SHOMEKA OUTREACH...advancing health and faith in developing countries

A few snapshots

2009-09-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

Clinic Progress....

Some facinating children....MUSUNGU!!!

A favorite village snapshot

A Roosting Village Chicken

A Welcome Village Get-a-Way

Benefit Concert

2008-11-07T18:21:00.000-08:00

Clinic Blueprints

2008-10-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

(just click on the blueprints for a larger view)

October Updates

2008-10-20T15:16:00.000-07:00

Fall is a season of change in much of America. Children are back to school, leaves are turning magnificent shades of oranges and reds, and a welcome crispness enters the air. However, on the other side of the globe things are warming up. The majority of October days reach 95-100 degrees Farenheit. The earth is dry and Victoria Falls has taken a rest from its massive explosion seen each spring.

This October is no different. Shomeka Outreach is warming up to provide the desparately needed maternal health care in a rural community of Zambia. The project is within reach!

Here are some updates on the growing momentum in Kazungula:

1. Sarah Hesch, Project Manager, spent September and October in the Kazungula and Livingstone areas spearheading clinic preparations. Much of her work consisted of discussions with government officials planning the project and discussing details of construction and operation. Some foundational developments:

Approval of an alternative construction method done by Eco-build Technologies (http://www.ecobuildtechologies.com/) which boasts limited need for electricity and water during the construction process, ability for most of the work to be completed by local community members, and use of local, commonly available building materials. (More details to come!)
Approval of building plans (see above)
Mobilization of the Kazungula chief, local council, and women's group to provide volunteers for the project

2. Adam Swenson and Trevis Underdahl, US volunteers, joined Sarah for 2 weeks in October preparing the land for construction. With the help of local volunteers, the ground was leveled, rocks moved, and brush burned. (If you remember, this had already been done on another plot earlier this year, but that area is to be used for other future community development projects.)

3. Givas Kalangu will be filling Sarah's position as Project Manager as she returns to the States. Givas has been with Shomeka since the beginning and has been a central force in propelling the vision of Shomeka forward and coordinating the partnership between community members, government officials, and the US team.

Shomeka Concert Saturday 9/13 @ 7pm!

2008-09-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Join us as we raise funds for Adam Swenson and Trev Underdahl to help build the Nico Memorial Clinic in Kazungula, Zambia--not to mention hear their awesome new band play some original music!

Email: adam.swenson@swikecreative.com for details.

2008-09-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

SARAH HESCH PROJECT MANAGER

Welcome aboard, Sarah! With an extensive international background, Sarah Hesch is a priceless asset to both the Shomeka team and the people of Kazungula. She has spent several years living abroad in the African countries of Uganda, Morocco, and South Africa, as well as Eastern Europe. Her flexibility and cultural insights greatly complement her take-charge attitude and make her not only a wonderful volunteer, but also a great leader.

Sarah has already begun her work in Zambia and is adapting to the 100 degree weather now present in southern Zambia. She will be organizing the clinic construction and working with the local community to faciliate the operations of Shomeka. Also, she will be coordinating work for 2 American volunteers, Adam Swenson and Trevis Underdahl, during their time in Zambia from October 4-18.

Please keep her in your prayers as she serves away from home and family, and paves new roads for the ministry!

Reports from the Penn State Trip

2008-08-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

Rachel Zimmerman was one of the students participating on the recent medical trip to the Kazungula area. Thought I'd share with you a glimpse of her experience in rural Zambia:

"We spent three days in the Kazungula area and saw about 100 or more patients a day. It impressed me how much patience the Zambian people had. They waited for many hours in line and walked such long distances to be seen by the doctor. Even more impressive to me was the dedication of Dr. Steve Rudman who was accompanying our group from Virginia. Often he stayed at a clinic until the last patient was seen. We were able to test many people for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria."

Medicine by Candlelight

Do you have your passport???

2008-08-06T23:38:00.000-07:00

Already have a passport?
If you're thinking of going on an upcoming trip, it would be a good idea to make sure your passport is in working order. A few tips:

1. Check the expiration date. Passports are generally good for 10 yrs. How old is your picture???

2. Also, many countries frown upon passports that expire within 6 months of your travel date...thinking you'll jump ship and stay a little longer than they want you to, I guess. So, double check to make sure your passport still has more than 6 months to expiration.

