We were ALL in this together

TEAM WORK ~ We Got the JOB done

 

My team of 14 (I still count you Debbie) Midwives worked TOGETHER daily to accomplish the divine appointment God set up for us as a individuals and as a team

BAS TEAM 2012-2013 Totals
salvations	150
shared gospel	2393
prayer for need	8625
hours of intercession	217
healthcare teaching	3157
acts of mercy	739
babies delivered	506
Baby hats	783
healings	11
evang material given	10
other miracles	18
healthcare given	9705
demons delivered	2
raised from dead	5

 

 We worked hard and PRAYED harder... 

 

 We KNOW Jesus and lived to MAKE HIM KNOW 

 (allow this silly video to speak for our "togetherness")

Graduation has come and gone and now we're journey down our 'own' paths once more. Some will continue the path of Midwifery and others... No matter the call we have on our lives, one thing remains, WE WERE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER and we SAW JESUS MAKE ALL THINGS NEW time and again! 

Farewell Birth Attendant School 2012-2013 

Go well!

Reflections: HOSPITALITY:

 “ Hospitality is OUR FAITH IN ACTION”

“Hospitality is really all about the way we see people”

“Hospitality ----- (noun) The friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.

 Do I find that I am inconvenienced by unexpected things that come my way, or do I see them as something God may be orchestrating and seek to join Him in what He is doing?

-          Yes, I’m inconvenienced, more times than not. Those who know me well know PATIENCE is not my strongest virtue. I enjoy a smooth flow in day-to-day life; I live for “To-Do Lists” and thrive on checking items off one by one according to the agenda I set before hand. Ironic enough I have lived the majority of the last five years in Africa where planning, timetables and agenda are nearly non-existent. Go with the flow, “Don’t worry, be happy”, and "Hakuna Matata"= is a Swahili phrase that can be translated literally as "There are no worries," are the staple way of living. Every so slowly I see the effects the African culture is making to smooth the rough edges of my ridged impatient ways, molding and reshaping who I was and what I’m becoming. I tend to think of it more as a perennial flower. Each year they grow, but their volume of bloom depends on the conditions surrounding them. I too am a flower that has begun to bloom bigger and brighter with the help of African’s teaching me to see and BELIEVE that God is behind it ‘divine appointments’/interruptions and someone’s destiny is waiting for my response and willingness to extend myself.

1.       Do I see my home as a powerful place to affect a life for God?

Yes! Once again Africans along with my mother have taught me that an open door (in ‘my’  home) is a sure way to change the life of outsiders. Some are simply looking for shelter from life’s events, others a shoulder to lean on, some, a retreat, while some are even searching for a place to learn and grow together with a friend whom they can trust.

Now to remember to keep my door open ‘each day’ to those dear to my heart and those I’d call a stranger. All deserve a chance to feel loved, welcomed and embraced no matter the day or hour.

2.       What is the attitude of my heart in regard to the value of people?

I tend to favor the ‘under-dog’ the one who is helpless in the eyes of many, or hopeless when standing alone. I reach long and hard to extend appreciation for who they are and search for the ‘good’ that is to be found in each of us, even when it is layers deep.

3.       Am I impatient with the “smallness” of serving?

At times. Living in Africa can give one great pride as they are reaching the ‘un-touchables’. Surrendering the western lifestyle with machines to wash dishes, clothes,

cut grass, on-line shopping, etc.. Many pat ‘me’ on the back and say “how do you do it?”… However, to God serving is all-SMALL and severing always require a bit of sacrifice as I put others before us. Serving shouldn’t come with a horn to toot when one is doing the job. Rather serving means, I am willing to be ‘un-noticed, and un-heard simply for the benefit of another.

Through the years I’ve realize more, “IAM” A KEY PERSON AS TO THE DEGREE GOD WILL USE ME The choice is mine (yours). Will I (you) give of myself more for the sake of someone else, not for the better of my own status or feelings?

My Hostess with the Mostess

This hostess, right here in the hospital bed smiling ear-to-ear is my current Hostess with the MOSTess! Currently she is bed ridden from fractured L4 & L5 while she patiently awaits surgery to decompress the nerves and chronic pain that has over taken her body, head to toe.

 

She glows with compassion for Pregnant women as she runs the second largest Antenatal ward in 

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Africa. 

She walks with decades of wisdom in obstetrics

She expresses gratitude and humor like no other Tanzanian I know

She cares for family and willingly welcomes STRANGERS to her home.

