When there is nothing we can do...

A few weeks ago we were being shown through a hospital at Marialbai where we met a woman who at first seemed to be paralysed. During a fit she had fallen backwards and hit the back of her head and had been brought to the hospital where she had laid motionless ever since. Ros asked various questions and was able to ascertain she still had feeling and movement in her feet, but couldnt determine why she was unable to move. She came over to me and quietly said there was nothing she could do to help.

Almost every day in the remote regions of Sudan we met people in desperate situations who would look to us with hope and expectation. It isnt easy to admit - to them or ourselves - that there is nothing we can do.

I said to Ros and Paulino Malou that at least we could pray with this woman. In prayer we recognise our weakness and God's greatness and express our belief that God's mercy is not dependant on physical realities. And, sometimes, it is all we can do...

Ros had more questions to ask, trying to find a medical reason for the "paralysis", and I left her to her work. Later she told me that she and Malou did pray before they left the woman. But that night Ros admitted her feeling of helplessness and frustration. It was one of the few times in the whole trip I saw her a bit shaken. We discussed the importance of knowing our own areas of weakness and accepting our limitations before we try to help others with theirs.

Before we went to bed one of the locals casually commented that the lady at the hospital that Ros and Malou had prayed for had got up out of bed, said she was fine, and walked home.

-------------
Addition - Ros reminded me we were also told that the traditional healer (sometimes called witch-doctor) visited the woman at the hospital. Is that what you call having a bet each way?

Some photos of Ros...

I'm fairly sure Ros took over 1000 photos while in Sudan - but she wasnt so keen about being on the other side of the camera. In spite of being a bit camera shy I managed to get a few pictures which I hope give a small insight into Ros' experience.

Ros (or  Mama Ayak as Adut Dit named her) getting into traditional dress

Doing laundry in Marialbai

Cute and delicious - but no Ros, you cant take it home!

With Anwon and Achol

Joseph and I were amazed at what came out of Ros' luggage - even a battery powered fan! Very useful in 39 degree heat and 80% humidity.

A farewell gift from Adut Dit

Provision of Birthing Kits…

We put Ros on a plane at lunch time and she is now on the slow journey home via Addis Ababa, Dubai, Kuala Lumpar and Perth. I told her I wouldnt let her leave until she had written a report on the birthing kits and medical equipment. She finished it this morning.


A report by Ros Stafford-Green
Following the 2008 trip by Steve and Joseph, there was interest expressed for birthing kits to be made available. 200 Zonta Birthing Kits were provided by Birthing Kit Foundation Australia (BKFA) for this trip. To ensure they would be used appropriately and that maternal and foetal outcomes would be known it was necessary to make contact with those who would use them. It soon became apparent that a new hospital at Malek Alel Church of Christ worked with some trained Traditional Birthing Attendants (TBAs) who could use these for home births. They had some experience using them some years back and realised their benefit. One bag of 100 kits along with a small amount of medical equipment was gratefully accepted for use in this community in Aweil South County.

Then travelling to the north west of Aweil we spent time in communities that have been decimated by the effects of war. However, with greater stability at the moment, Darfuri refugees and returnees from the north of Sudan are settling in the region. In a society where large families are expected, safe childbirth is a real issue. Here, complications at delivery can result in both maternal and foetal death. This is particularly pertinent in the Marialbai area where they are isolated and have no means of transportation when problems occur. As there are three trained TBAs there who had previous experience using the kits, the other bag of 100 birthing kits was offered to them. Cecilia, the head TBA, delivers three to four babies a week and was very keen to use the kits and receive further training.

At both these locations we were requested to provide further training for TBAs, as well as other medical, laboratory and nursing staff. We have begun to put in place the necessary administrative processes required by BKFA for an ongoing supply of birthing kits in these areas.


Whilst the optimal situation would be for all women to have access to a hospital and medical staff, the kits provide an immediate resource to help prevent infection, one of the major causes of death in Sudan.

Ros delivering birthing kits to Cecilia at Marialbai

Cecilia with one of the kits

Providing medical equipment to Philip Garang, the Clinical Officer at Malek Christian Hospital

First Impressions…

Having been in Sudan for a couple of days, I asked Ros to share her first impressions.

Flying over vast deserts then seeing the effect of water where the Nile creates lush greenness. Then seeing how the harsh climate affects both building design and its effect on any structure. Added to this is the continuous smoke haze create by numerous fires, particularly by burning rubbish – much of which could be recycled.

The people are amazingly resilient and cheerful, despite incredible sadness. Ive already had first hand contact with situations of great loss due to the war and oppression. However at the same time there is a real sense of moving on and not being dominate by the past.

Ive been amazed at the amount of English spoken here in Juba and the conversations Ive been able to have. Everywhere people have peen friendly and helpful and Ive been surprised at the variety of African countries they have come from.

There is a sense of hope and anticipation for the conditions in Sudan to improve, especially expressed being here at a new year, concurrent with Independence Day. Many seem to sense a personal responsibility for this to happen, rather than an expectation of others to address the issues.

Everywhere there are many children, teenagers and young people, with few old people. Everyone seems to know everyone else, and how and when things happen.

Having flown in from a very Moslem country into Sudan I have been surprised at the very open expressions of Christianity. Many got dressed up to go to church and give thanks on New Years Day and at the special celebration hosted by the President’s wife which we were privileged to be invited we all stood to be led in prayer.

There are cute lizards of various sizes which dart around trying to avoid the kites which circle overhead. As a bird lover I have several as yet unidentified and interesting birds. The huge red sun rises over a pink haze and a light breeze last for a while before it becomes still and hot. In the shade it is quite tolerable. Infrastructure such as power are intermittent, and roads “designed” for 4WD take all cars and motorbikes, often used as public transport.

I feel very welcome and relaxed knowing that Joseph knows everything and everyone and Steve with computer and 3 phones will organise everything.

Photo: Ros with children in Juba yesterday.