3. Have you changed your name? Again, another reason for an update!

4. How many pages do you have left in your passport? The rule of thumb is make sure you have at least 2-4 blank pages, depending on your travel route, so they can mark their territory.
____________________________________________

Don't have a passport yet???
Even if you're only comtemplating serving with Shomeka in the upcoming months, now is the time to make work of getting a passport. The average processing time for an application right now is 4 weeks. The cost is around $100, plus the price of the 2 passport-sized pictures required (usually done at your local post office or some place like Walgreens).

The links below are very comprehensive. The USPS site even has a passport office locator you can use to find the one nearest you!

*FYI: The new passport cards are only for travel use between the US, Canada, and Mexico--not for use with air travel!

Project Manager Position

2008-07-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

Shomeka Outreach is looking to fill the position of Project Manager. If you or someone you know would like to serve in Zambia beginning this September, send inquiries to info@shomeka.org

Position Listing: Project Manager
Location: Kazungula, Zambia, AFRICA
Contract Period: September 1, 2008 - November 30, 2008
Salary: Negotiable; self-raised support
Housing: Provided (House within Kazungula city limits)

Position Description: The Project Manager will oversee all building operations of the Nico Memorial Medical Clinic. Coordination will involve working with the Shomeka-Zambia Board of Directors, the Kazungula Department of Health Management Team, and the designated clinic contractor. Preparations will need to be made to ensure the availability of all building materials prior to the arrival of volunteer work teams starting October 5, 2008. The project manager will be responsible for the logistics and transport of all teams to and from Livingstone Airport, as well as oversee the work completed at the construction site. Other responsibilities will include payment to the clinic contractor for work completed and purchase of any needed supplies, including preparations for teams at the Shomeka house (i.e. food, bunk beds, etc). The concluding role will be to finalize the construction project after the last team has departed and secure the clinic until the next phase of operation begins.

Some Requirements of Service:
o God-honoring interactions with others
o Ability to work independently
o Adaptability to a third-world environment
o Leadership skills
o Respect for Zambian culture
o Honesty and integrity in handling funds

*Applicants must familiarize themselves with the organization and adhere to the Shomeka Statement of Belief while in service with Shomeka Outreach.*

Please submit your application to:

Shomeka Outreach
3169 Fernbrook Lane N.
Plymouth, MN 55447
Fax: (763) 746-0988
Phone: (651) 485-2970
info@shomeka.org

Construction workers needed for October!

2008-07-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

The plan: Clinic Construction this October
The help: Looking for 20 able-bodied volunteers
The dates: October 4-18

Want to know more:

SHOMEKA INFO NITE
*CLINIC CONSTRUCTION 2008*

Please join us and learn about the construction plans for the building of Shomeka’s Nico Memorial Medical Clinic. We will share the vision for the clinic, plans to build this October, and the need for volunteers.

WHEN: Friday, Aug 8th @ 7pm

WHERE: The Andy and Amanda Root Home

(952) 473-1363 for directions

Lofty dreams engined by a big God

2008-07-26T17:17:00.000-07:00

Lofty. That was a word spoken in prayer today during our Shomeka board meeting.
Lofty. Used to describe our goals for construction we all hope can take place this fall.
Lofty. Doing work in expectation that it will succeed.

To be lofty is to have faith.

Quite honestly, I am naturally a woman of little faith. If I were a disciple, I would be Thomas, doubting Thomas. I would have gone up to Jesus and asked him to hold out his hands for me to see. The thing is, Jesus did just that. He realized that Thomas had a heart to follow Him, but needed a little help to get him on his way. I have heart, and let's say a mustard seed of faith, but I'm in need of a big, resurrected God who is worth following.

That's what Shomeka is all about. Lofty dreams engined by a big God. Shomeka actually means "faithfulness" or "trusted" in the Tonga language. Its about our faith in God-however small it may be, and his faithfulness to us. So because of those scars in Christ's hands and feet, we do have lofty dreams to serve Him with the talents he gave us. Thus, our vision to go ahead and start a medical ministry for those in need...and, to do it this October.

My friend and Shomeka co-founder, Owen Simwale, just returned from 3 wks in Zambia. He was the leader of a group of 14 physicians, professors, and students from Penn State who brought medical supplies to Kazungula and neighboring villages. In 6 short days, they saw 560 patients, some walking 20 km to see a physician for the first time ever. The group did dentistry, HIV/AIDS testing, delivered babies, and provided other basic medical services. Let me just say right now a heartfelt thank you to all of you who gave of your time and talents to serve these people! (Glad you all got in a little bungi-jumping as well!)

Point being, the need awaits! Even now as I write this, there's some man or woman or child in Kazungula struggling with sickness or perhaps facing death. Building this clinic will unfortunately not save everyone, but it can save some. And it is for those 'some' that we plan to build.

