I am out for sure now. I have committed to mission projects through March 2008. I am excited about serving the Lord and feel my energy is up. But I have been reading about the energy cycle of a missionary and how it is the highest before going; can get low at the start, rises after settling in, then difficulty with transition back to life away from the mission field.
Well, he I go. I just got back from 10 days in Florida and Mississippi doing disaster assistance. I am learning more and more it is not the work, it is the relationships. It is how we treat each other and how we show love to those who are in pain.
I volunteered to be our cook in Florida and learn more about serving and the role women have done in preparing and serving food. I though a lot about the role of a man was from sun up to sun down and a woman’s work was never done.
I have met with my mission teams to Malawi, Mexico and Nicaragua. Each person represents new and exciting skills and gifts. I pray for my love to each one as we go out together. There will be times of discomfort and stress. I pray for God’s comfort on us all and the ability to show love towards others, especially in difficult times.
WEC International in Fort Washington, PA is in need of a project manger. I have agreed to work with them from August to March 2008. This site is the sending site for missionaries worldwide. Retired missionaries, missionaries on leave and missionaries in training live at the facilities. I am excited about providing project management skills in this setting. I pray for God’s guidance and understand of my role as a missionary and how and if I should serve the Lord this way.
My blessing to each of you. I do appreciate your continued support and notes. Please check my Blog for additional activities, pictures, notes, etc.
Zikomo,
David
Monday, April 30, 2007
Diaster Assistance
Disaster Assistance: Florida and Mississippi April 19 – 29, 2007
Injury to the spirit is hidden and painful for the heart.
For the past week or so, I have been working with others in disaster areas of Florida and Mississippi. Florida had tornado damage and Mississippi hurricane damage. The physical damage is evident everywhere. The spiritual damage is felt by the souls of those who lived through the disasters and the ones who are working with them to repair their souls.
Dave and Miriam Barrie are the Village Managers in Deland Florida. They are very loving and caring people. They are from Canada and have farmed and been missionaries in Malawi. Now, they have been called to serve the people of Deland and other local towns that were damaged from the tornados in February 2007.
The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Village is under construction with PODS for volunteers to stay and help. The progress is going slow to assist victims. Your prayers for relief and awareness of the needs of these individuals are needed. Help is also needed to complete the village. People in the areas that were destroyed feel left out and would love a cool cup of water.
After working a few days in Florida, Rob Dancy and I went to Gulfport, MS to join others from Bethel Presbyterian Church to mud sheet rock in Miguelina Ott’s home. Mig has been taken by contractor on past repairs not completed and is reluctant to trust. She survived the storm by climbing in her attic as the water rose, then to the roof. She slept in the attic the next morning and found her neighbor was not as fortunate.
Miguelina, her daughter and dog “Baby” are moving forward and need our prayers and support to continue to get on her feet. We were fortunate to work in her home and shared with her a prayer shaw and a quilt. These are small gift to let her know others love and care for her.
For me continued growth in the spirit of the Lord and that I have to trust in him. I can not understand everything and am asked to love one another each and every day with whatever I am asked to do.
Peace and Love,
David
PS: See more pictures
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Gulfport MS - Katrina
Hurrican Katrina ripped through the gulf coast.
Bethel Presbyterian Church along with many other religious groups responded to the hurt and needs of others in the path of distruction.
I assisteded with construction in 2006 and am going back in April 2007.
This link contains pictures of the area and the activities: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BPC_Missions/
Please pray for those who are still hurting and recovering in the area. It has been a long and painful struggle.
In His Name,
David
Infant Caps -
Studies have shown that infections are reduced when caps are used with new borns. Dr. Nagy in Malawi can use 200-300 every couple of weeks so there's probably no limit on how many of those you can make or send to her.
Share with other knitters.
Peace,
David
Share with other knitters.
