Preparing for Ethiopia and Donations for the Medical Clinic

Zebene Family and Burke Family

July 2014

There are so many components that go into the international adoption process.  One of the details is finding a guest house to stay at while you're in country.  Kevin and I were so blessed to have connected with the guest house in Ethiopia that Zebene and his family owned and operated.  We took three trips over the course of two years.  Each time there was no question as to where we would stay.  

Having a welcoming place to stay while in Ethiopia was nice, it is the friendship with Zebene, Hiwot, and their family that has been a lasting joy for us.  

Zebene is no longer in the guest house business.  Their family is now pouring their talents, energy, and love into the medical clinic they operate, Fares Medium Clinic.  Hiwot is a doctor that specializes in obstetric care for mothers and babies living in poverty.  

We are so blessed to have friends that care so much for their community.  To say it is inspiring is an understatement.  One of the great pleasures of going to visit them is finding ways to support their clinic and in turn, supporting the people that are served there.  In less than two months we'll be back with our friends in Ethiopia.  We'll also have the opportunity to carry donations and supplies for the clinic.

I've asked Zebene to let us know what items would be useful to the clinic.  I would not want to pretend I know what they need.  Some items are easily accessible in Ethiopia and others are not.  I am thankful for a relationship with Hiwot and Zebene where we can talk about how it is best to support their efforts.     

Kevin, the girls, and I will be taking multiple bags of donations for the clinic.  If you are interested in helping support the Fares Medium Clinic as well please let us know.  We'll be taking donations of the following items...

Vitamins C, D, and B12

Over the counter pain medication

Otoscope

Scrubs

Surgical drapes

Surgical gowns for doctors and nurses

Surgical shoe coverings

Surgical masks

Surgical caps

Surgical gloves

Sanitizer

Medical pen light

Electronic blood pressure cuff

Stethoscope

Pulse oximeter... 3 Donated!

Surgical, medical and obstetric forceps

Electronic fetoscope

Nebulizer machine... Donated!

Urine analyzer

Portable ultrasound machine

Hematology analyzer

If you are interested in contributing any donations please let me know.  

amburke2002@gmail.com

I'll update the list as I acquire various items.  If there are any questions about an item I can get more clarification from Hiwot and Zebene.  

Thank you for making this journey with us!  It is a blessing to know that we're not alone.  

Front view of the Fares Medium Clinic

Cholera, Typhoid, Yellow Fever... Oh My!

This summer.  THIS summer!  Late this summer the Burke clan will board a plane bound for Ethiopia.  

Now, I know this is not ideal.  I am still facing mobility issues and ongoing physical therapy.  There is still a pandemic going on.  We are hoping and praying that the 12-15 year old COVID-19 vaccine is available before we travel.  We are stepping out in faith that we'll get those vaccines for the girls before we leave.  We pray that the world will have a better handle on the crisis.  At the same time, there are family and personal reasons why it is very important that we go to Ethiopia this summer.  

I am aware that with this plan we sit in the crossroads of significant privilege.

Today all of the girls and I drove to Greenville to get vaccines for international travel.  There is privilege in having a car to drive there, gas to run the car, time off of work, the availability of typhoid and yellow fever vaccines, and the money to pay for them.  

It is a great tragedy that these opportunities are not open to all people.  

I was able to buy a vaccine that prevents the likelihood of my children catching typhoid.  There are so many people in the world that do not have that privilege.  According to the CDC (www.cdc.gov) "An estimated 11–21 million cases of typhoid fever and 200,000 deaths occur worldwide each year."

11-21 million people suffer each year from a disease that can be prevented through a vaccine.  200,000 people loose their lives, families grieve, and communities are changed by a disease that a simple shot in the arm could prevent.  

I could go through the list of other opportunities to prevent illness, from cholera to yellow fever.  Because I was born in a developed country with access to vaccines, my family and I can likely avoid illness, disability, and death from these diseases.  The weight of that privilege is not lost on me.  

At the same time that weight should also drive me to seek justice in the world.  I know many times I grow complacent about the plight of those around the globe.  As our family steps back into the planning stages of travel, I am faced with that reality again...  and I am thankful.  Thankful to be stirred from the stupor of taking health care for granted and thankful to be called to tell stories about the world around us.  

As we begin this journey once again, we know that we are not alone.  We invite you to follow along as we embark on this adventure, see where it leads, and how we are called to love our global neighbors.  

Vaccines at Passport Health.  Thanks so much to the lovely nurses there.

www.passporthealthusa.com