Would you consider stepping out in faith and sharing our lofty dreams?

Shomeka Addition!

2008-07-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Announcing...

the newest Shomeka member!

Tipping the scales at 8lbs 1 oz

*MIRIAM JOY KARDELL*

Beautiful daughter of Todd and Charity

Beloved Shomeka Board Members!

Congratulations Kardells!

(and big brother Solomon too!!!)

Prayers for the Shomeka Team

2008-07-04T01:20:00.000-07:00

The Shomeka-Penn State group left 7/1 for Zambia...Lusaka, Livingstone, Kazungula, etc. Please keep them in your prayers as they bring basic medical and spirtual care to the local people. They return 7/20-ish and once they are settled back home, we'll post an update on their trip and current Shomeka happenings.

Blessings to all,

Naomi

Supplies for July 1st trip

2008-06-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

This just in:

We are in need of a couple specific items for the trip leaving for Kazungula July 1st. I know--it's just around the corner! Please email Owen Simwale (trip leader) if you're able to help and he can get you the address to ship them to: osimwale@nastad.org.

Pregnancy test kits
Home fetal monitors (http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/ultrasound.html

These items will be used at maternal-child health clinics. Thx much!

2008-06-05T06:29:00.000-07:00

Nico Everett Swenson...

God's precious gift

07.07.07 - 06.03.08

So much is in a name. It is with both joy and sorrow that Shomeka has today found a name for the medical clinic: the Nico Memorial Clinic. Jesus carried Nico Everett Swenson into heaven this past Tuesday, June 3, 2008. Nico was the beautiful son of dear friends, Adam and Maureen Swenson, and little brother to loving sister Katja. Even though he was shy of his 1st birthday, Nico managed to touch the lives of so many by his sweet countenance and by demonstrating God's miracles day after day.

We would like to honor Nico and his family by not only naming the clinic in his memory, but more so, by pledging to stay faithful to the cause of Shomeka....to promote life and health and hope for those in need of medical care like Nico and his mother.

For those who are learning of Shomeka Outreach for the first time, we are currently building a maternity clinic in southern Zambia that will provide prenatal, labor and delivery, and postnatal care for families in this region of Africa. The clinic construction began this May.

Donations in Nico's honor will go towards the building of this clinic.

Memorials can be sent to:
Shomeka Outreach
3169 Fernbrook Lane N
Plymouth, MN 55447

Or online at: http://www.shomeka.org/

You'll be forever in our hearts Baby Nico...

We love you, Uncle Bright and Auntie Nomie

2008-04-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

SHOMEKA OUTREACH

Needed Supplies and Equipment

MATERNITY CLINIC
Alcohol wipes
Betadine/Iodine Solution
Blood pressure cuffs (manual)
Catheters
Chux
Delivery Beds
Delivery Kits
Doppler
Dr.’s Stools
Emesis Basins
Exam Tables
Exam Lights
Fetal Monitors/Belts/Gel
Fetoscope
First Aids Supplies (bandages, tape, dressings, etc)
Hospital Beds
IV start kits & supplies
IV poles
Lubricating Jelly
Maxi Pads (multiple sizes)
Medications/Vitamins
Mosquito Nets (treated)
Scale
Stethoscopes
Thermometers
Ultrasound Machine/Gel
Vehicle (for use as ambulance)

GENERAL SUPPLIES
Alcohol foam/antibacterial soap
Chairs (waiting area/beside beds)
Cleaning supplies
Computers/Printers/Software
Curtains
Gloves (sterile & clean)
Garbage bags/Sharps containers
Kitchen set up/dishes
Library Resources (books, journals, visuals, etc)
Linens
Masks
Medical filing/documentation
Refrigerator (staff use)
Shelving
Soap
Uniforms

NURSERY
Baby blankets
Bassinets (6)
Bulb syringes
Cloth diapers
Cord Clamps
Formula
Infant Warmer
Isolette
Scale
T-shirts or gowns

LAB/PHARMACY
Autoclave
Lab supplies/tests
Microscopes/Accessories
Refrigerator
Shelving

COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Computers (laptops)
Educational materials (HIV/AIDS, STD’s, etc)
Radios/Phones
Vehicle

Donations can be sent to:
* 3169 Fernbrook Lane North * Plymouth, MN 55447 *

Drop off times: M-F 8am-4pm

Phase I: Creating the Clinic Foundation

2008-04-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

Rainy season is finally coming to a close! This year Zambia was said to have the rainiest rainy season in 20 years. Though Victoria Falls is at its finest, many regions have been flooded and thousands of people have been displaced. The lands are now finally drying and people are beginning to return home. It is time to rebuild lives and livelihoods...and to begin the life-saving work of the Shomeka Maternity Clinic.

