A smaller team than usual, the February 2015 team was charged with several large tasks. The medical team treated 1,300 patients during camp, including nearly 100 breathing treatments and the dispensing of nearly 3,000 prescriptions. The dentist saw about 200 patients, completed many fillings and bonding, and reduced the number of extractions to about 250. Additionally, for the first time, two pairs of dentures were made. Also for the first time, we were able to perform minor procedures and run I.V.s during the camp.
The construction crew was tasked with completing the new building in time for the dedication ceremony. The exterior walls and framing were mostly complete when we arrived, and the group had to completely finish the interior walls, build and place all cabinets, sinks, windows, and light fixtures, paint the exterior and the interior, and install the floors. The vast majority of the work was completed in time, and only some final touches were left to be completed within the few weeks following the team’s departure.
The camps have typically run Monday through Saturday, then Monday through Tuesday or Wednesday. This year, on the second Monday of camp, we were joined by a special group. Kathy Benjamin led a team to Kenya over the same time as our team so that her group could attend the dedication of the clinic; that group also came to observe the camp at the church on Monday. Most were put to work doing a variety of support tasks, and all were encouraging and supportive of the work. It is always refreshing when people are able to come and see the needs and the extent of the work for themselves. We were thankful for the opportunity to share with this special group all that we really do.
The inspectors from the Ministry of Health came during our medical camp, both to observe and inspect the camp process and to do the initial inspection of the new building. They made recommendations for changes they wanted to see in the new building (such as the addition of two sinks in two other rooms and tile flooring instead of concrete). They also admitted that they are thankful for the clinic, as they had not previously been able to find a way to serve this population due to the remoteness of the area.
Additional equipment will still need to be purchased and installed, including the generator, refrigerators, interior furniture, exterior latrines, a fence and gate, and an electric post and meter. We are trusting God will provide for these items soon so that the clinic can officially open.
