharmaceuticals and equipment for the clinic tomorrow.  It took all 11 of us 3 hours to make all the preparations we could make before supper call.  The largest task after sorting was prepackaging the vitamins and certain meds into easy to handout ziplock bags and press labeling them for people who can't read. 
Supper was at 9:00 pm and was a nice warm sandwich with meat and fries in the bun.  We are all ready for a good night's rest after being up for nearly two days.  Better rest now.  Midnight here.
Paul A

Airport Pickup

We made it.

We arrived a few minutes early in Dakar, Senegal. All of our luggage, with over 550 lbs of medications and supplies for the clinics, arrived safely as well.  We will have a  short tour of Dakar today, then organize our medications later today.  We have a great team assembled to carry forward the wonderful support we have received from home for this trip.
Jeff

We just enjoyed our first breakfast at the EMUS (UMCSenegal) mission center,  found our rooms at the little inn where we will stay the whole time, and met our gracious hosts, Bill Gibson (missionary from Wisconsin), Christine (treasurer), Paulette (nurse) & David (Africa University graduate & agriculture specialist). We'll have a short rest, then tour the city, have a nice lunch and try our hand at bargaining at the market.  Then we'll begin building the afore-mentioned mobile pharmacy for tomorrow's first clinic.
Donna V.

On the way

We are on the airplane in Washington and all members of the team are accounted for and getting acquainted.   More news upon arrival in Dakar.

Pre Trip Meditation

God of all creation, we praise you this day for the opportunity to be with and serve your people in Senegal.  Amidst our pre trip anxieties, we know deep within that we are called to bring health and wholeness in the name of Jesus Christ to many people.  Give us the patience for when the world is moving at a different pace.  Give us a greater vision that will see the beauty in the variety of people, cultures, and faiths that we will encounter.  Give us courage and strength for any times of trial.  Provide us with faith and hope that will see us through the journey.  Above all, give us the love of Christ that reconciles all people into your presence.

 We trust in your presence in all that we do.  Calm our hearts and minds and give us the needed peace for this journey. Keep our bodies strong and healthy so that we may serve as many as possible.  Be with those who will be transporting us and hosting us. Be with families and loved one and reunite us with them in great joy.  Be with our churches, hospitals, clinics and friends who have supported us and may we return to them with stories of the goodness you have shared through us.  Hear all our prayers and meditations.  Amen.

Sorting!

Greetings to all who will be following our journey to Senegal.  Our team is composed of Jeff, Sue, Mary, Paul M, Paul A., Donna M,  Robert, Donna V, Nicole, Kat, Kathryn.  We will be departing for Senegal on January 20th.  Our first stop is in Dakar.  There we will join the existing medical staff of the mission and receive training before heading out into the field. 
We cannot tell you how thankful we are to all who have made this trip possible.  Your financial gifts and gifts of medical equipment, supplies, and pharmaceuticals have been awesome.  We look forward to sharing the gift of health and compassion with those that we meet on your behalf. 
Please keep us in prayer.
Tune in daily during the trip to check our postings.  Please note that if we are not near a computer or have internet access we may miss a day or two for posting.
Blessings!

Team co-leader: Paul A.