The last weekend I was on call was incredibly busy. It seemed that every patient we admitted through casualty (emergency room) was very sick. Several patients were involved in serious “road traffic accidents”, others had severe infections (typhoid, malaria, meningitis). It didn’t take long before all of our ICU beds were full, all our ventilators (breathing machine for the sick patients) were in use and we were scrambling to make take care of all the sick patients. Needless to say, many times it seemed that the needs were overwhelming and the resources were inadequate. But it was amazing to see all of the staff doing what they could to make sure each and every one of these sick patients was well cared for. I was reminded of when the disciples were faced with the overwhelming need to feed more than 5,000 people with only 5 loaves and 2 fish. When they put the limited resources they had in THEIR hands, into the hands of Jesus…a miracle occurred. All of the people were fed and there were 12 baskets full left over. This last weekend, the needs were overwhelming, but we simply put our limited resources into the hands of Jesus…and miraculously…the patients were well cared for. And on Monday morning, after being up for almost 48 hours straight, amazingly, we still had the strength to work all day. I guess that was our 12 baskets full left over.

Currently we have between 60 and 70 patients on the surgical service here at the hospital. As I was making my rounds the other day, I realized how very different the surgical diseases are here in Africa. Presently we have one patient who was attacked by an elephant with a tusk injury through his back. Another was stepped on by a water buffalo. One who was bitten by a donkey. Another gored by a bull. We have patients with rabies and tetanus, malaria and typhoid and tapeworms . During all my years in surgical practice in the U.S., I don’t recall treating any patients with these conditions. But the one thing that IS the same is that each and every one of these very sick patients respond to the compassionate care given by the men and women here who are doing their best to be the hands and heart of Jesus.

One of the real joys of working at this mission hospital is meeting the other physicians who come and volunteer and give their time and their expertise to help take care of patients. Most come for a few weeks, some come for a few months. All have a heart that is willing to sacrificially serve others. It was such a pleasure to meet Dr. Chuck. He is a pediatrician, is 79 years old and he spends about 6 months every year taking care of sick children all over the world. Ten years ago Dr. Chuck’s wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and he spent 2 years caring for her every need. When she went to be with Jesus he told me how he fell into a deep depression, to the point he lost any desire to go on with life. But then with joy he recounted how Jesus visited him and tenderly told him that he wasn’t finished with Dr. Chuck yet, that he had more work for him to do. As Dr. Chuck begin to visit hospitals all over the world caring for sick children, all depression left and he is one of the most joy filled people I have ever met. When I remarked to him, “It is incredible what you do for these children”, he simply responds, “It is incredible what Jesus has done for me”.
Over the last month I have had the privilege of working with Drs. David and Naomi. They are married, both are physicians—David is an internist, Naomi a family practice doctor, and they hail from the great state of Texas, the great city of Houston! They are wonderful people, incredible doctors and we look forward to continuing our relationship when we get back home. We shared Mexican food together last week (thanks to an incredible chef who also happens to be my wife!); we thought we were back at home at Pappasito’s!
Jeff and Melissa are fourth year medical students from California. They have been such a joy and pleasure to work alongside. Dr. Andre is from South Africa, now in Newfoundland. He too is a general surgeon giving a month of his time here in Africa. It has been a pleasure working with him. Dr. Daryl is an internist finishing his residency in Tennessee and does such a great job taking care of his patients. It is such a blessing to be able to meet these new friends, such an inspiration to watch them as they give their lives away for Jesus.

The 50th anniversary celebration of Tenwek hospital is this weekend. I find it so interesting that, just like Lakewood, Tenwek was founded in 1959. I also thought it quite amazing that the celebration was scheduled to begin on August 21—which is my Dad’s birthday. What an incredibly special day it was for me. Somehow I felt the approval of both my fathers—earthly and heavenly.

Last week we stopped by Mosop Orphanage and School to look at the progress of the new classrooms.  It was so exciting to see what the generosity of others has accomplished. Over the last year we have been overseeing this project while in Kenya and while in the states we stayed in touch with the directors of this orphanage and school.  Kislife leadership group, JLife, at Lakewood Church raised money to go toward this project with a Walkathon.  With this money, Mosop was able to help complete the construction, finish the metal roofing, put in doors and windows and soon furnish it with new furniture. We loved the scriptures that were posted over every classroom.  Please continue to pray for the directors, the teachers and the children at Mosop School.