Peace,
David
PS: Infant Cap Pattern: http://www.warmupamerica.org/Jul06_kit.html
Friday, April 6, 2007
Camp Hill
Camp Hill is the encampment location of George Washington in November 1777 to oversee the area to Washington and Philadelphia.
In 1982 Sarah Drexel and her husband John R. Fell built the main house (castle), large water tower, squash courts and stable.
Today the site is the office for WEC - USA. Additional facilties have been constructed on the site for the staff, missionaries and their families.
Enjoy Camp Hill photos. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CampHill
MALAWI AND MATERNAL HEALTH
BY: Dr Burnett Lunan. He has recently retired as a consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
In May/June 2006 I visited Malawi as part of the Scottish Executive Partnership Programme. As a recently retired consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist my remit was to look at ways Scotland might contribute to improving maternal health in Malawi. Maternal mortality is acknowledged to be among the worst in the world outside conflict zones. Statistics are difficult to compile and estimates vary between 1000 and 1800 maternal deaths per 100,000 pregnancies - equivalent to a mortality of 1 - 2 per cent and a lifetime risk of dying in pregnancy of approximately 1 in 10! This is more than 100 times worse than developed countries.
The reasons are many - poverty and malnutrition are widespread and affect women’s health. The health facilities are often poorly equipped and maintained, and most experience shortages of medical and nursing/midwifery staff. In many hospitals women have to pay for maternity care, discouraging the poorest women from attending despite being the most vulnerable.
HIV/AIDS probably affects about 30% of pregnant women. Anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs are becoming available but some women decline testing on account of the risk of stigmatisation or offending their partner. In a situation where transmission from an infected mother to her newborn child can be substantially reduced by medication and proper management, it is essential to overcome the obstacles to diagnosis and treatment.
There is a serious shortage of obstetricians and gynaecologists (as in most specialties). The annual output of around 20 medical graduates is insufficient for the country’s requirements. This is now being doubled to around 40 and it is planned to increase further to 80 - 100 but this will need a huge expansion of teaching personnel and facilities.
Improving the postgraduate training and retaining of medical and nursing/midwifery graduates is another priority. Many trained personnel quickly find work with NGOs, CHAM (Christian Hospitals Association of Malawi) hospitals, and abroad where working conditions and financial rewards are seen to be better. Opportunities for training in the UK should be supported but not as a way of propping up the NHS and denying Malawi essential services.
The role of Clinical Officers - personnel who are not medically qualified but provide the backbone of the medical services throughout the country - remains controversial. Doctors tend to disparage the contribution of the clinical officers but without them most district hospitals and health centres would have almost no service. Some clinical officers have been locally trained to undertake complex procedures such as hysterectomy or even fistula repair, but remain undervalued.
The majority of deliveries in Malawi are conducted without trained attendants, and often it falls to Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) or family members to provide support. Until sufficient numbers of midwives are trained and women are able to access their services most mothers will look to TBAs to attend them in childbirth.
Good primary health services - antenatal care, family planning, treatment of anaemia and infections - can reduce maternal mortality modestly but significant reduction depends on medical skills to deal with complications such as haemorrhage, obstructed labour, ruptured uterus, convulsions and sepsis and to provide safe anaesthesia, safe blood transfusion, and surgical intervention.
In the shorter term, Emergency Obstetric Care has been identified as an area where all health workers involved in maternity care can benefit from good basic training. Teams from Scotland have already been spear-heading such a programme and there are plans to modify the content of the programme to reflect the needs and resources of Malawi.
In the longer term, improving the in-country postgraduate training of specialists is necessary. At present most postgraduates have to leave Malawi to train in South Africa or elsewhere. This denies Malawi the clinical services of these doctors while in training. By supporting basic science training within Malawi and then strengthening clinical skills training in-country, Scottish clinicians could make a valuable contribution to raising standards. It would be helpful also if the specialist qualification was examined and awarded on a regional basis (e.g. East and Central Africa) as this would give the degree an international status and make it attractive locally.
