Screening Day!

On our Arrival into Mpanda We were greeted by local young men who were dancing to drummers at the edge of the runway. It was amazing to see their excitement. We were then whist off to the hotel, where we are staying for an opportunity to rest after lengthy travel.

I got to see the hospital for the first time today. It is humbling in every respect. There are separate buildings for the operating area, men’s ward, women’s ward, outpatient areas, x-rays and diagnostics. There are newly laid concrete pads that were not there as recently as five months ago. Prior to that, it was dirt paths and muddy walkways that connected the buildings. To say that the facilities are limited is a gross understatement. Friends, you have no idea just how privileged you truly are.

While the doctors and residence were busy screening patients that showed up for surgery, the rest of the team was preparing the OR and patient areas for the procedures to take place. The storage room was a complete disaster, and we had to completely empty it, re-organize, and put everything back in addition to all of the, approximately 10 to 15 large suitcases of equipment and supplies that were brought with this team. It took three of us the better part of three hours just to empty and clean the supply room, and then I moved my attention into my work area while the other two finished up. 

 This is a small glimpse of one of the shelves before and it hardly does justice to the magnitude of this project:

Here is the after of just the suture organization:

The operating rooms are stark with minimal equipments or location for equipment. When we entered, there was a table and an anesthesia machine. There are two tables and two anesthesia machines in each room. This is something that is nearly unheard of in the United States. I cannot recall anytime when to operations would be occurring in the same room at the same time in the United States and that is how we will perform every single surgery that happens here. 

The PACU area is very small. There are two PACU nurses, and we have equipped our area as safely and efficiently as we know how. Patients will be on small stretcher for the duration of their stay and then will be escorted back to the hospital via an outdoor concrete path. 

I’m not certain how many patients showed up for surgery screenings, but I do know that about 60 have been selected for surgeries to take place this week. After the team finished for the day, we returned for an opportunity to enjoy each other‘s company, rest up, eat dinner, and we look forward with anxious anticipation, the start of surgeries tomorrow.

 

Tanzania day1

I linked up with two other team members in Chicago and together we arrived into Dar es Salaam in the mid afternoon and met by a former mission colleague. Great reunion! We travel to a local hotel, dropped our stuff, and proceeded into town to obtain equipment that was needed for the remainder of the mission. After all the work was done, it was time for dinner. We had a fantastic waterfront restaurant and enjoyed an opportunity to get to know one another And a little bit of downtime after almost 30 hours of travel. 

The rest of the team arrived later that night, but I was already asleep by the time they got there. I got . to meet all of them early in the morning as we headed out to Mpanda on the final leg of our journey.

Time to Fly!

 Finishing up the last bits for the Team Manhattan trip to Tanzania!  Passports, visas, and shot cards, oh my! I have around 20 hours of air time and about 40 hours of total travel time ahead of me.  I have my comfy travel clothes and I'm ready to go!

You can keep up with the team and what we are doing easily via the Operation International website and Facebook page.  I will be updating as much as I can but wifi and cellular service are not always reliable.

I covet your prayers as we move forward in an effort to care for all of God's children.  Access to care is a critical issue globally and I am honored to help to bridge the gap.