Monday—NUTRITION--We had a solid two hours of brainstorming and problem solving. The more milk we buy, the more we need . . . Which led us to realize that we have moved too far from our surrogate breast-feeder promotion by making milk so available. Primum non nocere—first do no harm, one of our early lessons in medical school. So we re-worked our protocols to make surrogate breast feeding, which we believe is safer and healthier for the baby in the long-run, more attractive. The other idea which came from this day was a heavier use of ground nut paste (local peanut butter) as a protein supplement. Some recent medical studies have pointed out the crucial connection between stunting and poor child development, and I was able to teach about this, raise awareness, and gather ideas with the health center staff this week too. We would love continued prayers for our wisdom and creativity to stretch resources to meet needs . . . We still need milk money for the transitional period after a mother dies and a relative’s milk is coming in, and for premature babies who can not suck, and for the dozens of kwashiorkor patients. So pray for funds too.
Tuesday—HEALTH CARE—the Director of District Health Services disappeared to Kampala and so our hoped-for doctor summit did not materialize (nor did it happen on Friday, the day he suggested rescheduling, because he backed out again). This looked like disappointing answer to prayer. But Jonah came up to our house Tuesday afternoon to gently guide us in his subtle manner, teaching us how to deal with a recalcitrant administration. His attitude is to seek out the core staff with whom we can work well and not worry about the others, to do the good we can under the circumstances and persevere. A timely rain storm kept us talking for an hour and a half about the problems of health care in the district. So an answered prayer after all.
Wednesday—RMS—Thanks for praying for our unity of mind and considerate spirits with each other, it looks like we have the curriculum on order now! We still need at least one more teacher, preferably two. One has applied, which looks like an answer to prayer, since she originally wanted to come for a short internship and we prayed for her to be open to coming for at least a year or two . . .and then she changed her mind. Pray we would trust God to meet the needs of our kids in education and life in general.
Thursday—TEAM—We had a great discussion of a pivotal chapter in the Peacemaker book, and an extended and deep personal sharing time this week. Looking back now I connect the very real tone of the meeting this week with prayers. Thanks.
Friday—CSB—No new crises to report, and the first two rounds of season play for boys’ football (soccer) occurred peacefully this week.
Saturday—TRAVEL—The six women traveling to South Africa arrived well and have enjoyed the bonding of shared experience and beauty of a new place. They are in the midst of their retreat so we are still praying for refreshment which comes from meeting God in new ways. Sudan travel plans for a handful of team mates in late April/early May continue to evolve, we’re getting lots of helpful information these days including some crucial responses to emails, perhaps in response to your specific prayers this week. We trust that the way will become clearer as we move closer.
Sunday—WORSHIP—I end with my favorite answer to prayer. I asked you to pray for God to give gifts to specific individuals to lead in worship. So why should I be surprised? Today at the church that meets on the mission, a man attended whom I’ve seen only once before, he introduced himself as a church member from another congregation in a different sub-county. In the middle of the service he went up to whisper to the leader, who had been cajoling the church to sing with more enthusiasm, to ask if he could lead a song. His smile, his clear voice echoing from the cavernous tin roof, his dancing clap, his echo-response style, all got the entire church on their feet and stimulated the best worship that I’ve seen there in months.
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