Blog
Communication Down
The Kusuri Clinic and Medical Base is very remote. The Island of Halmahera is one of the approximate 17,000 islands in the nation of Indonesia. It is a very historic place also know as the Spice Islands. The Dutch, Portuguese and Japanese controlled these islands over the years. The islands are amazing and the rich volcanic soil and the tropical climate make is a rare growing environment. It is so beautiful and yet it is remote. The Kusuri base does not have phone connection. We have a satellite connection in order to maintain email...
read moreHealing His Face
Tison has his skin graft to his chin and face. The skin is healing and looking much better. He had a very uncomfortable gauze covering sown over the new skin graft. it was on about a week he was embarrassed about it and it was uncomfortable. He was very happy when the gauze was removed.It was a beautiful day and I had a chance to get a nice photo of his chin and lip. We took a long walk and just enjoyed the sunny day. It is snowing as I write–what a crazy place to live.
read more“Break-up”
Break-up is a word used here in Alaska to signify the end of winter and the beginning of our summer. Summer is close when the snow and ice begin to melt. The sun is higher in the sky and everyone has a smile. The river ice “breaks-up” and the deep green waters appear again.It is a time out get out the bikes and jet ski’s. Tison got in full swing with his first ride on the bike at the Johnson’s. He is just having a great time. His left foot is still in a protective cover but it did not stop or discourage him. I know he...
read moreFinally Home
It was three weeks on the road. I was in Portland, Oregon for a week. Phoenix, Arizona for another week and Boise fort he final week. It seemed like a lot longer but I am now back in Fairbanks. I left with snow on the ground and came back with it clear of snow.I spoke at a number of meeting and got to connect with some of our partners. We have amazing people who are standing with us.However good the trip–it is great to be home.
read moreA Great Smile
Tison had an appointment with his surgeon today. He is doing well following his second surgery. The graft on his left ankle is healing nicely. The big toe on the same foot setting well. It was a positive report and the next step in his progress was set.Tison has a radiant smile and it will only get better. He will have plastic surgery to his face in about two weeks. That smile will get better and brighter.His English language skill are really improving. He is very smart and is eager to learn. His behavior has been excellent–he is...
read moreMy Name Sake
When I first saw him in February I was not sure he would even live another day. He was very frail and sick. He was a throw away child–just like the other children we have in our care. He was born at our hospital and was unwanted. I was told by Peter Scarborough that they had named him. His name was Carl. I took a long look at him and wondered if little Carl would even live.I got a report that his caretaker, Ribka, was doing a great job in his care and he was improving. He might make it. I was very happy to hear this child was...
read moreScarborough’s Going Home
Peter and Esther Scarborough, the directors of the Hohidiai base, have been in Australia for personal time and to meet with friends and partners. Their sons, Leigh and Andrew, both were married in January. These were exciting times and what an honor for them to be there to see their sons start a new chapter in their lives.Esther had her hands full with the little ones she brought to Australia with them–along with Miriam and Amy, their birth children, they brought Victor, Teresa, Jasmine, Della, Listari, and Merna. I might have even...
read moreA Leg Up
Tison has his left leg elevated following his second surgery. This is a real restriction to his active lifestyle. He went from snowboarding and sledding to having to put his leg on a pillow–does not seem fair.The skin graft came from the upper left leg. The surgeon put him under sedation on Monday to remove the wrapping and to inspect the graft. He came out of the surgery room very pleased at the condition of the graft. The graft is still very sensitive and needs more time to heal.The good news is the big toe on the left foot is in the...
read moreNumber Two Done
He was asking for water following his second surgery. Tison did very well in the three hours he was in the operating room. The pin that was inserted in the thumb of his right hand during the first surgery was removed. The surgeon cleaned up some scar tissue that will vastly improve the range of motion on his legs and realigned the big toe on the left foot. A graft of skin was removed from his upper leg and used to repair the toe.This is a big step and will dramatically improve his walking and running. The tendons on his left foot were very...
read moreRed-ee
Tison was sick last month when he was scheduled for his second surgery. He will have this surgery on Thursday. He is ready (red-ee) for this next step. He likes the word ready–but he pronounces it red-ee. This was one of the first words he learned. We would ask him, “Are you ready?” He would say, “Red-ee”. Now, he better be ready for this surgery.This is an important process for him. He will have his left foot freed from the contractures. The end result is to have the foot lay flat in a normal position. It will...
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