We are just about to wrap up our second week here and Sophie and Olivia have come up with their own project. The have recruited a few other missionary girls and formed Operation Kenya. Last year they were able to pay off a large bill for a small orphan boy who had been burned in a fire and was being raised by his Grandmother. Paul had cared for him and even their modest bill here at the mission hospital was far more than they would be able to pay. The girls earned enough money through baking to pay that bill. This year they have a goal to help five patients with their bill. They hope to put the money into The Needy Patient Fund at the hospital and find five families who cannot afford their care.

The girls baked and wrapped up their cookies and bars on Wednesday. Yesterday, with a wagon in tow, they went around to missionaries and visitors passing out treats for a donation to the fund. In just a few short hours they were sold out. Their plan is to do this once a week for the next few months until they have reached their goal.

The girls also have spread the word they would like to help with chores or babysitting while we are here also. I am so proud of them for being creative and looking for ways to be a blessing. Many wives of the physicians cannot get out into the community or help at the hospital because they have younger children so I know this will be help be a great help.

Here are a few pics of Operation Kenya. Jackson even contributed when he bought up some of the treats himself and then shared with some local children.

Please continue to pray for us. Georgia and I will be going out to the villages with Community Health on Monday and we all will be visiting one of the orphanages next week.

~Jennifer

My Kenyan friend, Dr. Zach

Common Problem in Africa

New lead aprons for XRay

Surgical mesh for the theatre

We had a very busy first week here at Tenwek.  Jenn and the kids are settling into a routine of school.  I was very busy taking care of patients.  We had a very typical week of surgery–grafting burn wounds, depressed skull fracture, stomach cancer, thyroid goiter and bowel resections for worm infestation (see pics) to name a few.  It is so good to be able to work with my many friends here in the theatre, on the wards, in the clinic and x-ray department.  I am constantly amazed at the excellent, compassionate care that they extend to people who are so sick.  They may have somewhat limited resources, but they have limitless love and care for their patients.  They truly are the hands and feet of Jesus caring for the sick (Matthew 25).   

One of my physician friends, Dr. Ralph graciously provided 5 lead aprons for the x-ray department.  The aprons they were using were worn and torn and taped up and most of the lead had migrated to the bottom of the aprons making them ineffective in protecting from the x-ray irradiation.  They were so appreciative for the new aprons (see pics).  Another friend, Robert donated surgical mesh to the operating theatre (see pic).  Other friends donated several surgical drainage catheters which were desperately needed.  It was such a pleasure for us to bring these supplies with us and equally a pleasure to see the smiles of gratitude on the faces of the people here.   So, on behalf of Tenwek hospital, asante sana (thank you very much).

On of my favorite people here is Dr. Zach.  He too is a surgeon (an excellent one I might add) and a pastor.  He and I have a special friendship that has developed over my last 4 trips here to Tenwek.  Last time I was here I noticed that he was wearing a rather worn doctors coat that was much too big for him .  Above the pockets, in magic marker he had written his name (on the left) and “Looking unto Jesus…the Great Physician” (on the right).   This trip I felt impressed to bring him two new coats that fit him perfectly, each with his name above the pocket on the left and those same words beautifully embroidered above the right pocket.   It was such a joy to be able to give these small gifts to my friend–Doctor, Pastor Zach–someone who doesn’t want the attention to be on him, he simply wants to point people to Jesus, the Great Physician.  (see pic)

On every other trip we have made to Tenwek we have stayed in the missionary cottages here on the compound adjacent to the hospital.  The cottages are clean and nice and have about 900 square feet.  We function fine in the limited quarters, but this year a dear friend of ours’–Dr. Mary–offered us her home while she is back in the states on furlough.  Her home has two stories, is so spacious and is so much closer walk to the hospital.  Needless to say, we are so thankful to God and appreciative for our friend Mary who graciously opened her home to us. 

Jenn continues doing an amazing job setting up and managing our home away from home.  She will soon begin visiting several orphanages near the hospital.  The children are all doing well with school and are very much enjoying meeting their old friends and meeting new friends here. 

I am on call this weekend and was busy at the hospital this morning with rounds and a couple of surgeries.  I am grateful for a few minutes this afternoon for a nap (!) and the time to keep you up to date on our time here in Africa.  I’m sure I’ll be back at the hospital later today. 

Please keep us in your prayers.  

