You may remember HSU physcial therapy faculty Dr. Phil. Palmer, his wife Elayne, and two students working in Jos, Nigeria at the Evangel Hospital a few years ago. This summer, The Palmers went back to Jos with six physical therapy students. The students were as prepared as possible. They knew this would be a challenge unlike any other. They knew the hospitals would be crowded and understaffed. They knew they wouldn't have supplies to work with. But, they also knew they would have the gratitude of those they helped; people used to doing without, people used to living in pain. Rather than interpret what the participants experienced, I'd like to share their impressions just as they've written them. There may be a few updates over the weeks, so check back from time-to-time.

Lindsay Luker: Africa! The trip so far has been amazing. I have seen and experienced things that I have never seen or thought of to imagine. The culture is very different, but people have been inquisitive and equally accepting. The hospital setting is very basic, but the patients are very involved. We are learning to do a lot with very little. The times with the children have been my favorite. They are precious little souls who absolutely cling to the hand that will reach to them. They truly light up my day. I can't believe I am saying this...but I am not sure that three weeks will be long enough! I have been truly blessed....I just hope that I can bless in a similar and giving way.

Aaron Pierson: There have been so many experiences that I have had in the first few days that I never could have learned by looking at pictures or hearing stories. Seeing the positive faces of all of the kids who have next to nothing...including family...and listening to their dreams and future plans has been very uplifting. I have seen poor people before, but in this area of poverty everyone only knows this way of life and struggling, which they have gotten accustomed to and learned to find joy and "success" in other areas. Everyone greets each other with a smile and kind words (well...most) with a sincerity that is hard to find. I feel very blessed to be a part of these people's lives, and hopefully, their growth and increased health over the next couple of weeks.

Kaysi Atkinson: These past few days have been very eye opening for me. This trip to Africa is allowing me to see first-hand how different places in the world approach physical therapy. Although a lot of the basics of PT are the same, there are several differences in treatment approaches. For example, treatment goals are slightly different here in Africa than they are in the US. In the US, goals are often based upon healing the patient and maximizing their level of function. In Africa, while the goals of treatment do focus on healing and increasing function, the main goal is to get the patient back to work as soon as possible. In Africa, the patients can't afford to take off work to allow their bodies to heal. If they don't work, they won't make money and they won't be able to take care of their family. Often, their extended family is not much better off than they are and, therefore, are unable to help financially. This has taught me to always be conscientious of a patient's financial situation and not just assume that they have the financial means to take the time off for quality physical therapy. This is just one of many lessons I hope to learn on this mission trip to Africa.

Cori Lane: This trip has been incredible so far. The city (Jos) is so different from anywhere I have ever been. There are a few million people in the city, so it is extremely crowded and the roads are a mess - the driving, not the actual roads. The culture is vastly different from that of the US. People are very social, and greet each other every time they pass. The electricity sometimes works, and sometimes doesn't but no one seems to mind either way. The hospital is very, very, very different from any hospital I have ever seen. It reminds me of a hospital from a movie. The wards are long, filled with beds without curtains. Patient's family members do all the care - feeding, cooking, bathing, laundry, changing sheets... outside the hospital looks somewhat like a camp because women are lined up cooking, and washing clothes. I spent today in the wound care unit, very different than the way it would be done in the states. Although it is different, and seems "backwards," the way they provide care seems to work for them. One thing I have noticed is that people do not complain - they can sit for hours waiting their turn and never complain. Aside from our work in the hospital, we have been spending afternoons with "street children" in centers. The kids are so much fun to play with, and love attention and having their picture taken. I spent a couple of hours playing basketball with the teenage boys at one of the group homes. I look forward to more great experiences over the next few weeks.

Kelsey Jones: Africa is not quite like Texas, imagine that! I could spend a long time telling you about all the variety of things we've seen and experienced in the past few days, but I'll keep it short and sweet. It's amazing to me how we come half way around the world to help people or touch someone's life and I come away at the end of the day feeling like my own heart has been changed. Time in the hospital has been incredibly eye opening, but it's our afternoons that have made the biggest impact with me. Today after we left the hospital, we spent several hours at Transition House, a Christian home for boys (they may have previously been street boys or come from broken homes). Time was spent playing games and sports, but the most precious moments came afterwards when we were singing praises and worshiping with the boys. I realized in these moments that God is so much bigger than anything I could ever think of. If these sweet young men could lift their voices in praise and love God with all their hearts, why do we struggle so much to have faith in Him? They have next to nothing in the way of worldly possessions, yet they have so much more than many of us do... they have pure joy in life because they know that God truly lives in their hearts and they exhibit that in their actions. This is what life is really about, finding joy in our lowest moments, rejoicing in our struggles, and living life to its fullest because Christ lives in us and has saved us. Our first week is almost over and I can't wait to experience the next two and find out what God has in store for our group and those we are working with.
Michael: The first week has been a bit of a blur, but very exciting and life changing. I have had the opportunity to spend one on one time with a great young guy in Transition house, and played 'football' with a large group of energetic young boys. I have experienced some of the worst roads in the world as well as a culture who expects you to greet each person you pass. Electricity is almost as erratic as the motorcycle taxis. But these differences and difficulties is what make this trip so life changing. Overall, my favorite part of the trip has been watching the boys at transition house worship God in songs. These boys are so passionate singing, whether it's in English or their native Hausa. Their prayers show a side of them that they truly understand the Love of God and should be role models for us all.

Rebecca Warminski: My first impression of Nigeria wasn't what I had anticipated. While the landscape is like something out of the Lion King; the people, culture, and Jos are quite eccentric. The people are very friendly and welcoming. In fact that is one of the group's favorite phrases we have picked up. Whenever you arrive at your destination there is always someone around to say "You are welcome." I am constantly surprised by the overwhelming amount of joy and generosity of the Nigerian people. Most don't have much, but whatever is available is shared openly. The culture values family unity, respects age, and harbors humility and humbleness. Jos in general is a bustling city. The traffic reminds me of playing Frogger when I was younger on the Atari. Take your chances stepping out in this traffic. Overall I am very pleased with the start this little excursion. I am learning so much about treating the person as a whole above and beyond the realm of physical therapy. I am trying to soak as much of this experience in as possible, and I am sure that I will not be able to absorb enough.

Elayne Palmer: It is really a joy to be back in Nigeria, seeing old friends and making new ones! I've spent most of my time in the children's homes - Transition House, Gyero girls and boys' homes, and Gidan Bege. I've also spent some time with the widows' ministry. Everywhere I go, I am greeted with enthusiasm. I love it here. Your prayers are felt and are being answered. Keep praying for this people who needs so much, and we Americans who have so many material possessions but need spiritual health.