Day 7 - My playdate with the children

If I've learned nothing else on the various missions I've been on, it's that a smile is the universal language.

During this trip, I've been able to play with many children, which is one of the many things I truly enjoy doing. As many of you know, I have a big black floppy hat, which I've proven beyond a doubt can be used as a frisbee, futbol, basketball and more. All I have to do to break the ice with both kids and adults is throw this hat at them and watch the smiles and the laughter begin.
Adults playing with children is a rarity in most parts of the world, so I'm always asked (in good humor) how old I am. I even managed to get Lemuel and Pastor Ruben to play (work with me here) Nanook, Nanook, babow, otherwise known in English as Chicken, Chicken, Pig or Duck, Duck, Goose. Unfortunately the extreme heat drove most of us to the closest shade we could find where we sucked on lollypops and communicated as effectively as we were able using facial sign language!

Just so you know it's not ALL fun and games, the team had a tremendous day. We saw more than 60 people. Between those with knee and back pain and a very high rate of diabetes, Don was able to surgically remove a 1-inch coconut barb from a man's foot and continued to treat the baby with the infected umbilical cord. The infection is subsiding and Don tried a new course of treatment to burn the cord to promote healing. We will see the baby again tomorrow and determine whether he should go to a hospital.
Amber has developed quite a team with Sherds and Wendy, the two local nurse graduates and Shyne, the nursing assistant who are all getting quality hands-on training and are also teaching many people how to care for wounds, take medication and use the diabetes test kits.

It's a great team to watch in action. I'm doing far less medical work and more video and photography. I was able to help Don on that minor surgery (by help meaning I held the scalpel in the package and tried no to sweat on his sterile field), but for the most part, I am documenting this mission in hopes we can encourage others to participate with us in the future.
I'm going to keep this short tonight. I've got a few other projects I need to accomplish before bed.
We would like prayer for our continued safety, primarily as we cross the sea between Leyte and Limasawa. Today we had a bit of wind and the sea was quite choppy. No Dramamine was needed, however it was a wet ride. Also continue to pray for our patients, both the ones we've seen and will see tomorrow and Friday.
As I've said before, you are a valuable member of our team and all of us express our deepest appreciation for all you are doing back at home.
God bless,
Sheldon