Unpacking Mongu! Health Care Options - #1

All in a days work!

Life has gotten in the way of writing.  It is time to catch up on my last journey before my next one begins.  Having been to Mongu, Zambia now 6+ times, I work hard at thinking about what to share.  I recently came from a meeting and the same questions are always asked.  Putting our heads around a culture so different from ours is hard, even with the best of pictures and a good story.

I have several areas of life here in the Western Provence of Zambia that I want to share with you. Each is a unique part of this culture and the way of life. The outside world is changing rapidly, here traditions, poverty and ignorance keep these people trapped.  How do we bridge these 1000's of years traditions into helping them?

Today health care is the topic.  A HOT one here to be certain!!! I thought I would reflect and hopefully show you, what a major part of the world (not just Africa) experiences and allow you to ponder yours.  When I return to the states and hear our moaning, complaining and discontent I want to cry.  We have so much and we appreciate so little.

I will start with the village options.   Hands of Hope (http://www.handsofhopeonline.org/) has made a HUGE difference in the remote villages we work in!  There is new clinic and this time in our visit we saw it in action!!!   Immunizations were being administered.  This activity was encouraging to us! The resident nurse (below) was so excited to see us and show off what was happening! She has been here since day one.  Getting medicine here has been another hard fought victory.  Finally, 'our' people are being helped.  The mortality rate is HIGH, and this clinic has brought some medicine and hope as well.

The pictures below will show you the 'normal' options for those who live in most of  Zambia. I took these pictures in a village a couple years ago as we were building the new clinic below.

Outside of a birthing clinic in a rural village.

Inside of the hut were piles of clothes and a bed.

The above hut/clinic was the option available before Hands of Hope placed a clinic within 'walking distance'.  Below, a beautifully built clinic in the bush!  The walk is still long but hope and help is here!  Buildings, such as the one below are not found in the bush. Women can give birth here if they can or desire to make the trip. I am delighted to be part of Hands of Hope, that has made this facility available to these people!

The villagers dress up to come here!  Bananas are made available for those who wait. 

Immunization Day!

The resident nurse and her patients!

To avoid making this blog too long I am going to end with the clinic and begin a new post with the hospital.  Once again I ask that you reflect on what these pictures depict.  These people are grateful and know they are blessed. 

Most of my blogs will not be promoting Hands of Hope (http://www.handsofhopeonline.org/). 

However, the funds raised on this side of the world ALL go to help these people!  ALL!  I work with them because it is truly an organization that is for the people.  If you want to give, your funds will ALL be used for wells, another clinic (even further out than this one), agriculture eduction and more.