QUEST 2009 Day Two

Don't worry; I'm not going to take you through all the days! It's just that the blog only allows me to post so few pictures each time, and I have so many that I want to share. Every day at Quest centered around a different element of the spiritual disciplines and problem solving. Day Two's theme was "Personality and Teams: Celebrating our Diversity". We had all taken the Myers-Briggs Personality Test before coming, and days Two and Three would center on those results. On this day we explored our different personality types from the 4 characteristics and then moved right into what they bring to a team--some good and some not so good things. We were given tasks to work out with mixed teams and then with teams who had each had the same dominant personality characteric. Working with fellow "feelers" or fellow "thinkers" was so much easier than the diversified teams, but couldn't give near the complete balance a mixed team could. It was a day full of much laughter as we looked at ourselves and each other in a new way and realized just how creative our God is!
Day Three was centered on overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of Teams, still working from our Myers-Briggs test results. Day Four took us in seemingly another direction altogether as we learned how to journal our life story, but since all the themes of this QUEST were helping us learn who we were as individuals and how we work with others it dovetailed right in with the rest of the days. CAM will change it's structure April 1st from hierarchical to team and QUEST was built around helping the missionaries work through the change. Please pray for CAM as the change process.

QUEST 2009 Day One

QUEST 2009 has come and gone already. There was so much preparation and rush up until the day it began, and now it's over so quickly. God was there and He really blessed the event. This time we had one of our smaller groups, but it did not affect the quality at all. Day One we worked on the True Meaning of Community. Remember this is interactive learning and Jon Edwards the facilitator of the day's study put us all right to work. After an introduction and some basics we were divided into 2 small groups and instructed to form our group into a community and to function as a a community. Easier said than done with such diversity! Each group was made up of men and women from the different fields of CAM. We had no trouble with step one: Pseudo community in which the group avoids conflict and is extremely pleasant to each other-just a time of chatter and laughter. We felt pretty good about our time and broke for lunch. After lunch, each group had to come back together and move on to step two "Chaos". This is the step where everyone tries to make everyone else normal and to convert each other to their point of view or heal them. Definitely not as much fun as step one! We obviously did not have time to move to step three "Emptiness" or the fourth stage, "Community". At the end of the day, we all agreed there is much work to do in our lives, our ministries and our organization to grow our communities.

A Short Tale of 2 Co-workers

I am always amazed at the generosity of people. One of my co-workers recently spent two weeks in the hospital. Because of all the illnesses that led up to the hospitalization, she had used up all her PTO (sick and vacation) days. When she returned to work this week, she was in such a worried state because she was going to miss one entire paycheck and she was already under heavy financial stress. My other co-worker called our main office to find out if she could gift her the PTO hours she had earned and they said yes. Thus one co-worker gifted the other two weeks of PTO hours and now the other will not go without a paycheck. Isn't that a generous thing? It gave me pause to ask myself if I would have done the same thing? (I just started here and I haven't earned any PTO yet, so I didn't have any to offer).

Ghana Update

I know that my first email was heart wrenching and sad. I wrote it trying to mirror life, death, and the medical care available in third world countries in general and Ghana inparticular. And remember, this is an oasis of health care in a very underserved area of the world. Working here would drive one crazy if one did not focus on successes rather than what could have been done in the States.

Just a quick update on the medical problems that we see here. I have seen two cases of tetanus. Unfortunately, both died. However, it gives impetus to the need for immunization even at home. It is easy to become complacent about getting our "shots." Even adults need the tetanus immunization.

We have now had three cases of bowel perforation from typhoid. I had never even heard of such a complication from typhoid. All three underwent surgery and survived. If BMC were not here, all three would have died from peritonitis.

Two more teenagers had retroperitoneal abscesses. Again, both did well and would have died otherwise.

Right now, a four year old boy is in surgery for a ruptured spleen. Of course it was diagnosed at laparotomy (no CT available).

We have had five or six cases of meningococcal meningitis. All but one survived.

Dr. Faile repairs about eight to ten hernias a week. Yesterday, we had one that was incarcerated and strangulated--a certain death sentence without surgery.

Currently, there is a Dutch urologist here. He has done many surgeries. His main goal here is to repair vesico-vaginal fistulas (bladder leaking into the vagina). He has done several this week already. He has made the lives of these women so much better. If BMC were not here, they would continue to be shunned.

Everyday, children are admitted with malaria, anemia, and dehydration. Almost everyday, one dies. However, many more survive because they received IV or oral fluids, antimalarial drugs, and supportive treatment.

There has been a c-section almost every day since I have been here. They are mostly for prolonged labor at home. There is no such thing as fetal distress since fetal monitors are not widely used. To my knowledge, all have survived except ones including a set of triplets and a set of twins.

Many more people receive treatment giving comfort and relief for less severe problems in the clinics. Much suffering has been relieved here.

