Hit Hard, and Hopeful

If October was a month filled with uncertainty and constantly wondering what new changes the new healthcare system would bring here in Kapsowar, November turned into a month with no time to stop and think at all. As we anticipated, mothers who decided just to "wait and see" at home eventually had to show up for healthcare - and with doctors at the public hospitals in our region on strike, there is only one place for them to come. We're so happy to provide care, and so overwhelmed with the task of explaining the new system to them, getting them enrolled, helping them figure out how much and where to pay to access their government healthcare benefits - all added to the routine task of providing "catch up" care. At this point it time, the hospital is running on promises from the government that we will eventually receive back pay for all the care we've provided. Obviously my salary doesn't depend on the government making good on that promise - but promises aren't keeping food on the table for healthcare workers and support staff at our hospital, in our county, or around the country. It's been a stressful month at the hospital.

On top of work stress, this month we dealt with our washing machine motor going out (we got it replaced), our solar panels dying (got them replaced too), more days of rain that I care to count, and increasingly frequent power outages which seem to only sometimes be related to the weather. November weather patterns (alternate high and low pressure) often trigger migraines for me (Kim), and that's been true in the last few weeks. Also, some type of allergic or exposure-related reaction would make you think that someone is using my face as a model for a horror movie - blisters, bruises, and rashes all around my eyes and a few other places on my face. Yuck.

Nonetheless, we've had a lot of reasons to be thankful this past month. On November 23, we celebrated the five year anniversary of our move to Kapsowar! Dominic has been cruising through his school year, and is scheduled to finish his SonLight Grade 4 curriculum this week! Kris celebrated the graduation of 12 students from the School of Theology, and we also celebrated the graduation of about 30 students from Serge's Chronologic Bible Storying course. 

And, we're getting ready for a visit to the US. For the first time since 2019, we'll be spending the holidays with our families in Washington and Montana. We would LOVE to get to visit with all of our friends, family, and supporters, but the reality is that this trip is too short to see everyone. However, we do have some needs while we're in the US, including for winter clothes and maybe a vehicle. If you think you would like to help, please visit this website (www.sokindregistry.org/30486) to see when/where we need help. Thanks so much! Looking forward to seeing you soon!