Dr Paul’s Reflections

It was a great experience again to lead such a team, and I found them to be willing, happy and cooperative together. Many had been before but were happy to do the same site visits again for the benefit of the new-comers. I believe it is good to have a full itinerary so all get a taste of the important sites in the countries we visit and ‘get their money’s worth.’. I also believe we need to work hard in the 3 locations to show an effort in mission, and to repay the generosity we receive in terms of food and lodging. ‘Being there’ in solidarity is important, but so also is the work we do together.

 

Rev. Merrill Kitchen

I am sorry if at times I appeared too directive, but experience has told me that strong leadership is needed when the group is large and when there are security concerns and a tight program.

 

Anyway, that is my style, though ameliorated by the presence of my wonderful wife Merrill without whom this would not be possible.

 

I was stunned and gratified on three occasions when I met 3 middle-aged men at the Nazareth hospital who told me I had operated on them 35 years ago in Nazareth they were children. I was surprised they would remember me, but it made me feel old!

 

In terms of my contribution to Nazareth & the team in the medical/surgical field:

It was gratifying to be asked to share my experience in the management of Pilonidal Sinus – a painful condition that is common in the Middle East and disabling for young men. I spoke the gathered surgeons about it and was asked to operate on 3 patients and teach the technique I have been using, which works best for this condition, and to find out that the surgeons there are keen to adopt the technique in the future for the benefit of more patients.

In Greece, when half the team developed gastroenteritis, I missed the presence of Dr Gwen who was only able to stay with us as far as the end of our stay in Israel & could not be with us in Greece.  It was a test of my medical skills used years ago as currently I handle a scalpel more often than a prescription pad! I was grateful for the following:

1. That I remained well enough to care for all the sick ones, and correctly decide who needed to go to hospital, and get them there

2. That the hotel manager and guide were so willing to help, even to the point of coming with us on a 45 minute ride to hospital and stay until all the patients were sorted out, which was until 2.30am. The hotel also allowed us all to stay another night at minimal cost

3. That although I then became sick, I had recovered sufficiently to make the journey the following evening to pick up those who were then ready to be discharged from hospital

4. That the chief physician agreed to let the two boys out of hospital who had been admitted for 24 hours. If they had stayed another night, it would have been quite distressing for them and their carers (2 other team members who had to sleep on the floor and found no-one to speak English) and would have meant the team would not have seen Meteora the next day, and would have had a long and tiring day on the bus with no site visits. As a surgeon, I was able to persuade the chief physician that I would follow up the two patients the next morning (especially one who at that stage could have had early symptoms of appendicitis).

5. That on our way back to the hotel, we ‘accidentally’ met the local pharmacist doing an evening stroll and that she agreed to immediately provide the drugs we needed for the team that night and so save precious hours the following day (the hospital was in a city far in the opposite direction to our planned route). That event in itself is evidence of God’s care for us as a group and affirming what we have been doing.

Nazareth Workparties are a labour of love for me, and absorbs much of my thinking and non-medical computer time throughout the year preceding. I enjoy that, and when the huge effort by many comes to fruition it is most satisfying, especially the painting days and fund-raising efforts. I am grateful for an enthusiastic committee, supportive base-church, and for the prayers of so many Friends of Nazareth. 

Merrill and I love the people of Nazareth and love to visit and encourage them. It is so much better when we are able to take a group of friends to share that experience with. The combination of Work, Travel and Learning has proved a successful formula now on 10 occasions. It was especially rewarding to share this experience with several ministers of religion and theological educators on this occasion, because the benefit they received will surely be ongoing in their lives and ministry.