~Brandi Eaton
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
home at last
~Brandi Eaton
Saturday, May 14, 2011
National Geographic in Real Life
Hi everyone! This is Elise and Amanda R. Thank you again for following our blog! We are so thankful for all of you and feel so blessed to have you praying for us as well as the people here in Badplaas.
Today started bright and early for our team as we left Prayer Mountain at 4:00 AM for our safari at Kruger National Park. All in all, it was a beautiful day of rest and an opportunity to bask in God's creation as we ventured around the park to see impala, giraffes, lions, kudu, hippos, elephants, leopards, and many other amazing animals. We rode in open vehicles around the reserve and were within feet of some of the animals, even lions who had just finished a hunt hours before. I know there are some great pictures that we can't wait to share when we get home!
We wanted to share with everyone a patient that we saw together yesterday. More importantly, we would like all of you to lift her up in your prayers. She was a young woman in her 20s, 5 months pregnant, and verified to us that she is HIV positive. She had been experiencing abdominal pain and bleeding for the past month. Very concerned, we consulted with Jamie, who works in OB at home. Everything looked OK on physical exam as far as we could see, but we were very limited without more advanced equipment. Using the doppler, we were able to find the baby's heartbeat and were relieved to find that it was strong. It was so exciting to hear, but the woman didn't seem phased even after we told her that the baby was OK. Her overall demeanor was completely flat. We had been warned that we may encounter women like this, but it still hit us hard. Worried that maybe she didn't want the baby, we asked if she had tried to get rid of it. At first, she said yes. Our hearts sunk. After some digging, she changed her story. With the language barrier, it's difficult to tell if things were translated properly. Regardless, we tried to explain to her that her situation was very concerning but unfortunately we did not have the proper equipment to examine her. We encouraged her to get to a hospital as soon as possible because her baby's life as well as her own life might be in danger. Quickly, she became very angry with us, telling us we were selfish with our medication. She wanted nothing more to do with us, refused to allow us to pray with her, and tried to leave the clinic. We were each praying for guidance at this point even as we spoke with her. We tried redirecting the situation by providing her with some vitamins from the pharmacy. We again stressed the importance of getting to a hospital, gave her the vitamins, and she agreed to let us pray with her. The Lord worked so powerfully in this situation, and He was able soften her heart enough to let us pray with her. We lifted her up in prayer, knowing this situation was completely out of our hands, and trusting that God was in control.
This young lady's name is Thandi. We spoke with Beth, our local Emoyeni contact, about the situation. She explained that while it might be difficult, it was far from impossible for Thandi to access the hospital. If she can get to the hospital, care is free.
Please lift Thandi and her baby up to the Lord in prayer. Pray that God continues to soften her heart and that she is able to feel His awesome presence. Pray that she is able to make it to the hospital and that her medical condition is not life threatening to either her or her baby. Please also remember that she is HIV positive, that she still has 4 months left in her pregnancy, and that HIV patients require special care throughout the delivery process. Our God's power is greater than any power that man contains. Through Him, we know that all things are possible.
We love you all and miss you very much!
Here's Dumbo's Dad :)
We wanted to share with everyone a patient that we saw together yesterday. More importantly, we would like all of you to lift her up in your prayers. She was a young woman in her 20s, 5 months pregnant, and verified to us that she is HIV positive. She had been experiencing abdominal pain and bleeding for the past month. Very concerned, we consulted with Jamie, who works in OB at home. Everything looked OK on physical exam as far as we could see, but we were very limited without more advanced equipment. Using the doppler, we were able to find the baby's heartbeat and were relieved to find that it was strong. It was so exciting to hear, but the woman didn't seem phased even after we told her that the baby was OK. Her overall demeanor was completely flat. We had been warned that we may encounter women like this, but it still hit us hard. Worried that maybe she didn't want the baby, we asked if she had tried to get rid of it. At first, she said yes. Our hearts sunk. After some digging, she changed her story. With the language barrier, it's difficult to tell if things were translated properly. Regardless, we tried to explain to her that her situation was very concerning but unfortunately we did not have the proper equipment to examine her. We encouraged her to get to a hospital as soon as possible because her baby's life as well as her own life might be in danger. Quickly, she became very angry with us, telling us we were selfish with our medication. She wanted nothing more to do with us, refused to allow us to pray with her, and tried to leave the clinic. We were each praying for guidance at this point even as we spoke with her. We tried redirecting the situation by providing her with some vitamins from the pharmacy. We again stressed the importance of getting to a hospital, gave her the vitamins, and she agreed to let us pray with her. The Lord worked so powerfully in this situation, and He was able soften her heart enough to let us pray with her. We lifted her up in prayer, knowing this situation was completely out of our hands, and trusting that God was in control.
