Update from Carol Spears In Africa

Greetings from Africa…(right now I am in Tanzania instead of Kenya!!)

Language School

I am in Arusha, Tanzania for Swahili language study. The beginning Swahili course that I am attending provides the foundation for learning Swahili – using a variety of classroom, discussion, and excursion experiences. I have been here for almost 3 weeks and have learned many things. However, I must say I am still a long way away from being able to communicate effectively in Swahili! I will return for an intermediate course after practicing what I have learned for four to six months. Last week, our class took an outing to the market to practice our Swahili and our bargaining skills. You will see from the pictures below that it is a little different from shopping at Kroger!! There seemed to be a common reaction from the Tanzanians who were gracious enough to listen patiently to my broken and imperfect language……LAUGHTER!! It was quite fun actually and every little bit of practice helps build confidence…..well sort of!

Surgery Residency at Tenwek

Plans are proceeding for Tenwek Hospital to have a surgical residency program. As you know, Tenwek has a new surgery facility with five new operating rooms. Each year, there are more than 3000 surgery cases performed at Tenwek hospital. We have a medical library, laboratory, X-Ray and Ultrasound capabilities. Our surgery department faculty includes four long term surgeons as well as visiting and volunteer staff from World Medical Mission. All of this qualifies us to partner with two organizations to facilitate training African surgeons – PAACS (Pan African Academy of Christian Surgeons) and COSECSA (College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa). These organizations will provide the framework and accreditation necessary for our graduates to be certified in surgery. Dr. Bruce Steffes, CEO of PAACS will be traveling to Tenwek next week for a series of meetings and planning sessions. Later next week, Tenwek surgeons, Dr. Steffes, and Kenyan representatives from COSECSA will meet in Nairobi to determine the steps necessary to achieve full approval for this program. Please pray with us that we will soon be able to begin this important extension of our ministry.

This picture is of the first surgery to be done after the medical gas and tile renovation to our new building. Dr. Bob Wesche, career missionary surgeon at Tenwek for many years is operating with Dr. Okorie, a PAACS surgery resident from Cameroon who is rotating at Tenwek as he completes his training. Dr. Okorie will return to Cameroon to remain on faculty at Banso Hospital as they train surgical residents through PAACS.

Dr. Russ White

Dr. Russ White is much improved and back at work fulltime after being critically ill with bacterial meningitis. Our hearts have been so encouraged to see God’s hand on Dr. White and we are so thankful for his return to good health. I am inserting a recent picture and a recent email update from Russ and Beth White. What a blessing this family is to so many!! Thank you for your prayers!

(from Russ White on June 2nd)

Dear Friends, I want to give you all a quick update on things here. Last weekend, we spent three days away from Tenwek at one of our mission stations in very rural Kenya, visiting some of our good friends. Beth and I were treated to having all the kids occupied by our friends for a good portion of each day, which allowed us both some much needed rest away from telephones and visitors. We returned to Tenwek and I returned to full time work on Tuesday. I spent the rest of the week in long hours of surgery and endoscopy, and saw many patients. To be honest, I had my own doubts about whether I would be strong enough to resume full duties. However, I was very pleasantly surprised to find that I had plenty of strength to do all that was needed. It was good to be back in the hospital as a surgeon, rather than a patient!!I am so grateful to the Lord for the healing which He has accorded! Nearly all the symptoms of illness have resolved, and I feel quite strong. I have never been so sick for so long. However, I can say that I am genuinely grateful for this time of illness, as the Lord has really used this time to bring about spiritual growth in my life, as well as in the life of our entire family. There were many days of sickness when I could do nothing but lie in bed. I was unable to read, or listen to anything. I simply had to lie quietly in God’s presence. This is not something I have been very good at in the past. I generally want to accomplish something (i.e. something measurable and visible—more than “just being in God’s presence!).I read a description of an interview with Mother Theresa while recovering. In the interview, she described spending significant time each day simply being quiet before the Lord. When asked what she did during that time, she responded “I listen to God”. When asked what God said to her, she replied “He says nothing, he listens to me”. The interviewer then asked what Mother Theresa said to God, and she replied “I say nothing, I listen to God”. She continued by saying to the interviewer “If you don’t understand this, I can’t help you understand”.During this illness, I have started to understand what Mother Theresa meant. I am learning to “Be still and know that I am God”.Thank you so much for all your prayers and support. Beth has been a wonderful support during this time. It has been difficult on her, but she has relied on God’s strength and has grown also. The kids have seen God’s provision during this time as well.We’ll update you soon on the work at the hospital!!

In His Service,

Russ

Getting Settled – Moving Day(s)

My container arrived at Tenwek just two days before I left for Tanzania! Everything was in perfect condition. I am deeply grateful to so many who made this possible. My things had to be put into storage at Tenwek because the floors in my house had just been varnished and were not dry. So, when I return to Tenwek, I will officially “move in” and get settled. I am looking forward to that very much!! I will have room for visitors so ….When are you coming to visit?

At the customs shipyard to clear the container.

Moving things at Tenwek.

Loading a tractor to take things to some of the other families on the compound.

Quite an interesting experience!!

I thank God for the privilege of serving in Africa at Tenwek Hospital. I that Him for each of you – you are partners in our work in Kenya! Please let me know of news from you and your families – send pictures of your vacations or fun times this summer as well as any prayer requests. Many blessings to you all!

Carol

p.s. I wanted to let you know that I am so very behind on correspondence and I am so sorry!! Please know that I appreciate your emails and letters and I am answering them little by little– just more slowly than I had intended!! If you are expecting a reply from me and do not hear from me soon, please email me again! Thank you for your patience and understanding!

You can find larger versions of the photos in this post on our new PHOTOS Page.