It may have been an administrative error or perhaps a misreading of my nervous smile, but I am now a charge nurse on my new ward! Finished orientation one day and in charge the next-- this is a common theme in the Mercy Ships realm. Somehow they must have forgotten about the episode where I dropped the supply room key down the squattie pottie and spent 15 minutes fishing it out, with many inquistive glances over my shoulder from curious patients. Maybe they just chalked it up to a lesson learned on the importance of securing objects to one's garments, as I now have a whole ring of keys that I am responsible for.
Amidst orientation and all the logistics that come along with a large organization, I have managed to spend some sweet time with our beautiful patients. Looking at the radiant smiles of our OBF (obstetric fistula) women, you would never guess the trauma they have suffered physically and emotionally.
For those of you who may be curious, I'll give a little background on fistulas. Poverty is a driving force in the formation of fistulas, as inadequate nutrition leads to a small (underweight/undernourished) stature of women and lack of education often leads to marrying young or being unaware of the science of life. These factors place women at a high risk for a difficult labor, and combined with the absolute lack of medical care, women may labor for days unassisted or with inadequate care. The extended, obstructed labor results in permanent damage to urinary, reproductive, nerve, and colorectal systems. The baby usually does not survive this traumatic event, leaving the women physically and emotionally bereft. This is only the beginning of a long road ahead as they are often pushed from society, unable to obtain work due to the stigma and symptoms of fistulas.
It is hard to believe these women have traveled this road with so much dignity and grace. It seems that the journey could embitter and harden even the best of us. Yet our patients continue to lift joyful praise to God, regardless of their situation, outcome, or future. I believe these women are a testament to the book of Ecclesiastes, living the belief that God's timing and his plan are perfect, and there is nothing sweeter than surrendering to his plan. Ecclesiastes 3:11-13 "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil- this is God's gift to man." As a medical professional, I worry and fret over surgical wounds and outcomes. I often fail to see the plan for the 20 year old girl that will continue to pour out urine for the rest of her life, knowing there are thousands more in her situation, or for any of these women who have lost a child in this traumatic birth. Yet God has promised that it will be made beautiful in its time-- and that is timing I may never know or see. Knowing this promise, I can take joy in each tedious or heart wrenching task, knowing that it is all a part of His perfect plan.
As I have postponed this post for awhile, there is now much to include from the past couple of weeks and I simply don't have the room to write it all. To summarize, I'll say that the food situation has been very good, with fresh coconut from the market and plentiful lychee on the ship. Daily views of the beach on morning runs are great motivation to exercise, even in the tropical climate. We have regular "uninvited visitors" at our apartment, and while this was not the wildlife I expected to see in Madagascar, I am learning to embrace these spontaneous visits. Ministry opportunities abound, with weekly visits to children's homes, a home for the elderly, handicap and deaf schools. The work of the local organizations is incredible, with meager resources used effectively to create a nurturing and caring environment. I also had the opportunity to visit a local church this Sunday, with an appropriately themed sermon on faith. The building was recently pieced together with tin and twigs, and a couple sticks of lumber, flapping about and creaking in the breeze. It remained erect throughout the service, and is surrounded by a solid cement building in the process of being built.
I think I'll leave the post here, with more to expound upon next time. I am so thankful for the opportunity to live here, to serve with the Malagasy crew, to work with volunteers from around the globe, and to know the patients we came here to serve. I can't help but miss my home in Dallas, proving the old adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but I am delighted to spend my time away here in Madagascar. Thank you for reading this, for your prayers and encouragement, and for support in every form. This ministry is definitely a team effort, and I am so happy to have many people helping from home. May each of you find equal and exceeding joy in all your toil!
Beautiful Stephanie!! May prayers will stay with you. Love, Shayla
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