First Impressions

We are deeply touched by the generosity of spirit that we have experienced from all of those here.  The hospital and palliative care staff continually express their gratitude for the support of Gilchrist Hospice Care.  Nkoaranga Lutheran Hospital administrator Jeremiah expressed his feelings about our partnership early this morning when he said to us,"Your help for us and for these people shows how human beings can care for one another even from long distance away.  You are really really helpful for these people.  It is essential and shows how God can join us together."  The evening of our arrival Dr. Julius Mollel, one of the only hospital physicians, said this, "We know that God made you our partner when our original funding ran out."  We (your mission team from Gilchrist) are seeing first hand just what these staff here are explaining.  This is clearly a partnership born out of and sustained by a love for God's people.  The need here is great and the work and the support of it are essential.  Don

Today we visited Nkoaranga Lutheran Hospital where we were again graciously received by Dr. Julius and the palliative care team. We met with Jeremiah, the hospital administrator, a man with a huge heart for caring for his people.  As we toured the hospital with him he stopped to greet hospital workers and patients by name.  We met with Mama Swai, Devotha and Tumaini to learn of the needs of the Palliative Care Program.  We learned that in addition to providing end of life care for those who are dying and their families, they are responsible for the Orphans and Vulnerable Children Program.  We learned that education is not free in Tanzania and that the poor and very poor cannot afford the school fees.  This team provides education fees, nutrition, and a mattress and blanket for some of the poorest children.  They are only able to provide this for one child in a family regardless of how many children are in the family.  Funds are severely limited and the need is great. It costs about $107.00 U.S to send a child to primary school for a year and $200.00 for a year of secondary education. Such a small amount to us, such an impossible amount for many of the poor families in Tanzania.        Karen

Volunteer Palliative Care Team

From the moment we were met at the airport the warmth, generosity and love surrounded us. To listen to the team speak of their patients and the care they provide with limited resources is remarkable beyond words.  One of the many blessings on Monday was meeting the group of volunteers who as Jeremiah stated so beautifully are the "eyes for the palliative care team."  36 men and women travel monthly (many taking 2 buses to get to the hospital) to give report about the patients they serve in their villages.  Their bright smiles and caring support to those they serve filled the room as each of us introduced ourselves and explained our roles at Gilchrist.  These volunteers are elected by their community as they are seen as the key leaders of the village they live in.  As I was told, "they are the trusted leaders."  When asked why they do this work the answer was universal,  they feel it is an honor and privilege to care for people, and they are working for God.  There compassion clearly comes from the heart.  As we left these beautiful volunteers hugs, kisses and thank you's were exchanged by all.   Debbie

Esther

 In addition to meeting many new friends today,  we were able to peek in on Esther, born 4/04/2010, an orphan the first  GHC team fell in love with on their visit.  We took the picture above of her sleeping.

Clearly our first day has been a day of many moving moments shared with new friends.  As Debbie, Karen, Don and I sat together tonight for dinner, we were each overwhelmed in gratitude for this extraordinary experience. We are challenged by this opportunity and recognize our responsibility to respond  to this partnership as Administrator Jeremiah stated, "Your help for us and for these people shows how human beings can care for one another even from long distance away."  Although you are a "long distance away" from us tonight, our hearts are full with thoughts of you and how we can continue this incredible partnership.  Marilyn