Sphere of Influence

After a long, but engaging week I sit down to reflect on happenings here in Mwanza. I was impacted at the clinic with an insightful observation of a fellow staff member. The AICT Clinic at Makongoro has several different entities of which I have gotten the opportunity to learn more about. A few months ago I spent a morning working in the Reproductive Health Clinic where a full time nurse cares for expecting mothers and newborn babies, supplying vaccinations, dispensing helpful medication, well-infant follow up and general advice relating to family planning. The HIV/AIDS Clinic – Anganza is another avenue situated at Makongoro and supports a full time nurse counsellor to care for and advise clients in a confidential setting. Although no active treatment is given at this clinic, referrals are made to nearby agencies where individuals can go to be treated. Out Patient Department is a busy area where up to 50 patients are seen by a doctor and assessed by a nurse. Medications are dispensed for sicknesses such a s malaria, urinary tract infections, worms, bacterial infections, respiratory diseases and more. The Inpatient Ward is where we spend most of our time. This past week provided for much learning as both Margaret, another CRWRC Nurse Volunteer, and myself were involved in rounds, treatment and documentation. Having the opportunity to work throughout the week allows us to get to know the patients despite the language barrier and provides for an enriching experience. But this week my most memorable moment was the influence that a fellow nurse had on me. During the day, I often find myself in situations where Kiswahili is being spoken and I do try to understand as much as I can, but sometimes my mind drifts. One day this week, I was reflecting during the morning meeting about how much I respected Mama Maingu. Mama Maingu is an elderly African woman, with the kindest heart, wisest mind, and beautiful smile that makes me want to strive and achieve these qualities. Mama Maingu is the HIV/AIDS counsellor at AICT Makongoro and has provided care to many, many people throughout her time here. In the last few months, she has taken several opportunities to share with me her experiences and has become a wonderful friend. As I think more and more about our interactions, I think of how blessed I am to have been influenced by her. While traveling overseas has increased my sphere of influence to a wide variety of people, I have been influenced incredibly by Mama Maingu and am honoured to enter into her sphere. Sphere of influence describes the impact that a person can have on others through the different networks or ‘spheres’ that they find themselves in. As one connects with new groups and different peoples, this sphere of influence grows. It is amazing how the Lord has so intricately created our lives that, despite the millions and billions of people living on this planet, He can bring two people together to have a divine encounter and bless both. I pray for more experiences like this.