Sooooooo it's been quite a while since we have updated the blog and we apologize for that. It gets really busy around here and the internet is real sketchy.
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(Alicia's typing here:)
I started working at the clinic last Tuesday. The first day was quite an experience. They started me off right away with consulting several patients. It was very frustrating because I had not even been given a tour of the clinic yet and was unsure of what it had to offer. I felt like God had totally thrown me in the middle of no where and uncapable of doing what was expected of me.

I talked over my concerns with Tim (our site coordinator) and he explained that in the Gabonese culture, instead of starting a person at the bottom of the totem pole and working their way up, they start them as high as possible and work them down the totem pole from there. This is so that someone does not feel disrespected.

So starting that next Wednesday...I went into the clinic with a completely different attitude. I know God has me here for a reason, and it may or may not be for my medical experience. It has been different for me to fall into the supportive role instead of the active role. I shadow a nurse everyday and by the end of this current week I will be consulting patient's on my own. I was also informed today that I will be the main consultor the first week of August because the nurse is going on vacation. Talk about trusting in God!

Working in the clinic has opened my eyes to many things so far. I am still trying to compile them and organize them in my head. The thing that people really need the most is a loving smile and someone to truly listen to them.

(dan now) Hi all! since getting back from the bush I have been busy being a handyman around the complex building bunks to house the incoming tems and other small projects. today we spend the morning at a place called hope house which is a home for abandoned children. the house is in total disrepair and while the teams played with the kids some of the men and i adressed some issues with security fixing doors and windows, some minor plumbing, and fixing a bed that was badly needed. there are 23 chldren living in a house that should really only hold 8 max. Hope of a new place for them is on the horizon, a woman from a local church donated land for them to build a complex. be praying for hope house, the kids there and the future of that ministry.

tomorrow I will start work building the foundation for a new church about 30 minutes outside of the city with a team from ohio, between that and ongoing work at hope house i should be busy the next few days.

Thank you again for all of the prayers and support, I love being here showing these kids and people we help that somebody cares about them and by doing so spreading the love of christ.

in his service,

Dan and Alicia