In the morning I went to an orphanage that is run by nuns from Mother Theresa's organization. The place consists of two parts: orphans and children who are sick, mostly malnourished. When I arrived I thought it was a well kept up place, simple but clean. Then some 20 children mostly toddlers came running out and they were adorable. Some of the orphans are HIV and others were abandoned.
The children don't use diapers some the majority have wet pants, which is somewhat grosse but you have to get over it. Also like any other kids they have runny noses. Despite this the children are well behaved and actually somewhat more self sufficient then American kids. At lunch time majority of the children were feeding themselves, with a spoon which hardly any kids do at their age in America. Also all of them have to sit on a little potty whenever they are done with lunch - it is funny -- there are twenty two year olds sitting against a wall all on their own potty.
Then there is this one boy that I feel in love with. I am not sure his name but he is probably around 2 years old. He has a great smile and he is always laughing. During part of our visit we brought out bubbles. He stood next to me as a blew bubbles and I tried to get him to blow but he couldn't. Then after some 15 minutes after watching me and other kids blow bubbles he got it. It is amazing to see a child learn a new skill for the first time, he was happy.
When I got back I had to go to work. It was a slow shift but a lot of fun. I played games with several of my patients for hours.
Thursday
Today was my first day off orientation and granted I only had 2 days, which isn't long at all, when you think that back home we have 3 months of orientation and I am doing something I have never done before. When I got report this morning I found out that I had to do 4 dressing changes to do, which remind you I had never done a wound dressing on a skin graft patient. This being the case, my shift was busy which made my day go by fast. I now feel more comfortable with it and my day should go by faster.
yeah wound care!! haha I hate it, and am glad I dont have to do that rounding EVERY day for ID anymore! now i get to "order" it for someone else! :-) youre doing a great job!!
ReplyDeleteOnly a few days in and what an incredible experience so far!!! It's interesting to read things through your eyes. Keep up the great work! We'll stay tuned to your inspiring adventure of help and hope.
ReplyDeleteStay safe a be well. Beverly, Jeff and the gang!