For any health programme to be successful there must be government support but in maternal health there must also be a commitment at every level in the community to demand the best possible services for the pregnant women.
In May/June 2006 I visited Malawi as part of the Scottish Executive Partnership Programme. As a recently retired consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist my remit was to look at ways Scotland might contribute to improving maternal health in Malawi. Maternal mortality is acknowledged to be among the worst in the world outside conflict zones. Statistics are difficult to compile and estimates vary between 1000 and 1800 maternal deaths per 100,000 pregnancies - equivalent to a mortality of 1 - 2 per cent and a lifetime risk of dying in pregnancy of approximately 1 in 10! This is more than 100 times worse than developed countries.
The reasons are many - poverty and malnutrition are widespread and affect women’s health. The health facilities are often poorly equipped and maintained, and most experience shortages of medical and nursing/midwifery staff. In many hospitals women have to pay for maternity care, discouraging the poorest women from attending despite being the most vulnerable.
HIV/AIDS probably affects about 30% of pregnant women. Anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs are becoming available but some women decline testing on account of the risk of stigmatisation or offending their partner. In a situation where transmission from an infected mother to her newborn child can be substantially reduced by medication and proper management, it is essential to overcome the obstacles to diagnosis and treatment.
There is a serious shortage of obstetricians and gynaecologists (as in most specialties). The annual output of around 20 medical graduates is insufficient for the country’s requirements. This is now being doubled to around 40 and it is planned to increase further to 80 - 100 but this will need a huge expansion of teaching personnel and facilities.
Improving the postgraduate training and retaining of medical and nursing/midwifery graduates is another priority. Many trained personnel quickly find work with NGOs, CHAM (Christian Hospitals Association of Malawi) hospitals, and abroad where working conditions and financial rewards are seen to be better. Opportunities for training in the UK should be supported but not as a way of propping up the NHS and denying Malawi essential services.
The role of Clinical Officers - personnel who are not medically qualified but provide the backbone of the medical services throughout the country - remains controversial. Doctors tend to disparage the contribution of the clinical officers but without them most district hospitals and health centres would have almost no service. Some clinical officers have been locally trained to undertake complex procedures such as hysterectomy or even fistula repair, but remain undervalued.
The majority of deliveries in Malawi are conducted without trained attendants, and often it falls to Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) or family members to provide support. Until sufficient numbers of midwives are trained and women are able to access their services most mothers will look to TBAs to attend them in childbirth.
Good primary health services - antenatal care, family planning, treatment of anaemia and infections - can reduce maternal mortality modestly but significant reduction depends on medical skills to deal with complications such as haemorrhage, obstructed labour, ruptured uterus, convulsions and sepsis and to provide safe anaesthesia, safe blood transfusion, and surgical intervention.
In the shorter term, Emergency Obstetric Care has been identified as an area where all health workers involved in maternity care can benefit from good basic training. Teams from Scotland have already been spear-heading such a programme and there are plans to modify the content of the programme to reflect the needs and resources of Malawi.
In the longer term, improving the in-country postgraduate training of specialists is necessary. At present most postgraduates have to leave Malawi to train in South Africa or elsewhere. This denies Malawi the clinical services of these doctors while in training. By supporting basic science training within Malawi and then strengthening clinical skills training in-country, Scottish clinicians could make a valuable contribution to raising standards. It would be helpful also if the specialist qualification was examined and awarded on a regional basis (e.g. East and Central Africa) as this would give the degree an international status and make it attractive locally.
For any health programme to be successful there must be government support but in maternal health there must also be a commitment at every level in the community to demand the best possible services for the pregnant women.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Newsletter 04-2007
Welcome to my first newsletter as a missionary. Like my Dad, says, “I am not a seasoned missionary”, but have done mission work for a long time and looking to gain experiences by taking some “Baby Steps”.
You have been a part of me on my journey and I want to share with you my journey going forward as a missionary. I have created a blog web site with lots and lots of information, Serving with Christ – David.
