We started our day with a 6:30 AM breakfast, loaded up the vans, and departed at 7:45 AM for the Madagascar Lutheran Church of Ibity, a 75 minute bumpy, beautiful drive.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a large group of Malagasy people waiting for us. We joined together outside for a beautiful time of song and prayer including the church’s pastor reading the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) from the Malagasy bible followed by a welcome from our team leaders, Dr. Harison (Lutheran Hospital of Antsirabe’s Medical Director and Chief of Surgery) and Joanna (mission trip leader).

The joint group of Malagasy staff and our American mission team saw 262 children and adults, providing experienced listening ears and treatment including 624 medication prescriptions. Six of our mission team provided triage or were healthcare providers and had fantastic one-on-one translators to assist. Veronica and David, our team’s teenage members, obtained vital signs, while 5 members were our pharmacy staff, a challenging and busy place!

Clinic and clean up were completed by 1 PM, and we enjoyed a great lunch we had brought with us provided by our guesthouse cooking staff. They provide 3 yummy meals every day for us, and we are so grateful!

We departed Ibity at 2:30 PM, waving goodbye to kids and adults on the road on our way back. When we arrived at the hospital compound, Dr. Harison’s wife, Domoina, had invited her mother to display lovely embroidered items she makes and sells. We had a fun “shopping” trip in our guesthouse! Those who wanted to joined our tour guide Domoina in the van to visit a papyrus store, where we saw how they make their own paper and make beautiful items like cards, picture albums, bookmarks, and more. We also visited a jewelry and gem outdoor mall area.

After yet another delicious dinner (egg rolls and zebu burgers with lots of fresh veggies), we had a debriefing conversation about how the first day of clinic went and what we could change. Our fearless leader, Joanna, led us in discussion and then we joined in a group devotion with the focus on planting seeds: “Use us, where You have planted us, to spread Your good seed.” The evening ended with more packing of medications for tomorrow’s clinic!

The evening ended with more packing of medications for tomorrow’s clinic!

Thank you, Ryan (Jo’s husband), for the blessing of 5 days of devotions for our team and for sending out these updates!