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Lucia Bastos
July 2025
Every time I think of you, I thank my God.
“And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy.” Philippians 1.3-4 CEV
First of all, thank you so much for your constant prayers for all of us here at Guinebor 2 Hospital, and especially for my life. For eight weeks between May and July, I embarked on an adventure across the roads of the United Kingdom, visiting congregations and individuals who are involved in our work in some capacity. It was incredible!
In the first two weeks, my brain was still nudging me to the right side of the road, and I was a little confused when I encountered the various roundabouts that exist on the streets of the United Kingdom. But little by little, I got used to it and stopped arguing with my commands to stay on the left.
It was also a unique experience for me to see the country through the eyes of the British and gain a deeper understanding of their culture. Thank you so much for sharing a little bit of your daily lives with me, offering me a place to stay and a warm welcome. Sharing a small part of our daily lives here in Chad also helped me process some personal experiences with the Chadian people and my teammates. It even helped me discover a new hobby, jigsaws, and a new card game, Skipbo.
As a passionate history enthusiast, I find it truly invaluable to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of the United Kingdom's past during my visits. Each excursion unveils new stories, from the majestic Bamburgh Castle overlooking the North Sea to the enchanting Kelpies, the monumental horse sculptures that capture the spirit of Scotland. I'm particularly fascinated by the 17th-century church, founded in 1649 in a secluded locale, a testament to the resilience of those who sought refuge from persecution. Then there's St. David's, nestled in the picturesque Pembrokeshire, renowned as the smallest city in the UK, where history mingles seamlessly with the stunning coastal landscape.
Equally profound was my return to Chad, where life presents a striking contrast. The vibrant streets come alive with camels and donkeys laden with goods, their traders weaving through the bustling market scene, while women offer refreshing camel milk at roadside stands. The heat wraps around me like a blanket, and I often feel as though I've rekindled the same sweat from the UK's summer heatwaves upon my arrival. Yet, amidst this familiar chaos, there's an incredible sense of solace in the warm embraces and heartfelt greetings from the hospital staff, who welcomed me back with beaming smiles. Over the past 18 months, I've forged a few friendships and reuniting with them is a comforting reminder of home.
Now that I am back at the office, I am reviewing what transpired during the eight weeks I was away. I took this time as a personal exercise to step back from day-to-day decisions, allowing the senior management team (SMT) and management team the space they needed to make their own decisions. I accomplished that!
It's very rewarding to realise that, with only a few adjustments, everything went smoothly! I personally congratulated the SMT for keeping expenses within budget.
I also received excellent news from a midwife at the hospital with whom I have been slowly building a relationship since the beginning of 2025. She has been promoted to Deputy Head of the Maternity Ward. The most moving part of her story is where she began her career: as a cleaning assistant in a hospital further south in Chad.
We appreciate your support as we continue to refine and analyse the automation of our hospital's financial processes. Your prayers are invaluable to us! We are committed to enhancing our system, which will ultimately promote greater transparency and assertiveness in our operations. This improvement will enable us to manage our resources more effectively, allowing us to serve a larger number of patients and provide them with the high-quality care they deserve. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!
As we continue to move forward, I kindly ask you to keep the completion of the road in your thoughts and prayers. We are encouraged that progress has been made since the last rainy season; yet, we still face the challenge of approximately 2 km of unpaved road that is vulnerable to heavy flooding. Additionally, please pray for the safety and well-being of our staff. It's truly heart-wrenching to witness the devastation that flooding brings to their lives and homes. Your support during this challenging time means a great deal. Thank you.
If you could prayerfully consider if you are able to support my work by becoming a 24:7 Partner, you can find more information here: https://www.bmsworldmission.org/people/lucia-bastos/