Kaylene’ Blog

Wednesday April 22nd

At the Hospital

So this morning Kim and I did separate rounds on the MSW and FSW, then we joined Dr. Kalombo for rounds on the MMW (medicine ward). I was surprised at how almost every patient had HIV, but I was further impressed with Dr. Kalombo’s management of these patients. We joined Dr. Johnson to round on the MSW, and collected a list of things to do such as removing drains and sutures and starting IVs. After lunch we rounded with Dr. Mwila on the FMW, then finished our ToDo list, visited the ART (anti-retroviral treatment) clinic, and went back to the MMW and FMW to do a more complete physical exam on a few patients with significant physical findings. We found one patient whom we suspected of having a bowel obstuction, based on the clinical criteria we had been learning from Dr. Johnson, and presented the case to him. After clinic he was able to see him, and the patient was clearly doing better, was stable, and very unlikely obstructed. But it was an interesting learning experience! We then left “early” at 1730 hours to go have tea with Dr. and Mrs. Das. Then, praise the Lord, I was able to go to church again!

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Word of Encouragement:

Jeremiah 50:33-34 Whatever is oppressing you, refusing to let you go–it will have to because Jesus makes you free. My Redeemer is stronger than my enemy! Whatever is keeping you in a sorry life and apologizing; it will let you go. The power of Jesus will set you free.

There is a place for me better than where I am. Job 19:25 I know that my Redeemer lives and in the end He will stand–not the enemy. I will see God with my own eyes, in my flesh.

Breaking My Limitations (Bishop Billy Mfula)

Every barrier of limitation is breaking off tonight.

Isaiah 54, Zechariah 2 The first word man heard was from God and it was BLESSING not a curse. Even now I am FULL of blessing; I may be broke but I am blessed. I will walk in the first blessing. Never again will I walk in limitations!

Sing for joy because there is a lot in you!! You will forget the shame of your youth. What is IN me is about to come ON me, and people will take notice!

Enlarge the place of your tent–becuase you are about to be two of you.. and three, and four, and more. You will be multiplied! Make room for what is in you and about to come out. We make room in our hearts and minds. In your heart is where faith lives: believe God for something bigger than what you are now. In your mind is where your dreams live: enlarge your thinking and your faith to handle the blessing that is coming.

Abraham and Sarah laughed- they had no room for a dream as big as a son in their latter years. It isn’t easy to make room. But when God has spoken, let your heart be opened. The strength to carry the dream will come from God, as it did for Sarah to carry the pregnancy. There is something big that is coming in my life!

God won’t give you a blessings you aren’t making room for; He is not a waster. Begin to think out your dreams, make room in your mind and heart for them to exist. Make room! Increase your prayer life. If you don’t pray much for your problems, what will you do with the problems a man (husband) brings? If you now pray half an hour, start praying a full hour; then when you are married, a half hour is mine, and a half hour is his. Make room: buy a double bed!

I refuse to think small because I serve a big God. Enlarge your tent because your Maker is your Husband- He will dress, protect, provide for, and bless you. We are married to Jesus!!! We should gladly introduce people to Him. In a marriage, a husband doesn’t leave a wife behind; he doesn’t walk faster so she can’t catch up. He is proud of his wife! God wants to walk hand-in-hand with me.

Zechariah: Jerusalem is a city without walls (no limits!) becuase of the SO MANY people and livestock in in. Only God can measure the width and length of Jerusalem (=capacity, success, faith, and revelation; don’t let men measure your dimensions, to limit them). My past does not come with a measuring line. You can’t measure me! I am more than you think. Let the statements that limit you go to hell: “You are just a woman, a housewife, for the bedroom and kitchen.” No one but God is permitted to measure me; for how can you measure the grace and power of God at work in me?? Only God is my wall, a wall of fire to make sure no evil comes in. Every prosperity from God is protected by God- for whoever touches me touches the apple of God’s eye!

We are a church without walls, with no limitations… We do not become sinners when we walk outside the walls of this building. When people look at me they should see GOD. Even in my bedroom I can have church! Have church everywhere.

