Yesterday was the conclusion of a wonderful week with 30 new friends. As we pulled into the Red Cross Conference Center, our team was met with handshakes and ear-to-ear smiles. Gari brought a big map of Ethiopia which she hung on the wall for all the attendees to mark the location of their remote clinics. It was not an easy task for some who had never navigated a map, but their enthusiasm created pure "pandemonious"!

The whole team had packaged leftover medical supplies for each attendee late into the previous night. During the closing ceremony, we blessed to give them out individually. These humble folks received these little gifts as if it was Christmas. We took each person's picture individually. They were honored to have their photos taken and are very anxious to receive them. Hardwin closed the meeting in prayer and a reading from Romans and a heartfelt thank you to the organizers and all the attendees.

One of the local missionaries approached us to tell us of a story about one of the older and more experienced nurses. He had asked if it was possible to get a Bible in English. Gari immediately offered hers and you can see her pictured here presenting her personal bible (note also the attendee holding his gifted medical supplies).

This was the first conference many of them had ever attended and the very first time to gather all the Mekane Yesus (Presbyterian and Lutheran association) nurse leaders together. They made new friends and seemed to really value the opportunity to network…something we take for granted.

Everyone asked if this could be an annual event and we are already dreaming of making a return visit. We each developed special attachments to some students and have a real desire to keep in touch with them. The impact of this teaching and sharing could impact many patients' lives and, most certainly, has impacted ours.