Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Medicine in Nicaragua




Hola todos, y buenas noches! It's only day 3 of clinic, and already we are able to see God's great work among the people in Rivas! We played with countless children today, both in the clinic and outside. We wish we had pictures of the Children's Ministry workers (Will, Mark, Amanda, Meg, Bailey, and Lindsey) - they were so dirty from playing soccer and baseball in the rain, but had smiles on their faces, even at the end of a long, hot day! It's amazing to see how they keep up with 30 children running and yelling, "Gringo! Gringo!" The highlight of their day, though, was working together to make at least 30 necklaces for the children, who stood perfectly still in a straight line until their necklaces were finished!


We were able to work alongside Dr. Aracelys today (a physician in Nicaragua). She is a wonderful doctor and teacher, and we were able to assist and perform procedures that we performed only once in PA school! We are so grateful for Dr. Aracelys and the time she took to teach us and show us what it means to be a great clinician: spending quality time with the patients educating them about their health and the medicines they would be taking, but also taking time to pray with them. We were able to minister to many of the women in the community because many of the Nicaraguan women desired to see her as a provider. We saw one woman who battled breast cancer and was still doing well 11 years later. What a blessing to give her such great news and rejoice over God's blessings!

We saw a total of 101 patients in the clinic today. Of that, 11 people give their life to Christ, and 5 people rededicate their lives to Him. The church in Rivas is the heart of this ministry. Although we have the opportunity to help the physical needs of the Nicaraguans, more importantly, we are reaching their spiritual needs as well.
We thank you for your prayers and your love for us. Please continue to pray that we would remain strong physically, emotionally, and spiritually as we continue to do God's work here in Nicaragua. Much Love!

~Jackie and Brittany Z.

5 comments:

  1. Your spiritual and medical work is a true blessing to the people of El Rosario!
    My prayers are with all of you as you continue God's work in Nicaragua.
    Love you Lisa!
    Mom....Karen Weishuhn

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  2. Hey Ya'll, Sounds as though "impact" is happening at a Holy Spirit pace. So glad to hear all is well. Prayers, thoughts, more prayers. Have a great day. Just love that moment when the right eyeglasses are found and that huge smile comes across their face. Work as unto the Lord!! Keith Hess

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  3. Hi Amanda P...recd your email and passed it to mom. We are glad to hear all is going well for you and the team. It is a very rewarding experience sharing with others especially those who struggle with day to day living. BTW, Phillies won again...Eagles play tonight. God's speed and blessings to all. CAPT & Mom

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  4. Hey Stinkerbelle! Courtney is due 3 weeks after Nat and they are moving back to Greenville! Elise loves her "Winkalina" doll from Michael and she can say his name perfectly. Still working on "Aunt Rach"! Love all that you are doing. Can't wait for today's update. Tell Jackie and the Zip's they can come here for some well deserved R&R =0D
    Your team is in our prayers. Love to all, Stinkerbelle's Mom

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  5. Thanks ya'll for taking the time to post the photos and stories - I know how exhausted and busy you must be, but we appreciate this little window into your adventures. Please take care of each other (and Kristen) and don't hold back on the hugs or the tears. Miss you much,
    Michael

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