This young lady's name is Thandi. We spoke with Beth, our local Emoyeni contact, about the situation. She explained that while it might be difficult, it was far from impossible for Thandi to access the hospital. If she can get to the hospital, care is free.
Please lift Thandi and her baby up to the Lord in prayer. Pray that God continues to soften her heart and that she is able to feel His awesome presence. Pray that she is able to make it to the hospital and that her medical condition is not life threatening to either her or her baby. Please also remember that she is HIV positive, that she still has 4 months left in her pregnancy, and that HIV patients require special care throughout the delivery process. Our God's power is greater than any power that man contains. Through Him, we know that all things are possible.
We love you all and miss you very much!
Here's Dumbo's Dad :)
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Power of Prayer
Sanibonani! It's Ashley again ;)
What a fast week! How did we get to Friday? Today was the last day of clinic. When we arrived this morning at 7:30 a.m., we already had a full "waiting area." In total, we saw more than 200 patients today and more than 800 over the course of the week. It's been an amazing experience that words just can not seem to express.
I was really inspired today by a woman who had actually come yesterday and we had to turn away because we were over capacity for our time slot. We prayed for her and encouraged her to return today. She was the first patient at my station this morning. Yesterday, she "camped out" at the clinic to determine whether we'd be fair to turn everyone after her away as well, which we did, with prayer. (The government here has corrupted the healthcare system so that people can buy favor and get special treatment. We do not want to be known for that, so we had to stop seeing patients early afternoon the past couple days to treat everyone that we could in the time that we're alloted in the church that we're using.)
I was encouraged to see her sit down this morning. She began by telling me that though she still wanted to be treated for a couple things, she had slept the entire night before. This was the first time she had slept an entire night since her husband died more than two years ago. She usually wakes up in night sweats. She said that is was our praying for her that allowed her to sleep, and because of that, she believed in all we had to offer. In addition to treating her physical ailments, my attending and I counseled her about Jesus and were able to pray with her in the name of Jesus Christ, not in the name of her ancestors as many South Africans pray to both Jesus and their ancestors. We assured her that Jesus could handle it all on His own and did not need any help.
What a blessing that she saw that we were fair and was able to experience the power of prayer even though we were not able to see her yesterday. God has an amazing plan and way of working things out in His timing.
After leaving clinic today, we had a surprise "feast" at the same huge area of land where some of the team hunted. The owner's five year old son shot and killed a pig for our entire team that was graciously prepared for us. Pastor Darryl's family even joined us for dinner, and we were able to enjoy each other's company as a team and reflect on the week. I wish pictures were enough to even begin to describe the beauty and majesty of God's creation there.
We just returned back to Prayer Mountain and have a 3:30 a.m. wake-up call to catch our bus for Krueger National Park. I apologize for not uploading a picture and pray that you'll give me grace tonight for a quick post. I pray that it made some since as sleep deprivation is kicking in ;)
Until tomorrow...
I was really inspired today by a woman who had actually come yesterday and we had to turn away because we were over capacity for our time slot. We prayed for her and encouraged her to return today. She was the first patient at my station this morning. Yesterday, she "camped out" at the clinic to determine whether we'd be fair to turn everyone after her away as well, which we did, with prayer. (The government here has corrupted the healthcare system so that people can buy favor and get special treatment. We do not want to be known for that, so we had to stop seeing patients early afternoon the past couple days to treat everyone that we could in the time that we're alloted in the church that we're using.)
I was encouraged to see her sit down this morning. She began by telling me that though she still wanted to be treated for a couple things, she had slept the entire night before. This was the first time she had slept an entire night since her husband died more than two years ago. She usually wakes up in night sweats. She said that is was our praying for her that allowed her to sleep, and because of that, she believed in all we had to offer. In addition to treating her physical ailments, my attending and I counseled her about Jesus and were able to pray with her in the name of Jesus Christ, not in the name of her ancestors as many South Africans pray to both Jesus and their ancestors. We assured her that Jesus could handle it all on His own and did not need any help.
After leaving clinic today, we had a surprise "feast" at the same huge area of land where some of the team hunted. The owner's five year old son shot and killed a pig for our entire team that was graciously prepared for us. Pastor Darryl's family even joined us for dinner, and we were able to enjoy each other's company as a team and reflect on the week. I wish pictures were enough to even begin to describe the beauty and majesty of God's creation there.
