BLURB

Dear Friends,

BRUCE’S BIT.

It has been both a great privilege and steep learning curve to fill in for my colleague as Acting Executive Director of Nick Simons Institute (NSI) over these last 4 months. It has given me an opportunity to see firsthand the work that we dreamed and prayed about when a small group of us first took up the challenge the Simons family gave to do something worthwhile for Nepalis. With about a US$1 million dollar annual operating budget, the mission to train and support rural healthcare workers, principally through working with government and excellent healthcare providers (including some mission hospitals) is being fulfilled. I have also appreciated visiting some of our sites to be reminded of the challenges of rural healthcare. Recently in Bajhang, I gave my first ketamine GA (general anaesthetic) in a long time after scrounging around for the appropriate equipment as the only doctor there reduced a fractured arm. We were also able to take 2 referred patients back with us to Dadeldhura in our hospital landcruiser for further treatment in “relative comfort”. A 60 yo man with appendicitis (subsequently had an operation) and a 6yo boy with a fracture (who having never been in a vehicle previously, suffered from carsickness), survived the 13 hour trip (extended 3 hours by having 2 flat tyres). Some of the dirt road was still being built in sheer mountainside. It is hard to imagine one (especially a woman needing a caesarean section) having to walk or travel in a bus on this punishing journey to reach medical help since there is no significant operative services in Bajhang yet. This is why we work to build a team of health workers, including our bonded MDGP doctors, the first of whom should be going to Bajhang next March after graduating this August and doing 6 months in Dadeldhura to build up his skills. Please pray for this huge yet essential challenge. I have also been given more insight into the workings of government and of a company and enjoyed the opportunity to work with a small group of keen and committed staff. My colleague returns at the beginning of August and I can return to my “consultant” role and be available for more support as Libby takes on Acting Principal role. I will also be able to concentrate more time on the GP training role and conduct final exams.

			Ruth Speaks… School finished a week ago so now it’s holiday time! On Thursday we had our end of year celebration where Steph graduated. I’ve had some play days already. Today I’m having three friends over for a play. Yesterday Mum, Dad and I went to the Indian Embassy to get the visa for us to go to Calcutta. Dad’s leaving this Saturday and Mum and I are going next Saturday. Steph is leaving the same day as me and Mum. I’ll be sad to say goodbye to her. I’ll be the only child then. No older sisters to play with.  It’s getting a little bit cool with all the rain though my family don’t think so. I am wearing long sleeve shirts and scarves. We’ve had lots of rain which is a good answer to prayer. But we still need some more.
	Stephanie Speaks… My time in Nepal has come to an end. After sixteen and a half years it’s time to say goodbye though I know I’ll be back for lots of visits. My graduation was a wonderful time to reflect on God’s faithfulness and to close off my time at KISC, saying farewell to many. Now it’s just down to packing – ugh, and lists of jobs to do before I leave. I’m excited about all the adventures ahead but also scared and sad to be leaving family and home. I know though, that God has gone before me and his grace will keep me through all the new experiences and challenges.

NOTEWORTHY NEPAL NEWS.

• The number of Nepali workers leaving for foreign employment tumbled by 17 percent during the first eight months of this fiscal year as compared to the same period last year
• There are about 17,000 Nepalis in Australia – it is suspected that a number of female students from Nepal are involved in the sex trade to meet their cost of living in Australia and there is a need for greater regulations of education “consultancies” in Nepal. Julia’s experience with a Nepali girl highlights the enormous challenges for these folk.
• 76 percent of people in Nepal have access to water (87 percent people of the world), but only 46 percent of the people in Nepal have access to toilets (59 percent of the population in the world). Kathmandu City is facing the worst drinking water shortage ever.
• A World Bank report estimated 400,000 children will die worldwide from the impact of the financial crisis. (more than 56,000 in Asia)
• In Nepal, infant mortality has dropped to 48 in every 1,000 children and the child mortality rate to 61 per 1,000 children in the last ten years but there is an increasing trend in the rural areas. (Key factors are if the family is educated and if the mother’s age is over 20 years.)
• Acute food shortages are expected in far west due to extended drought compounded by high temperatures which has destroyed 50 percent of the crops in some districts.

LIBBY’S BIT

Steph’s graduation was another milestone for our family as time moves on a little too quickly for our liking. It was also a time for KISC to give thanks to God for His faithfulness during a stretching year for the country and the school. We take stock and look to Him for all wisdom and direction. I was not able to ‘drop’ after the end of year function like most years as new folk arrived immediately and inductions are under way.

I would value your prayers as I become ‘Acting Principal’ at the beginning of our new academic year on August 3^rd. I feel entirely inadequate for the task especially since our other vice Principal is in the UK with his wife and brand new baby and our administrator leaves in September to begin a Masters programme. The sign above my desk says ‘Little me, Big Him.’

Thankyou for your faithful support through CMS. Your giving and praying goes a long way! Please pray that more folk will hear God’s call to come to Nepal. KISC continuously needs teachers of various subjects. In these unstable days it is good to know that our Lord is our rock and fortress.

Yours in fellowship, the Hayesharu (Bruce, Libby, Steph and Ruth)

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