Hospital

I knew that working in the hospital would be difficult, but there was no way to prepare for what I would experience: illness, death, pain, sorrow, smells, lack of resources.

The illnesses most common in the children were pneumonia, malaria and measles. We treated our patients with minimal interventions: medications, IV therapy, blood transfusions and oxygen.
Really what mattered most to the patients was to be seen and heard and loved.

I witnessed organized chaos on a daily basis, and didn’t always feel particularly useful. But I know that sometimes even just a smile would brighten a child’s day. Or a mother would appreciate when I would stop and talk to her and her baby, just to see how they were doing. Even in the midst of pain and suffering, I still felt love and joy from the families in the hospital.

There is still so much to process, and I know God will continue to teach me through this experience. I know forever in my heart I will remember the people and the hospital and be reminded of the things that break God’s heart and the immense love He has for His people.