Stress??

"No, I'm not stressed. My eyes are always this wide open. This look of frazzelment is my normal style." Yep that's how I feel these days. I am so glad to have Cristy back home - friend, co-worker, counselor, encourager, and general good advice giver - we make a pretty good pair. :) She had a good time at home with family events (sister's wedding) and a trip to Portland to the Maranatha Convention. She also promptly fell in LOVE with Powell's Books (and who wouldn't?). I think the Northwest has a new appeal to her now.

Over the past week I've been preparing for an Executive Board meeting for the four AHI institutions. Thankfully the Executive Secretary of the Union has been organizing the people but I've had to organize the agenda items for Malamulo and review some for the other facilities. I found out today I have to attend all 4 separate meetings over the next two days. UGH!!

Just a week ago the shipment from Loma Linda arrived. 40' of equipment and supplies for Malamulo Hospital, Blantyre Hospital, the college and YES some Big Franks for me! That made my day! All week we've been rummaging through the boxes to find the things they've sent and get them into use as soon as possible. Some of the things are for the new ICU that is under construction at BAH. This is a container of promised supplies and equipment that we've waited for about 1.5 years for! I guess miracles still happen!

Wednesday three gentlemen who work in the IT department at Loma Linda University are arriving to set up a 20 computer lab for Malamulo College and a computer network for the hospital. We will potentially have a computer at each ward for patient billing that will be on a software that incorporates inventory. They are also bringing time clock machines (that use fingerprints) to keep electronic records of time and attendance. All of the above items are SHOCKING the system of the employees of the hospital. I think we need to back-pedal and first teach people how to USE  computer!!

Next week Dr. Hayton and family arrive. Before he arrives we have to repair some things in the kitchen of his house and make sure there is enough furniture for their needs until their contianer arrives. About 3 weeks after that Randy & Nicole and family arrive. In between we have to find housing for two single guys. We are in the process of renovating the guest house to add two more rooms out of unused space - hope to be done in about a month.

Before the end of the year we expect three more single volunteers (we have two so far). We are SO THANKFUL for the volunteers - but are struggling for houses. The big plan is to raise money to build some small houses and duplexes but until that money is raised... we are stuck!

So yea - I'm not really stressed - just wide awake. On the way to work this morning my friend said something this morning about me going off to "run a hospital", I said "no, I'm just going to check my email". that's really how it is - one issue/day at a time. So in order to manage them I must head to bed.

Thanks for the prayers for sanity - they are needed more than ever these days!

Malawi Medical Missions

Ryan and Sharlene Hayton are arriving at Malamulo September 29 and will be the new surgeon here at the hospital. They have set up a 501(c)3 and website with information on their work here. Follow along at http://www.malawimedicalmissions.org/

We have something close to "fruit basket upset" here at Malamulo with people coming and going.We are thankful though for the blessing of people willing to serve and make a difference! Keep checking back for more updates!

This week I am headed to Bloemfontein, South Africa for meetings with the General Conference and the World Health Organization. Part of their global health initiatives is related to maternal mortality rates (MMR). Malawi has one of the highest MMR in the world so there is potential for the WHO to partner with a teaching organization in Malawi. Please pray for the meetings and for guidance as to how and where this potential partnership could go. This is a huge opportunity for the SDA church as the WHO has never partnered with a faith based organization.