Tuesday April 21st

More Ortho

Today with Dr. Das with did two corrections of talipes equinovarus (clubfoot). Then we also had two patients to cast, drainage of a couple abscesses, another hardware removal, and a traumatic facial lac to repair. Ater lunch, Kim and I had more to do on the wards- she placed an NG tube (naso-gastric) and we each started an IV. I left early to attend the Three Days of Power conference at Dominion Life Church.

The Power of the Spoken Word (Bishop Billy Mfula)

Genesis 1:3, 28-29; Hebrews 11:3 The world was created by God’s command; the visible came from invisible things. We understand this by FAITH, not by EYES or INTELLIGENCE.

By faith we understand

Sarah was promised a son at 90 years- she could not understand with her mind, but could by faith. ***God is doing something BIG in my life and it can only be understood by FAITH.

First understand by faith, then the mind will learn.

GOD spoke first on the earth (the devil did not speak first): Be fruitful, multiply, have dominion, rule over all creatures. God was speaking to all humanity- including me- before any other entity or being spoke to me.

God said, My people perish for lack of knowledge. Therefore understand and KNOW that God already spoke into my life!

Be careful what you speak to people because it is GOD’s word only that will stand. Only prophesy what God has already spoken to others (be fruitful, multiply, fill earth, have dominion).

God’s word is still at work in my life- I only need to yield to it, pray it, believe it, and walk in it. It WILL come to pass.

The devil is a liar. His assignment is to get you away from the word God already spoke. But God is not a man that He should lie- whatever He says is true- it will begin to change you.

Matthew 8:23-27 Where is your faith? Jesus said “Let us go to the other side”–and His word will stand. No storm could prevent its fulfillment.

Who said your breasts are only for decoration? You WILL breastfeed your child! God is not a fool; He is wise and does not lie. If He said you will be married, but you are not yet; don’t fear, God will come through.

Stay in the Word. True faith is holding onto God’s word, even in a storm. Especially in a storm. The Word is about to work on your life. In your OWN life, speak what God spoke.

I am the boat He is now in; to speak, He must speak through me to the storm. When I speak over my life what God says, that word is as powerful as God.

Cancel what the world says, Announce what God says! I am not a failure, not a loser; I am fruitful, I will multiple; I will be elevated, promoted, and have dominion!

The same God who spoke in Genesis is the same today. (The same Spirit who raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives in me!!!)

Fruitfulness is coming.

Matthew 21:18-19 jesus cursed the fig tree because it had flowers but no fruit- the appearance of good, like religion. Adam and Eve covered themselves with fig leaves, with religion. I curse today the fig tree of religion in my life- wither up and die and let a fruitful tree grow in its place!

Monday April 20th

Heart Strings

It really is amazing to me how Dr. Johnson is a general surgeon, orthopedist, ob/gyn, colorectal surgeon, urologist, neurosurgeon, and oncologist–all in one. I know he trained in multiple specialties, but the variety of cases he does is impressive! There is a local orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Das, who comes monthly to consult and co-operate on more complicated cases.

Today we had clinic with Dr. Das and saw some children for whom we will do clubfoot repairs tomorrow. I also plastered an open tib-fib fracture today, removed some hardware (plate and screws) and closed the leg of another patient. I rounded on the FSWww and removed some drains, reviewed x-rays, and found my heart pulled apart by some of the social issues. One patient asked me to bring her food because she has none left and no money for more. Another needs her diabetic meds but has no money for a refill, and was asking me for help.

My God, I would that I could meet every need of theirs, but I know You say that You shall fulfill all our needs. O great compassionate Provider, please make a way, and show it to me!

Sunday April 19th

Church: My Favorite

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart for they see God. -> It takes PURITY to see God.

Conquering Sin

Joshua 3:5 Consecrate yourself -> Godo will do wonders in you. Sin is not your friend; it is a destroyer.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Every sin is conquerable. Sin is a barrier that hinders you from God. Until wickedness disappears, miracles will not show up. Sin willmake you an enemy of God, it will kill you (Rom 6:23). Sin is deceptive- it appears like a good thing but it destroys.

Matthew 5:48 God would not tell you to be perfect and holy if it is impossible. Therefore receive the baptism of holiness.

