God speed...I understand now
It has been a while since my last update, I apologize. Much has happened and God continues to mold and shape His exact plan for me in Latvia.
New baby at Baby Home:
Things calmed down a bit at the Baby Home in Tukums since my last update. The excitement returned when Sendija had her beautiful baby girl, Selīna. Her all-natural labor lasted 10 hours. I was in the delivery room for about 45 minutes of the most intense part and all I can say is Latvian women are the strongest that I know and it was a great birth-control experience for me. :) Selīna was born on August 22 weighing 3.3kg with no complications.
I was unable to give any advice for birthing process or new born things, but thankfully, God had already prepared Sendija with a loving mother’s instinct and she knew exactly what to do.
Sendija continues to be a wonderful mother and gives baby Selīna all the love and care she deserves. I am very greatful I had the privilege to live with. They will be leaving the Baby Home soon to start their new life together. Please keep them in your prayers during this time of transition.
Back in Riga:
I moved back to Riga on Sept 14. and many things have jump started in relation to the O&P ministry. I have began the collaboration with the University and government lab. The first project we focused on was training and instruction using a ‘’new’’ transfemoral socket design, Ischial Containment. The design that is currently used is equivalent to what we used in USA in the 60s and 70s. They do it really well, it works, but there are other techniques that will many times be better for patients. We had a distinct advantage to start the training on a patient that is also a student of the O&P program, Dina (and is also a Christian). We took multiple casts on her demonstrating the technique and key principles. Multiple test fittings were also done to demonstrate the importance of using ‘test sockets’ to evaluate the fit prior to final fabrication. In addition, we also had a ‘’real’’ patient to use the ischial containmet socket design on, Alexander. He is a young and active man that got hit by a trolley bus in July. His motivation and determination made the process very rewarding. He had the advantage of having raised money for a very good prosthesis. He was able to choose the best knee and foot, not really worrying about the cost. (this is not a typical case).
Dina has worn a prosthesis for about 8 years, using the basic components provided by government funding. Although they are very basic, she walks very good. In fact, I met her this summer at the Music Festival and did not know she was an amputee. Thanks to donated components from Hanger offices, I was able to provide Dina with more functional knee and foot to more appropriately meet her activity level. She was very grateful for the new components and the really liked the new socket design. Because this socket design and components are so much different from what she is used to wearing, it will take some time to get used to them.
Alexander was able to adapt to his new prosthesis very quickly. He was walking with no hands within 10 minutes of first putting the prosthesis on. I was amazed at how well he did and the attitude he has. His goal is to get back to paragliding, which has has invited me to go as well....
In coming to Latvia, the university and government collaboration were not of priority due to the lack of certain involvement. God is changing that! In discussions with instructors and faculty, they have many areas they are interested in me collaborating with and lecturing on. I am blessed that God is giving me this opportunity to be involved on the secular side of disability care in Latvia. By impacting service, quality, and knowledge on the top end, I hope to be able to have a greater and longer lasting impact on the lives of people with disability. These 2 cases were very successful and a key opportunity to validate my skills and knowledge in O&P with the government practitioners. It is a beginning to what will be an involved collaboration, enhancing their O&P knowledge and skills.
Mobile Unit:
It is interesting the difference between reality and theory when it comes to O&P care here. The professionals agree that there is an issue meeting the needs of everyone with O&P service, but they are unable to do much about it. The reality is there is a greater gap in service than what is thought by the professionals. This is due to the way the system currently works and accessibility to care. I currently have a list of 6 people I know by name that would benefit from O&P care, but are unable to receive it. The need for a mobile unit continues to be seen. I am currently praying about the best timing, resources, and plan to launch such project. This aspect of my ministry has been pushed to the forefront 1. Because of the specific needs I have personally seen and 2. The donation of a vital piece of equipment.
I was contacted in September by EastPoint O&P in North Carolina. Not having any relation with them, they wanted to donate a new bench carver to me to be used on an O&P mobile unit. This equipment is very important in making adjustments and modifications to O&P devices. After, many emails and logistics, I will be receiving the carver on Thursday! This is a huge praise!! I never thought I would be able to have this equipment because of the price and availability in Latvia. This was truly a divine arrangement and provision by God! Because of this, the reality of a mobile unit is at the forefront.
I plan to launch a Fundraising campaign for this project in the next month!!
Church Family:
I am blessed to have found a church to be involved in. They have a good group of young adults that I can relate with. It makes so much difference in feeling settled by having a church to call home. I am grateful for the community and fellowship of the church and the way they have welcomed me in. It is interesting that in the Latvian language they have 2 different words for what we have 1 for, church. Baznīca is the church building but draudze is used for the church body in fellowship. I like that!
Language lessons and tutor:
Language learning continues to be a priority. It has been very challenging. I am able to understand much more than I am able to speak, mostly because I am not forcing myself enough. I meet weekly with a private tutor and will begin classes next month. Please pray for memory, understanding, and confidence to use what I know.
