MissionDocs.org

God Has been working (warning, these messages don’t match up with the date)
God has been working! Before I came to Cameroon, some of my close friends knew that I was expecting the worst. I made myself believe that I was going to be living on my own and be the only American here. Also, have to wonder around the hospital because I didn’t speak French. I was also prepared to face the worst with communication with family back home. I don’t know if God provided because He thought I might not be able to handle it… even though I was ready, but it has been a miracle after miracle coming here to Cameroon. First, I don’t know how to shop at the market, let alone speak the local language to even know if the people are ripping me off! Yves, the administrator, and his wife, as well as kids, have made my stay here extremely comfortable. They took me into their home, and gave me meals for the first few nights. I also got to rest a lot when I came. I am having a good time trying to learn the language, although it is difficult now. There are people that work in the hospital that love learning English, and are happy to talk to me. I was with one nurse today, my first day on the job, and he literally explained everything step by step. I feel way more prepared than I thought I would be. I fainted today… now let me explain. I was in the hospital and I’m not sure what came over me but all of a sudden I couldn’t hear anything, my body turned boiling hot, and I got extremely dizzy. For a few seconds I tried to listen to the nurse explain things to me, but the next thing I know he is asking me what is wrong and I’m on the floor. I don’t think I fell because he caught me, but I definitely blacked out… it was so so embarrassing on my first day. The nurses explained that it is common for people from America to come to the hospital, and feel dizzy because of the smell of the patients. I didn’t think I was that weak, but I remembered I hadn’t eaten breakfast that morning, so I was already vulnerable. I’m glad nothing worse happened to me. I’m good! It was no big deal!:) It was pretty slow day, but I got to see a lumbar puncture which is where the doctor (in this case nurse?) takes a needle and stabs the patient in the back, retrieving clear liquid to test for sicknesses such as meningitis. I was also able to observe the pediatric hospital, which another woman, Elissa (no joke, but not sure if its spelled the same), was in charge of. The hospital staff called her Elissa1, and me Elissa2. They are a fun group of people to work with, I tell ya. At the end of the workday, which ends at 2 pm (pretty chill), I was asked to give an IV to a child. The pressure was on… and I took that opportunity to stay calm, remember to SAY YES TO EVERYTHING, and successfully gave my first IV (in Cameroon). It was epic! Everyone was looking at me, and when I finished, one of the nurses said, “She is so intelligent”. I don’t think he knew I had done it before in Haiti… I’m so happy to say that another American is close by to me. Oh my goodness how much of a blessing she is. Get this! She comes over to say hello, and I end up going to her house, she gives me cook books, French books, and taco seasoning, and also would be delighted to show me Koza, and the surrounding area. She is going to take me hiking! And the best part? She is here till December… We are going to be good buddies. She likes a lot of the same things I do. She is from New York! Wow… if you think it doesn’t get better, I have a housekeeper! His name is Isaiah and he cooks and cleans the house. Granted, I have to do my clothes and sweep my room, but he makes me a meal everyday. I think I have it better than America! I have been trying to talk to him in French, and we have had a few conversations, but of course his English is bad, and my French is probably worse? I have a full day tomorrow… hopefully I will get some rest tonight. Last night I didn’t sleep at all because of jetlag. I’m getting use to it though. Catilin is coming soon! For those starting school back at home, I miss you and wish I could be here and there at the same time! We will see each other soon! Until next time, au revoir.
Posted by Elissa

This is the third message sent from a Student Missionary currently in Koza Cameroon. I would always encourage any travelers overseas to have appropriate visa’s before travel. I hope you enjoy it.

Saturday, September 18, 2010
Finally home… for 9 months
I have finally made it.. After long hours in a plane, car, and all of the above. I don’t even know where to start. I had four transfers, plus a long car ride to get to Koza. I am finally here! When i was in the plane, i was witnessing to a man from Africa. He said he was Muslim. I showed him John 1:1 and John 3:16. After a little bit, he asked, in broken English, “this is your job?” I said… NO its just exciting to share the good news!” I got out of the plane from Washington DC not knowing what to do with myself because i no longer had ANY electronic devices or communication with America. I slept on the bench… The plane in Ethiopia broke down while we were about to leave…scary. They took us to another plane that was fine. I met other missionaries in that plane that, surprisingly, MBA played football against one guys school. It was amazing. They were from OREGON! haha. Well, we arrived in Chad, and i approached the bench with my passport…no visa. They told me I couldn’t come into the country. One of the people from the group that was going to Cameroon tried to bring me in as one of their daughters… that didn’t work. In my mind i was thinking, i’m all alone and i have no where to stay. God showed up at that time, and my driver came to talk to them. I got into the country. It was about 2 am and so He took me to a Catholic mission where i stayed the night… or napped for 1 1/2 hours. We woke up at 7, ate breakfast, and left for a 5 hour journey, or so i thought. On the way the Adema, the man that was driving me said… “Welcome to Africa, this is your home now”. It hit me, i was now apart of Africa, and all that it brought. I wrote in my journal almost every 10 minutes with interesting insights that i found. I saw a giraffe!!!! 🙂 It was in a nearby wildlife preserve, but you could see it from the road. My driver thought i was crazy when i said “PULL OVER!”. It was a great ride…but when i needed to go to the bathroom, it took me many tries to get that across to him. “bano, latrine, john, pot, pee pee, toilet!” oh.. toilet. So he stopped the car, and i went to the bathroom on the side of the road:) When we arrived in Maura, not Koza, I waited for Yves (administrator of the hospital) to pick me up. We stayed there for 6 hours!!! I met the president of the Adventist of northern cameroon… the one in the magazine (for my family’s knowledge) We then drove, after visiting the market, and talking to the pastors there, to Koza. I got here, and Yves told me we were home.. welcoming me over and over. I stepped out of the car and saw some people that were at the church right next door. I waved, and they freaked out!!! Yves turned around and said “what happened”… i said “i waved!” the children are SO EXCITED i’m here:) that night… i slept 17 hours… wow. thats how much sleep i haven’t gotten. Tomorrow i meet the hospital staff and Yves’ wife is going to take me to the market. God is faithful, God is good, and God is in control! Praise Him.
Posted by Elissa

