If all I did when I came to serve on medical missions is to work, then there would be little difference between the work that I do and the work that a medical relief physician provides. One of my greatest joys in working with World Medical Missions (Samaritan’s Purse International Relief) is having the opportunity to teach national physicians. At Kudjip Nazarene Hospital I had the opportunity to work daily with Dr. Maggi Taune, a PNG national surgeon who will be working at a hospital in an extremely remote region in the mountains of PNG. The only contact with the outside world that she will have is by short wave radio. They have intermittent electricity. She will be the only physician at the hospital. The conditions that she will work in are unimaginable in the sense that she will have little to work with and little trained help. She will have a five year commitment at the hospital. I was glad to be able have so much time in the operating theatre to teach her gynecologic surgery, and also to be able to leave her with some supplies, including an obstetric Doppler, scrubs, 9 volt Duracell batteries for the Doppler and my stethoscope with the scripture verse 1 Peter 2:21 engraved on it.
This photograph is of Dr. Jim (see prior blog entry) and Dr. Maggi on either side of the little girl, Parubi and her mother. Parubi had a depressed skull fracture a few weeks ago. Under the direction of Dr. Jim & Dr. Maggi and a visiting orthopedic surgeon from the U.S., the surgical team was able to release the pressure of a subdural hematoma and then elevate the depressed skull fracture. Parubi’s chance of survival was extremely poor, but by God’s grace she has done extremely well. I took this photograph at her follow up visit.
When we arrived in Papua New Guinea we had 16 pieces of luggage (16 large Rubbermaid Action Packers), and going home we will have a few duffel bags and one Action Packer. It is hard to return home when the need here is so great for the work that we do. The pace of life here is also enviable.
I have enjoyed following your blog. I thank God for you and your dedication to helping others. My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family as well as the patients and other helping hands. I am blessed to have you as a doctor. I wish you a safe trip back home.
ReplyDeleteYou really are a part of something special - thanks for making all of us back here a part of it too! Like the pp said, we wish you a safe trip back home!
ReplyDelete"Way to go" - Sawyer family! We also enjoyed following your time in PNG through your blog. Thanks! We're looking forward to hearing more when you get back. Philippians 1:3
ReplyDeleteWhat an incredible blessing you (and your family) have been to the people in PNG! Thanks for sharing some of your experiences through your blogging. You have been in our prayers, and it is neat to have a glimpse into your lives there to see what we are praying for! May the Lord bless you all with a smooth transition back into your lives at home!
ReplyDeleteHey Sawyers - thanks for the great pictures and updates - I have enjoyed the ride from the nosebleed seats way out here. You'll never know the impact of each surgery, each packing session, each moment of organizational work, each touch, each loving word, and certainly, each Tootsie Pop that was shared, until you get to eternity. You will be able to pull out the treasures of the memories that you shared there as a family at PNG, and perhaps even be able to see in the coming years how this time has shaped your thoughts and ultimately, your characters in a way that will result in further actions that have eternal impact. Time and Effort well spent!!
ReplyDeleteLarry, Jen and Kids