I hope that the above sheds some light on the successes of BMC. No, everything cannot be done here. In fact, a lot of things cannot be done. X-rays are of poor quality. Certainly, there is no CT scanner or MRI. Sonogram is pretty good done by the three MD's who work here permanently. Lab consists of hematocrit, malaria test, urinalysis, and stool test. Blood is transfused directly from donor to patient after undergoing HIV and hepatitis screening. Surgical capabilities are limited to a general surgeon. There are no codes, ICU's, specialty hospitals, etc.

There are many things that you can pray for.

Praise God for the physicians and their families, the pharmacist, the Ghanaian employees of the hospital (nurses, translators, lab techs, pharmacy personnel, clinic personnel, maintenance people, custodians, guards, drivers, and many more).

Thank him for the many volunteers who come here each year. Ask him to send experienced volunteers in many areas of medicine. Ask for wisdom and clinical discernment as everyone here cares for patients with minimal information.

Thank God for those who had the foresight to found this facility. Ask God to send physicians and a surgeon in particular to staff BMC on a permanent basis. Pray for the patients here that they will hear the Word and answer the call of the Holy Spirit. Thank Him for all who have received salvation!

I will be leaving in sixty hours. Ask God that I have a safe trip home and a joyful renewal with my family. I thank each of you for your prayers while I have been away.

Jim Howard

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a secondary celebration at our house. It's Keegan's birthday and that takes precedence over St. Valentine in my opinion. This year was no different and we invited family over to join in the celebration. As usual, Keegan has to be different :-) and doesn't want birthday cake but pies. This year Bethany surprised him and made him his two favorite pies from scratch, chocolate and creamy lemon meringue.


Ummm, they were delicious! Naturally the birthday boy gets to pick the meal, and we grilled out thick juicy pork chops with black beans, steamed sweet and white potatoes, and fruit salads on the side. After sating our appetites we circled the TV and watched Christian comedians, laughing until the tears flowed. It was a fun evening with family, one of our favorite times. In two weeks we will celebrate Erin's birthday and we get to do it all over again, except of course, she gets to choose everything.

Please Pray

The following is a recent letter from my brother in law, a doctor, who is serving a month in Ghana, Africa helping out in a local hospital there. Please pray for him and for those who serve there.

Family and Friends,

It is much harder being here emotionally than I had imagined, even with my years of medical experience and trips to Ghana.This hospital is the "tertiary" care center for all of northern Ghana. Things work here. Medications are available here. Surgery is available here. Doctors are available here. The people and the equipment work. Yet, there are many things that we do not have. We do not have an ICU, ventilators or even oxygen. We do not have IVs at a constant rate--only slow, moderate or good rate. We do not have chemistry panels or even potassium levels for patients in ketoacidosis. There is no CT and only minimal xray. There are no code blues or even emergencies. This is the burn center, pediatric hospital, obstetric hospital, trauma hospital, cancer hospital, and any other kind of fancy whatever you can think of. There are three very dedicated men who are the physicians supported by equally dedicated wives. Two have children growing up here. Please, pray for all of these wonderful Christian men, women, and children as they dedicate their lives to His service. To date, we have had three pediatric deaths and at least that many adult deaths. They die from cancer and meningitis, liver disease and unknown causes since diagnostic capabilities are so limited. This kids have died from malnutrition, severe burns, and malaria anemia. The last one died as she was brought into my office today. I had written the admission orders and was preparing for transfusion (direct from family since there is no blood bank). She was bradycardic when I listened to here and her tiny heart stopped as I was doing the paperwork. I have a child in diabetic ketoacidosis right now. I cannot have a constant IV rate, an insulin drip, or even regular blood sugar levels or potassium levels. There is only one bottle of regular insulin available for entire complex. I tell you all of this, not to depress you, but to make you aware of life here.BUT, if this hospital were not here, many more would die. There have been two children with perforated bowel from typhoid and one with an intra-abdominal abscess who certainly would have died if they had not had surgery. I focus on what we CAN do, not on what we cannot do. We have had at least a dozen snake bites who have received antivenin. I doubt if they would have died but they would have suffered loss of function of their hand or foot. Baptist Medical Center is a true oasis in the desert of need. Pray for the future of BMC as it prepares to undergo transition over the coming years. Pray that a surgeon will be raised up to replace George Faile. May God bless each of you this night and always.

Jim Howard

Long Overdue and Late

Wow, has it really been nearly two months since I posted last? There is nothing to say except I let the time slip away each day without sitting down to write. Let me give the briefest summary. Holly, Greg and family came for Christmas and we had a wonderful family time. The children are all growing up so fast; in fact, we celebrated Connor's 5th birthday while they were here. Bryce and Erin gave us a special gift on Christmas day-- announcing they would be having a little Williamson in August. After Christmas, I began working full time in my new job at Accolade Home Health. I love it and I am so glad I made the change! Then the upper respiratory illness knocked me down for nearly two weeks before passing on to Bethany. At least it wasn't the ugly flu that is so prevalent here right now. Keegan finally got his official letter of completion for his doctorate in late January--Hooray, hooray! How's that for brief?! Let me show you a few pictures, and then I hope to be back at this regularly.Christmas Morning

Everyone had to get some outside in the warmer weather, even Alyssa loved it.

