Clinic Days One and Two

Our first two clinics were in the town of Madaba. Madaba is mentioned in the Bible as a Moabite city and is referenced in the book of Numbers and the book of Joshua. One of the things you can do in Madaba is visit Mount Nebo. According to the Bible this is where Moses was allowed to view the Promise Land. On a clear day you can see the River Jordan, Jericho and Jerusalem. Moses is also reportedly buried on the mountain but the location isn't specified.

I have been to Mount Nebo on the last two trips to Jordan, the views are amazing. This year while the team went to Mount Nebo a few of us met with an Ex-Pat family to learn about some of their work. It was an interesting discussion on how their focus has changed from attending to the acute needs and moving towards more of a development focus. As the crisis in Syria continues, the hope of returning is much less. Most of patients talked about how they have lost their country.

One of the families I met with was a young girl and her father. The girl wore rose colored glasses. She had some eye problem and told me the glasses helped. I pray that after all her and her family have survived that she is still able to view the world as a happy and pleasant place. Her father came to the clinic with his wife's medical history. He wanted to discuss with the providers why three of his children died about a week after being delivered. Our suspicion was the children had a neural tube defect, probably from not enough folic acid  and/or B12. Being able to have children is an important part of a women's identity in this culture. We had a Jordanian pediatrician join our team for a few days, he is going to follow-up with family. I pray that her next pregnancy has a healthy outcome.

In total we saw 244 patients in the two days we were in Madaba. We offered more than just medical services. This year we had dental, physical therapy and eye glasses (reading glasses and sun glasses) plus a pharmacy that provided free medication. Many of our 244 patients visited all of the services we offered. Many were so thankful and felt loved and cared for. It is a privilege to be able to help and serve in this capacity.

Rose colored glasses

First Few Days

It was quite the adventure getting fifteen people to check in with 32 bags of luggage. We arrived tired and weary with all of our luggage and successfully connected with our hosts. With this being the third year I have made this trip, its more like reuniting with old friends.

Off to the hotel to unpack, shower and then dinner. We ate at this amazing place called, Tawaheen Al Hawa Restaurant. The meal was three full courses. The first course consisted of  appetizers of hummus, chicken wings, grape leaves and baba ghanoush. This could have been the main course. Then out came mixed grill with kebab, chicken and lamb platters with vegetables. All fresh and delicious. For dessert there was cream konafa, baklava rolls and fresh fruit.  It was perfection.

The next day we went to the Jordan Museum. The museum is worth a stop. For me the highlight was viewing the Dead Sea Scrolls. For lunch our hosts had arranged a meeting where they presented an overview on their ministry. It always interesting to hear what progress has occurred over the year.

Back to the hotel to organize our supplies for the clinics. We would be spending two days in each location. The supplies were equally divided; tooth brushes, tooth paste, reading glasses and sunglasses. We organized the dressing supplies, triage supplies and other items that we would take to each site. The dental team got their supplies together and with maybe six suitcases we were ready for the first day.

Appetizers

 

Dead Sea Scrolls