Isaac is the Malian nurse that works with me doing anesthesia for our OR cases. He has been a nurse for over 15 years and used to work at a clinic in a small village. Because of this background, the guy can do a little bit of everything. He does anesthesia, occasionally does prenatal consults, schmoozes the local government hospital and governmental officials to keep us in their good graces, and I’ve seen him deliver a baby on the OR table. He loves to joke and laugh, but seriously loves the Lord. Before every case (right before we put people out), he bends over the patient and prays for them and asks the Lord to guide the surgical team as we work on the patient.
He has three kids, that all seem to be afraid of white people. (I’m working on getting them over it…) Currently, he keeps his days busy by being employed full-time at the hospital, going to school to attain the next level of nursing degree (for lack of better word—the system here is different), and being the coordinator for the youth program, which is the group that works with all young people (teens to 35…haha) in the churches here in Koutiala.
My favorite Isaac quote: “In the village of the blind, even the one-eyed man can be king.”
Looks like Stacie chose the color of your face mask ;-) Purple and all that, eh!
ReplyDeleteWhen the kids are not afraid of you, then you can post pixs of you with them. Do the kids [any] let the "white guy" play soccer [what is their term for it - Francais or English] or just others in the missions group?
nice to see what's what for you!!
today [i haven't gone to bed yet so still saturday for me even tho' its after 1:30am on sunday] was Alyssa Heffield's grad. She was lovely as ever - bubbly and SO excited; esp about the future. She was the 4th grad to speak, but the first to get choked up when speaking and "made" the congregation cry along with her. Steve/I were sitting at a angle to Scott and he was barely keeping it together. She was so gracious in her comments [family members/best friend, Natalie].. AND she looked fabulous!! You probably aren't seeing any gals in 4" heels these days!
Later today will be Communion Sunday - the 2nd one since you left [strange how some of us count?]. Missing you and your grin - and hearing you pray, too.
God protect you and grant you wisdom beyond your language and understanding. Hugs! ~ann
Hi from Steve, too!