Susan Marks writes about her trip to Denan -

Wed am - Sept. 13th
 
We have arrived safely back in Addis last evening. The trip to Denan was amazing.
After 5 shampoos and many showers we have gotten rid of the dust and grime covering our
bodies and hair. It is the time of dust storms in Denan and at times we could not see 5 ft in
front of us. Photography was nearly impossible. Sand and dust was everywhere,
accumulating rapidly in the hospital even with cleaners working constantly. George's hair
was stunning, a brilliant shade of orange.

Now for the good news. The hospital is amazing. What a change. I think Harriet and George
were overwhelmed. We now have 2 full time doctors, a lab technician, a nurse and about 20
others in staff including 3 midwives. We have a labor room and in patient rooms.(sorry no
tvs, or mattresses for that matter) It is unbelievable that these educated people are willing
to live in this remote part of the world. We have an ambulance, a pick up truck for out-
reach program to other villages,an ultrasound, a microscope and a freezer (that functions
as a fridge as it can't get cold enough from the generator running only at night). The
construction of the water pipe line will begin in a few weeks and 10 of the watering stations
are under construction now. We are also establishing an agricultural program to train the
farmers to grow some drought resistant crops. (more about that in our newsletter). There
are trees planted in the courtyard of the hospital which we hope will protect the hospital
from some of the dust. We prepare one meal a day for the in-patients. I could go on and on,
but my mind is spinning.

Our life was basically the same.Our meals consisted of  Goat, pasta with potato sauce , rice,
injerra, and the addition of a tuna soup to be eaten with the injerra .We ate our meals on
the same mats that served as our beds. And of course we ate with our hands or dirty
silverware.  Still no toilet facility or clean water. We are now used to dipping our hands into
the huge bucket of filthy water and carrying a water jug with us when we go to the toilet.
Harriet and George and I filled the sun-shower (dirty water heated by the sun) and then
took hot showers in the toilet hut. It felt wonderful. Probably not what the dermatologist
would suggest, but it felt great. When in....do as!

With the expansion of the hospital we have many new and different needs. We brought in
$10,000 worth of medicines. From brown boxes on the ground, we now have labeled
shelves and a storeroom for these supplies. We now need, mattresses, iv stands, plastic
sheets, cabinets, chairs--everything one would need to equip a hospital room. We need
examination kits and many  many medical supplies that Harriet can better describe. We are
thinking of having people donate a room in the hospital named after them!! Just think your
name could be on the wing of a hospital!!!

We are so grateful for all that you, our supporters, have made possible. The people of
Denan are so grateful. We wish each and every one of you could come and see what your
money and time has done. Hopefully Dick will come back to Denan in November and film all
of the changes there so that we can show everyone what their donations have
accomplished. From Dick's vision, this project has grown into a reality and everyone is
grateful to him for his tireless efforts.

On a personal note, I saw my first delivery of a baby in Denan. I was overwhelmed, first with
fear of fainting and then with delight. It was exciting.

I must run. We have so much to tell. George and Harriet ore off to Cairo and I am off to the
North.

Anxious to see all of you again and thank you again for your most generous support. You
just can't believe what you have accomplished.
Susan