Good Shepherd Hospital
Bulembu panarama
Borrowed Jonos Landrover to get there
Kids on the Mabuda farm who play with tim and RObyn
Town scene
Typical Africa
Cultural centre
Dancing
Good Shepherd OPDSorry I still havn't worked out how to order the pictures...
Blog update:
Well here we are still in Swaziland. We have once again delayed our trip to Kenya. This time we are scheduled to go on the 21 April, God willing.
We are finally feeling more settled and in a routine here in Swaziland- school work is more consistent etc. which is the main reason we decided to stay longer. It appears to have been a good decision from the political stability aspect as well as we believe Kenya is again unfortunately feeling unsettled….
Life is proving interesting: yesterday David was up at 5am to go for a bike ride, Lynne and the kids were up at 6am to go bird watching. Lynne and the kids then went over to the primary school to help out- I think she helps with getting the supplies for lunch. I believe they have one classroom and 170 children, 2 teachers and 2 cooks, so they all take turns using the class! Many of the children are orphaned, only have one parent or live with their gogo (grandmother, who may not be related in any way).
At lunch time Jono brought over a chameleon for the kids to see which amused them to no end.
Today the kids have horse riding lessons over lunch break which is the highlight of their week.
Work for David is proving quite challenging: so much pathology and so little resources. He is working with the visiting internist from the USA to try to develop rational empiric treatment algorithms- his first task is the management of an HIV patient with neurological symptoms (unfortunately a common presentation here). There is practically no CT scanning available and doing a lumbar puncture is mostly unrewarding (for one thing they can’t do a culture). So all the decision making has to be on “gut feel” and the problem is that the medications are expensive and in short supply so one has to use them rationally or else when someone else needs them they will be unavailable.
The sad reality is that at that stage, death is a frequent end result, but how can one choose to withhold treatment? Tough decisions.
Last weekend we went to Bulembu, a deserted mining town that is now being revitalized into a Christian community. Jono is involved in the process and that is how we heard about it. There are multiple organizations working out of Bulembu : one to provide shelter for the many AIDS orphans, another to provide shelter for abused children. Teen Challenge is also there to provide drug withdrawl services.
It is quite the project and I believe about 2000 inhabitants now with a projection to 10 000 over the next years. The startup funding has come mainly from Canada I think with an aim to make the project self sustainable- there is a forestry program working right now proving needed jobs for the adults. Sunday we attended Church and it was really wonderful to see such a different way of worship. There is the beautiful harmonizing as the choir sings (was excited to know some of the songs), and everyone sways or dances along. On Saturday Lynne and Robyn were joined by the pastor and his wife for a hike to a waterfall. They had a wonderful time of sharing and she ended up parting with her Trusting in God Bible Study so please pray for this young Church and for a strong foundation to be built. Ps; I really miss our Bible studies but have been blessed with a group of ladies who get together regularly here on the farm and by no co incidence are studing along the same topic. Happy Birthday to Pat and any others . Our prayers are with you all. To Jane you would absolutely love the hiking out here. Take Care.
With us spending more time in Swaziland we will have more opportunity to see the family- we are hoping for Lynne’s sister to join us over the Easter break and at some time for Mom and Dad to meet us half way for a long week end. We will also try to get to see Lynne’s Mom and other sister again.
If there is anyone out there that wants to venture to Swaziland over the next 2 months we have place for visitors……
Just a funny story that we need to share: we have been impressed with the apparent safety here as compared with South Africa- Lynne and the kids are walking through the taxi stands and market place, something one would be very afraid of doing in SA. Our bubble was burst when one of the craft shops owner described how she was robbed at gun point, she went on to say that the thieves were very concerned about her as she was elderly so they brought a pillow for her head as she lay on the floor!!!
So danger is everywhere, it is just that there are different experiences that one can have…
Well here we are still in Swaziland. We have once again delayed our trip to Kenya. This time we are scheduled to go on the 21 April, God willing.
We are finally feeling more settled and in a routine here in Swaziland- school work is more consistent etc. which is the main reason we decided to stay longer. It appears to have been a good decision from the political stability aspect as well as we believe Kenya is again unfortunately feeling unsettled….
Life is proving interesting: yesterday David was up at 5am to go for a bike ride, Lynne and the kids were up at 6am to go bird watching. Lynne and the kids then went over to the primary school to help out- I think she helps with getting the supplies for lunch. I believe they have one classroom and 170 children, 2 teachers and 2 cooks, so they all take turns using the class! Many of the children are orphaned, only have one parent or live with their gogo (grandmother, who may not be related in any way).
At lunch time Jono brought over a chameleon for the kids to see which amused them to no end.
Today the kids have horse riding lessons over lunch break which is the highlight of their week.
Work for David is proving quite challenging: so much pathology and so little resources. He is working with the visiting internist from the USA to try to develop rational empiric treatment algorithms- his first task is the management of an HIV patient with neurological symptoms (unfortunately a common presentation here). There is practically no CT scanning available and doing a lumbar puncture is mostly unrewarding (for one thing they can’t do a culture). So all the decision making has to be on “gut feel” and the problem is that the medications are expensive and in short supply so one has to use them rationally or else when someone else needs them they will be unavailable.