Blessings from Africa,

Paul

We arrived a little over a week ago and the jetlag had finally begun to go away! Thank you for all of your prayers! We had a wonderful two days in Amsterdam before finally arriving at the airport in Nairobi. I don’t know what it is, but every time I get off the airplane into Kenya, I feel like something is right. Like its where we’re supposed to be. Anyways, we spent a few days in the busy city of Nairobi while my mom (whom I’ve grown to call Super Woman) shopped for three months of food for six very hungry people. The car ride to Tenwek Hospital is a long one, but never a bore. You pass so many interesting things. We saw a herd of zebras on our way, but weren’t so lucky as to see the usual baboons. I really like those guys.
Readjusting has been so much easier! The last time we went we were living in less than 900 square feet (not complaining). This time, a missionary who is currently on furlough, has allowed us to stay in her house. It has been wonderful! Dad is busy like always, but tries his best to make it home for meals. He is usually in the OR longer because he is teaching some of the Kenyan interns how to perform specific surgeries. I really hope to scrub in more often to watch the surgeries.
Seeing all of our missionary and Kenyan friends has been so amazing; they’ve been so kind and so hospitable. All of the kids here in Kenya are about to go on break from school next month. At night and early in the morning you can hear the little Kenyan children walking by our house, laughing their high pitched little laughs, I promise you it is the cutest thing I’ve ever heard. You’d be surprised; coming from Texas heat of 104 degrees some days, Kenya’s weather is unbelievable. The wind is blowing and the temperature is usually in the 60’s and70’s. I have no idea why but for some reason people think we’re going to a place where it resembles a desert. Well, that’s not true. It is extremely lush where we’re staying. Green, pink, blue, purple, there are just a few of the colors you see when you look around. I’m not saying it doesn’t get hot here some times of the year but right now its Kenya’s winter, so we’re doing pretty well.
I think you should know something that made my family and I laugh so hard the other day! The house that we’re staying in is on a slope, which has a rode directly beside it. All kinds of machines come down this hill; tractors, bikes, but for the most part motorcycles. Now they aren’t like Harley Davison’s, they’re African bikes. They look more like dirt bikes. Anyways, whenever these motorcycles go up the hill the leave their engine on obviously so that they can get up the steep hill. But when they come down the hill, they turn them off and roll down to save gas. I literally couldn’t stop laughing, but it is a good idea!
I just want to thank you again for your prayers and support. God truly showed up during our travels; short lines, all of our bags (12 in total) made it, people were gracious and patient with us, and no absolutely no illnesses! Thank you Jesus!
Will keep you posted,
Georgia Grace

Friends,
After two days in Amsterdam and one in Nairobi, we arrived safely at Tenwek hospital early afternoon yesterday (Saturday)! We had great flights and all twelve (yes, I said twelve!) of our bags arrived safely! As they say in Kenya, God gave us “journey mercies” and we are thankful for your prayers. I really admire Jenn as she organized and packed everything needed for the children’s school, all our clothes, probably 200 pounds of medical supplies, spent hours at various markets in Nairobi gathering the food and supplies we will need for 3 months and then unloaded it all and got us settled into our home away from home. Needless to say, I couldn’t do what God placed in my heart to do without her willingness to make those sacrifices.
I so enjoyed the daytime flight from Amsterdam across the entire northern part of Africa. We made it across Europe, then down the western coast of Italy, across the Mediterranean sea, across hours of the Sahara desert, crisscrossing the Nile river numerous times, across Sudan and finally to the green hills of central Kenya. In northern Kenya there was a spectacular thunderstorm to our west and then probably one of the most magnificent sunsets I have ever seen. All those incredible colors–pink, orange, gray and bright blue were intensified by the setting sun shining though the high arching clouds of the thunderhead.
It was such a blessing to be greeted and welcomed by some of our many friends here at Tenwek. Lisa was at the gate waiting for us, Carol had cinnamon rolls ready for us, and Sarah was already cleaning and setting up our house as we arrived. Across the fence I heard “Dr. Osteen” in that deep voice that could only belong to Geoffrey, one of my good friends from the theatre (OR). We had dinner with our friends the Whites (long term missionary surgeon and his family), breakfast with our friend Barbara (missionary nurse for almost 30 years), and lunch today (Sunday) with Anna (a missionary nurse from Japan). But the welcome I remember most was when little Angela and Alene (4 and 6 year old Kenyan friends) first caught glimpse of their friend (and my 6 year old son) Jackson. Those were the brightest eyes, the biggest smiles, the loudest giggles and warmest embraces of all!!
I start my day at 7am tomorrow at the hospital. The kids will settle into their school work in the next few days. And Jenn will make plans for ministry at several of the orphanages in the area around the hospital.
Keep us in your prayers. We will do our best to keep you up to date on our journey.
Blessings from Africa,
Paul