Life and Death

In America we don't see death very often. It's something we don't have to deal with everyday. Our culture shields us as much as possible from it. We have modern medicine which helps. Many people end up in nursing homes. It's a topic uncomfortable for many. However, in Sudan it is very different. Death happens so often.

Since I'm not in the clinic daily, I have been hearing many sad stories from those that are there. Two days ago, we were about to eat dinner when we were notified of a woman giving birth to twins. One had been delivered and the other had not. Sabet rushed there with Sheena, Kristi and Kristina. When they got there, the second baby was born, but unfortunately he had already died. We don't know why, but it could have been something simple we could have helped with if she had come to the clinic. No one knows for sure.

Yesterday, a woman came to the clinic with complaints of abdominal pain and then had a miscarriage right in front of Kristi and Sheena. The baby was only five months along, so although it was born alive, there was nothing they could do to save it. Sheena said it was heartbreaking to see the mom reach down and stroke her tiny baby's head.

A couple weeks ago, a 10 year old girl was brought in unconscious. Her parents waited too long to seek treatment and the girl died in Sheena's arms. Stories like this are so common. It's really tough to see and hear about.

Fortunately, we also get to experience a lot of joy. People receive free treatment and are healed from their afflictions. Moms come in to deliver their babies and we there to make sure they are safe and the babies are healthy. Last night I heard my favorite story to date. After dinner, we we just about to start Fireproof (it was movie night) when we were notified a mom was here and she was in labor. Sheena, Kristi and Kristina went to help her out. Around 11:30 I went over to see what was happening and they were still there with the mom waiting for her water to break. Sheena and Kristina were walking her around. I hung out for a bit and went to bed. Around 1:30am, the girls came back to the room and announced a healthy baby girl had arrived. They filled me in on what happened.

Around 12:45, Sheena and Kristina was walking the mom around outside. John-Paul (the doctor) was in the dining room getting coffee. All of a sudden, woosh... her water breaks. Sheena was thinking we have to get her back to the clinic soon. Since this was her 5th child, the baby would come quickly. Before they could go to the clinic, the lady squatted and Sheena said "no chol!" (Don't push!). Well, the lady pushed and Sheena and Kristina (without gloves) caught the baby. They yelled for Kristi and John-Paul and Kristi came flying out with an armful of supplies. Then they realized John-Paul was not in the clinic. So, they cut the cord, delivered the placenta and made sure the mom and baby were ok. They helped the mom and baby into the clinic and then John-Paul came back, surprised to see the baby had arrived.

This morning we saw the mom leave and she was so happy. The baby was so cute and was doing really well. Sudanese babies are the cutest!

It has been hard dealing with so much tragedy. The happy situations are what give us hope. Please pray for the people here. Their life is so harsh.