I am taking “Baby Steps” this year and listening for God’s calling to me. This is where you can help me by joining me with your notes, thoughts and prayers. I feel God’s message comes to us through other believers, our church and prayer. This year I have been working on Habitat for Humanity homes to improve my construction skills and in a Free Clinic in Mooresville as a nurse assistant. Both are very fulfilling experiences and I enjoy serving with others to make difference in people’s lives with God’s hands.
My experiences for 2007 will include:
Florida & Mississippi Disaster assistance, construction April 19 to 29
Malawi, Africa Medical & construction May 22 to June 4
Chiapas, Mexico Construction & medical June 9 to July 1
La Sirena, Nicaragua Construction, medical, evangelism July 13 to 29
Fort Washington, PA Project Management, missionary education Tentative
Long term I want to use my skills as a Christian, project manager, engineer and nurse for serving others with Christ in the Mexico, Central and Southern America, Africa and USA. I see a special need for helping with drinking water and sewer needs for others around the world.
Thank you for taking the time to read and join me in this journey. Look forward to hearing and sharing with your God’s calling for us both as we move through this wonderful life experience he has given us.
Paz, Peace,
David Meacham, Missionary
WAE Mission Services
16033 Cramur Dr.
Huntersville, NC 28078DHMeacham@Earthlink.net
704.402.6782http://servingwithchrist-david.blogspot.com/
PS: Just in case you are wondering WAE stands for William, Anna and Eleanor my wonderful children.
PSS: Let me know if you do not want to receive these notes, just hit reply and put in subject: “No Thanks”.
You have been a part of me on my journey and I want to share with you my journey going forward as a missionary. I have created a blog web site with lots and lots of information, Serving with Christ – David.
I am taking “Baby Steps” this year and listening for God’s calling to me. This is where you can help me by joining me with your notes, thoughts and prayers. I feel God’s message comes to us through other believers, our church and prayer. This year I have been working on Habitat for Humanity homes to improve my construction skills and in a Free Clinic in Mooresville as a nurse assistant. Both are very fulfilling experiences and I enjoy serving with others to make difference in people’s lives with God’s hands.
My experiences for 2007 will include:
Florida & Mississippi Disaster assistance, construction April 19 to 29
Malawi, Africa Medical & construction May 22 to June 4
Chiapas, Mexico Construction & medical June 9 to July 1
La Sirena, Nicaragua Construction, medical, evangelism July 13 to 29
Fort Washington, PA Project Management, missionary education Tentative
Long term I want to use my skills as a Christian, project manager, engineer and nurse for serving others with Christ in the Mexico, Central and Southern America, Africa and USA. I see a special need for helping with drinking water and sewer needs for others around the world.
Thank you for taking the time to read and join me in this journey. Look forward to hearing and sharing with your God’s calling for us both as we move through this wonderful life experience he has given us.
Paz, Peace,
David Meacham, Missionary
WAE Mission Services
16033 Cramur Dr.
Huntersville, NC 28078DHMeacham@Earthlink.net
704.402.6782http://servingwithchrist-david.blogspot.com/
PS: Just in case you are wondering WAE stands for William, Anna and Eleanor my wonderful children.
PSS: Let me know if you do not want to receive these notes, just hit reply and put in subject: “No Thanks”.
Mission Trip Logistics
Malawi
2-week trip from May 23 to June 4
Trip is being organized by the Presbytery of Western North Carolina (WNC)
Will involve medical mission work and construction
I believe he will be meeting Dr. Barbara Nagy there, who is a missionary from Morganton and is 80% sponsored by the Presbytery of WNC
http://www.presbyterywnc.org/mission_zone/gco/index.html
Mexico
3-week trip from June 9 to July 1
The first week with a construction crew from the Salem Presbytery.
