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September Update

Posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Hello again! Greetings from West Africa, land of friendly faces, beautiful landscapes, and the most recent outbreak of Ebola. As I’m sure most of you have heard, it doesn’t look like the outbreak is slowing down at all and claiming more lives every day. However, it seems to be moving more to the south than to the north. Gambia is north of the affected area so I want to let you all know that I am very safe from Ebola at the moment. While I don’t make light of the situation, there are many other diseases and viruses that I have a much higher risk of getting than Ebola. Just last month I thought I had malaria because I felt so sick one day. Don’t worry, I was negative but it’s easier to catch malaria than Ebola and more people have died from malaria throughout history than have died from Ebola. I still desire your prayers but I want to assure you to not worry about me in that way when you watch the news reports on tv.

In the past few weeks, the clinic I work at has been involved in a lot of preparations and education regarding the chance of Ebola making its way to Gambia. We are encouraging proper hand washing and disinfecting because this is the single most effective way to stop the transmission of Ebola. Washing your hands well and frequently kills the Ebola virus that may be on your hands. If you come into contact with someone suspected of having Ebola, washing your clothes in strong detergent and allowing them to dry in the sun also kills Ebola. Right now, Ebola is not a super-bug that is resistant, it is very “fragile” and easily killed before it has time to infect its host. The reason it is out of control in the affected countries is because the healthcare infrastructure in West Africa is not equipped to put patients in proper isolation and when they do, it scares potential patients from reporting their symptoms. There are also lots of rumors going around that also spread fear and distrust among the people. Pray for wisdom for the doctors and healthcare workers that are currently dealing with the outbreak. Pray also that God will have mercy on the countries and allow Ebola to stop spreading.

So, apart from the discussions and fear regarding Ebola, things are very well in Sibanor and Gambia. Tobaski, the feast of sacrifice, is this weekend and everyone is busy preparing for that. The roads, markets, and urban areas are crammed with people buying food and new clothes to take home to their families in the rural areas. I enjoy seeing the activity on the sides of the road from the security of the car more than being right in the thick of it. I look forward to visiting friends in the village around this time. Last year, I had just arrived and was not invited to share with anyone but this year I almost have too many invitations! It truly is a blessing to live in a small community for longer than a few months. You get to settle into life and learn about the big celebrations in the culture the first year, then partake in everything the next year. It’s really a good deal! Haha 

Two weeks ago I was blessed with the opportunity to travel more upcountry to an even more rural area where my Sending Organization runs a nutrition center and herbal garden project. It was a spur of the moment decision to join one of our doctors on her monthly trek to that area. The drive was long but beautiful and the people were so welcoming! The only downfall was that I didn’t speak a word of the language of that particular tribe! They would greet me and I would have no idea what they said or how to reply! I would love to visit the area again but first I have to learn a bit of their language! Last month, a huge baobab tree fell on the nutrition center and seriously damaged half of the building. The doctor’s office and store room had to be moved and the roof patched over the ward and the kitchen so that patients could still be served while the building is repaired. Unicef, a division of the World Health Organization, has offered to help us rebuild the center. Pray that they will help finance the repair or rebuilding of a more efficient, cooler building.

September also marked my 12th month here in Gambia. On one hand it feels like I’ve been here longer, on the other it feels like I just arrived and still have so much to learn and see. It also feels like I’ve been away from home for a very, very long time. I have tried to do some reflection on my year here and there are hardly words to describe what an incredible experience it has been so far. There have been times lower than low and moments of joy and laughter. I’ve learned how to pray in new ways and depend on God no matter the outcome. I’ve learned how to communicate and live in harmony with a team from more than 5 different countries and always different backgrounds. I’ve learned to appreciate God’s creativity in making many languages and different people. I’ve learned to just take a breath and not get in a hurry about anything, even emergencies. When you get in a hurry and over-excited, you’re more likely to do something stupid. That’s a lesson I’ve had to learn a time or two. I’ve learned that I have limits that I should abide by and cut myself some slack when life feels like too much. Overall, I’ve learned that God’s grace is always sufficient and His mercies are never ending. I’m so glad I stepped out in faith and followed God’s plan and not my own. 

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, thank you all so much for your love, prayers and support for me on this journey. I hope you feel a part of this because, in my mind, you are. I would not be here without a strong support system at home and I am so blessed to have you all.  

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19

Much Love in Christ,

Bekah

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