Can I turn on the lights?

I have to admit I take electricity for granted at home and I miss electricity in Maua at times. There are signs posted around the hospital that say, "Do not turn on the lights between 7 am and 7 pm." Only natural lighting is to be used because they can't afford this unnecessary expense. When Dr.Lee made rounds with another physician she noticed the doctor used a flashlight when he wanted to examine a wound closely. My hotel room only has one electrical plug. I've learned how to make the best use of it by utilizing an adapter, the extension cord and rotating my electronics to charge. Of course, last night when I finally had time to prepare the message for chapel worship that our team led today the electricity was out. But thanks to Terry I had my free flashlight from Harbor Freight. The electricity comes and goes here and we never know when it might go out again.

Today we went to a school for a medical camp that was funded by contributions our mission team received. Our team along with some hospital staff worked together to deworm approximately 650 children. One of the problems caused by having worms is massive malnutrition. Hopefully in a couple of days when the medication has taken effect the children will start feeling better and benefitting from what food they get to eat. Today's medical camp also provided health care for 472 family members of the children. They were seen by nurses and given medication that we helped count and package. It was a very moving experience to see these children and their school. None of the classrooms we visited had electricity.

The children were eager to touch my white skin and gray hair.	Children in their classroom during the deworming part of the Medical Camp.	Children at the Medical Camp held at their school.
Team Members and Jim Monroe ready to begin Medical Camp.	These small structures are the bathroom facilities (out houses) for the school.	Steve & Vicki Freeman get to cut the ribbon at the new hospital kitchen dedication.

We've experienced how man made power is not available to everyone and when it is available it is not always reliable. What is available to everyone and is 100% dependable is the love of God. Help spread the Good News!

Blessings!