Medical Course

The last two weeks we have been in a missionary wilderness first responder class. We were certified in wilderness emergency medicine and CPR. (I already had my CPR so mine was renewed.) We were instructed on what to do in emergencies when we are unable to get to a medical facility. We also learned about illnesses common to world travelers. We were taught the signs and symptoms, the drugs used to treat, and how to prevent. It was an intense class and we had lecture and practical work from 9a-12:30, 1:30-5, and 7:30-9p every day except for Sunday. It was exhausting! However, it was great information that will be very beneficial to us and gives us confidence in ministering to unreached people groups in the third world.

This past Thursday and Friday our team went to a village nearby and we had the opportunity to teach on some of the things we learned in the course such as how to clean and bandage soft tissue wounds and how to splint broken bones. We started out by doing a funny skit on the Good Samaritan. Then our team was split into four groups and each group taught a portion of the class. We showed them how they could use items that they already had such as thatch and material from their skirts to treat these injuries. We split into groups after we verbally instructed them and gave them a demonstration and allowed them to practice the skills that we had taught. It was so much fun getting to teach them! The Zambian people really enjoyed it as well. At the end of class on Friday we gave them certificates showing that they had received the basic first aid training. It was a refreshing two days of ministry!

It is really heating up here in Zambia! It is a constant battle to stay hydrated. The air is so dry here and there is almost always a breeze so we don’t realize how much we are sweating and loosing fluid. We saw two giraffes walking across the road yesterday when we were on our way to town so that was neat. We hear baboons roaring a few times a week. (Sounds weird saying they roar but that’s what is sounds like.) Don’t know if I would ever get used to the animals here. J

God is so good! He is so near to us and I know we are growing so much in Him. We are so thankful for the opportunity to be here. We know God has us right where he wants us. We miss family, friends, air conditioner, privacy, and normal food but there is nothing like being in his will. God is stretching us and our prayer is that we will grow more and more like him. Only He satisfies!