Friday, February 29, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Inside My Hut
Here is a look inside Liz's tidy living quarters. I'm sure you will be impressed to see how she's turned a hut into a home...
A Night with the Nomads
Email is still not working out of Bere. This blog post was received via an email from Camilla (a Danish Medical Student)when she arrived at home in Denmark. Thank you Camilla for forwarding the blog.
Date: 2-2-08
Sarah and Hans galloped past leaving Sonya, Esther, Camilla (the Danish Medical Student) and I in a cloud of dust. The sun beat down hard as the 4 of us walked the sandy path slowly leaving behind the huts and animal noises of Béré. At the edge of town we stopped at a large compound, stuck our heads in the big blue gate and waved to three fellow hospital workers eating their lunch. They responded vigorously waving back and wishing us the best of time at the Nomad/Arab village this weekend. And so we continued on, dust puffing up under our feet as we past woman carrying pots on their heads returning from the market. The hot season has finally arrived! Sweat trickles down our back as Soya, Esther, and I sing silly camp songs to past the time and entertain Camilla.
The trees in the distance signal that we are approaching the outskirts of the Nangere village. Children stream from huts shouting Nasarah, Nasarah. Soon we find ourselves mobbed by chanting, yelling children all who want to touch you. They followed us the rest of the way to the Nomad village, stopping right outside the makeshift thorn fence set up around the huts of the Nomad's whom we would be visiting and spending the night with. We entered and began the long Arab greeting shaking all adult and children's hands. Hans and Sarah had already arrived and made themselves comfortable on the carpets and pillows that had been laid out for us. We took off our shoes and joined them. One of the boys prepared tea in a little golden tea pot on coals, while the rest of the children stood wide-eyed staring at us A few brave ones approached and touched my hair when I took off my head wrap.
The shyness immediately disappeared when Sonya took out her balloons. Soon colorful balloons where bouncing up and down and children were shrieking with delight. A bowl of water was brought out and we washed out feet and hands; preparing for the evening meal. We had been warned they would probably serve us meat, being honored guest and all, but boulle and a dip appeared. Half-way through the boulle we heard Sonya say, "Are they dragging something over there?" We all turned and saw a group of 3 boys pulling something in the dark to the edge of the camp..yep; it looked like we might have a little meat to eat after all.
A flurry of action began near the cooking pots, fire danced, and Arabic music chants filled the star filled night sky. Soon we all found ourselves asleep on the carpets covered by heavy Arabic fleeces. A couples hours later we were jolted awake, coals glowed where the flames had once leaped, children had gone to bed, and the sheep had been prepared! The Man of the house stood with a huge platter of rice and the choicest part of the sheep (the innards) and called our names. Now it was time for dinner, the boulle was just an appetizer. We all shook our heads, crawled out from under the covers, and squinted at the food that lay in front of us. There was no choice we were honored guests we had to eat it! Esther and I looked at each other. Neither of us had ever eaten meat before, and this looked just plain scary. Esther being braver than I ate some big chunks of meat. I had a little piece here and there with the rice. Everyone else dug in, nobody seemed to want the little pieces of liver that kept appearing. Sonya would toss them to Hans' side and Hans would push it over to Camilla. Finally it appeared that we'd made a tiny dint in the meal and we indicated that we were done by washing our hands.
They removed the platter and then signaled that we were to move into the kitchen hut to sleep for the rest of the night. We pushed past the grass curtain dragging the carpets in the incense filled hut. We coughed and sputtered trying to decide if we would be able to breathe during the night. Finally we all bedded down and were almost asleep when something began to rustle in the plastic next to Sonya's head. We all sat up, feeling for our head lamps. The click of a head lamp revealed beady little eyes of a white kitten staring back at us, hmmm, would we ever get to sleep, would there be another course to eat around mid-night?
