Thank you, Dr. Gray and family!

Recently, we waved goodbye to the Gray family who have been a part of this hospital for the past six years.  Dr. Paul Gray came to Soddo to be a General Surgeon, and for much of that time, he was the only one.  He served in many roles during his time here including Medical Director and Director of the PAACS residency program.  His wife, Becca, served as the Guest Coordinator for all the short-termers that come through, and in recent days she coordinated charity surgeries through the Watsi program.

The Grays are loved by many in Soddo, and much could be said about what God accomplished through them during their time here.  More, in fact, than could fill the pages of this blog.  God used Paul’s skillful hands to save the lives of countless patients, and his excellent teaching skills to pass the knowledge on to the residents.  His administrative skills contributed much to shaping the vision of the hospital, as well as reams of documents and curriculum related to the PAACS program.  He spent countless hours in intentional discipleship and Bible study with the residents.  Becca patiently coordinated guests’ comings and goings, as well as served out of her professional background as a dietician.  Not to mention raising two kids on the mission field.

Recently, one of the residents told a story that really encapsulated Dr. Gray’s attitude when it came to patients.  There were two patients in the ICU who had just received tracheostomies – a temporary airway placed in the neck.  One of our residents had been called to see the patients because they were in distress… at the same time!  In fact both of them were on the verge of cardiac arrest.  The resident called Dr. Gray, but as can often happen here, the network dropped the call just as he was beginning to explain the issue.  On instinct, Dr. Gray rushed from his house to the ICU arriving, in the words of the resident, “before I even put my phone back in my pocket!”  The patients were suffering from occluded trach tubes, which Dr. Gray immediately remedied and saved both of their lives.  The reason this story had such a huge impact on the resident, was that it is counter-cultural for a distinguished surgeon to come running.  Especially when summoned by someone lower than them in social hierarchy.  (Much more common to run when you are called by someone who outranks you).  Also, many times a resident would be left to fend for themselves.  Dr. Gray’s servant mindset toward his patients (and the resident) saved their life that day, and made an indelible mark on that resident.

We will miss you Grays!