The next two weeks with the Hebron USA mission group from the Salem Presbytery to do construction work and medical help, if needed.
http://salempresbytery.org/mexicomissioninfopage2007.shtml
http://www.millsfamilymission.org/3.html
Nicaragua
2-week trip from July 13 to July 29
1 week with a construction crew from Statesville Grace Covenant Church a Foursquare demonation.
With Habitat for Humanity personel from Davidson, Our Town Habitat for Humanity office doing construction/medical/witnessing
These websites contains info on the trip -
Grace Covenant - Cornelius - Mission Trips (Parent church)
Grace Covenant – Statesville – Home Page (Sponsor church)
WEC - International
August 2007– March 2008
Working as a project manager for long range plans and facilites "Strategic Expansion", "110 by 2010"
Working in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania
WEC - http://wec-int.org/.
2-week trip from May 23 to June 4
Trip is being organized by the Presbytery of Western North Carolina (WNC)
Will involve medical mission work and construction
I believe he will be meeting Dr. Barbara Nagy there, who is a missionary from Morganton and is 80% sponsored by the Presbytery of WNC
http://www.presbyterywnc.org/mission_zone/gco/index.html
Mexico
3-week trip from June 9 to July 1
The first week with a construction crew from the Salem Presbytery.
The next two weeks with the Hebron USA mission group from the Salem Presbytery to do construction work and medical help, if needed.
http://salempresbytery.org/mexicomissioninfopage2007.shtml
http://www.millsfamilymission.org/3.html
Nicaragua
2-week trip from July 13 to July 29
1 week with a construction crew from Statesville Grace Covenant Church a Foursquare demonation.
With Habitat for Humanity personel from Davidson, Our Town Habitat for Humanity office doing construction/medical/witnessing
These websites contains info on the trip -
Grace Covenant - Cornelius - Mission Trips (Parent church)
Grace Covenant – Statesville – Home Page (Sponsor church)
WEC - International
August 2007– March 2008
Working as a project manager for long range plans and facilites "Strategic Expansion", "110 by 2010"
Working in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania
WEC - http://wec-int.org/.
2007 MALAWI TRIP SCHEDULE
2007 MALAWI TRIP SCHEDULE (draft)*
Wed, May 23: Depart Charlotte 1:50 pm on USAirways #2544; arrive at Dulles Airport at 3:40 pm; Depart Dulles at 5:20 pm on South African #208
Th, May 24: Arrive Johannesburg, SA at 2:35 pm; go to Hotel Formula One. Dinner with Janet Guyer.
Fri, May 25: Depart Johnannesburg at 10:20 am on Sourth African #170; arrive Lilongwe (LLW), Malawi, at 12:45 pm. Be met by Sputnik transportation service (no kidding, that is the name). Go grocery shopping and the bank. Spend night at Korea Garden Lodge.
Sat, May 26: Leave early for Nkhoma. Sort out contributions; orientation by Barbara and others
Sun, May 27: Sunday worship; hike (?)
May 28-31: Work days
Fri, June 1: Visit ministries of Nkhoma Synod; end up at Fish Eagle Bay at Nkhotakota on Lake Lilongwe.
Sat, June 2: Boat trip to see wildlife; Pottery shop; Reflection; return to Korea Gardens for night.
Sun, June 3: Early worship service; Depart LLW at 1:35 PM on SA #171; arrive Jo'burg Airport at 4:05 pm ; depart 5:55 pm on SA #207.
Mon, June 4: Arrive Dulles at 6:00am; depart at 8:45 am on US Airways 1052; arrive CLT at 10:06 am
NOTES: Tommy, Kyle, David and Grace will be leaving on the same flights the day before, Tues, May 22. They will be met by Janet Guyer and stay at Hotel Formula One. On Wednesday Tommy will be doing basketball clinics. The others may go along with him or perhaps arrange a day of sightseeing, going to the Apartheid Museum and the like. We’ll need to check with Janet Guyer about this possibility.