In 2007, the Zambian government generously provided Shomeka Outreach with a large plot of land, about the size of a city block, just outside the village of Kazungula. The land was cleared and leveled by local Zambians, with the help of the Shomeka-Zambia team.

As the ground dries later this month (April 2008), Phase I of the clinic construction will begin. We will begin by laying the foundation, using local materials and hiring local employees and volunteers. It is exciting for us to see the Kazungula people take ownership of the clinic project and join the efforts of Shomeka to provide for the members in their commununity!

Stay tuned for updates and pictures of the clinic construction!

Meet the Shomeka Board Members...

2008-04-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

Somehow Zambia runs in our blood: we're addicted, we're empassioned, we're the Shomeka Board of Directors. Each one of us has caught the vision and believes, "If we build it, they will come!" (Please excuse me...I'm an Iowan farmer's daughter! :) But really, we're a group of individuals who have fallen in love with the Zambian people and desire to see them healthy & full of life!

Amidst the strategic planning, grant writing, and project development, I don't want anyone to lose sight of the fact that we were just a few people who got together and said, "Hey, people are dying in Africa...let's see if we can do something about it."

On that note, we're grass roots. We have families, careers, and dishes to wash. We've tried to put our heads together to see what we can do for Zambia. We just want them to share in the blessings that we so often take for granted--a home, food, education, access to health care.

WEB LINKS

2008-02-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

Though Shomeka Outreach is an independent NGO, we very much appreciate the efforts and research provided by other health and faith-based non-profit organizations. I'm compiled a working list of agencies and their websites found to contain relevant information on Zambian affairs, maternal mortality and morbidity, and general public health issues facing the developing world. Let me know if you have any additions to the list @ nhachaba@shomeka.org

Center fo Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/
John's Hopkins School of Public Health: http://www.jhsph.edu/
Lonely Planet: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/zambia/
Maternal Mortality: http://childinfo.org/areas/maternalmortality/index.php
USAID: http://usaid.gov/locations/sub-saharan_africa/countries/zambia/index.html
UNICEF: http://www.unicef.org/
United Nations: http://cyberschoolbus.un.org/infonation/index.asp?id=894
World Factbook: http://cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/za.html
World Health Organization: http://www.who.org/
Zambian Embassy: http://www.zambiaembassy.org/
Zambian News: http://zambia.co.zm/
Zambian Travel: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1062.html

For the love of Zambia...

2008-02-01T17:16:00.000-08:00

African Mother and Baby

2008-01-05T20:17:00.000-08:00

Concrete Dreaming...

2008-01-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

I delivered my first baby in Africa. On a hillside in southwestern Ethiopia to be exact. We weren't intending on delivering a baby that day; it just happened. We had one pair of gloves between the two of us. They didn't know I hadn't done it before, but somehow my bare hands were the ones that caught the girl. She was lifeless. Gwen, calmly and without pause, wiped her face and gave her the breath of life. Never has a newborn cry sounded so magical as in that small Ethiopian village. Someday I'll tell you the story in its entirety, but for now I wanted to let know when and where I became committed to this cause. This cause, is Life. This cause, is Christ. Shomeka Outreach is my channel to serve God and others at the same time, attempting to sustain the very lives He creates.

The thing is, as my heart began to beat for African communities in 2000, the vision encompassed by Shomeka was awakening in hearts of people around the States as well--Minnesota, Pennsylvania, California, Connecticut. In March 2004 the name 'Shomeka Outreach' was penned and "concrete dreaming" began. These people, strategically linked together by happenstance, became the Shomeka Outreach Board of Directors and visionaries for health services to a rural Zambian village called Kazungula, home to 91,000 people without a hospital. Each member, impassioned by a love of life and fueled by a sense of urgency, has committed to combating maternal mortality. Not only will the clinic host mothers delivering babies, it will also become an outpost for health education and prevention in the community. Our desire is that in years to come, Shomeka Outreach will be seen as a pillar of hope and a trusted entity in the Kazungula community.

So as far as an official introductory, this is it. I am Naomi, a Shomeka founder, labor and delivery nurse, and now, blogger. Our journey has begun and already proven interesting at times. I encourage you to stay tuned and witness what's to come for the families of Zambia!