October and November

 We have been able to celebrate several events in October and November.

Emiliana, a patient with advanced melanoma on the longterm care ward, passed away a couple weeks ago. The ward's name, Elavoko, means "hope" in the tribal tongue and captures the journey we experienced with her. We first met Emiliana in April after she received palliative surgery. She was discharge after a few weeks but returned in August with increased pain. More distressing than this, however, was that she struggled deeply and angrily with her imminent death. Part of it showed in avoidance that she did not want to engage in much conversation around that time, but at the same time did not want to be alone on the ward. Team members continued to visit her, pray with her and read and share God's words of hope. . . "For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass. . . But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him" (Ps 103:14-17); "For I am sure that neither death nor life. . . will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:38-9). She accepted a New Testament in audio. And, with time, we all noticed she began opening up and sharing more about her life and her regrets; and most powerfully about the peace she had found in God's love for her and his promise to forgive. We all noticed a beautiful transformation in her face and words, even as her illness continued to remove her strength. She received eternal peace, and we now celebrate she is with her Savior in heaven.

Jornada Cientifica, from November 18-21, concluded at the hospital. The first major scientific assembly, speakers and participants came from government and mission hospitals in Lubango and a Catholic hospital in Benguela. Encouraging connections were made between colleagues. Daniel led a one-day seminar in trauma evaluation and Priscila spoke on fistula care and the greater challenge of prevention in Angola. Our boys and their friends also helped as standardized patients for the trauma participants to practice "stabilizing". I was impressed by their acting skills--most convincing when acting confused!

 World Medical Mission generously supported a shipment of audio Bibles (mentioned above in Emiliana's story) in the Umbundu language. In addition to chaplains distributing these, we have given them to palliative care patients and fistula patients. Given low literacy rates (Huila ranks 16/21 provinces in literacy rates even though it is 2nd most populous), this is a blessing to give. So many people here love to listen!

One more thing to mention, the inauguration of the maternity ward last week! Donors included the Spiracio Foundation, the Karakin Foundation, Hope For Our Sisters, and supporters like you. Additionally, the Swiss embassy provided generous funding and the ambassador was present for the opening ceremony. Renovations included adding more beds, enlarging the labor area, creating a triage space with a dedicated ultrasound, and improved bathroom facilities. 

Thank you again for your interest, partnership and participation with us in the work here at Kalukembe Evangelical Hospital. We are concluding our residence here and returning to the States after Christmas. Priscila will remain active with several projects, including womens health and palliative care. We are downsizing but still hope to visit regularly as we work out our future partnership with the hospital. We still will work to coordinate short term visitors (Two Brazilian dentists will come in the new year) and pursue opportunities for educating staff and other Angolan trainees. We definitely appreciate your prayers in all these transitions our family is going through!

A recipient of an audio Bible at the Casa de Esperança

Palliative Care team members (L to R) Stephanie, Amandio and Julia with our friend and patient, Emiliana

Even though we have pulled back from daily clinical work in these last weeks, there is still help we provide. Priscila, here with our steadfast surgical colleague, Pereira Goa, performing an emergency hysterectomy for uterine necrosis

Julia, captain representing for the hospital womens' soccer team as they took on the nursing students! Pri got a substitute appearance in a game! 

A farewell ceremony at one of our local churches. LOTS of beautiful singing. 

Priscila sharing on a tour of the maternity ward with the Swiss ambassador and church and hospital administrators

Stabilizing a trauma "patient" in one of the practice sessions for scientific assembly participants. Great fun in a relaxed setting for colleagues to practice evaluation and get exposed to procedures like ultrasound and chest tube placement.