Wed, May 23: Depart Charlotte 1:50 pm on USAirways #2544; arrive at Dulles Airport at 3:40 pm; Depart Dulles at 5:20 pm on South African #208
Th, May 24: Arrive Johannesburg, SA at 2:35 pm; go to Hotel Formula One. Dinner with Janet Guyer.
Fri, May 25: Depart Johnannesburg at 10:20 am on Sourth African #170; arrive Lilongwe (LLW), Malawi, at 12:45 pm. Be met by Sputnik transportation service (no kidding, that is the name). Go grocery shopping and the bank. Spend night at Korea Garden Lodge.
Sat, May 26: Leave early for Nkhoma. Sort out contributions; orientation by Barbara and others
Sun, May 27: Sunday worship; hike (?)
May 28-31: Work days
Fri, June 1: Visit ministries of Nkhoma Synod; end up at Fish Eagle Bay at Nkhotakota on Lake Lilongwe.
Sat, June 2: Boat trip to see wildlife; Pottery shop; Reflection; return to Korea Gardens for night.
Sun, June 3: Early worship service; Depart LLW at 1:35 PM on SA #171; arrive Jo'burg Airport at 4:05 pm ; depart 5:55 pm on SA #207.
Mon, June 4: Arrive Dulles at 6:00am; depart at 8:45 am on US Airways 1052; arrive CLT at 10:06 am
NOTES: Tommy, Kyle, David and Grace will be leaving on the same flights the day before, Tues, May 22. They will be met by Janet Guyer and stay at Hotel Formula One. On Wednesday Tommy will be doing basketball clinics. The others may go along with him or perhaps arrange a day of sightseeing, going to the Apartheid Museum and the like. We’ll need to check with Janet Guyer about this possibility.
Malawi News 3-2007
Dear Brothers and Sisters, Members of the 2007 Malawi Mission Team,
1. First, be praying for Barbara Nagy and her family. Early this Monday morning (April 2), Barbara will be meeting with Mr. Phiri of the Department of Gender and Social Welfare concerning the adoption of Happy. The rules are that she's supposed to be "fostered" for 18 months before adoption can take place. If the guidelines are enforced it will delay their return to the States considerably. So we're praying for compassion and understanding on the part of Mr. Phiri. If they get past that hurdle, then we need to pray for efficiency at the next stage with the US government. All the while, pray for hopefulness and joy in the Nagy family.
2. Barbara has said that the main project that you all will be working on will be repairing and improving the walk ways around the hospital. Hallelujah! It took me the best part of a week to figure out how to get from one place to the other; apparently this is an on-going problem as people who come end up wandering in and out of parts of the hospital that should be not wandered about, looking for the place they need to be. Tom, she has a special task for you, lettering the mission of the hospital on a wall somewhere. And, Tommy, there are definitely some electrical repairs to be done, one, I think, on the outlet of the x-ray box. (She said that hospital stafft sing the praises of those who built the x-ray boxes every day!)
3. I am attaching a draft of the meds and supplies list that she said they could use. I've faxed it her and e-mailed it to Edward Plyer to look over before I send it out far and wide. It's pretty close to accurate. (I have a letter ready for doctors to go with the list; I can e-mail it to you so you can personalize it and give it to doctors in your area.)
A very nice project for knitters are the newborn caps. Barbara says a study has shown that infections are reduced when caps are used. They are tiny, fit in all sorts or places in bags and she said they could use 200-300 every couple of weeks so there's probably no limit on how many of those you can carry.
One thing I'm checking with her is whether she wants us to purchase some of the meds on her list if we can get them at cost. She'd told me earlier not to purchase any meds, only to send money to Malawi because they've been able to purchase drugs at a much reduced price from Europe. (That's been one good thing about our financial donations; it's enabled the hospital to order in bulk ahead of time rather than buy at prime price only when the money is available.) However, a whole ship of medicines coming from Europe SANK! Insurance will pay for the loss, but the fact is, now they have to purchase as the money comes in at prime price until they can get another shipment. Barbara was bemoaning the fact that it's hard to make a reasonable budget; sinking ships can sink a budget in a heartbeat. Anyway, I thought later that I need to ask whether she'd rather have some reduced cost meds purchased here than high priced ones purchased there. For now, just seek donations. If you know about how to get some at reduced prices, send me what meds and their costs. I can send the list of what we can get to Barbara if she says to proceed; she can prioritize the meds and we'll purchase according to her list for as long as whatever money we have lasts.
