Africa Cries Out Report 2023011 An Unforgettable Moment in History

Author Xu Jun, April 03, 2023

On the afternoon of March 24, 2023, at the Africa Crious Out Base, a grand ceremony was held where every student from the technical schools received three gifts: a laptop, a mobile phone, and a pair of sports shoes. These children, born in the jungle, had never ridden a train, seen a movie, or known what a two-story building was, let alone tasted a hamburger. Thanks to the support of kind-hearted people, they left the jungle and are now receiving modern education.

Students are waiting to receive laptops, mobile phones, and sports shoes

In their spare time, our children went to supermarkets, schools, and companies to collect a total of 1,000 new slippers, over 300 sports shoes, 55 laptops (including 3 brand new ones), 70 mobile phones, and 10 wheelchairs. When they gave these gifts, their hearts were filled with love and pride.

This year, the Africa Cries Out Team’s 2023 Senegal trip ended smoothly on March 26. Now, we summarize the report as follows:

1. Volunteer team composition: 7 from the Brazilian team, 15 from the American Nelson Church, 27 local Senegalese, 7 base employees, 5 missionaries, 86 from the Africa Crious Out, 22 translators, and 2 drivers, totaling 171 people. In the Africa Cries Out team, there were 26 doctors of various specialties, 34 teenagers, and 26 other professionals.

2. What did the professionals do? Our 26 doctors were divided into three teams. The internal medicine team drove 4,000 kilometers and treated 2,452
patients in 11 villages.

Our gynecological team performed 8 uterine and other gynecological surgeries in a hospital in Dakar, bringing lifelong relief to those who could
not afford the treatment. The gynecological team also trained more than 20 resident doctors.

Our dental team performed extractions, fillings, and other surgeries for more than 160 patients, solving many patients’ problems and pain.

3. Our non-medical professionals helped the children prepare medication, ensured the safety of all members, and delivered $5,000 worth of food, vegetable oil, and vegetables to three villages.

4. Our youth team made significant contributions to this voluntary medical event.
1) As mentioned earlier, our children collected 1,000 new slippers, over 300 sports shoes, 55 laptops (including 3 brand new ones), 70 mobile phones, and 10 wheelchairs.

2) The children helped the pharmacist prepare nearly 3,000 medications and distributed 2,452 medications to patients. This was a huge workload that would not have been possible without the help of the teenagers.

3) The children also received the teaching of various medical experts, laying a foundation for their future career choices.

4) The children worked tirelessly, getting up early to prepare breakfast and serve dinner for the adults. Considering they would sleep until 11 a.m. or later whenever possible in the United States, their service moved us. It was through such service that their spirits were elevated and their lives changed.

5) The teenagers witnessed poverty firsthand, and their experiences made them determined to contribute to helping the poor.

6) Our doctors and teenagers visited Dr. Faye’s office. Dr. Faye’s life serves as an example to us and raises a new question: What is the true
meaning of life?

5. A heartfelt thank you to the logistics team led by Nelson and Pastor Anna. They hosted a team of 171 people, accepted over $700,000 worth of
medication, arranged for 22 translators, two buses, one van, and two small cars. They purchased over a ton of food, more than 2,000 bottles of water and juice, and prepared 133 beds. Our drivers covered 4,000 kilometers, delivering medical team members to 11 villages, including Leprosy Village. Our translation team provided over 4,800 translation services. The logistics team made an indelible contribution to our overall success, and we salute
them!

6. We are grateful to our photography team, Professor Zhang Ling from the Film Department of the New York State University School of Art and photography graduate Zeena. They went through mountains and rivers to capture the heroes of our team and interviewed Oliver, Anna, Nelson, and the doctors. They focused on interviewing Anna, Oliver, Nelson, Anderson, Stephanie, Rachel, technical school students, and many volunteers. They visited 11 villages and also interviewed our gynecological surgery team and the dental team.

7. A few anecdotes for you to enjoy:
Who was the youngest volunteer?

Cayden Tang, the 9-year-old son of Dr. Peng Yun

Skylar Chao (Zhao Yulong), the 10-year-old son of Dr. Zhao Zhuangzhi

Who was the oldest volunteer?

75-year-old Nelson’s mother

Which family had the most members attend the trip to Senegal?

Dr. Zhao Zhuangzhi’s family of six

We only have one life. When we leave, we must reflect on what we have left behind in this world. Only love and dedication can leave the deepest impression on our children and be the most important mark we leave on the world. Loving others and burning our lives to change the lives of others is the greatest meaning of our existence.

Finally, we would like to thank the North American Chinese Physicians Association for their support, which enables us to unite and work together to improve future medical missions in Africa!

Editor in Charge: Liu Hui, Guo Yuanchun