Thoughts from the Team

Photos to see are coming...  but til then, please click here to view the VILLAGE CLINICS page to hear about what God is already doing here, and about what happened on the first night of our village clinics.

Vauaghan <><

Missionary Families - Elosia

The families here from all over the world are amazing! They all are so welcoming and truly enjoy what they do. Some are medical staff, tag-a-longs (like kids and some wives), teachers and some focus on sharing the gospel but help out in any way possible. God has defiantly called them to thier career. Also, these people are a jack of all trades. For example, an OB GYN doctor has done tons of general surgeries b/c that is what is needed. This doctor has molded his role for the

good of the people. Everyone on the hospital staff has multiple hats. It just depends on the need and God's calling. What a special group of people. I feel blessed just knowing them.  

1st day in Mali - Elosia

Walking off the plane & into the dry, dusty air of Mali was an experience I will

never forget. Not only was I a minority but just a few people in the airport

spoke English. The language barrier was frustrating. Then getting through

customs & grabbing our luggage was a process! One thing I noticed right away was

the eagerness the Malians have to help you, yet there is only one speed in

Africa...slow. Well slow compared to American's crazy life style.

2nd day in Mali - Elosia

Our host family was so welcoming! Which was exactly what I needed after feeling incredibly uncomfortable at the airport. I woke up ready to hit the ground running! We had a 2 1/2 hour drive to Segou to stop for lunch. The driving is crazy here! The one rule of the road: the bigger vehicle has the right away. I stop counting the number of people I thought were going to hit us.  Segou was really the first day I actually interacted with the people of Mali.  When you get out of the van they swarm around you trying to sell you their stuff.  First they speak French, but when they realize we don't understand, they switch to English. They know just enough to try and sell you stuff. This was very overwhelming! At first I felt pity and I wanted to give them everything I had. Then I felt a little angry that they won't leave me alone and won't stop staring at me.  The poverty and trash that covers they dirt is hard to take in. I felt so discombobulated. Up to now, I have been praying a lot about God providing us a healthy, strong, positive, and well communicated team. However, I think I'm going to start focusing on adjusting to the culture and touching the Malian's hearts.

3rd day in Mali - Elosia

We got a tour of the women's & children's hospital. It's amazing how the Lord

can heal & provide! The kids & adults love to stare at us. If you get a camera

out...they LOVE it! They really like to see themselves in the pic. I still felt

uncomfortable here. Defiantly out of my comfort zone. All I want to do is play

with the kids but don't know how.

After the tour I was able to watch a couple surgeries. The hospital doesn't have

all the equipment, supplies & man power compared to the USA. However, they are

able to get by and provide passionate care to these people. I noticed right away

that the medical staff comprises a lot but they never back down on the quality

of care they provide. The staff is a blessing from God. They are all so very

nice too!

I have been praying more about overcoming the uncomfortable feeling I have been

having here (the jet lag & lack of decent sleep doesn't help) and asking God to

lead the way. I will follow & obey.

From Jason

I have been completely blown away by the people that work and serve here in Mali. Every person I have talked to, worked with, and observed has a smile on their face. You can tell they love what they are doing and it shows  The nurses here practice in a way in which we all strive for and envision nursing to be and they have a deep love for the women and children they care for.  Even though they are pulled in many directions they love what they are doing and serve diligently. The Malian people are extremely welcoming and gracious and even though we speak different languages a smile and a wave hello are universal. 

Blessings from Mali, from Jennifer

The Malian people have so touched my heart.  They will wait days to be seen and not complain.  They are ready with a smile, a laugh, and are eager to see their picture after you take it.  They are all God's children.  The two year olds cry when they see you, the three year olds hide, and the older kids are very respectful no matter what is asked of them.  No complaining about opening their mouths, take pills as soon as they eat solids, and are always looking to help out.  They have blessed me.

I thank God for preparing me for this blessing and pray He will continue to show me his way.

Take care and God bless.