An Orthopedic Patient in Soddo

This twelve year old girl came to the hospital because her right thigh had been gradually bending over several months.  This caused her to fall, and she could not walk after that without crutches.

Her initial x-ray showed a fracture and a slow growing tumor in her femur (thigh).

The chaplain praying with patients

Doing range of motion exercises with her now straight leg

Dr. Bob Greene operated with an Ethiopian orthopedic resident, and they were able to cut out the tumor and straighten the leg using the sign nail.

She was from a Muslim family, and while in the hospital had the opportunity to watch the Jesus film in her own language.

Because of the sign nail technique, she was able to leave the hospital three days after her surgery and has a good chance at total healing.

x-ray after surgery

How the leg was before surgery
(from stock photo)

Thanksgiving in Soddo

Thanksgiving was a normal work day at the hospital,
but we had a meal with friends and neighbors to mark the day.
You can't buy chicken or turkey here,
so we had beef!

We had the community meal on Saturday. While the preparations and set up happened, the kids did crafts. We had perfect weather for our meal in an outdoor pavilion. After, we stayed around to talk as the sun set. We ended the evening with a bonfire- complete with songs and scary stories- like about camping with lions, bott flies, and those other strange but true things that happen in Africa. :)

Market Day

There is a local market that is open two days a week.

I haven't had a chance to go, but another visitor was kind enough to share photos.

Thanks again to Scott for the pictures!

Learning Surgery

This month, Stephen is working with Dr. Bob Green to learn orthopedic surgery, focusing on SIGN nails to repair fractures.

Special thanks to Scott for the pictures from the hospital!

Out and about in Soddo

A few pictures from the town of Soddo...

Soddo Christian Hospital

Front Gate

Guard station

Emergency Room entrance

Pediatrics

Random sheep- I'm not sure if he's there as an all natural lawn mower or a food supply

Eye clinic seen from the main street

Our guest house

You can read the history behind the hospital:
History of the Mission to Soddo, Pt 1
History of the Mission to Soddo, Pt 2
A Church Born in War- History, Pt 3
Medicine + the Gospel- History, Pt 4

Soddo

We arrived in Soddo Friday evening, and jumped right into life here.

Stephen spent Saturday morning rounding with the ortho doctors- a change of pace for him.
Since the pediatrician is currently traveling, they also had him check on one of their pediatric patients.

I spent the morning visiting some of the shops.
I was most impressed with the beef- inexpensive and great quality!

The kids spent the morning on the playground, trampoline, and in the trees.

See more pictures of our first morning on Facebook.