We just returned back to Prayer Mountain and have a 3:30 a.m. wake-up call to catch our bus for Krueger National Park. I apologize for not uploading a picture and pray that you'll give me grace tonight for a quick post. I pray that it made some since as sleep deprivation is kicking in ;)
Until tomorrow...
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Blog from Our Resident OT
Hey y'all. This is Angie. I just want to thank you all so much for following our blog. We are having such a wonderful time but miss you all so much. We are excited to share all of our stories with you when we get home but will be sad to leave this place. The people are amazing and God is doing such great things here. This trip is truely a life changing one. We are contantly being tested but constantly being rewarded.
This morning was quite a test for some of us. This morning we sent out our last two hunting teams. The first one left around 3:30am to start their hunt at 4am. The second one started shortly after and all hunters were succssful! Glenn was even able to get an ostritch! It's amazing to know that so many of us were able to participate in these hunting trips in order to provide the people of Badplaas with a greatly needed source of protein.
When we arrived at clinic today we saw what we had been anticipating all week...a full clinic! Pepole were lined up and waiting. We were able to treat 180 patients and dental was able to pull 40 teeth. There was never a slow moment, we had to close the door at 1pm in order to see all the patients that were waiting by 5pm. We were able to see so many diagnoses and conditions but most of all we were able to pray (multiple times) with every patient and bring a lot of them to Lord. Pastor Chris and the whole evangelism team were amazing in their ability to explain Christ and salvation to the new Christians. The faces of those people were unforgettable. You could see the joy and love of God in them and knew that this would be a changing moment in their lives.
Back home I work as an occupational therapist and during this trip I've been able to provide a unique service. I've educated patients on proper lifting techniques, proper posture, strengthening exercises, basic stretches and also educated and treated patients with more complex problems. Towards the end of the day I was getting tired and ready to head back to Prayer Mountain when I noticed a woman waiting in the pharmacy. She had obviously had a stroke and she confirmed that when I talked to her. Her husband told me that she was having trouble with her arm being "out of socket" which is a common problem after a stroke. He asked if I had anything to help that. I said that in America I did but that in South Africa we would have to improvise. I wrote a prescription for a basic sling and educated her husband on how to properly support her arm. I also noticed that she was having trouble walking with her cane and she told me she had fallen before and broken her hip before. I asked if I could use an ACE wrap and technique to hold her toe up when she walked and she said yes. When she walked it was amazingly different and so much safer. She and her husband were so greatful! I've never felt so proud to help someone with something so simple. God is good!
I can't tell you all what an amazing group of people are here. I'm so blessed to be here with them. All of them have special talents and special children of God. You should be proud of the person that you are supporting. They have all welcomed me in like family and will forever be in my heart. Thank you all so much!
PS: I love and miss you Chris. I can't wait to see you. I hope the Police Academy is going well. I'm so proud of you! Can't wait to get home and finally celebrate our engagement!!
This morning was quite a test for some of us. This morning we sent out our last two hunting teams. The first one left around 3:30am to start their hunt at 4am. The second one started shortly after and all hunters were succssful! Glenn was even able to get an ostritch! It's amazing to know that so many of us were able to participate in these hunting trips in order to provide the people of Badplaas with a greatly needed source of protein.
When we arrived at clinic today we saw what we had been anticipating all week...a full clinic! Pepole were lined up and waiting. We were able to treat 180 patients and dental was able to pull 40 teeth. There was never a slow moment, we had to close the door at 1pm in order to see all the patients that were waiting by 5pm. We were able to see so many diagnoses and conditions but most of all we were able to pray (multiple times) with every patient and bring a lot of them to Lord. Pastor Chris and the whole evangelism team were amazing in their ability to explain Christ and salvation to the new Christians. The faces of those people were unforgettable. You could see the joy and love of God in them and knew that this would be a changing moment in their lives.
Back home I work as an occupational therapist and during this trip I've been able to provide a unique service. I've educated patients on proper lifting techniques, proper posture, strengthening exercises, basic stretches and also educated and treated patients with more complex problems. Towards the end of the day I was getting tired and ready to head back to Prayer Mountain when I noticed a woman waiting in the pharmacy. She had obviously had a stroke and she confirmed that when I talked to her. Her husband told me that she was having trouble with her arm being "out of socket" which is a common problem after a stroke. He asked if I had anything to help that. I said that in America I did but that in South Africa we would have to improvise. I wrote a prescription for a basic sling and educated her husband on how to properly support her arm. I also noticed that she was having trouble walking with her cane and she told me she had fallen before and broken her hip before. I asked if I could use an ACE wrap and technique to hold her toe up when she walked and she said yes. When she walked it was amazingly different and so much safer. She and her husband were so greatful! I've never felt so proud to help someone with something so simple. God is good!
