Our lives here had started to settle down into some sort of routine and structure which we thought we would share with you as some have asked what our typical day is like. Our day starts early at 6 as the sun is up and activities begin before the day gets too hot. If there is water, as in town the supply is frequently cut off, we tentatively get under the shower, which for the majority of the time is cold. However if you are lucky and get in first or if little water has been used elsewhere it can sometimes be warm, which can be a real treat. Cold showers are OK but on some days can be too much of a shock to the system. We are very fortunate that there is a well in the compound so water can be pumped from that if there is a shortage and we have never been without, others around here are not so fortunate.
After 3 hours in Church |
The hospitals new pool |
Due to the increased workload at the hospital, caused by striking nurses at other hospitals forcing them to have to close other than for emergencies, plus an increase in patients due to malaria ,particularly in children, our normal routine has had to be disrupted. Temporary doctors and surgeons who have not worked here before have been covering for Mark and Andrea, the resident doctors, who are on home assignment during the summer. This has required us to be at the hospital much more frequently than the originally planned 1 day a week to keep on top of the finances and observe. We have been required to assist with the increased workload stepping in where needed and helping where we can. We drive ourselves to and from the hospital, over dirt and unmarked roads which is a challenge on any ordinary day, but now during the rainy season is much more challenging. Roads are frequently flooded and new routes need to be found as large lakes appear where the day before all was OK. It can sometimes be difficult to judge how deep a lake is before attempting the drive through and getting stuck is a real threat. Local residents dig trenches to take the water away from their homes but this creates issues elsewhere as the mud becomes very sticky and soft, so a 4x4 vehicle is a must. Although the drive is stressful and challenging it can also be fun at times. Along with the rains comes an increase in humidity and the heat seems even more draining with the constant sweating and the damp clothes. Coping with both learning French and frequent trips to and from the hospital is taking its toll and we end most days feeling physically drained and tired. But despite this we have seen and been part of some truly amazing work at the hospital and lives are being saved through its work and Gods presence here.