The sad reality is that at that stage, death is a frequent end result, but how can one choose to withhold treatment? Tough decisions.
Last weekend we went to Bulembu, a deserted mining town that is now being revitalized into a Christian community. Jono is involved in the process and that is how we heard about it. There are multiple organizations working out of Bulembu : one to provide shelter for the many AIDS orphans, another to provide shelter for abused children. Teen Challenge is also there to provide drug withdrawl services.
It is quite the project and I believe about 2000 inhabitants now with a projection to 10 000 over the next years. The startup funding has come mainly from Canada I think with an aim to make the project self sustainable- there is a forestry program working right now proving needed jobs for the adults. Sunday we attended Church and it was really wonderful to see such a different way of worship. There is the beautiful harmonizing as the choir sings (was excited to know some of the songs), and everyone sways or dances along. On Saturday Lynne and Robyn were joined by the pastor and his wife for a hike to a waterfall. They had a wonderful time of sharing and she ended up parting with her Trusting in God Bible Study so please pray for this young Church and for a strong foundation to be built. Ps; I really miss our Bible studies but have been blessed with a group of ladies who get together regularly here on the farm and by no co incidence are studing along the same topic. Happy Birthday to Pat and any others . Our prayers are with you all. To Jane you would absolutely love the hiking out here. Take Care.
With us spending more time in Swaziland we will have more opportunity to see the family- we are hoping for Lynne’s sister to join us over the Easter break and at some time for Mom and Dad to meet us half way for a long week end. We will also try to get to see Lynne’s Mom and other sister again.
If there is anyone out there that wants to venture to Swaziland over the next 2 months we have place for visitors……
Just a funny story that we need to share: we have been impressed with the apparent safety here as compared with South Africa- Lynne and the kids are walking through the taxi stands and market place, something one would be very afraid of doing in SA. Our bubble was burst when one of the craft shops owner described how she was robbed at gun point, she went on to say that the thieves were very concerned about her as she was elderly so they brought a pillow for her head as she lay on the floor!!!
So danger is everywhere, it is just that there are different experiences that one can have…
5 comments:
Wow what an adventure. God is so good, He knew where you were needed and suppose to be before you did. He is using you in so many wonderful ways. We are continuing to pray for you all and your safety and for you t be guided to where God wants you to be at this time. It sounds like Tim and Robyn have allot of stories to share with everyone when you come back. Wedding plans are going great. Number two daughter is getting married at home. That makes her very happy. Number three daughter is finally over the boyfriend. Praise God eh Lynne. We haven't sold the farm yet either, but had over 750 people here that other day. Which was very exciting
Sorry I am new at this posting stuff, so yah. The church sounds very exciting I would probably love to be there with you and listening to the harmonies and praising God together. This is also exciting that you get to spend some more family time , with your sisters and parents. Make sure you say hi to everyone and give Tim and Robyn a big hug from us, And of course each other too. Love you and miss our phone time Lynne. Blessings sent your way
Lynne, how I miss you so and our wonderful talks about all that the Lord is teaching us. Forgive me for not writing sooner. It has been so very good to see the Lord continue to direct your steps as He sees fit. I could not even imagine what it would be like there and all that you have experienced in your journey thus far. But one thing I do know and you know is that God is faithful and can be trusted in truly EVERYTHING! Remember when we talked about Proverbs 16:9 “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Today in Ladies Bible Study we reviewed the goal of Biblical change –to be most satisfied, most content, most joyful, and most useful when we have an ongoing, dependant relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. We reminded ourselves from God’s Word that every trial, every burden, every testing and every blessing have been skillfully designed by our Creator for one purpose: to draw men to Himself. We talked about abiding in the vine (John 15) and our true joy as believers rests in our obedience because obedience to the Father was the basis of Jesus’ joy! Lynne my prayer for you and Dave and the children would be that you too like all the believers listed in Hebrews 11 would keep your faces turned toward God for fellowship, comfort and strength during difficult times and even times that would be unknown to you. These believer’s endurance (sustained obedience under pressure) in Hebrews 11 was fueled by a sustained look at their God and at things eternal! May our Lord give you all the grace you need as you reflect on Christ’s submission, service, sacrifice and endurance and continue to bear fruit for His name’s sake. To Him be ALL the praise and glory! Know that our family and church family continue to hold you all up daily in prayer. Love in His most precious name, Christyn
We are praying for you and your family's safety every day. It is a joy to look at the pictures and see the different lifestyles and sad to read about the needs in Africa.
Hugs for the kids and lots of fun riding horses. How is the hair,Lynne?Blessings for you all.
Hi Lynne and Dave and family
It is quite the adventure that you have embarked upon. Thank you for the stats on HIV and aids. We don't realize how very lucky we are. Seeing your pics makes us miss you very much though we haven't seen you for quite awhile.
We are all well here and I have become a hockey mom. (Am spending alot of time at the arena these days. I think Africa looks more appealing than the ice surface at Kerridale arena.
In our thoughts and prayers
Karen, Alex and family
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