Getting Use to Practicing in Africa

Thanks for all the words of support.  It has been to feel so disconnected from everyone.  I can't imagine how missionaries felt before the internet.  I am getting more use to the hospital everyday.  I have learned so much in such a little time.  I have seen things I have only read about in  books.  I have already seen 3-4 cases which I would consider writing up in the states.  It is amazing how much unique pathology there is here.
  It astounds me how accepting of death their culture is.  They don't even name their children until 8 weeks of life because there is such a high infant mortality rate.  While I have lost more patients in my week here than I will in 6 months in the states here, I do feel that I can make a difference.  I have been working mostly in Pediatrics and in the NICU.  Sometimes I have no idea if I get the right story from the patients by the time it is translated form Kinyarwanda to French then to English.  However, the native doctors seem happy to have me here and consult me quite frequently for opinions on cases. 
  The staff is so amazing.  I have someone that cooks 3 meals a day for me plus cleans and does laundry.  Sometimes I think that is a bit of overkill, but I try to remind myself that I am providing someone with a job that might not otherwise have one.  Unfortunately, it has been raining and storming here, so they haven't been able to get the broadband up, so no pictures yet but hopefully soon.  Every time it storms, the power goes in and out.  This adds a whole new challenge to resuscitating a 30 week premie when the power goes out, so you have no oxygen.  
  Saturday afternoon I got to spend some time at Kumbya, which is a cottage on Lake Kivu.  It was absolutely beautiful and so peaceful.  I went to church on Sunday.  The singing was wonderful, however, I didn't understand a word of it.
  Everyday I pray for God to provide me with answers to questions I don't even know to ask. 
I hope everyone is doing well.
James

Summary of the First Week

So I have made it to Kibogora, and I have been here now 2 days.  Rwanda is a beautiful country.  I hope to be able to post pictures soon.  The hospital sits a large hill.  Well, for Indiana it would definitely be a mountain, but for Rwanda it is just a hill.  The mission and hospital staff have been so great.  The mission compound is very nice.  We are having some problems with the broadband service, so currently I am on the internet through a cell phone pay per bite modem.  That is why no posting pictures.  Yes there is such a dichotomy here.  Very little access to health care, but many people carry around cell phones.  I am not sure I will ever get use to the staring or being followed almost everywhere.  People shout "Mzungu", which means white person in Kinyarwanda, which is the local language though many speak French and some speak English.
I have worked two days in the hospital now.  It is very tough.  The language barrier can be difficult, but I am getting by.  However, basic tests that we take for granted such as electrolytes are not available here.  There is Xray and U/S, which is somewhat helpful.  However, there is no one hear to read the ultrasound besides myself.  Many times I am just making guesses at what patients have because there is no diagnostic test, especially no cultures.  I have already been completely stumped twice, so it has definitely been a humbling experience so far.
I will continue giving updates.  I hope everyone back home is well.
God Bless,
James

The Adventure Has Started

Well, I'm officially off on my trip.  Left Josh's apartment at 9:30 am and flew out of Atlanta at 12:30pm.  Currently, I am at JFK Airport and leave here at 6:30 pm for Amsterdam.  Then it is to Kigali.  I will arrive at 2:55 pm tomorrow.  That is almost 19 hours on planes and 30 hours of travel time.  Hopefully, jet lag won't be too bad because I spend the night in Kigali and then make the 5 hour drive to Kibogora.  I am tired just thinking about it.

James

Getting Ready!!!!

Well, there are only five days left until I leave for Kibogora, Rwanda.  I am filled with both excitement and anxiety.  I am currently still getting things ready, but that is coming along much better now.  Picking up some medicine tomorrow at SJRMC tomorrow to take with me.  I have all my books and supplies ready and got my malaria prophylaxis yesterday.  Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers, and support.


James