Wages of sin: 1. Shame 2. Brings people down (Whereas righteousness exalts) 3. Sickness, death 4. Absence of peace 5. Fear (Whereas the righteous are bold)

God said Consecrate My people, I am coming to do great things! When your eyes are tempted, fix your eyes on Jesus. When wickedness drops away, you qualify for God’s favor. Be purified and receive your promotion.

Satan’s weapons against the church:

1. Immorality- Your other name should become Purity. 1 Corinthians 10:11, 8. The spirit of immorality is manifest in one who looks at others’ bodies (inappropriately). Living alone can make temptation stronger because one has no accountability ->So get a roommate! Immorality defiles your body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit; it is then worthy to be destroyed. If you don’t change your immoral behavior, no one will want to marry you!

-> If you change your behavior, God will appear. Proverbs 6:27 Adultery will not go unpunished.

2. Financial Unfaithfulness=Love of Money (which is a root of all evil, 1 Timothy 6:10). example: Ananias, Sapphira. Some open doors are not from God but are traps. Pay your employees well, do not enslave them.

-> Run after God, not money. Those who seek the Lord will lack no good thing. Those who give will be delivered from financial hardship.

3. Rebellion=will not submit to authority; demand that one must govern self. Numbers 16 If you don’t agree with leadership, keep quiet or go away (e.g. to another church). Don’t rebel or you will die young.

-> It is time to be humble, submissive.

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Exploring

After church, Kim and I were hoping to take a drive to Kalomo, so Oswell walked us into town to meet a taxi, and ended up going with us. We stopped first at the Kalomo Hospital, which is smaller even than Choma Hospital, but the layout was somewhat similar. Then we stopped at the high school and happened upon a kitchen party (bridal shower) in the assembly hall. Kim and I were invited to go in, and we even danced for the bride-to-be! Then we found some guys playing basketball and joined them for awhile. Afterward, we got a bite to eat around Main Street before driving through the nearby compound. We got out at the market and walked through, thrilling some of the children by taking and showing them digital pictures of themselves. One woman stopped me and asked who I was, what I was doing in Zambia, and as I explained, her eyes filled up with tears and spilled out on her cheeks. She grabbed my hands and said not to leave nor to wait years to return because she might not be there in a few years. I hugged her and wiped her tears away, wishing there was more I could do for her.

Saturday April 18th

Diversions

Today was a day for adventure. We spent only a half day at the hospital, and since Dr. Saleh offered to do the few cases on the list, we spent our time in rounds. Afterwards, we drove into town to get some picnic lunch items from Spar, then dove out to the Choma Dam through some beautiful maize farms. The sun was so hot, but we had an enjoyable picnic and then headed to the sports club to play tennis. Well, maybe the midday heat wasn’t the best time to play, but we persisted for two hours before finding our way to another nearby lodge that had a swimming pool. As we left, I admired the image of the setting sun shining its golden orange light on thousands of pink- and white-topped tall grasses waving lazily in the gentle breeze.

Friday April 17th

TGIF

This morning Kim and I arrived early and plastered a broken arm, then met up with Dr. Johnson and got started in the theatre. The power is still out from yesterday’s tree trimming, and there was limited fuel in the generator, so we were forced to limit ourselves to 4 cases. I assisted an I&D and rectal sphincter repair, and Kim a hearnia repair and open reduction/internal fixation (ORIF) of a fractured, dislocated elbow.

We did manage to get to town to finish a few more errands today, then after lunch, Kim and I did quick rounds, changed some more dressings, removed sutures, and discharged a couple patients. In clinic we saw an incredible case of neurofibromatosis; the tumor was filling the whole right side of the patient’s head, weighing down his face and severely disfiguring him. One of the new patients on the ward had a documented “reducible” hernia, but neither Kim nor I could reduce it, and we were a little concerned for incarceration. Dr. Johnson came to see him, administered sedation, and demonstrated the most impressive hernia reduction I have seen to date!

We had dinner at the seminary again tonight, and the adventure of the evening was trying some new fruit: Tree Tamarin and a (sour!) passion fruit.

Thursday April 16th

New Vocabulary

Mwanchi swanze? (What is troubling you?)

Henna mwana watiswa? (Is the baby sick?)

