It was another cool morning as Uli and I left for our first official health program in one of the local villages. I had been working off and on for the past four weeks preparing for this. I’d scanned lots of little pictures and made them into big ones, prepared handouts, and gathered poster board and samples of different grains and other foods to explain the food groups.

Tuesday morning at 7:00 we left for the village with Cezar to translate for us and someone to show us the road. When we arrived, we found the village expecting us. We had sent a note ahead so they knew we were coming. However, they’d had difficulty reading the note and couldn’t figure out why we were coming. The men told us they were in the middle of a building project and needed to get back to it soon so the mud wouldn’t get too dry.

Suzy preparing for the health program.

In the interest of time, we decided to present a shortened version of the first day to the men who had gathered. We started with worship. I talked about creation and how God created different plants that have good effects on our bodies—foods that give us strength to work, help repair our bodies, and provide us with vitamins. I had samples in little plastic bags with paper clips through them so I could hang them on hooks on some poster board. I asked the men to name foods, and they had a good time trying to think of stuff they thought I wouldn’t have. We had lots of interaction and comments. When we finished with basic nutrition, we quit for the first day so the men could get back to work. As they left, I asked them to tell the women that I wanted them there the next day because what I would talk about concerned them, too.

On the second day, we covered fetus development. Everyone got a page with drawings of what a fetus looks like at the end of each month. They loved that. They stared at the pictures for five minutes before I could even get their attention to continue explaining. We covered fetus development and then nutrition for babies. After that, we talked about how to mix other foods into their simple cornmeal mush to enrich it. Normally they give their babies only thin cornmeal mush. They thought the idea sounded complicated, and they asked if they could make samples the next day. We agreed to start earlier the next day and do that. Many of the women needed to haul water the next day so they wanted to see the demonstration before they had to leave.

Ladies from the village who came to listen to the health program.

When we arrived the next day, they got a fire going. When everyone had arrived, we had prayer. God gave me wisdom about which lady to pick to make the sample. They stood around and watched as this lady mixed corn, millet, sorghum, and soy flour together and then added some pulverized manioc leaves. I also showed them how to add some oil to increase the calorie value. Then they all tasted it and thought it was quite yummy.

Suzy presenting the health program with the help of Jacob and Cezar.

After that, many of the ladies had to begin work. We went on and talked to those who remained about cleaning sores and keeping them clean. We explained how they can make special tea from one of the trees here that has properties that help sores heal quickly. We talked about making ORS (oral rehydration solution) for diarrhea. We taught them how to tell if diarrhea has gone on too long and they need to go to the hospital to get it treated. They also learned what happens when someone has diarrhea and how to test the skin for dehydration. Each person got a packet that we went through step by step so they could remember the stuff we talked about. The materials made the class more than just talk.

Making the cereal.

The villagers were not ready to quit when we finished, but that was enough for one day. They said they would use what we’d talked about this time and next time they could learn more. When I go back, I plan to teach them more first aid and how to use charcoal poultices.

I just praise God for giving me wisdom and guiding me as I prepared and presented this. Also, I thank God for Uli’s help and for Cezar who translated for me.

When you think you are in over your head, just remember that God puts us in these situations to teach us to rely on Him for our wisdom and strength.

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