Progress Update from the Hospital
Trip Start
Feb 27, 2009
1
7
11
Trip End
Mar 10, 2009
Koutiala, Mali
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
When waiting at the hospital everyone brings blankets, water buckets, and cooking pans to take care of everyone while they wait. The adaptability of the Malians is amazing. Although it seems very bleak in this country, they are able to survive on so little and seem so happy at the same time. This really is starting to change my thoughts on how much is enough. Every day continues to impact they way I look at the world.
The heat really hasn't bothered us that much. It has been over 100 degrees but it is a lot different than that same temperature back home. There is no humidity which makes a difference. The dirt is red clay and it is everywhere. I think I have at least 1/2 lb of the stuff in my lungs. With all of that being said, this is a great experience. Although I don't speak French or Bambara, I have interacted with many of the Malians. They are all very kind and seem to be happy that we are here helping out.
It has also been very fun getting to meet so many new people while here. The technical support person at the hospital is from the Netherlands and he and his wife have been a great host. While I am typing this blog we are actually watching the movie Better Off Dead on the projector. This week there is also a team of Doctor's from Oregon and a Construction crew from Ohio working at the hospital. It is great to see so much activity helping people that need so much.
Today we visited the Market to try and buy some missing parts. It was not Home Depot. It is amazing how they are able to create commerce. When we got home tonight Anthony and I gave some candy to kids. Kids love candy everywhere. Their Mom's even got in on the candy. It was great to see the kids faces light up. We really are not that different.
I have included a couple of videos below of Graham driving us to the Hospital from the House we are staying in. If you listen close you can here Anthony playing co-pilot. It is an adventure every morning.
