Another week is starting. Its crazy to think that this is the start of my third week. I have mixed emotions about being ready to come back. When I walk down the street and the breeze is blowing I think to myself there is nowhere else I would rather be, but when I have a rough day like I did today I miss home, I miss having my friends and family to comfort me.
I went to the hospital again this morning. I arrived to realize that the doctor on staff, the only doctor for the peds ward, wasn’t coming in because he was on strike. So the doctor from the night staff stayed to help out for the day. The ward was crazy busy. There was so many people today that there was not enough beds so children were laying on the floor with their IVs hanging off the windows. The nurses and one doctor were running around trying to get everyone taken care of. Early in the morning we lost a 6 month old boy to malaria. I saw a 3 month old who was rejecting the antiretrovirals she was on (she was HIV positive). Another little girl who was receiving a blood transfusion and she was so weak that she could not even lift her head up. A 6 day old little boy who had jaundice and malaria. (And this is the acute pediatric ward) On top of all of these cases I saw other cases of malaria and pneumonia, both of which are diagnosed strictly on symptoms because the lack of resources. Another little girl, around 2 years old, was back for the 3rd time because the malaria treatment that was given to her did not work. The doctor prescribed a stronger malaria medicine but the women could not afford it and the hospitals pharmacy did not carry this drug (only the first line of defense drug is carried by the hospital and available to the patients free of charge). The lady was a student and could not afford the two drugs, price of 7000 shillings or $2.50 dollars, needed for her child. I ended up paying for the little girl’s medicine. The mother was so happy and thankful and gave me the biggest hug and offered me her meal to show her appreciation. It is little moments like that that make all of the heartache worth it and make me realize how blessed I am.
After I finished at the hospital I went to eat with my roommate. I had a delicious cheeseburger and “chips.” It made me miss my mom and our Five Guys Burgers and Fries dates. After dinner we had some internet time at the cafe. I then came back to read and relax after my long, long, long day. I am so thankful for the loved ones in my life, for how blessed I am, and most of all for me to be able to make a small difference in the lives of these people.
Quote for the day!
“Bitterness and guilt will hold you captive“
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