Mwaletelela buti? (How are you feeling today?)

Monay kabut (Good night/Sleep well)

Uga tarda! (I’m tired!)

Today was full of challenges… We lost power because of tree trimming going on around the hospital, which has knocked down some power lines, so the theatre ran on a generator. I was impressed with how Dr. Saleh controlled the bleeding and cleared the blood during the c-section–without suction! After that first case, I assisted him in excision of a fibroadenoma, and in the meantime, Kim and Dr. Johnson were able to work their way through seven small cases and round on several of the sicker patients on the wards. To finish the day, we did two cystoscopies, an EGD and colonoscopy, a cyst excision, two eyebrow laceration repairs, an I&D, and more casting. No one could get any x-rays because of the lack of power, so some other cases had to wait. Kim and I rounded on all three surgical wards, did some dressing changes and traction adjustments before we “knocked off” (went home) for the night.

Wednesday April 15th

Tax Day…

…And I barely thought of America once today; it only crossed my mind as I wrote the date just now. We already had some tasks to do at the hospital this morning, assigned from last night; so we saw a consult on the FMW for abdominal pain and urinary retention, then headed for the CSW to get started. I plastered a couple legs today, and put an elbow and a couple legs in traction. We also had a little bit of fun taking snaps with many of the kids on the ward.

Dr. Johnson had a maternal M&M meeting starting at 10am, so Kim and I entertained ourselves rounding on the FSW, doing the fullest neurological exam ever on our mysteriously paralyzed patient, then roaming the hospital grounds after reviewing the chief complaints of the waiting crowd, triaging for anyone requiring x-rays. Clinic finally got started around 1530 today, and as much as I expected it to go fast, I found myself surprised by the first few patients who required significant time, attention, and explanation. But I see that Dr. Johnson really is perceptive of the individual needs of his patients, and is able to balance both time and empathy, and it works out quite well.

As far as fun procedures today, I did get to aspirate a liter of fluid from a hydrocele, and Kim sutured a really cool periorbital laceration. At 1930 we started rounds in the MSW, and found a lot of work to do, including dressing changes and stoma bag and suprapubic catheter care, a knee joint requiring aspiration, and we spent some time repositioning my patient in traction with the Steinman pin. We arrived home late and very tired, but we had our pumpkin with ground nuts (peanuts) for dinner, and it was delish!

Monday April 13th

A Baby on My Back

Kim and I went into the hospital today for rounds. She started on the Female Surgical Ward (FSW) and I on the Child Surgical Ward (CSW). We both agreed: ALL our patients are doing much better! Our patient with the open skull fracture was playing outside with his dressing already removed, and all the kids with fractures have decreased pain, even with readjusting the extremity in traction (a painful movement that last week left more than one child crying and pushing us away). We did a couple quick, minor cases: casting, I&D, and a foreign body removal from one’s abdominal wall. Then we went to see all the patients on the Male Surgical Ward (MSW).

Afterward, we made it to an internet cafe before meeting Cynthia and Belita at the museum. It was rather neat learning the history of the Tonga and Ila peoples. From there we walked to their home and visited with the whole family for a half hour or so. When we left, they sent us home with a large pumpkin! Along the way back, Cynthia allowed Kim and me to carry her 9 month old son on our backs with her chitenge- just like my dream of carrying my own child around on my back as I work in Africa. I feel like it was an encouragement from the Lord that He will bring it to pass one day.

We passed through an open air market as it was closing up, and I cannot wait to go back during the day and see what all they have to sell. Back at home, we met a Mennonite couple having dinner at the Lodge. They are working with a Brethren in Christ church and school, and I enjoyed discussing with them the efforts they are involved in for whole-person economic development. Truly interesting folk!

Sunday April 12th

Dominion Life Church

Church was so blessed today! Last night I was reading Henri Nouwen’s Prayerful Life and he said that to pray without ceasing, one’s entire life and thoughts must all be lived in the presence of God. In church this morning I felt the loving presence of God and had such joy fill my spirit. I prayed that my whole week might be lived that way, even outside the environment of the church, but nevertheless in the divine Presence. And then one of the pastoral staff stood up to give a word and said, This is the week of encountering the divine Presence wherever we go. ! Amen!

