MMI who?

So, hopefully after reading Kaitlyn's post you have a little bit better of an idea of WHERE we're headed, but I thought I might let you in on WHO we're headed there with. 

As I mentioned before, Dr. Imperial connected me with the Quartermonts last Thanksgiving. It has been such a pleasure getting to know them. Dr. Quartemont is a family practice physician in College Station who received extensive surgical training while in residency. He and his wife Velvet felt called to ministry from the start and actually lived in Nigeria for a few years after Dr. Quartermont finished residency. They returned home and founded medical missions international in 1991 and have been traveling to Nigeria for over 20 years. Last year they were able to perform over 150 surgeries and see over 900 patients. Kaitlyn and I are SO excited to be apart of it this year. We're going to have a team of 10-15 people this summer. Here are a few pictures from Medical Missions International's facebook, which you can visit here: https://www.facebook.com/MedicalMissionsInternational?fref=ts

Typical OR in Nigeria

This is one of the best stories I heard when I first met the Quartemonts last November. This baby was resuscitated for over 15 minutes by their son and survived. Seriously, miracle child!

And of course, we're really looking forward to playing football with the locals, who will undoubtedly school both of us.

It's been a great week at the HSC for us. Last night Dr. Clark was kind enough to come in and show a few of us how to perform some surgical ties and sutures. Here is a pic of some of our classmates attempting to suture chickens. 

To top it all off, I am SO happy to announce that TAMHSC awarded me a partial International Education Scholarship that will help fund the trip! I'm still not fully funded yet, but that is going to help in a huge way. Thank you guys so, so much for praying for that for me- and for your continued prayers! I know I couldn't have gotten it without you.

Stay tuned for more information on future fundraising events...a garage sale, profit share, and pancake dinner are in the works! 

Love you all!

Katie

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10

Where are we going again?

Hey everyone!  This is my first official contribution to the blog, and I feel a little bit of pressure to make it good.  I thought I'd start off with some logistics.  "Blah, eww, gross, logistics." Don't fret, not boring logistics.  Fun logistics!

I thought I'd show everyone some pictures of WHERE we're going.  If you're like most Americans, you might be able to pick Nigeria out on a map.  If you can't, don't be embarrassed, because I'm here to show you!  We can call this post: Good times with Geography!

Here is Nigeria:

And here are the cities we're going to: Lagos: the port city (and the most populous city of Nigeria, around 8 mil during the last census of 2006), Kaduna (a large trade center due to lots of intersecting transportation), and Ondo (a smaller city known for Cocoa manufacturing)

If no rebellions or dangerous activities are occurring in these cities, we'll be in all of them at some point during our trip.  Dr. Quartemont seems pretty wise in the ways of Nigeria, which is wonderful considering I know only what a few people have told me. 

Things we DO know: 

There are a heap ton of people in Lagos:  

There are a lot of people in need of physical help: 

There are a lot of people in need of spiritual help: 

And I know we are called by God to serve those in need, both at home and abroad.  Christ was a wonderful example of this while on Earth, now it's our turn to share the love of Christ with others.  

Be in prayer for us as we prepare to leave and while we're there.  Pray for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, courage to share His love with others, and safety for everyone: the doctors, students, and the patients.  

With great love, 

Kait.  

Stepping Out in Faith

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

I've been thinking about that verse a lot lately. As we draw closer to our support raising deadline (May 22) I find myself slightly more anxious about raising support. To be honest, this is the first time in my life that I have ever committed to something that I didn't have the money for. It feels awkward to say that. Money is something of a taboo subject...which is funny, since Jesus seemed to talk about it an awful lot. But, that's getting a little off topic. My point in writing this isn't that I haven't finished fundraising- it's that i'm almost excited that I haven't. I think we can fall into a false sense of self-sufficiency in America. For the most part, we live luxurious lifestyles in comparison to the rest of the world. I can't think of a time I didn't know where my next meal was coming from. Don't get me wrong, i'm not complaining that God has so richly blessed me, but I'm excited to have to rely on Him in a big, tangible way. It's somewhat nerve wracking at times, for once this isn't something I can really control, but it's been pretty cool to see what God has already done.

Take last week for example. I'm studying in the library and someone who wishes to remain anonymous approached me telling me that she had recently been given some money and she felt as though she should help Kaitlyn and I with our trip. My jaw virtually hit the ground. It's not that I didn't think this person was generous, I know how amazing her heart is, but we're in medical school, and for the most part, we're not exactly dripping money. I can think of so many different things this person could have spent that money on...good things...and yet she felt led to give to our trip. Seriously, words can't express the gratitude I was filled with...and am filled with...as each of you have come along side me on this adventure. Your support and encouragement have been unbelievable...it's overwhelming to know how many of you are praying for us as we prepare for this summer, and I really can't express how thankful I am for that.

So, back on topic, Kaitlyn and I will be having a garage sale in College Station on May 5...if any of you want to stop by or have anything to donate we would really appreciate it! Just contact me or Kaitlyn for more information, and I'll post the address closer to that weekend.

Oh, and good news, Kaitlyn is going to come and save the level of writing on this blog...she's an amazing writer and I know you guys are going to enjoy her posts...so check back soon for that!

Love you guys! Thank you all SO MUCH for your prayers and support!

Katie