by Pat Rees
Only 10 more days until I leave for home! It has been over 10 weeks for me here in Burundi, and honestly, I am tired. Yet, I can't imagine this place without a surgeon to cover while Dr. Fader is home on leave. The patients here are so sick and so malnourished and so poor, but so sweet in spirit. I have been humbled, blessed, and amazed at God. Truly, my experience here at Kibuye does fulfill its motto: "We work with the God who heals and gives life!"
Many of you commented on my story of David who endured pain of having a pin removed from his leg without anesthesia because of the lack of funds (four dollars) by his parents. I think I will start a "David Fund" and if you wish to contribute, there will be folks coming back to Kibuye on September 26, and they could bring the funds back. This will be specifically for children who need anesthetic for minor procedures, who wouldn't normally get the medication. Please send anything you wish to contribute to my home, and I will make sure they get the funds to the right area.
A second way you might want to contribute would be to the "En-ABEL" fund. This poor thirteen year old boy named Abel, fell from a truck about two weeks ago. He has a badly fractured pelvis, a ruptured bladder, and because he didn't come to the hospital for three days after the accident, he has a tremendous amount of infection in his pelvis, his thigh and around his "private parts." Three times he has had to go to the operating room while I "bypassed" and drained. Now daily he endures huge dressing changes that have to be done under IV medication called Ketamine. Each surgery costs about sixty dollars and each dressing change is an additional four dollars. A worker here in Burundi, if he had a full time job, would make about twenty-five dollars per month. You can see that the cost of this lad's hospitalization is going to be overwhelming for the family. Maybe that is why Abel is so grateful for his care. He never complains. He always smiles and shakes my hand when I round on him. He gets "silly" under the sedation and often says things like "Oh Muzungu (white person) let me give you a hug." There is no doubt that God has kept him alive so far. I am continuing to pray we can get on top of all the infected and dying tissue with the continued intensive treatment. Please pray for Abel, and if you want to help, let me know.
Lastly, there is a small group of young women that one of the missionary ladies had taught to sew. There is little "outlet" in Burundi for the things they make. They have made cute "pajama pants" that are similar to scrub pants, only in African style material. They are selling them for six dollars per pair, and they come in small, medium, and large sizes. (I am a medium). Let me know if you would like a pair and in what size, and I will be happy to transport them home. I know it would be an encouragement to these girls to have some of their efforts "pay off."
I continue to covet your prayers for wisdom, strength, and for God's guidance and knowledge as I deal with the cultural and medical issues here. Looking forward to hearing from many of you. You can contact me at patrees2011@gmail.com.