Good morning everyone. An update from last Saturday: we took chance to go out and be around a bunch of people when we heard that Concern (an NGO) was having a big party at their house that is up past PV and overlooks the whole city. It was fun and once again something I wasn't really planning on experiencing while I was here. Sunday, the house had no city power (which is the case about half the time) but the inverter wasn't working either. The inverter is connected to around 10 car batteries that operate as the power for the house when the city power isn't on. Most things can run on the inverter power except for the AC in the bedrooms and the water pump. But Sunday we had neither....so no internet, lights, fans, nothing. So Jonathan and Nick got on getting an alternative and borrowed a generator from GRU. It only worked for a little while though, so we went out for the day and tried to get some other things done for around the house.
Monday Jeanne and I spent a few hours at the TB tents, as usual doing dressing changes and starting some IVs. We also helped Megan label a lot of sputum cups that needed to be handed out. Tuesday we went back, did more dressing changes, drew some labs, labeled some more cups, and then the sky just opened up. Jeanne and I talked just a few days before about how we had never been stuck at the tents during a downpour, so here it was. Everyone gets crowded in the tents and does their best to stay dry. It was really a nice environment because we are finally getting to know these patients and they know us as well. One woman, a mother of one of the patients (she goes by Mama Lubo) asked Jeanne and I to take a picture with her so that she will remember us! Jeanne ended up taking every single patient's picture and they are being posted on Snapfish right now along with some others. BP, Riaan, and crew had stopped by the tents to deliver some supplies, and when it started to rain, they noticed how many sections of the white tent roof gathered large amounts of water and sagged down during the storms. So, doing what they do best, they set off to find some crutches that could be wedged up under the tent fabric to keep it from sagging (bad explanation, but it worked). They did this rig in multiple spots in the white tent and got a lot of applause and thank yous when they left. On the super hot days (which are most days), the coolest spot to be is outside the tents under a tree. But Tuesday, the best spot to be was under the tents, staying (relatively) dry and getting to spend some time with the patients that we've come to know and enjoy.
Wednesday was spent around the house, I helped look over a 13-page volunteer orientation packet and some other documents that were put together by Jonathan and Michael for the set-up they're trying to start in the house. Check out Jonathan's organization's website, HerNow.org to see what they are up to. Jonathan is 21 and is a co-founder of the organization. I think they'll be doing a lot of good stuff after I head out. Today is Cassidy's 21st birthday, so I think he's having a little party at his house/room tonight. Megan Coffee is taking a week off from the TB tents starting next Monday, and Jeanne is going to be helping the new doctor that's coming in every day next week. So we are taking it a little slower than usual so she doesn't get burnt out. And me, well, I'm just enjoying my last 5 days here. Going with the flow and making sure that I've done the most important things on my list. I'll check in at least one more time before I go. Take care, everyone.
E
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