Farewell, September 3, 2013

Barbara returned to the States in June, and I closed down our beloved MCM apartment and returned to Orlando, July 8. What an incredible experience we have enjoyed for the past 4 years living with our Korean family and working with the wonderful Ethiopian folks. It was very sad parting but the orthopaedic work is in good hands with Warren Terry, a Canadian pediatric orthopod, and the Ethiopian staff. We hope to return for short-term volunteer projects, but our most pressing goal is to sell our house and move into the condo that is being remodeled. Dr. Kim has invited us to join him and Mrs. Lee in Korea. Tomorrow we will leave for Bejing and on to Seoul for two weeks. We have been blessed for four years, and I will close with a farewell letter Barbara wrote to Dr. Kim in June.

Don

“Dr. Kim, Mr. Moon and MCM staff,

It was with much sadness that I left Addis without being able to say good-bye to all of you. Don can tell you that each time I thought of the possibly of our leaving, it brought tears to my eyes.

One of God's special blessings to us has been the opportunity to be here at MCM since September 2009. When Don was invited to come to the hospital for an "indefinite period of time", my first thought was, “Why not?” We prayed about our decision and also received the encouragement and support of our children. Thus, we arrived and began a marvelous journey here.

From the beginning you made us feel welcome and included. You “adopted us” into your family. We have met people from all walks of life that we would never have met had we not been living here. Each of you is a part of our lives, from the workers who keep the grounds looking nice, the maids, to the doctors and administrative staff. All of you have been woven into our lives, creating a beautiful tapestry of memories and experiences.

I am grateful for our time here and also deeply humbled that God chose us to be a part of the wonderful mission of the Myungsung Presbyterian Church through the healing ministry of the Myungsung Christian Medical Center.

God bless you as you continue to serve. Please know of my love and prayers for each of you. We hope to return in the future and will look forward to seeing you.

In love, Barbara

Also, if Rick and Fikru might be in attendance, please say a special word to them from me--Fikru, my Ethiopian son who delights with his creativity and sense of humor, and his generosity. Rick, for being a true servant of God, serving where few would serve, and providing care for the “lost children,” many of whom are now in schools and colleges--miracle children, because of what Rick has done. My life has been blessed because of both Fikru and Rick, whose lives touched mine.”

February 2013

Valentine’s Day. A new group of young Korean volunteers arrived. They enthusiastically wanted to start English classes with Barbara. However, most were too scared to try, but the ones that showed up got a surprise lesson in cookie decorating Barbara set up for them.

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Tsimas Family. The Bambis Tsimas family invited us for a wonderful Sunday lunch at the Greek Club. They are a Greek family here in Addis Ababa, for several generations. We have become good friends with these fine folks and shop at their grocery store regularly.

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San Ha. Sean has been the visiting doctors coordinator for the past year. He has returned to Korea, and we are all sad to have to see him go. He is a super young man, speaks several languages, and is planning on going to seminary in the US. We  know he has a great future.

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Ortho Team. Glen joined Surafel, myself, Dr. Biranhu, Dr. Bezu, and nurse Abdi daily in the oputpatient clinic.

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Florida Hospital Team. Monty Jacobs, head of Global Mission Initiative, George Everett, head of medical education and internal medicine residency, and George Guthrie, Family Practice for Florida Hospital, visited MCM and the Adventist Summit Clinic this week. There were meetings with many departments and sites, and dialogue was fluid. This is a great team and are looking to establish a residency exchange in the future.

Simultaneously 3 medical students from Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York visited and joined us with a visit to Rick Hode’s Clinic.

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January 2013

We returned to Ethiopia, the beginning of January in time to greet Dr. Glen Barden from Lakeland. Glen is a wonderful hand surgeon retired, and this is his third trip to MCM hospital. He spent a month with us and endeared himself to everyone. He is a talented hand surgeon and a humble servant. He attempted to get the names of everybody he encountered and attempted to pronounce them, which is a challenge. Between the Ethiopians and Koreans he was a busy boy. His care and concern for each person, whether a VIP or the housekeeping staff, made no difference and was noticed by all. What a powerful statement of values. He was here for Timkat and we observed the celebration on Bole.

Dr. Nadim Nimeh and his wife Sue came for a month to teach at the medical school. They have lived in Oklahoma for many years and are moving to Dallas. He is a hematological oncologist and contributed greatly to the new med school class.

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Ground Breaking. Consruction was started on the new 5 story addition. It will be completed in 2015.

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Surafel is a first year general surgery resident in the PAACS system. He spent the month of Februay on orthopaedics. He is an excellent resident and will have a wonderful future. It was a joy having him with us for the month, and we wish him the best and God’s speed.

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Thanksgiving & Christmas 2012

We returned to our home in Orlando to be with our family for the holidays. It was a wonderful time. Dr. Wendu came to visit as he was attending a conference in Orlando. He is a good friend and is now practicing orthopaedics in Barhedar, north of Addis.  Kim and Dan got into their new professional kitchen just in time for the holiday rush. Dan’s family pitched in during the busy time.

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September 2012

Ethiopian New Year on the 11th. Various celebrations were held, but quiet compared to the US New Years.

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Meles Zanawe our prime minister passed away. Bill boards around the city reminded us of his hopes and dreams for Ethiopia under his leadership.

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Mr. Henry Moon and his wife had a typical Korean dinner party in their apartment. Barbara and I were the only non-Koreans present. You will notice the typical great food and traditions.

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Working with the residents is quite enjoyable. Enok is a little fellow who had a massive osteomyelitis of the hip now under control.

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The Myungsung Medical School Inauguration was September 29. A lot of speaking and singing was seen in celebration. And the next day Bea and Dan Chang celebrated Barbara’s birthday.

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National Korean Day was celebrated at the Hilton Hotel. Dignitaries including Mr. Tedessa (Minister of Trade), Lisa Filipetto (Australian Ambassador) and business women (Penelope and Evie Tsimas) as well as Mr. Lee with Yunie.

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George and Betty Stuart visited. Betty is the new Director of Water is Life NGO and was in country for her initial assignment. Barbara had a tea to introduce her to the local folks and they also toured the new medical school.

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Everybody loves Yun.

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Dan and Dita Poenaru have joined the staff. Dan is a pediatric surgeon and in addition to graduate level fellowship programs will be teaching at the medical college. Dita is a nurse with advanced degrees and is a valuable asset to the nursing program. Annie, the Korean guys and Betty Stuart are socializing with Dan and Dita at our house.

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Annie Gilmour departed in early November to join her dad and brother in Jordan for a bicycle trip. Annie had won the hearts of everybody during her stay here. I loaned her my lab coat so there were 2 Dr. Pearsons while she was here. The Myungsung Korean tradition is to encircle the loved one on the steps of the old guest house and send off with prayer. She has since returned to New Zealand with her family and will continue her medical studies.

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