4. Now, as to your schedule. It's getting closer to reality. I'm going to attach what I know thus far.
5. If you or your church are looking for a cool Mother's Day gift, think about mosquito nets! The Networkers Program of the PCUSA has lovely Mother's Day cards notifying Mom's that a donation has been made to the program so children can be protected from mosquitos. Go to http://www.pcusa.org/health/international/networkers-mothers-day.htm.
Yours in Christ's peace, Ginnie
1. First, be praying for Barbara Nagy and her family. Early this Monday morning (April 2), Barbara will be meeting with Mr. Phiri of the Department of Gender and Social Welfare concerning the adoption of Happy. The rules are that she's supposed to be "fostered" for 18 months before adoption can take place. If the guidelines are enforced it will delay their return to the States considerably. So we're praying for compassion and understanding on the part of Mr. Phiri. If they get past that hurdle, then we need to pray for efficiency at the next stage with the US government. All the while, pray for hopefulness and joy in the Nagy family.
2. Barbara has said that the main project that you all will be working on will be repairing and improving the walk ways around the hospital. Hallelujah! It took me the best part of a week to figure out how to get from one place to the other; apparently this is an on-going problem as people who come end up wandering in and out of parts of the hospital that should be not wandered about, looking for the place they need to be. Tom, she has a special task for you, lettering the mission of the hospital on a wall somewhere. And, Tommy, there are definitely some electrical repairs to be done, one, I think, on the outlet of the x-ray box. (She said that hospital stafft sing the praises of those who built the x-ray boxes every day!)
3. I am attaching a draft of the meds and supplies list that she said they could use. I've faxed it her and e-mailed it to Edward Plyer to look over before I send it out far and wide. It's pretty close to accurate. (I have a letter ready for doctors to go with the list; I can e-mail it to you so you can personalize it and give it to doctors in your area.)
A very nice project for knitters are the newborn caps. Barbara says a study has shown that infections are reduced when caps are used. They are tiny, fit in all sorts or places in bags and she said they could use 200-300 every couple of weeks so there's probably no limit on how many of those you can carry.
One thing I'm checking with her is whether she wants us to purchase some of the meds on her list if we can get them at cost. She'd told me earlier not to purchase any meds, only to send money to Malawi because they've been able to purchase drugs at a much reduced price from Europe. (That's been one good thing about our financial donations; it's enabled the hospital to order in bulk ahead of time rather than buy at prime price only when the money is available.) However, a whole ship of medicines coming from Europe SANK! Insurance will pay for the loss, but the fact is, now they have to purchase as the money comes in at prime price until they can get another shipment. Barbara was bemoaning the fact that it's hard to make a reasonable budget; sinking ships can sink a budget in a heartbeat. Anyway, I thought later that I need to ask whether she'd rather have some reduced cost meds purchased here than high priced ones purchased there. For now, just seek donations. If you know about how to get some at reduced prices, send me what meds and their costs. I can send the list of what we can get to Barbara if she says to proceed; she can prioritize the meds and we'll purchase according to her list for as long as whatever money we have lasts.
4. Now, as to your schedule. It's getting closer to reality. I'm going to attach what I know thus far.
5. If you or your church are looking for a cool Mother's Day gift, think about mosquito nets! The Networkers Program of the PCUSA has lovely Mother's Day cards notifying Mom's that a donation has been made to the program so children can be protected from mosquitos. Go to http://www.pcusa.org/health/international/networkers-mothers-day.htm.
Yours in Christ's peace, Ginnie
.JPG)
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