SETTLING IN

When I went through customs at the airport I purchased a visa and then was questioned by passport control and had my picture taken as part of the process. Just ahead of me was a woman dressed in a burka with only her eyes showing. As passport control questioned her she lifted her face veil to get her picture taken. No questions, no hassles, no problem. It was all part of the identification process required to get into this country. I think we in Canada can learn something from this incident.

My friend picked me up at the airport and we drove North 1 1/2 hours to the where my friend lives. After supper with him and his wife I settled into the bomb shelter. When this property was first purchased in the early 70's the first building the government required them to build was a bomb shelter. Now the bomb shelter has been renovated and built on and turned into a 3 bed residence for volunteers. I am not suffering regarding accommodations.

Full kitchen with propane stove, fridge, microwave, and washing machine

Three beds in former under grond bomb shelter, desk, and closet not shown

Living room area

A typical work day begins with devotions at 7:45 in the main lobby of the hospital, then work. At 10:30 is a breakfast/lunch break with all the workmen. One day we had a sub filled with olives, and veggies and a kind of paste. The next day Pita bread which we use to scoop up feta cheese, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and tuna.
So far I changed a tire on an SUV, welded the hinges on a broken fence, fixed a toilet, but mostly have been masking and painting two women's wards which sure needed a face lift. They are looking great now.

Each window has a bed under it to provide ventilation. Each ward holds 6 women. The table against the opposite wall is for a hot plate for cooking. Each woman has a locker (at the end of the room not shown).

The first night I was exhausted from jet lag and working but had 12 hours of sleep and though a little tired and I am doing well.
Each night there is a segragated gospel meeting for men and women patients. Almost all the men attended. I was there early and noticed that as the men came in they were handed a kleenex tissue. I thought, "this is going to be an emotional meeting". It did not occur to me until a bit later that these are TB patients and the Kleenex was for coughing. Sometimes it takes time for me to "get it".

Friday, I enjoyed an orientation of this work and was able to spend some time with my friend learning about his important work here. It was a great joy to fellowship with him.

*name of country, city and ministry deliberately left unmentioned