Sunlight steamed through the slits in the grass curtain, donkey's brayed loudly outside the door, and children's voices broke through the cold morning air. I pushed my way out from under the heavy covering and put on my head wrap and chacos. Morning breakfast preparations were under way as I took of down a little path that led towards a huge heard of cows. The path veered to the right and I soon found myself sitting under a huge African tree, praising God for the beauty, magnificence, and peace that can be found in his creations.
The rest of the innards were served for breakfast except this time with pasta. Before leaving we put colorful hair ties in all of the girl's hair and gave little toy trucks to the boys. The grandpa of the family seemed to get more entertainment out of the trucks then the children. He soon had has little bag of sugar placed on the dump truck pushing it back and forth across his mat a huge smile spreading across his face.
Sarah and Hans mounted the horse and us girls took of down the sandy path once again, this time shouting, "Affa, affa, affa." and waving good-bye to our new found friends, friends who would always welcome us into their home even though we could not speak their language. It was the fellowship that mattered, the smiles, and the play time with the kids. It was a time that will not be quickly forgotten by them or by us.
Date: 2-2-08
Sarah and Hans galloped past leaving Sonya, Esther, Camilla (the Danish Medical Student) and I in a cloud of dust. The sun beat down hard as the 4 of us walked the sandy path slowly leaving behind the huts and animal noises of Béré. At the edge of town we stopped at a large compound, stuck our heads in the big blue gate and waved to three fellow hospital workers eating their lunch. They responded vigorously waving back and wishing us the best of time at the Nomad/Arab village this weekend. And so we continued on, dust puffing up under our feet as we past woman carrying pots on their heads returning from the market. The hot season has finally arrived! Sweat trickles down our back as Soya, Esther, and I sing silly camp songs to past the time and entertain Camilla.
The trees in the distance signal that we are approaching the outskirts of the Nangere village. Children stream from huts shouting Nasarah, Nasarah. Soon we find ourselves mobbed by chanting, yelling children all who want to touch you. They followed us the rest of the way to the Nomad village, stopping right outside the makeshift thorn fence set up around the huts of the Nomad's whom we would be visiting and spending the night with. We entered and began the long Arab greeting shaking all adult and children's hands. Hans and Sarah had already arrived and made themselves comfortable on the carpets and pillows that had been laid out for us. We took off our shoes and joined them. One of the boys prepared tea in a little golden tea pot on coals, while the rest of the children stood wide-eyed staring at us A few brave ones approached and touched my hair when I took off my head wrap.
The shyness immediately disappeared when Sonya took out her balloons. Soon colorful balloons where bouncing up and down and children were shrieking with delight. A bowl of water was brought out and we washed out feet and hands; preparing for the evening meal. We had been warned they would probably serve us meat, being honored guest and all, but boulle and a dip appeared. Half-way through the boulle we heard Sonya say, "Are they dragging something over there?" We all turned and saw a group of 3 boys pulling something in the dark to the edge of the camp..yep; it looked like we might have a little meat to eat after all.
A flurry of action began near the cooking pots, fire danced, and Arabic music chants filled the star filled night sky. Soon we all found ourselves asleep on the carpets covered by heavy Arabic fleeces. A couples hours later we were jolted awake, coals glowed where the flames had once leaped, children had gone to bed, and the sheep had been prepared! The Man of the house stood with a huge platter of rice and the choicest part of the sheep (the innards) and called our names. Now it was time for dinner, the boulle was just an appetizer. We all shook our heads, crawled out from under the covers, and squinted at the food that lay in front of us. There was no choice we were honored guests we had to eat it! Esther and I looked at each other. Neither of us had ever eaten meat before, and this looked just plain scary. Esther being braver than I ate some big chunks of meat. I had a little piece here and there with the rice. Everyone else dug in, nobody seemed to want the little pieces of liver that kept appearing. Sonya would toss them to Hans' side and Hans would push it over to Camilla. Finally it appeared that we'd made a tiny dint in the meal and we indicated that we were done by washing our hands.
