Good afternoon. I am writing this email to you from Cameroon Indoor Stadium. That is what I just decided to name my little apartment because it is relatively small, kind of stinks, and seemed to have a lot more potential a week and a half ago. ;) Go Heels!
But I digress....
It has been a busy and humbling week. I have now completed my first full week on the pediatric wards here at the hospital. At the beginning of my time here, I found myself a little unsure of whether I knew how to handle many of the clinical dilemmas I would face. Now, having been here a week, I am quite sure that I absolutely cannot handle several of them. That is a liberating and a humbling realization all at the same time. I am seeing a lot of diagnoses here that are incredibly rare on a worldwide scale and unheard of in the U.S. I have been able to diagnose several of these things, but, even so, the resources/medications here are just not sufficient to adequately treat them. I don't say that as a knock against this hospital at all. Remarkably superior medicine is practiced here in general, and it is likely one of the best hospitals in the whole of Cameroon. There are just limitations to what we can offer here.
That is where the frustrating and encouraging part comes in. God tells us clearly (through Paul) in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that His grace is sufficient and that His strength is perfected in weakness. That promise comes to life for me here. I have more than enough weakness to go around. So many times in the States, we want to take credit for things when they go well. We are quick to think that WE are the reason a certain patient got better. We think WE saved them from a brush with death and put them on the road to recovery. WE are so full of pride, it must make God want to puke.
When a patient gets better or begins to recover here in Cameroon, I more often think that the patient has been healed in spite of me, rather than because of me. When I realize how woefully inadequate I am and yet a patient lives and does well, I am forced to recognize that only God can heal. He doesn't NEED me to make sick people well. He CHOOSES to ALLOW me to join Him at work and to work through me. If a realization like that doesn't put me flat on my face, I don't know what will.
And, please don't get me wrong...I am no more adequate when practicing medicine in the U.S. I just think I am. It's just in Cameroon, the truth regarding my inadequacy is more easily seen. But, it is okay. God does not call us to be adequate. He calls us to be obedient. He does the hard part. He just wants us to be available. Please pray that I would be available for God to use in the lives of the Cameroonians and missionaries I meet here. Please also pray that God would constantly remind me from where my strength comes.
I have really enjoyed getting to know my neighbors and the hospital staff. Cameroonians are very patient and very welcoming. I feel honored to have the chance to serve them. Thanks for helping to make that possible.
This is a beautiful country. I am planning to do a little more hiking this afternoon. I will try to send a picture or two soon if I can. Rest assured that I will also be checking the ACC tournament scores and pulling for the Heels from several time zones away.
I love you all and appreciate you partnering with me in this ("this" meaning my mission trip to Cameroon....not rooting for the Tarheels).
I'd love to hear from you if you get a chance. Have a great weekend.
Stephen
P.S. - If you are Duke fan reading this email, I am sorry.
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