Babies, Floors and Meals

Monday was the first full day at the hospital and the day began with the medical team headed out to the hospital, Dr Rich Owens saw the patients that he will operate upon during his week here. He also saw a man that he operated on during a previous visit and was able to catch up on his progress. Lori, Amber and Morgan ended up with deliveries as always and this year it seems like they are coming thick and fast. The average number of births at the hospital in a month is about 15 and they are already past that amount for September!

The 16 bags that arrived with the team were unpacked and distributed to their various destinations and people. We are grateful for all those who donated items and the money to purchase others.
Also today a container arrived, which has been in the port for a number of months, there is always great excitement and activity when this happens. Some of the larger items that we shipped to Mississippi for the container earlier in the year were included. It was great to be here as they arrived.

In the afternoon the construction team headed to the central supply building to assess the project that lays ahead for the 2 weeks. Having taken a short look, the team started nailing the under floor down.

 Monday evening saw everyone gather for dinner including the fields family and Ernest and Sonia, who are also here for the same two weeks as the team! More the merrier! Happily the remaining 4 checked bags of donations arrived at the hospital, delivered right to the gate of the hospital by the airline.
Tuesday saw Baby number 5 being born making for a total of 4 boys and one girl. This took place during morning devotions so the rest of the team carried on. Lori and Amber have been on call to give Dr Vance a rest. Linda will leave the staff housing at 6:30am everyday during the work week as the children start school at the bilingual school at 7am. Dr Rich had 2 surgeries today, one hand and a leg. The construction team continued the floor and also began sealing the walls and ceiling ready to be painted, before the tiles will be laid, then everything will be moved to the other side of the room and the process will be repeated. Tonight the team hosted Mike and Peggy Yost one of the missionary families here, they shared a meal and then their story of faith and journey to Hospital Loma de Luz. As always this is a great part of the trip and a really highlight of the time here. (of course Amber and Lori were called to the hospital and Dr Rich still had not made it back from the hospital.)