For most of the Healthcare team, Friday the 17th was the first time they have ever performed a "tuli," meaning "circumcision" in Cebuano. We have been looking forward to this day for quite some time! I know, it might seem a bit strange that we were getting excited about doing circumcisions...but let me give you some background as to why today was a great day for some families here in the Philippines.
For a boy to become a man here in the Philippines, he must be circumcised, and the boys are around the grade school age when they usually have the procedure done. However, since medical care and simple surgeries like circumcisions are rather expensive to come by, the wooden block and machete method is popular...we went the Lidocain (local anesthetic) and suture way. Also, if our team performs the procedure, the child's risk of infection is greatly reduced. Before the kids step up for their tuli, we share the Gospel with them. I think it's obvious why we're doing what we're doing.
All of the Healthcare team was able to be involved in the circumcisions in at least one way. Several assisted, several sutured, several observed, several did the cutting--it really was a beautiful picture of the unity found in the body of Christ. The Healthcare and Water Filter teams have been staying at the same compound for these past few days, and it's been great living and working with them as well. Even though we are two very different teams doing very different projects, God has allowed us to work together in fun ways. The Lord has been showing each of us so much about the unity that his Spirit brings!
Please pray for the Healthcare team as we are about to split off into our four groups for the remainder of the summer.
by Sam
Shoutout:
I want to say, "Hey!" to my mom, family and friends. I'm also sorry to inform everyone in the world that I'm growing a beard this summer...yep, you can't stop me. Lakeside Ducks.