They removed the platter and then signaled that we were to move into the kitchen hut to sleep for the rest of the night. We pushed past the grass curtain dragging the carpets in the incense filled hut. We coughed and sputtered trying to decide if we would be able to breathe during the night. Finally we all bedded down and were almost asleep when something began to rustle in the plastic next to Sonya's head. We all sat up, feeling for our head lamps. The click of a head lamp revealed beady little eyes of a white kitten staring back at us, hmmm, would we ever get to sleep, would there be another course to eat around mid-night?
Sunlight steamed through the slits in the grass curtain, donkey's brayed loudly outside the door, and children's voices broke through the cold morning air. I pushed my way out from under the heavy covering and put on my head wrap and chacos. Morning breakfast preparations were under way as I took of down a little path that led towards a huge heard of cows. The path veered to the right and I soon found myself sitting under a huge African tree, praising God for the beauty, magnificence, and peace that can be found in his creations.
The rest of the innards were served for breakfast except this time with pasta. Before leaving we put colorful hair ties in all of the girl's hair and gave little toy trucks to the boys. The grandpa of the family seemed to get more entertainment out of the trucks then the children. He soon had has little bag of sugar placed on the dump truck pushing it back and forth across his mat a huge smile spreading across his face.
Sarah and Hans mounted the horse and us girls took of down the sandy path once again, this time shouting, "Affa, affa, affa." and waving good-bye to our new found friends, friends who would always welcome us into their home even though we could not speak their language. It was the fellowship that mattered, the smiles, and the play time with the kids. It was a time that will not be quickly forgotten by them or by us.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
James is here for rounds, so I gota go
Posted by Liz's Dad.....
Lisa and I talked to Liz, Esther and Sonya on Esther’s cell phone on their Monday morning the 11th of February. Because of the Rebel attack on the capital, the government shut off most of the cell phone towers and also the internet. As a result, the emails that have been sent to Liz are still sitting there waiting for the equipment to start working again. Esther had Malaria and was getting IV Quinine at the Hospital. Liz was working at the Hospital with a baby that had 2nd degree burns on his legs and lower body. His 18 year old mother did not check the water temperature prior to putting him in for a bath. The baby is doing much better, but does a lot of crying. Liz told us that life is not much affected by the attacks at the capital. They have noticed that some of the food prices are higher at the market. Some of the medicines are also harder to get a hold of. The daily temperatures are starting to rise. She said that they have been around 95 degrees during the day. It’s headed for 120 degrees in the next several weeks! Liz sends her love to all of you. She says that she has some blogs and large emails written to send out when the internet is back working. After a good visit with Liz on the phone, she said, “Got to go, James is here for rounds”. Please continue to remember Liz and the Hospital staff at Bere in your prayers. They are safe right now, but things can change so fast.
Lisa and I talked to Liz, Esther and Sonya on Esther’s cell phone on their Monday morning the 11th of February. Because of the Rebel attack on the capital, the government shut off most of the cell phone towers and also the internet. As a result, the emails that have been sent to Liz are still sitting there waiting for the equipment to start working again. Esther had Malaria and was getting IV Quinine at the Hospital. Liz was working at the Hospital with a baby that had 2nd degree burns on his legs and lower body. His 18 year old mother did not check the water temperature prior to putting him in for a bath. The baby is doing much better, but does a lot of crying. Liz told us that life is not much affected by the attacks at the capital. They have noticed that some of the food prices are higher at the market. Some of the medicines are also harder to get a hold of. The daily temperatures are starting to rise. She said that they have been around 95 degrees during the day. It’s headed for 120 degrees in the next several weeks! Liz sends her love to all of you. She says that she has some blogs and large emails written to send out when the internet is back working. After a good visit with Liz on the phone, she said, “Got to go, James is here for rounds”. Please continue to remember Liz and the Hospital staff at Bere in your prayers. They are safe right now, but things can change so fast.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Liz's Medical Dictionary
Date: 1-30-08
Giardia: A pear shaped bacteria that causes you to leave your place of employment at lightning speed, racing across the sidewalk, dodging incoming patients, to make it to the nearest toilet/hole. Most cases result in sever toilet paper deprivation and bring on a frantic search through the recently sent packages for little packets of Kleenex. In the case of electricity failure you should keep a couple gallon buckets of water next to the toilet at all times. Use of native toilets is advised as the ceramic type with waiting water in them tend to have the splash and spray affect. The native hole method will allow you to go through a ½ roll of toilet paper in 4 hours instead of a whole one. Consult with fellow SM's for support and Gatorade drinking parties. Using filtered water at all times is advised.
