Mama Kiki's Clinic Is Open - Kari Gibson

“God doesn’t call the qualified, God qualifies the called.” (The Circle Maker) I have never in my life ever thought about working in a medical clinic. I honestly don’t like seeing gushing blood and have no clue what most of the medical terms like acetaminophen or clotrimazole mean. It’s not really English. I love teaching. I can come up with a lesson about almost anything in seconds if I’m put on the spot and have to teach. I was an elementary teacher in the inner-city of Phoenix, Arizona for 5 years. I’m comfortable in front of large crowds of children … it’s my passion and my gift and my talent.

When my good friend and nurse, Emily Cornish left for the states last month, she gave me 2 keys. One to open the Hope For Korah basket shop and one to open the clinic. I am the key master. The only instructions she left me, “Don’t lose the keys!!” The Great Hope staff just completed building the new clinic the day before she left the country. I told her … no worries, we would organize and keep the clinic running smoothly. I told her the only two cases I would refuse, stitching up a wound or delivering a baby. I have to draw the line somewhere.

The first day I opened up the clinic, I was nervous. A little girl from Korah came in with a horrible burn on her leg from boiling tea water. It was really disgusting and I had a moment of panic. I hugged her and looked around for the plastic bins for “burns.” Emily actually had one labeled “wound care.” I cleaned the burn carefully and covered it with sterilized bandage. I think what meant the most to my patient was the attention and love I was able to give her. We did the owie dance and she bounced out of the clinic happy. Several more “patients” came to the clinic with minor injuries like a sore tooth, ringworm, lice, torn fingernail, cramps, and itchy eyes. I’m a mom and teacher and have treated all these symptoms over the past 18 years. I even had the opportunity today to teach a few young children how to brush their teeth. I had no idea I could use my love of teaching in the clinic.

I’m grateful for all the translators, nurses, veterinarians, pharmacists, social workers, and parents who have volunteered time in the clinic the past several weeks. Your care and love and guidance have made such a big difference for the village of Korah. Thank you for labeling the bins with “easy to understand” terms for me to care for patients when you’re not here. P61 (Jack’s team) I am VERY thankful for the time you spent organizing the new clinic shelves!! Everything has a spot and labels!! Your donations have filled the bins to overflowing! Most of all, what a blessing to love BIG on the young and old who just need a little tender loving care from a non-nurse.

Emily, thank you for trusting me with the clinic key … I hope we make you proud!!