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Well we have FINALLY had our first Kimono Women’s Medical Camp ( named after Rob's mum)
It was a HUGE, HUGE success—and was just a really great and fun day.
There were moments of deep sadness hearing some of the women’s stories, but being able to connect with them in new ways was very special.
And their trust in us and our team and Dr etc was again, very humbling.
For Rob and myself, it was actually a really emotional day, and very special.
For Rob this has been one of his dreams since only being a teenager.
After losing his mum to a very traumatic and complicated labour—he has always had a passion to improve not only maternal health, but the general health of women.
This has only been fuelled by what he has seen as a Dr here.
After many set backs previously when we’ve tried to run a medical camp—I was getting very nervous when two days before the planned medical camp—it was as if wet season had come back and we experienced extremely heavy rain all through the night and then constant rain and drizzling the next day.
It looked like we’d have to postpone as there was just no way even if the rain stopped that we could set up the large hired tents and operate on the field ( which was now just slushy, gooey mud!)
Thankfully—Rob had an idea—he said he thought we could make it work in our facility—maybe it would be a bit smaller and we may have to turn people away but he thought we should go ahead—and I am SO glad we did.
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We had the YWAM team around, and they were such a massive help, along with many of our Mbuyu team who were able to come and help for the day.
The classrooms were set up like Dr’s rooms—so we had three consultation rooms, a waiting area, a weight and height area, a blood pressure and pulse area and then an area for babies and toddlers to be cared for while their mothers were being seen.
We had some of Rob’s colleagues ( Dr’s) come and volunteer their time.
Women were able to share any concerns they have with the Dr, be screened for various cancers and be seen for post pregnancy and birth complications.
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Those who could be treated on the spot were done so, those who need follow up, will be followed up and
and those who need surgical repairs for fistula and complications from childbirth will go on our waiting list for our surgical medical camp in 2019.
More than 150 women were seen, with many, many women turned away due to the number—so they have all gone on a waiting list for the next one.
Throughout the morning while women waited they were entertained by the YWAM team, who performed skits for them, played their guitar and sang for them.
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They prayed with people and sat and heard some of the women’s stories.
We played and entertained their babies and toddlers while they waited and while being seen by the Dr.
We were very grateful to have a nurse in the YWAM team who did all the prechecks before they went into the Dr.
It was a very long wait, as each Dr was very thorough with each women.
But the women did not complain, actually were so very grateful and said they really enjoyed being there, even in the waiting.
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There were many women who have been followed up and some women who will go on the waiting list for surgical repairs.
One who is only 22 years of age and has a fistula (leaks urine and faeces) after a
complicated birth of her child.
She was very grateful for the help, and even just understanding what has happened and that there is something that can be done.
It was a very long day, but a huge success.
Which could not have been done without your generous support!
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So thank you for helping us to bring healing to the precious women of Katanga slum.
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IT wasn't only the women who received medical care,
a young boy in the slum, just outside our door was involved in a fight with another child, and received A VERY deep cut to his head - so he too received medical care thanks to Dr Rob and Nurse tina