First there was worship, and after a couple songs the choir led everyone in dancing. Then a pastor gave a brief exhortation, and there was time for people to testify, then Pastor Eddie preached his sermon: Conquering Fear. It was perfect for me! After that they took up the offering, then we sang and danced more, and when I tapped Kim and Oswell to move out into the aisle for more space, Oswell grabbed my hand and took me up onto stage to dance. ! So I danced and twirled and jumped around to praise my lovely Jesus. I feel so at home in this church, and I feel so at home in Africa today. I know this is where I belong.

This afternoon we went to visit the other Pentecostal church in town with Sledy, and heard another excellent message, this one from a visiting Kenyan pastor. He spoke about how God chooses the weak things of the world to shame the wise, that those whom He calls He qualifies, that we have a great destiny, that my story is inside my heart, not worn on the outside as my clothes or my title, and to not despise other people based on appearance, and that we believers “know something” the world doesn’t know. Regarding Simon Peter: Simon=flimsy, Peter=rock. Jesus built His Church on the revelation that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. What we individually need is more revelation about the nature of God, the faces of God, of who He really is. He allows troublesome things in our lives because it will give Him an opportunity to show us another side of Himself: to the sick, He is Healer; to the poor, He is Provider; to the molested, He is Protector. Thank you Jesus.

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Conquering Fear

Isaiah 43

I belong to the Lord. Do not be afraid- the Lord is with you! I am not staying in the challenge.  I was not born again to be a victim but a victor!

Fear is destroyer–of lives, nations, integrity, and behavior. If you follow your fears, your fear will destroy you. Come out of every fear!

God formed me- the devil never hard of part of me! The One is me is greater than the challenge I am facing.

Job 1; 3:25-26 Job was a great man brought down by fear. God is raising us up to be great people. What you fear is what comes upon you; you invite the spirit of that thing to come (e.g. if you fear your husband leaving you, you invite the spirit of divorce).

A life of fear is uneasy, restless, and one loses appetite. Fear takes people backwards; it does not move one forwards. Fear takes you into hiding. May God deliver you from fear! He HAS set us free!

You are a chosen generation! What you are facing is not your battle–it belongs to the Lord. I have a Father who will never ever fail me. People may let you down but Jesus never fails you. Peter sank because of fear; but resurrection life will raise you up.

Fear is the tormenter. Fear makes you see evil where there is no evil. Fearis one of the jobs of the devil. ->I am more than a conqueror.

God responds to faith; the devil traps you by your fear. God is on my side, I will not live a life of fear. 2 Kings 6:15 Every enemy of my destiny will be stricken with blindness; but may the Lord open my eyes to see. When servant’s eyes were opened, he stopped fearing. Know this: Those who are with us are more than those who are with them- there is protection around my life.

Kinds of Fear: 1. Fear of death (but to die is gain! Death is a gateway to a better life. Hebrews 2:14 Jesus destroyed death.) 2. Fear of accidents (but God goes before us- we are covered, we are safe) 3. Fear of heights 4. Fear of speed 5. Fear of robbery 6. Fear of sickness (but you can conquer it) 7. Fear of witches/witchcraft (but you are safe) 8. Fear of lightning (but it is created to show the greatness of God, not to kill you)

Causes of Fear: 1. Problems/challenges of life; Psalm 23 I will fear no evil. 2. What you hear; Faith and fear both come by hearing. 3. What you see; Proverbs 28:1 Peter saw the wind/waves, Israel saw the Egyptians. 4. Living in sin.

How to Overcome Fear: 1. Make a choice against fear: I will not allow fear to rule my life, to conquer me. 2. Know that you have authority over fear and over ALL the power of the enemy. Luke 10:19 3. Discover what the Bible says about your situation- the TRUTH shall set you free from FEAR. 4. Walk in LOVE (not bitterness and unforgiveness). 1 John 4:18 Perfect loves drives out fear. 5. Abide in His Presence=STAY don’t just VISIT. Psalm 91 We suffer outside the Presence of God. ->Throughout the week I will enjoy the presence of the Lord! It is anointed a week of divine Presence.