Baby Kimbrough

Like any other day, this afternoon we headed to the Chief's house to pick up some of our national friends.  We got out, sat down and greeted the few men and children who were sitting outside.  Shortly thereafter the Chief's wife, Miriam, called Blake over.  She explained to him that there was a young woman whose water was about to break and she needed transport to the hospital in Isoka "now, now". Blake explained to us that the plans for the day had changed and we would be taking this woman and Miriam to the hospital.  We piled in, our nursing majors beaming with excitement (secretly hoping she would give birth on the way, I'm sure) and made the 15 min drive back to Isoka.

When we arrived at the hospital Miriam and this young woman made their way into the maternity ward.    Blake then explained to us that he heard her tell Miriam that her water had broken back at the house and she was in hard labor.  About 15 or 20 mins later, as we were all waiting in the truck, Blake told us that she had a baby boy and we would be taking them back to Chilanga in a few minutes.  We waited another 20 mins and then, just like that this young mother, Miriam and the sweetest baby boy came out to the car!  Miriam told Blake that they named the baby Kimbrough after him.

They got back in the truck and off we went.  Miriam passed the baby back to a row of thrilled girls and we ooed and awwed over this baby's first yawns and sneezes.  Talk about an amazing day!!

On our way back we sang praise songs in Bemba and Miriam shared with this young mother that the Father loves her.  Please lift up this baby and his mother.  There is such a high mortality rate in the first year of life here in Africa.  Also lift up this mother and baby that they might come to know the Father.

The mother on the way back from the hospital.

Introducing baby Kimbrough

The whole group (Miriam is holding baby Kimbrough)