www.missiondocs.org

Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Saying Goodbye…
Saying goodbye to my family was the hardest thing i have ever done… as my dad leaned over, gave me a kiss, and said “I will see you in 9 months sweetie”, it hit me. My whole life will turn upside down in the next 36 hours. I don’t know what to say… today was the first time i didn’t want to get on the plane, but also the time when i wanted to be in Cameroon in a second. I am praying to God and asking for him to protect me. Its all up to me now. I’m on my own. I am thankful that Caitlin will be arriving two weeks after i get to the hospital in Koza. It was so interesting. The other day, my dad was reading the World Adventist magazine (really don’t know the name of it), and he found an article from the conference president of northern Cameroon. He was talking alot about the Adventist school and the ADVENTIST HOPSITAL in Koza. It made me have a boost of confidence for some reason. Also.. i talk to the doctor that was there for 5 years. He told me that i would have an amazing experience, and that i didn’t have to be afraid. The director of the hospital told me how i’m going to be picked up, what the name of the person who was picking me up was, and all kinds of encouragement. God is good… and working too. I am about the board the flight from Portland to Denver Colorado. From Colorado I go to Wasington DC, then to Adis Adaba, and then Djemena or something. I am praying my heart out that God keeps me safe. I miss all of my family and friends, but i know God is calling me here. I will overcome! Jeremiah 1:19
Posted by Elissa

www.missiondocs.org

Hello Friends and Family,
I want to give an update on what I understand is happening at Koza and ask for your continued prayers. First of all, we continue to search for jobs for Audrey and I in the NW. We have had a number of options, and as of yet have not been able to finalize things. We are praying for God’s continued leading in our lives, that we know where He wants us to be. Our daughter is doing well in school and we look forward to seeing her more often.

I have talked to Yves Kemdje, the administrator of Koza Hospital and I hear the need for a physician still continues. Before we left we saw three cases of Cholera at the hospital, as the rainy season started. I hear that they have treated more than 220 cases of Cholera. They have had about 6 deaths, which is very good under the circumstances. The nurses continue to treat malaria, pneumonia, typhoid, meningitis, dysentery and other types of infectious disease. The hospital census continues to be 25-35 on average. When we went to Cameroon the hospital was 4-6 months behind on salaries because of the absence of a physician. Currently the hospital continues to be able to pay the salaries each month. But a physician is NECESSARY! If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering or working on a permanent basis in Koza, please talk to me, to Adventist Health International, or the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists.

There are two student missionaries in Koza this year. They are from universities in the US that have chosen to take a year out of schooling to serve overseas. One of them keeps up a blog about her thoughts, and feelings, and occurrences at the Koza Hospital. I will start forwarding these on to you all, so that you can know first hand what is happening there. I have included one below. Please pray for Koza and the continued need for a physician there. Sincerely, Greg Shank

Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Up and Down Feelings
In the last couple of days, i have received much word about the happenings in Cameroon as well as information about what to bring to protect myself from disease, mostly Malaria. The most recent news is that i’m going to get Malaria no matter what i try to do to protect myself… I will never be able to give blood if that happens (I’m really into that). Its been a crazy couple of days for me and my feelings. One moment i’m stoked, the next i’m terrified… I am afraid of the unknown, but excited for the experience. There is no doctor there, and recently i’ve been reading the doctors blogs. How am i going to survive? Is there going to be help? i can’t be a doctor! I had two very wonderful people come by my house yesterday with encouragement i don’t even think they know they gave me. The first woman that stopped by was Christie. I was busy for a little bit, but came over to sit down and talk to her for awhile. She had given my mom an envelope, and began to tell me that she collects antiques. For her birthday, she wanted to get this beautiful antique barbie that was made the year she was born. She decided that the money would be better used for my trip and wanted to help me with the money. I was shocked and stunned… $100. Praise God for humble people:) Juanne came by later in the day and i was astonished to see the things she blessed me with. She had come over and and brought medical books, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, blood pressure cuffs, and more! The book that answered my prayers was a book called “Where There is No Doctor a village health care handbook”. Just hours before she stopped by i was overwhelmed with the responsibility of being some kind of superhero. The only superhero is the Lord himself and no matter what happens, HE WILL PROVIDE. He has been amazing me with His faithfulness through people, providence, and words of comfort! “…If you have a deep personal faith in God you’ll be able to say to any mountain of difficulty, ‘Out of my way!’ and God will help move it. You can do anything for Him when your faith is in Him” Matt 17:20
Posted by Elissa