Leatha Coulston to Family - Apr. 16, 1934

Brooks, Leatha Wenke 1905-1997

1934-04-16

Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China

Paper

Correspondence

English

Leatha to folks. 1934 April 16, Kalgan, Chahar [China]. 13 pp. [Written over many days] -- Elmer is lying on the davenport read the Reader’s Digest. Been a very busy day. Have 66 patients in the hospital. Elmer amputated three feet, vaccinated two hundred prisoners, had twenty one patients at the clinic, and neck gland biopsy. Last Thursday fifteen patients came in at the same time. Six of the fifteen were blind. Had to strip all the beds of extra bedding, wash such, make quilts. By night time every man had a mattress pad, quilt pillow, etc. Now have nineteen patients on the floor in the ward. Sabbath, after taking a walk, returned to find eleven more patients waiting. Last night had to put five more patients in the attic. Only first and second class patients get sheets. Received a letter from Elder Appel who is supervising the building of a new hospital in Lanchow. Weather is warming. Having problems with the cleaning boy not cleaning the bathroom. [Thursday 6:30 p.m.] – They don’t bathe the third class patients. Having a linen dress made by the tailor. Talks of quilt fabrics. [Thursday evening] -- Wishes she had someone to carry the nursing responsibilities. [Friday noon] – Received a telegram from Elmer saying he is returning that day. Hopes so as a patient needs his leg amputated. [Sabbath a.m.] – Elmer did not make the train home. Stayed with a medical student all night who was hemorrhaging. Speaks of patients, doing the best she can for them but knowing that they will die. [Sunday] – Elmer made it home and is sleeping. He was so weary he could hardly stand, his white uniform was black, and he had several days’ worth of whiskers, so worn and haggard. He has lost much weight. They are both a bit discouraged. Almost decided to ask for a transfer unless they can get some help. Cautions not to share this part of the letter. They love the work, but they need help and rest. All of the other doctor’s except Dr. Miller are on vacation, but Elmer is sick. Feel the work is “going to smash” because Elmer is sick and they have no nurses. The Union expects them to make the hospital a go, but don’t do anything to get them help. States that she cannot take all the work if they want to have another baby [first one died].

Missionaries
Medical Missions

Coulston, Elmer Floyd 1905-1934
Wenke, Christiaan 1874-1964
Wenke, Mina Meninga 1878-1950

North China Sanitarium and Hospital
North China Union Mission

Zhangjiakou

Hebei

China

Elmer F. Coulston Collection

Loma Linda University Archives and Special Collections

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

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