Last Day at the Clinic Wednesday July 5th, 2006

Our day began around 2:30 or so with Bryan coughing and having a hard time sleeping. He ended up on the bathroom floor with the shower running for the stream. The boys got up and left the room about 5:30. They were headed to the vocational school to put a roof on one of the buildings. We were all a little worried about them. The school is in the middle of nowhere. There are animals and other dangers. We sent them off well prepared. Our prayers have been about their safety. Then we all went back to sleep for a while. We got up at 7am to get ready for our day. We were all a step behind or a step slow today. Our driver picked up us at 8:30 to go to the school. They students and teachers were so excited to see us. Many said they had missed us so much and were glad we had returned. We set up for the clinic. There was an Australian team who has been supporting the school as well. They were here this week. It was nice to get to meet them and talk about the school. Two of the team members helped with the clinic, Ian and Philip. They were very helpful and very nice. It was a good day. I was able to work with the medicine and help Katherine with the records. The others worked with treating and seeing the scabies and ringworm. As the last class went through, one child complained of a sore tooth, so we gave her a toothbrush. Then every child after that also complained about a sore tooth. We had enough tooth brushed to give one to each of the last children we saw. The clinic ended early, so we had some time to visit with classrooms. We tried to stay out of the Australians way; they had been working in the classrooms. At 2 o’clock every Wednesday, the teachers have a worship service together. We were invited to attend. They sang songs, prayed, read from the Bible, and even had the Australian Preacher have a short sermon. It was really moving. The teacher's faith poured out in their songs and prayers. This time they spend together as teachers and Christians makes them stronger and gives them the strength to face the challenges of working with the children in the conditions they have. It was very powerful and meaningful for us to be a part of the experience.
Our driver had come to get us in the middle of the service. We left feeling bad for interrupting and leaving without saying good-bye. It was to be our last day at the school. I felt like it was leaving without any closure. I hope we can find time to come back.
After a short trip to Westlands to do some shopping, it was back to the guesthouse for a restful evening and getting ready for the next day.