Treating wounds

There have been a lot of new things here in South Africa to learn, especially in the medical area! Different drug names, cultural expressions of health and illness, beliefs about diseases, etc. There are a lot of skin conditions that I had never seen before, but are quite common here.

This week, I finally felt confident enough to take my medical bag along to the orphanage to treat wounds and discuss skin conditions with the house moms.

While I was treating one of the girls, the house moms found my stethoscope! They had a blast listening to their heartbeats and asking questions. I was great to "be of service!"

Swaziland Trip

We took a trip north to a bordering country to visit some medical missionaries. They go out 3 times a week all over the country with providing a mobile medical clinic. We were privileged to join them for a clinic day and help out however we could.

The girls had a great time playing with their 7 year old triplet boys, chasing the chickens in their yard and helping out with the clothing distribution.

I enjoyed following around Echo (a PA) and learning all that I could.

Kyle was able use his Zulu (sounds a lot like Swati which is what they speak there) and present the gospel as people came to see the doctor.

Swaziland Trip

Here's a pic of the boarder crossing. It was a little interesting!

The ladies out at the orphanage have diligently been working on their baking skills. Mostly baking bread and making cakes and cupcakes with a simple glaze frosting. I promised to eventually teach them to make frosting and "fancy" designs on the cakes. Today was that day!
The ladies were all gathered at 9am (before I had even arrived) and had told the kids that they were making Birthday Cakes.
The ladies jumped right in with reading the recipe (they are getting quite good at that.) and whipping up the frosting. Then came the "ohhs and aahhs" as they all had a taste.
The picture right above is of them practicing with the decorating bags on plates. We then switched to the real cake and they all took a turn adding their own decorations.
They were so proud of the final product and promised to keep practicing.
The baked goods that are made by the women at the orphanage have two purposes. First, they are able to make some nice things for the children and second, they sell them to their surrounding neighbors to bring in a small profit.
Teaching the baking classes has been a fun way for me to get to know these incredible women, practice my Zulu and teach tangible skills.

Some things are hard to get used to

LIKE the change of seasons being flip-flopped!
Easter is just around the corner, so the girls and I headed into the stores to find Easter dresses. In my mind, I knew it was the fall season here, but in my heart I envisioned light pick and purple Easter dresses that go with spring.
Lucky for me, Abby and Emily don't really remember spring Easter dresses and all the Fall dresses here were a huge hit.

More birthday pics

Emily turn's 5!!!

We started our day at 5am when Emily came into the room to announce, "It's my birthday!"
The traditional breakfast of pancakes followed (with whipped topping of course), then presents, then a visit from Henry and Shriley, then some school, then off to Abby's ballet and then back to the house for her party. 13 little kids (and their moms) joined us for cake and a jumping castle. Emily loved every minute of it and was all tuckered out by bed time!