WARNING: Wearing more clothes will not muffle the loud noises coming from inside of your stomach during staff worship!
Giardia: A pear shaped bacteria that causes you to leave your place of employment at lightning speed, racing across the sidewalk, dodging incoming patients, to make it to the nearest toilet/hole. Most cases result in sever toilet paper deprivation and bring on a frantic search through the recently sent packages for little packets of Kleenex. In the case of electricity failure you should keep a couple gallon buckets of water next to the toilet at all times. Use of native toilets is advised as the ceramic type with waiting water in them tend to have the splash and spray affect. The native hole method will allow you to go through a ½ roll of toilet paper in 4 hours instead of a whole one. Consult with fellow SM's for support and Gatorade drinking parties. Using filtered water at all times is advised.
WARNING: Wearing more clothes will not muffle the loud noises coming from inside of your stomach during staff worship!
Caught Red-Handed
Date: 1-29-08
Today found me sitting on my cot, curtain pulled to cover my door, and two Nalgenes and water pump sitting at my feet. Pumping water from the "dirty water nalgene" to the clean one. I was going as fast as I could, hoping my family wouldn't bring diner to my hut just yet and catch me cleaning the water they drink so freely. That's when the curtain parted and a plate of fried sweet potatoes entered followed by a little black head. Caught red-handed; she kinda-of cocked her head like what in the world are you doing, placed the food on my mat and retreated as I sat with filter in hand. Oh well maybe they'll come to me asking to use the filter since Berthe had to stay home from school with diarrhea' today. Personally I refuse to live up to the name, Giardiaella, which was so kindly bestowed on me by Sonya. This last week brought the 2nd and I hope now with the filter (sent by the Carter's) the last. I must say though in refute to Sonya's lead in Malaria I have her 2:1 in Giardia. Today we sang her our dubbed Giardia initiation song as we handed her the lab results with a big fat red Giardia written next to her stool test. Hans, Esther , and I (all veteran's) sang her a rousing version of "When your drivin' in your Chevy and your feelin' somethin' heavy, diarrhea, diarrhea."
Today found me sitting on my cot, curtain pulled to cover my door, and two Nalgenes and water pump sitting at my feet. Pumping water from the "dirty water nalgene" to the clean one. I was going as fast as I could, hoping my family wouldn't bring diner to my hut just yet and catch me cleaning the water they drink so freely. That's when the curtain parted and a plate of fried sweet potatoes entered followed by a little black head. Caught red-handed; she kinda-of cocked her head like what in the world are you doing, placed the food on my mat and retreated as I sat with filter in hand. Oh well maybe they'll come to me asking to use the filter since Berthe had to stay home from school with diarrhea' today. Personally I refuse to live up to the name, Giardiaella, which was so kindly bestowed on me by Sonya. This last week brought the 2nd and I hope now with the filter (sent by the Carter's) the last. I must say though in refute to Sonya's lead in Malaria I have her 2:1 in Giardia. Today we sang her our dubbed Giardia initiation song as we handed her the lab results with a big fat red Giardia written next to her stool test. Hans, Esther , and I (all veteran's) sang her a rousing version of "When your drivin' in your Chevy and your feelin' somethin' heavy, diarrhea, diarrhea."
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