We've officially been in Zambia for an entire week and are finally settling into a routine including a few changes to our usual, including ensuring that our filtered drinking water container is always full so that we don't run out, and tucking our mosquito nets in at night. For the first time since we've been here, we didn't crash & burn after work last night and actually feel adjusted to this time zone!
Work continues to bring its challenges. Melissa is still adapting to her new role that extends beyond just being a pediatric resident and learning new protocols and the treatment of diseases that typically don't occur at home. Unfortunately, she experienced the deaths of two of her patients in the past day. Although it is not a surprise to have children die under the circumstances of malnutrition and inadequate medical resources, it's still quite sad. To make matters worse, grief is frequently expressed through wailing, which is a heart piercing sound that makes one wonder if there was anything else that could have been done. She did get to act as first assist in the theatre (aka OR) today and helped with the drainage of some nasty osteomyelitis (bone infection for those of you not in the world of medicine) and skin grafting for a burn patient. She takes her first call tonight, meaning she'll be the initial doctor called for issues regarding any of the patients, from pediatrics to maternity to adults. Jeremy continues to help guide the staff of the business office in organizing various financial issues. Mukinge is currently experiencing a bit of a financial crisis as they have recently lost a government grant and bank statements are 1-2 months behind, making budgeting challenging.
Although it was sunny our first few days here, the rains have finally come, making the temperature much more comfortable. We are definitely not missing the snow we hear is falling at home! We send our condolences to our fellow Buckeyes fans, but hope that everyone is doing well! Miss you and love you!
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