The "Twinks" were too busy playing and, yes, eating the dirt to pose for a picture. In fact, they were very, very busy the entire time they were here. They love to double team anyone willing to take them on! I don't know how Holly keeps up with them on a daily basis.


If anyone is interested in Fritz, he has made a full recovery and is absolutely beautiful. He is as goofy as they come and thinks he's a lap dog, but he made his greatest inroad into the family with how he let the Twinks love on him in their usual rough and tough fashion.

Natchitoches

This last weekend we went to Bossier City, LA to spend time with Bethany's husband Phillip and his parents. Bryce, Erin and her brother joined us on Saturday and we all went down to Natchitoches for the Christmas Light Festival and fireworks display. This is our second time to do this and we hope to make it a tradition. Natchitoches is the little town on the Cane River in which the movie Steel Magnolias was filmed.

What a delightful time we had with friends and family! This little town has the most incredible fireworks display and delicious hot meat pies to enjoy while watching the show. Live jazz Christmas music played from the bandstand and people strolled Main St. and shopped in the festive shops.

Phillip and Bethany

Tony and Pat Scott, Phillip's parents are wonderful hosts and we count it a blessing to not only be in-laws but friends.

Bryce and Erin wrapped up against the cold night air.

Phillip, Stewart (Phillip's long time friend and college roommate), Bryce, Bethany, Erin, and Daniel (Erin's brother).
Next week Holly, Greg and the gang will be here to celebrate Christmas with us. We are all so excited that we can be together one more year. Look for more pictures soon.

Catching Up

Yes, it's been a while. November was one big rush! I was out of town 4 out of 5 weekends and started a new job. Let me see if I can catch you up to date briefly.
I had hoped to give to really send more pictures from the Smokies, but we didn't have Internet service. The trip was wonderful and such a blessing for us all. Keegan's dad was able to take 3 hikes with us, even one four mile hike! Unbelievable when you realize he's 91 and had a stroke two weeks before the trip!


In mid November I went to a Women of Faith Conference in Oklahoma City with friends and had a wonderful time on a sisterhood weekend. The trip and the conference were a gift to me, and it was such a wonderful thing to receive. It's been a long time since I had a weekend slumber party, and this one was in a wonderful hotel and was centered on Christ!
We had a wonderful, but quiet Thanksgiving with Keegan's sister Pat and her family. All of our children were out and about with other family. Holly and Greg did come to town and we got to see them the night before we left for the field conference in Mexico. We can't wait to see them in December for Christmas!
Keegan and I flew to Mexico the day after Thanksgiving for the missionary conference held in Fortin de las Flores. It was a wonderful time of fellowship with old friends and new ones. The worship was strong and the teaching great. I have to say the food was also a highlight and I didn't miss a meal! Keegan and I sure drug our feet getting back on that plane to come home, but we knew God is still asking us to remain here in Dallas. What a blessing that we were able to go and we are thankful for all the wonderful folks serving God in Mexico.

I am also starting a new job this month. I was 3 years at the last one, but now God has given me a new opportunity. Once again I must be childlike and learn everything new again. Sometimes I grow weary of starting over, but I also find myself eager to learn new things that will broaden my abilities. When I was young and just beginning my nursing career, I had it all planned out to specialize in one area, but I forgot to check with God on His plan for my career. He has led my career on a journey so broad and so full of learning new roles and jobs that my little puny plans could never have included. I have had to stretch and grow and become more flexible than I ever thought possible. Each time I have begun a new change in field with fear and trepidation, and each time I have left incredibly enriched and deeper in understanding. I loved what I was doing at my last job and I know it has helped prepare me for this new one. I am so glad God's plan took precedence over my own.
This grew longer than I thought, but I wanted to catch you up. Hopefully I will be more consistent in writing here again. Thank you all for your prayers and for just keeping up with us.

Not in Texas

Keegan and I used our airmile awards and flew to Knoxville today. We will be meeting Keegan's dad, his sister Candy, and her husband Bill to spend the week in the Smoky Mountains at their time share condominium outside of Gatlinburg. What a miracle that Everett (Keegan's dad) is still able to make this trip that was planned since last spring! Remember he had a stroke only 2 weeks ago and because he has had such a miraculous recovery the doctors said he could still make this trip. There is still one more miracle to occur in his life, and many are your praying for it for him. We are all praying this will be a week of opportunities to talk to him about eternity. Please keep him in your prayers.
In December 36 years ago, Keegan and I came to Gatlinburg to celebrate our honeymoon, and we still love each other and Gatlinburg! Today we drove straight to the Park and hiked to Grotto Falls. Here's what we saw. Enjoy, especially if you live in Texas and don't get to see such sights as these.

Oops, I guess you can see the above sight in Texas:-)

Now this is what I am talking about!

Look for more pictures to come as we continue to check out the fall color here. We're a little late for the peak season, but it's still good to someone who has spent a lot of years in either West Texas and in Mexico City.