Clinic Update

We've been back in Mozambique 3 weeks now and quite a few of you have asked what is going on with the clinic closure and what movement there has been. I am sorry to say there is not much more to report other than we are still trying to get more answers from the Ministry of Health, but there are other dilemmas as well. Here are some of the dilemmas and prayer points:

• Ministry of Health - that we would be able to find favor in getting answers/understanding on HOW to do what they've asked us to do in order to reopen - that they would be able to provide guidance  - specific answers about the size of our health post and the existence of a pharmacy within our walls and which medicines we can legally carry & dispense
• Protocols - there are no written protocols (at least up till now no one has been able to provide us with any) - specifically on wound care, proper equipment to be using, etc.
• Personnel - our foreign medical personnel are diminishing rapidly. That the Lord would send medical staff with more of a heart to encourage, empower and train up the Mozambican staff.
• Western nurses cannot participate in reopening of the clinic - we are only here as visitors and cannot participate in any official way -we need to take more of a backseat & support & hold up the Mozambican medical staff’s arms - wisdom to know how to do this
• Mozambican staff capacity and competence - they will be required to take more of a front seat - the success of this clinic reopening sits on the Mozambicans - we need Mozambican personnel with the capacity, vision and heart to reopen & then run the clinic.
• Trust and confidence in those we work with and them in us
• Transparency

These dilemmas run much deeper than the words themselves. They makes us question whether reopening is wise...daily I feel like a Pendulum swinging to and fro from that which I know in my heart to that which I can see with my eyes - wanting wise answers and solutions as we consider ALL the facts & as we consider that which we KNOW of our Father. As I think on these things, I have heard the following scripture: .
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive. 1 Cor 10:23 (ANIV)
And although this scripture may not fit in context, I continue to hear it. Feel free to set me straight.
So, as we seek wise council through some Mozambican doctors, medical administrators, lawyers and so on we seek our Wisest Counselor's face and ask Him to direct our path and help us think outside the box and to walk by faith and not by sight. All things are possible through Him.
I tell you all of the above so you can see the dilemmas that we are facing and so you can pray specifically for us as we work through these concerns.

Gloria - sitting on her own!

Clearly we desire to reopen the clinic - as it is a benefit to so many and most of all an asset to the community and our children - but in all that has happened over the last months it is clear that we cannot carry on in the same fashion. Much will have to change and we may need to minimize the amount of outside care we provide so we make sure our first priority is covered (that is the children entrusted into our care).

Sheila - growing so well!

Even in the midst of all this, it has been wonderful to be back. It is so good to be with the children again and they are gorgeous!! God has been very good to us and we do feel privileged to be serving Him here!

Thank you for walking this journey with us, which in the end will be a testimony of His faithfulness.

Please write us at sheristeer@gmail.com. (Best not to try to comment directly to the blog because for many this doesn't work properly).
Love and Blessings from us!
Sheri & Matthew Steer