I can't tell you all what an amazing group of people are here. I'm so blessed to be here with them. All of them have special talents and special children of God. You should be proud of the person that you are supporting. They have all welcomed me in like family and will forever be in my heart. Thank you all so much!
PS: I love and miss you Chris. I can't wait to see you. I hope the Police Academy is going well. I'm so proud of you! Can't wait to get home and finally celebrate our engagement!!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Clinic Day 3
This morning, Melanie, Meg, Lizzy, and I (Jess) played with the children. We colored, sang, danced, "decorated" with sidewalk chart, and then played in the dirt! These children are so precious. They are so hungry for affection, that there is usually one on your hip, one on your back and two on each leg, and two on each arm. But we love every minute of it! Please be praying for all of these children, that God would continue to keep them safe, and that we were able to show God's love to them while we were here.
Then in the afternoon, I worked in triage. Again I had to break the news to a patient that she was HIV positive. She was 60 yrs old, and was aware that her husband was unfaithful. She believed in God, and believed she was a good person, but struggled with the idea that something this terrible could still happen. Pastor Chris and I prayed with her twice, and I told her that our God is bigger than this little virus. I held her hand the whole time, and gave her a hug when she left our station. I wanted her to know that someone loved her, and that I wasn't afraid to touch her because of her disease. Please pray for her, that she would not lose hope or be discouraged. Her husband may come to the clinic tomorrow.
Praise the Lord that Robert Madinawa, Mashaba Nomse, Joyce Mwarga, Mpila Luka, and Simon all gave their life to the Lord today in our clinic!!! Please pray for them as they begin their journey with renewed lives in Christ. Evangelism is just catching fire as more and more of us are stepping out of our comfort zones, and letting God lead. Brianna, Phil, Glenn, and I (Anthony) were on the evangelism team today. Several members of the group are still getting used to praying out loud for people, but the Spirit is truly moving here. Phil was praying with and for people almost to the point of physical exhaustion. Each of the 170 patients seen were prayed over several times with several different people before leaving the clinic. We've also been sharing our testimonies with each other, and growing closer as a team as God continues to do great work in our hearts. It is so evident how God has chosen each member of the team for a specific purpose on this trip.
Unkulunkulu akubisisei!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Clinic Day 2 (and some hunting)
Hey Family and Friends! This is Shannon! Thanks so much for following our blog! You have no clue how much it means to us and the encouragement we receive as we hear your comments on the way to clinic each morning!
Isn't it amazing when God decides to use the toughest of circumstances to show just how BIG he is! Today I was present as Dr. Mikola and Jessica shared with a patient that her HIV Test was positive. Wow. Talk about a kairos moment. Our hearts all were heavy and eyes full of tears as we watched this lady in her early 30's process this statement. HIV Positive. I wasn't really sure at first how to handle this life-changing news. I thought numbing and extraxting teeth from a four-year old yesterday was God pushing me to my limit. Boy was I wrong. The patient wanted to know how far advanced she was, if she had fulll-blown AIDS and how long until she would be sick. Her questions were answered as fully as possible and we did the only thing we were certain to do; we prayed! She asked for us to pray for healing. We did just that. We prayed in the name of our Almighty Healer. We prayed that if healing wasn't in his will, that he would protect heart heart, her mind and provide a peace that passes all understanding. We prayed for compliance in taking her medication and she would not be stigmatzied in her community. We prayed that God would shine a light through her in her community despite her circumstance.
We then sat and watched the worry and concern on her face as an interpreter provided HIV counseling. The interpreter expressed that she was really concerned about how her husband would respond to the news. We laid hands on her once again and prayed that God would start preparing her husband's heart for the news and that she would come to understand that God uses all situations for good and his glory. We prayed that she would understand that Christ was her hope.
Right before she walked away, I touched her leg gently and asked the interpreter to please tell her that the prayers for her would not stop today in South Africa, they would be carried back to the States where we would continue to pray for her. She smiled the biggest smile I've ever seen and had tears rolling down her face. In that moment, I saw God's hope written all over her face. We could see his light shining through and covering a dark situation.