Tanzania is changed forever.

I'm currently back in Dar es Salaam working and learning under some of the chief doctors and nurses in the areas of osbtetrics (and beyond) at the second largest referral hospital in Dar es Salaam. Tanzania. Prior to my return I was invited by Mrs. Nchimbi to come and live among her family within her home. I was honored and told her, "I accept, give me time and I'll return"... and I have

 As luck would have it, this is the sandy road that leads me home each day following work. 

 And this is the Mosque I wait infront of for the public bus to transport me to work, at dawn. 

 Many days, Jackie and myself set off together. She buys her daily dose of fresh fried cassava from the neighbor with fresh salsa and extra salt. I prefer my Cassava roasted, but when push comes to shove, I too have shared the goodness of our neighbors  business.

 Nchimbi lives with 11 other family members all within the bounds of her house/plot. 

Her nieces are many among the lineup, sister, daughter and other family friends.

 Family in the family room... where else..

Our courtyard, where a buzz of activity takes place before sun up and following sundown. Sister Nchimbi's home has three other exterior rooms (all within the fence/ and perimeter of the plot ).

 

 

These three rooms are rented by family (more girls) as it would be and we all enjoy a collection of clotheslines, washing areas and the like. This room belongs to Grace!

 The community kitchen. It is much cheaper to cook with charcoal here than gas or electric as you pay for each unit of electricity and gas- well it's not convenient to purchase or cost effective

 My two new friends Farardia and Hillda enjoying their lunch outside after cooking for us

 Harry, Vany, and their friend Allay enjoying some yummy Rice and Beans... my FAVORITE. I've eaten it every day since I've come~ and still desire more

 In the absence of Sister Nchimbi, I have her room and GIANT bed to myself. I sleep catty-corner and with my arms and legs spread wide to enjoy the freedom of this comfy giant dream come true. Yes, I use the mossi net, or I'll suffer from the Mosquitoes that are out to kill here in Dar es Salaam, year round.

 Nchimbi's 3 sisters (they are like quadruplets- they look so much alike) and her daughter and niece. We all enjoyed a visit at the hospital prior to her transfer to a higher referral hospital. 

THANKS TO YOU Nchimbi for your HOESTESS with the MOSTESS skills

Nothing on Earth Satisfies

We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out. But, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that. 1 Timothy 6:7-8

" Satisfied? That is one thing [we] are not. 

[We] are not satisfied...

[We] take a vacation of a lifetime... [We] satiate ourselves with sun, fun and good food. But [we] are not even on the way home before we dread the end of the trip and begin planning another.

[We] are not satisfied.

As a child we say, 'If only I were a teenager.' As a teen we say, 'If only I were an adult,' As an adult, 'If only I were married.' As a spouse, 'If only I had kids.'...

We are not satisfied. Contentment is a difficult virtue. Why?

Because there is nothing on earth that can satisfy our deepest longing. We long to see God. The leaves of life are rustling with the rumor that we will- and we won't be satisfied until we do.

- When God Whispers Your Name, Max Lucado

Just a tool

 I am a tool in Jesus' hands. 

Isaiah 10:15 Does the ax raise itself above the person who swings it or the saw boast against the one who uses it?As if a rod were to wield the person who lifts it up, or a club brandish the one who is not wood!

  

The ax is no more powerful than the one making the ax move. On days I’m a screwdriver, other days I feel like a sledge hammer, or an ax in Jesus' hands…No matter the tool, the Holy Spirit works in mighty ways when I allow him to use me according to His perfect will. 

I have returned to work at Temeke Government Hospital in Tanzania as a tool in his hands once more. A chance to learn, grow, and press-in to the work my creator has called me complete. 

Please move me and use me here in the Tanzania obstetric wards.

Getting off the SIDELINES

Many have heard of Jesus but have not experienced his grace or love (MANY have not) in Africa... Which is why I will get off the sidelines and GO... into the UNREACHED nations (like Somalia) and proclaim HIS GOODNESS! 

Photo Credit: Internet

 "I’D RATHER LIVE IN A DANGER ZONE AND BE IN GODS DIVINE WILL, THEN TO BE IN A SAFETY ZONE AND BE OUT OF GODS WILL"

Here is More information of who [Edna Adan]  I'll be working with and why I'm following her to leave the sidelines behind and impact Somalia for the best