A week of deep contrasts—joy in healing, heartbreak in suffering, and learning to navigate both with grace.
Settling into the Week
This second week of clinic has been full of highs and lows. The rhythm of each day is becoming more familiar, but the emotional landscape remains as challenging as ever.
A typical day starts with ward rounds at 8:00—except on Mondays and Fridays when we begin with devotions at 7:30. It’s a grounding way to start the day.
Life on the Ward
Ward rounds are something of a mixed blessing. I round on the medical ward, which is filled with the sickest patients—those with cerebral malaria, severe typhoid, small bowel obstructions, and heart attacks.
There is real joy in seeing very sick patients recover. Those moments feel like small miracles. But there are also times when patients don’t improve, and those are much harder to carry.
One particularly challenging case has stayed with me—a young 17-year-old girl who took poison after being hit by her older brother. There is very little we can do for her. Watching the progression of what will likely be a fatal outcome is heartbreaking.
And yet, in the same ward, another woman who arrived semi-conscious is now recovering well. It is such a gift to witness that turnaround.
Clinic – A Different Kind of Challenge
Clinic also brings its own mix of highs and lows. I work through a translator, which can be slow at times, but it’s a privilege to connect with patients in this way.
As in the ward, many patients present late. Almost every day I see someone with an untreatable illness, often advanced cancer. Those encounters are incredibly difficult.
One of the missionary doctors, Mark, shared something that has stayed with me: we have to do the most we can for the most people, rather than pouring all our resources into a few patients.
That is a hard truth to hold onto when you are sitting in front of someone with a serious illness and so few options.
Encouragements – Using New Skills
One of the real highlights for me has been putting into practice the ultrasound skills I developed during a POCUS course.
This week I diagnosed splenic TB in one patient, bladder cancer in another, and identified significant free fluid in a woman’s abdomen. Being able to use these skills in such a resource-limited setting feels incredibly valuable.
It’s encouraging to know that even small tools can make a meaningful difference here.
The Team
I continue to be so impressed by the missionary doctors here. They are knowledgeable, dedicated, and work tirelessly under pressure.
They have also been incredibly patient with my many questions, always willing to teach and guide. It’s a privilege to learn from them.
Life Around the Station
Meanwhile, Ric has been making himself useful. He has been continuing to work with the maintenance team and with Falau the electrician. Occasionally he sends me photos—slightly scary in their own way.
Closing Reflection
This week has been a reminder of the tension that exists here every day—between hope and heartbreak, healing and loss.
It is not always easy to hold both at once. But in the midst of it, there is still purpose, still compassion, and still faith.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12v9