As we continue through the week, please pray as God continues to move and we process all that is occurring in beautiful Badplass!
On the Clinic Front - We saw 120 patients today and an additional 30 went through dental! Every single patient was prayed over multiple times throughout clinic!
On another sidenote, our team has been heading to a vast and gorgeous reserve to hunt impala! Thus far, sixteen people have gone! All the meat will be donated to the village which is a blessing since their diets are protein-deficient! We look forward to sharing my "impala reflexive leg" and Elise's "Big Buck" story, among many more, upon our arrival home! :)
And... a little shout out:
***Rather selfishly, I, Garrett would like to wish his wife, Lauren, a tremendously happy 25th birthday today!! I'm the luckiest man in the world to have you as my wife (and future mother of our child) and wish so badly I was there to enjoy this day with you. I love you and can't wait to be back to see you!****
Isn't it amazing when God decides to use the toughest of circumstances to show just how BIG he is! Today I was present as Dr. Mikola and Jessica shared with a patient that her HIV Test was positive. Wow. Talk about a kairos moment. Our hearts all were heavy and eyes full of tears as we watched this lady in her early 30's process this statement. HIV Positive. I wasn't really sure at first how to handle this life-changing news. I thought numbing and extraxting teeth from a four-year old yesterday was God pushing me to my limit. Boy was I wrong. The patient wanted to know how far advanced she was, if she had fulll-blown AIDS and how long until she would be sick. Her questions were answered as fully as possible and we did the only thing we were certain to do; we prayed! She asked for us to pray for healing. We did just that. We prayed in the name of our Almighty Healer. We prayed that if healing wasn't in his will, that he would protect heart heart, her mind and provide a peace that passes all understanding. We prayed for compliance in taking her medication and she would not be stigmatzied in her community. We prayed that God would shine a light through her in her community despite her circumstance.
We then sat and watched the worry and concern on her face as an interpreter provided HIV counseling. The interpreter expressed that she was really concerned about how her husband would respond to the news. We laid hands on her once again and prayed that God would start preparing her husband's heart for the news and that she would come to understand that God uses all situations for good and his glory. We prayed that she would understand that Christ was her hope.
Right before she walked away, I touched her leg gently and asked the interpreter to please tell her that the prayers for her would not stop today in South Africa, they would be carried back to the States where we would continue to pray for her. She smiled the biggest smile I've ever seen and had tears rolling down her face. In that moment, I saw God's hope written all over her face. We could see his light shining through and covering a dark situation.
As we continue through the week, please pray as God continues to move and we process all that is occurring in beautiful Badplass!
On the Clinic Front - We saw 120 patients today and an additional 30 went through dental! Every single patient was prayed over multiple times throughout clinic!
On another sidenote, our team has been heading to a vast and gorgeous reserve to hunt impala! Thus far, sixteen people have gone! All the meat will be donated to the village which is a blessing since their diets are protein-deficient! We look forward to sharing my "impala reflexive leg" and Elise's "Big Buck" story, among many more, upon our arrival home! :)
And... a little shout out:
***Rather selfishly, I, Garrett would like to wish his wife, Lauren, a tremendously happy 25th birthday today!! I'm the luckiest man in the world to have you as my wife (and future mother of our child) and wish so badly I was there to enjoy this day with you. I love you and can't wait to be back to see you!****
Monday, May 9, 2011
"South Africa Ballers"
A lifelong dream of two young lads was met today. No, not two South Africans, Two basketball-lovin' white boys. David and Micah assisted by Pastor Darryl and the community made a basketball goal for the kids to play with out of scraps and plywood (and a rim from Dick's Sporting Goods). As soon as the pole was in the ground, there was a line of 50 kids waiting to learn to slam dunk. 
Today in clinic we saw 117 patients and pulled 16 teeth. An important member of the community tested postive for HIV last year, came back to visit this year, was negative and is doing well. Praise Jesus!
One of the pastor's wives is pregnant with baby number 5, and we were able to let her hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time.
We appreciate your continued prayers and comments. We're hoping for a bigger turnout tomorrow as word spreads. Hunting stories to come...
Pray the goal is still there when we get back tomorrow.
One of the pastor's wives is pregnant with baby number 5, and we were able to let her hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time.
We appreciate your continued prayers and comments. We're hoping for a bigger turnout tomorrow as word spreads. Hunting stories to come...
Pray the goal is still there when we get back tomorrow.
[post by Ashley Sauls]
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