From the Field: Mary’s Reflections
We’re excited to highlight Mary, a pediatric intensive care nurse who recently spent time serving in Kapsowar.
During her visit, she experienced both the challenges and the beauty of providing care in a rural, resource-limited setting like Kapsowar. Here are a few questions she shared after reflecting on her time:
Mary and baby Elisha in the pediatric ward
Was there a particular challenge you faced that God used to shape you?
During one of my first weeks in Kapsowar, I came into work and learned that a baby had coded overnight. When I saw him that morning, he was struggling to breathe and his heart rate was dangerously low. Throughout the day, our team worked hard — placing IVs, giving medication, and moving him to the recovery area where we care for our most critical patients. Over the next few days, one of the physician assistants, Sophie, and I hardly left his bedside.
It broke my heart because if he had been in the U.S., we likely could have saved him — but here, we simply didn’t have the resources. Baby Brandon fought bravely for eight days before going to be with Jesus. That week, God broke my heart for the things that break His — for the lack of resources and training in places like Kapsowar. Out of that brokenness, God began to grow in me a deeper compassion and calling to serve here.
Playing a game with Elvis in the pediatric ward — he’s here recovering after reconstructive surgery and keeping everyone smiling in the process.
Was there a moment you saw God clearly at work during your time in Kapsowar?
There was a little boy named Chogi whose face had been burned in a bed of coals when he was a baby. The burns left him blind and unable to speak, but he’s full of personality — he loves to swing, go for walks, and play with his caregivers.
Before his surgery, I took him out to the swings, and his laughter filled the air. It brought tears to my eyes. The world might say his life has little quality or question why we’d spend time and resources on reconstructive surgery, but if they saw his joy — his smile, his laughter, the way he dances and finds his way through the world — they’d understand. Chogi reminded all of us how much beauty and value every life holds.
Mary and Chogi post-operation.
Mary and our pediatric patients crew outside, spreading joy with the toys Mary brought to share.
What encouragement would you give to someone thinking about supporting this work financially?
When you give here, it truly makes a difference. Every single dollar counts.
One of the biggest needs we see is formula for babies. Many mothers struggle to produce milk because they don’t have enough to eat or drink themselves. It becomes a heartbreaking cycle — babies don’t gain weight, can’t afford formula, and end up hospitalized for malnutrition. A small donation can literally buy a can of formula at the local store — providing life-saving nutrition for a baby in need.
Mary joined our social work team on a home visit to check on this little one, whose mother had passed away. She noticed the baby was unwell, and thanks to her care, our team was able to step in and provide formula support for this family over the past six months.
Stories like these remind us why this hospital exists — and how God continues to use ordinary people in extraordinary ways. Whether it’s a nurse traveling across the world to serve, or a local caregiver faithfully showing up day after day, we see His hands at work here.
We are deeply grateful for Mary and the many volunteers who give their time, resources, and hearts to serve in Kapsowar. This work is only possible because of you — thank you for being part of the story.