ZAMBIA MISSION 2012 DAY 7

Healthcare Professional Reviewing HBB Chart

Helping Babies Breathe - IN ACTION!

TPM Ladies' Knitting Group

African Adventure!!

As I snuggle into my bug net it's hard to capture all that happened today!! It began with a political visit from the District Commissioner- the chain of command to making a difference can be exhausting. I needed to explain to him the intention of our visit and that we were following up on the outcomes of last year’s Helping Babies Breathe classes. I asked for permission
for a return visit to give hima report.

The team then traveled to Thompson Hospital to speak with the midwives and encourage them to continue carrying the HBB torch into remote villages.  They were excited to help but had been bound by constraints of no funds to travel on their
days off to have these classes.
 
God places the proper people with us!! We had a midwife who worked in the ministry of health who was tagging along with us… By the end of this blessed long day she became our greatest ally!
 
From Thompson, we basically had a “sit-in” on the Mayor’s lawn at the civic center until he cleared his schedule to see us!  With all respect but sheer determination I had, I led my team into his office, respectfully greeted His Honor and told him he needed to help fund this program for all his health care facilities. He attempted to pass the buck to his MP (member of parliament) but after I had the opportunity to speak to the MP on the phone I had both committed to funding the program!  It was successful!!!
 
We then visited the TPM encounter ladies group that knits baby hats for our program.  They sang for us and gave us a royal welcome!!  What a treat!!
 
We then traveled to Roan midwifery school.  They had NOT been following through with the program as planned but through a great deal of problem solving we have helped them come up with a place. It just means Melissa must continue with more political visits next week to prove to politicians the need for necessary funding for this hospital as well!!!
 
A terrific meal was fixed for us when we returned to our home base.  If I knew how to spell all the dishes I would!!!
 
Tomorrow is the mobile orphanage clinics!!!  YEA!!!! Keep the prayers flowing!  THANK YOU!!

Melissa and TEAM AFRICA