First Week

We are already getting (somewhat) acclimated to Africa 😏. Today is cool, only in the low 90’s and overcast.

We arrived in Lomé Saturday afternoon then it took about 3 hours to get to the hospital compound near Adeta. We were tested for COVID at the airport and underwent quarantine here at the Guesthouse. It was sort of like being in a hotel room with room service…well, sort of. We have fans and a refrigerator and if we get too uncomfortable there is a small air conditioner we can run by the hour. But we couldn’t go to the pool or even leave our room. But the results came back negative on Monday afternoon then we got to work.

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Jim installing light fixtures in the cuisine cooking area

New cuisine cooking areas

Cuisines are places for families of inpatients to stay and cook meals for themselves and the patient. In the old cuisines the cooking, over an open fire, was done in the living areas.

Each day at the hospital we begin with devotions, all in French, and prayer. Then we see the inpatients and discuss plans. Then there is outpatient clinic from 10 to noon and 2 till 5. After that I return to the hospital and see the inpatients again. We are usually done about 5:30.

Supper is at 6 then we usually have the evenings free.

I’m on call today which means I went in for rounds this morning at the hospital. The 2 PA’s on call stay at the hospital and manage most problems. so I don’t get called very often. About the only downside to being on call on the weekend is I can’t go to the pool :~[

Sunday we go to one of the churches the mission has planted in the area and have an evening service at the guesthouse. Wednesday evening we have a testimony/prayer meeting.

Thank you for your prayers! Please continue to pray that we have strength for the work, boldness to share the gospel and to understand, and speak, more French.