Sunday, June 15, 2008

It's been a long night....

Joey has been working since Tuesday and has been on call 4 of the 6 nights we've been here. There has been a shortage of docs volunteering to come here since the strife in Kenya some months ago so all volunteer docs are very needed.  Yesterday Joey worked all day and didn't get home until about 7:15.  He's currently working in the NICU and Pedicatric ward. He has been his own supervisor b/c the Pediatric doctor here is sick and has been unable to work along side Joey.  Joey doesn't have much experience in the NICU b/c in the US there are specialist that care for those children.  He has felt a little overwhelmed and inadequate. Late in the evening yesterday a baby was brought in that seemed to only be about one day old.  He was found abandoned in a latrine.  I will spare you the details but you can imagine that he needed some serious medical attention and prayer.  It is suspected that the mother is a primary school-aged girl (primary school goes to 8th grade) b/c she has run away.  Later last night the baby passed away.  
Please lift up prayers for Joey and the other staff here at Tenwek who can often get overwhelmed and burdened by the things they see.  Pray for that little girl fwho felt such desperation that she abandoned her baby in a latrine. 
 
On a different note, Bethany and I had a good day yesterday visiting the local dukas(stores) with Krista (missionary) and Ann Marie (daughter who is Bethany's age).  Later we hiked to the waterfalls with Petra (German medical student) and Julia (NYU student).  It was a nice hike and we got plenty of exercise.  On Friday night we had a pizza party in the guest house with all of us staying a the guesthouse and the Robert's (career missionary family).  Tonight we will have an omlette and waffle night with everyone!  Yummy I can't wait. 

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

That is sad enough to know about the baby but it is even sadder to know that the mother was only in the 8th grade. Well I promise that I will pray for you, Joey, and, Bethany! Oh and for the mother and everyone else in Africa! I love you
Love,
Kara

Anonymous said...

Tia,

Thanks for sharing. I know the things you and Joey are experiencing can be overwhelming! I'll pray you have time to talk together and sort through all the emotions. Omelette and waffle nights...how fun!!

Love,
Julie Z

Unknown said...

Tia,

You will both be in my prayers! I am so happy you have set up the blog so I can check in on you both (wait, you three!) and send my love! We missed you guys so much at the wedding but I know you are where God needs you both right now. Please tell joey he will be in my prayers as he is doing this work. I love you all and hope to see you VERY soon!

Love,
Linds

Anonymous said...

Tia, I've been trying to e-mail, but I can't get it to go thru. We love you all & miss you. Tell Joey Happy Father's Day. We are still praying. Give Bethany a kiss from all of us. Get her to keep saying Papa so I can hear it when you get home.

Love Mark, Tanya, Kara, Sam and Anna

Anonymous said...

Tia,

I love hearing about your everyday experiences in Africa. It's really sad that some things that are easily treated here, are not there. Please give Joey and Bethany my love too. We miss Ya'll!

Love,
Ashley M.

Anonymous said...

Tia,

I love hearing about your everyday experiences in Africa. It's really sad that some things that are easily treated here, are not there. Your description of the Landscape sounds beautiful.Please give Joey and Bethany my love too. We miss Ya'll! Please come home safe, and we will be praying for you!


Love,
Ashley & Elijah

Anonymous said...

Tia B/P
I am so proud of you both! Know that we are thinking of you all each day. Tell Joey, Happy Belated Father's Day!!!
Jon and I are just now getting settled in. We came to the library to check emails, so that is why I haven't sent you anything lately.
I love you,
Brooke

Anonymous said...

Tia and Joey,
You are in our prayers! I can't imagine what Joey must have felt seeing all of that! Keep your heads up and know that we are proud of you! You both are doing such amazing things! What an amazing journey you are on! We love all 3 of you! Tell miss sunshine we said hello!
Much love,
The Stricklands