An Eye Opener

Here is a very small glimpse of what we did today. Please check back once we get home for a more extensive post on each of these places.

Arusha Medical Center was the first stop of our day.  Dr. Paul Kishanga greeted us as we joined the staff for Chapel at the beginning of the day. For both hospitals we visited (Arusha Medical Center and Selian Hospital) this was a staple they did every morning before heading to work.

We toured the building and learned much about what the day-to-day life was like there.  We toured their NICU, ER, GYNO, and Outpatient, wards.  At this time they see about 350 people a day. Where as when they opened there were only about 15 patients that first day in January 2009.

We delivered our first set of blankets to the NICU unit.

We then moved on Selian Lutheran Hospital. Dr. Mollel was most gracious the whole time we were here. He showed us around and invited us for tea (which always includes food) after.

They have a very high demand of services but a very low income.  

The maternity ward and especially the malnutrition center for children were very grateful for the blankets as it is something they constantly need yet cannot always afford.

Dr. Mollel wishes to thank us (the church and Synod) for our donations to the hospital as well as the donation of the blankets.

Our last stop of the day was to Plaster House where they currently have over 80 kids being treated for things such as cleft pallet, club foot, burns, and much more.  These kids stay there until their surgery and recovery is finished and then can return home to their families.

It was great to see their smiling faces as they were so excited to get their pictures taken. They were also so grateful for the donation of the blankets we had brought.

Today was an emotionally exhausting day for many of us. However, seeing what good things these places we support are doing was well worth it.