We have had two full days of working at HEAL Africa.  The first day was rather challenging.  We spent time orienting ourselves to the hospital, learning about the program with which we are working, and began digging into our work.  Jessie got her feet wet very quickly, as she had a lecture to give at 9am yesterday!  Kacia and Ashley were faced with the many challenges of working alongside medical professionals in a hospital setting that does not have the equipment or medicine that many of the patients need.  In particular, much of their time was consumed with caring for and problem-solving around how to get a Canadian patient medically evacuated when she does not have the funds or insurance to do so.  The woman's story is unbelievable, as she was attacked by a chimpanzee while visiting a local chimp house.  The attack left her with horrific injuries to one of her arms...and placed her in great danger of suffering from infections.  We have prayed diligently for her and many are working to get her the care she needs.  I had the priveledge to spend some time with her yesterday.  I was quickly faced with trying to provide counseling for her while she suffered from great pain and shock. 

Mike and I also began our work with the pastoral team here at HEAL.  The pastors provide a number of services including preaching, counseling, conflict resolution, advocacy, and pastoral care.  I struggled to identify ways in which to provide help to the pastoral team with furthering their counseling skills.  At the end of the day yesterday, I was exhausted and felt clueless as to where to begin.  The Lord was very present today and clearly provided the space and words for a conversation around how the pastors may include more listening and counseling to the patients at HEAL.  A discussion about approaching counseling as an opportunity to provide compassion, empathy, listening, acceptance, and love unfolded.  It was inspiring and encouraging!  I am in awe of the way in which the Lord works through the pastors and staff at HEAL- a setting in which crisis is a constant state.

A few highlights of the last few days have been our time playing with the children and being at HEALing Arts.  The kids are beautiful and joyful.  It is amazing to see the ways in which play overcomes the boundaries created by the lack of understanding each other's language.