Weekend's comin' to an end!

So it's been an interesting weekend for the Ipsen's and Grandma.  We are still navigating our way in Mbingo.  First off for all who are wondering about Brian and his lymph node problem, it has been decided that he had a case of vericella zoster or chicken pox!  Yah, surprised me too!  But all is under control and he is feeling good.  Joe is still not feeling well though, please pray for him.  We think he has strep and he has been strugglin today.  Trying to decide what route to take to treate him.

Saturday Brian started his day with some disappointment as the paralyzed girl that arrived by public bus with the spine injury arrived from the other side of the county.  He found that she had developed hydrocepholis and there is not anything they can do for her expect minimal pain management at best.  Very sad and heartbreaking.  When he got home mom and I ventured to the local market, that was a trip.  Did you know that in Cameroon you could buy Penecillin, Codiene, and Viagra from the same cart at the market with no script?  CRAZY!  We bought some staples, powdered milk and lemon soda, and passion fruits.  After that to lighten Brian's spirits, the family took a hike to the top of one of the mountains here and saw an amazing view of the valley below.  It was mild weather, cloudy and the sun peeked out when we reached the top.  Needless to say it started to downpoar about thirty seconds after we walked in the door when we were done.  It was a great hike.  Mom stayed back to get some "quiet time", when we got home we found she had hand washed all our laundry.  We were really impressed until we found out that they have this amazing soap that gets EVERYTHING out of clothes...seriously.  So serious that Brian washed his clothes after she was done just because he couldn't believe how well it worked.  We decided that it must have something toxic or carcinogenic in it since it is not in the states.  It rained so hard on the way home from dinner that we showered the boys outside in the rain, they thought it was rather fun.  Had some water issues in the house that evening, being we had no hot.  At least I had no hot (thank you mom!).  Decided that we need a shower schedule.

Today we woke up and after breakfast and hanging clothes (because it takes two days for clothes to dry due to humidity) we went to church.  Let me tell you I have never experienced anything like it in my life.  I have watched these people here work harder that I think I have ever seen any people work in my life, and today they praised our God so gloriously and humbly it brought tears to our eyes.  We do not give worship justice.  I'm sure I will have plenty more to say about that as I witness their witnessing later!  Brian operated after church, another sad day for him.  I have never seen him so down after cases.  He really feels like he cannot do them justice.  Today they were traumas that had come in, but of the patients here in general he says they come in when there disease is so advanced would be hard even in the states to treat them.  It is really hard.  There are people everywhere just waiting.  Waiting to be seen, patients that are waiting to heal and probably won't, family of patients "living" on the sidewalks and on the lawn.  It is heart breaking.  At the same time, everyone of them smiles at us.  They wish us good day and want to shake our hands.  So we return it and hope for that moment it brightens their spirits...maybe.  The day was really long today.  We are finding that with nothing pressing to do the time drags on and on and on.  We have been napping.  Even Brian has been napping (those who know him...that's speaks a lot!)  The kids have become good friends with the neighboring locals behind us.  They love to play soccer and army men.  They are also teaching the kids how to monkey trees!  Papa Don you would be proud!!  Today they played soccer in the rain for over an hour, it was great.  It is nice to watch the kids play and interact with these kids.  Tonight we have been invited to pizza and a movie at one of the other Dr's houses (hence the great internet connection!)  Catching up on emails and blogging.  Good pizza and new friends.  It is good here, no it is great here!  I'm looking forward to this week and seeing what it has in store for us.  Oh and if you don't hear from me again, it's because the gianormous roaches have either eaten us or taken us hostage!  Love you all.  Call anytime on our cells.  We get calls but can't call out, would love to hear from you!  God Bless 
PS. Sorry for typos, I'm trying to hurry and not be antisocial!! :)