Journey Home

I received a text message from Marc. They finished the long journey by Land Rover from Hope Clinic to Monrovia, Liberia today. Tomorrow they catch a plane to Sierra Leone, Paris, Los Angeles and arrive Sunday night at PDX.  I can't wait to see pictures, hear stories and put my arms around Marc! Meghan

Hope Clinic Update

Marc sent this to me to post. Meghan

Its hard to believe that it has been 3 weeks already. All of us remain fairly healthy, or at least not seriously ill. Jeff and I have been busy with clinic 2 days a week and 3 days of surgery. Its been amazing to see how we are able to do so much (surgically) in an area where the town has no running water or electricity. The people here are so resilient. Unfortunately, poverty, lack of education etc mean that people tend to come in late - with metastatic cancer, in urinary retention with possible kidney damage. The local government run hospital, if you can call it that, doesn't even have X-ray, and it is unclear what they are doing there when it comes to treatment. People often come to us after that has failed. Very interesting compared to our system. In addition to the medical aspects we have all had time in the evening to read and reflect on life. How we are living life. Seeing how people here can be so friendly, generous and seemingly happy, without any of the "Things" that we would consider necessary for happiness such as plumbing, electricity, kitchens in our house, internet, computers, tv, DSI, Xbox, playstation, gym memberships, eating out, ice to only name a few really makes you realize how fortunate and blessed you are and to ask yourself how I define happiness or contentment. It also makes me want to simplify and to stop and smell the roses. We leave in 1 week from Hope to go to Monrovia. Keep praying for safety, health and for continued blessings and strength for us and for those we are trying to help/reach. Marc.

14 Days Left!

Marc is staying super busy at Hope clinic. Currently all surgery days (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) remaining are full and Jeff & Marc even cancelled a clinic day to add on more surgeries. I can't wait to hear all the stories and see pictures when they get home. If you are on Facebook, Jennifer Mathisen and Dawn Opbroek are posting some great stories do their experiences in Guinea. I've talked to Marc a few times for just a few minutes at a time. The telephone and Internet continue to work only intermittently. 

Meghan  

Arrival to Hope Clinic

I received a text message from Marc that they had arrived at Hope Clinic! Great news!

Meghan

Detroit

Made it to detroit. Nobody has killed each other. This may be the last post for a couple of days. 

Airport

We made it to the airport, ahead of the crowd and survived checking in 14 50lb (+) bags of mostly medical supplies. Waiting for our flight to board in about an hour

God is good

4 days and counting...

Well it's hard to believe that we leave in only 3 1/2 days. It's seems like just a few days ago that we started talking about going as a team rather than individuals. Meghan and I have been amazed at what God has been allowing to happen. From the laparoscopic equipment, the generosity of people who have allowed us to raise nearly $20.000 in just a few months, Ebola, appendicitis X2, visas for 7, etc. We spent time as a team packing supplies and going over last minute details last night.



I am starting to get very excited. Pray for safe travels for the team and our families as we travel to the airport this Friday Mornin'.