SIM

Tonight I visited on the phone with David (NOAH Project Director) for the first time since his last trip to Malawi. He mentioned he has been meeting with SIM, a large mission organization, regarding a possible collaboration between some SIM missionaries currently in Lilongwe (Malawi capital city) and the NOAH project a few miles outside of Lilongwe. The NOAH project has grown tremendously in the past two years, a blessing that comes with additional work and leadership responsibilities. David finds himself stretched thin between stateside business and church commitments in North Carolina and the NOAH project education, administration and food distribution logistics. The food is being provided by grants and will provide nutrition for thousands more in the villages around the project. The vast amount of food has necessitated that David get help with its administration and distribution in Malawi.


SIM (trade name Serving in Missions, formerly Soudan Interior Mission) has people stationed in many countries of the world doing a wide variety of service and evangelistic projects. Through having gained information and put out 'feelers' at the Urbana missions conference about SIM in December, I have been communicating with the regional director for SIM for the area in which I live. They are a widely respected organization who have been making a difference in the name of Christ for over a century. Medical missions is a big part of what they do.

This is an excerpt from their purpose statement. minister to human need: "We acknowledge that the ultimate human need is to know God. We also believe that He has called us to compassionate, holistic service in this broken world. Jesus is our example as we minister to people who are suffering because of, HIV and AIDS, poverty, illness, or natural disaster."



I cannot help but wonder if my connection with David and Malawi and now his mutual, but unrelated connection with SIM, have been orchestrated by God. I am eager to see if a partnership between SIM and the NOAH project does transpire. I am going to do further research on the organization and pray about applying to work with them in Malawi after being trained as a nurse. If I went to Malawi, I would be able to both visit Grace Farm (where I visited in 2005) and visit/help the NOAH Project for David. The country is quite tiny and while travel by road is excruciatingly slow, air travel is quick and relatively inexpensive.

"Every act of love brings a person face to face with God." --unknown

Advances in Medicine?

Do not read this if you are easily disgusted.


Today's nursing lecture taught me two very surprising treatments for chronic wounds. Leeches and maggots can be placed in non-healing wounds to remove necrotic tissue, infection and to improve blood supply. Even more personally alarming to me is that in NW Arkansas there is a good chance that I will have to perform one of these treatments within the scope of nursing practice. I shiver at the thought.


I'm reminded of the use of blood letting and leaches in ancient times. Have we really come so far? In lecture today we learned that these leaches and maggots may be used when various types of advanced treatments, medications and special bandages fail.


We are taught to develop a poker face in nursing--a never let 'em see you sweat--kind of thing. Those of you who know me well will realize that I do not have that skill. My face and body language show my thoughts, affections, revulsion, disappointments, pleasure, etc. I welcome your advice and any psychological tricks you are aware of on how to develop that control to keep a neutral face.