It has been such a long time since I have posted anything about living in Soyo. Partly this is because I was in the USA for several months visiting family and getting started on a new visa for Angola. I have been back for several weeks and today I am going to begin writing again.
I first came to Soyo 18 months ago.....seems impossible.....actually seems much longer and I think that is because everything here is so normal for me now.
I came with dreams of starting a Hospice and have waited for these 18 months hoping that somehow I could use the supplies that I shipped out here from my Hospice agency in Concord, CA, Hospice of the East Bay. The nurses there were so willing to gather things that could be donated to help the needs of patients here who have so little. Finally it was time to give the items away to those who could use them and not hold on to the dream that was apparently not going to be possible. So last Thursday two other ladies, Kris and Cindy, helped me go through the boxes and divide the precious supplies to share with two maternity clinics and the Provincial Hospital. Surprisingly everything was still in great shape and usable. Then Friday we took 3 of the cars and loaded them up and delivered the supplies with no warning to the facilities that were to receive them. I have photos below of one of the clinics that we gave to. This was a Catholic maternity clinic that also has a pediatric clinic and space for adults as in patients. I must tell you that this place has a generator but the gasoline is so expensive that they don't use the electricity frequently at all.
I must say that although I felt a sadness in finally letting go the hope to be able to start the hospice here.....I felt such a satisfaction and pleasure in bringing the much needed supplies to the clinics and hospital for them to us with all those in need. Interestingly, the sister at Mpinda asked when I could start helping as a nurse in her clinic.....and was so sad when she was told that I could not get the necessary papers to work in Angola but she understood.
So....I share this to thank again the ladies who gathered the supplies.....prayed with me about the possibility of a Hospice....and also to thank God for helping me to let go and move on and share what I have with the people here.
I first came to Soyo 18 months ago.....seems impossible.....actually seems much longer and I think that is because everything here is so normal for me now.
I came with dreams of starting a Hospice and have waited for these 18 months hoping that somehow I could use the supplies that I shipped out here from my Hospice agency in Concord, CA, Hospice of the East Bay. The nurses there were so willing to gather things that could be donated to help the needs of patients here who have so little. Finally it was time to give the items away to those who could use them and not hold on to the dream that was apparently not going to be possible. So last Thursday two other ladies, Kris and Cindy, helped me go through the boxes and divide the precious supplies to share with two maternity clinics and the Provincial Hospital. Surprisingly everything was still in great shape and usable. Then Friday we took 3 of the cars and loaded them up and delivered the supplies with no warning to the facilities that were to receive them. I have photos below of one of the clinics that we gave to. This was a Catholic maternity clinic that also has a pediatric clinic and space for adults as in patients. I must tell you that this place has a generator but the gasoline is so expensive that they don't use the electricity frequently at all.
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| medication tray |
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| incubator |
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| laboratory |
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| laboratory |
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| outpatient clinic |
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| Sister at Mpinda Clinic |
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| area for family to cook meals for inpatients |
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| Treatment area |
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| pharmacy that is surprising well stocked a few dollars at a time |
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| delivering supplies |
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| Just too cute!!! Had to include this |
So....I share this to thank again the ladies who gathered the supplies.....prayed with me about the possibility of a Hospice....and also to thank God for helping me to let go and move on and share what I have with the people here.
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