A few general comments – I am staying and working in a slum. That means the streets teem with life from the many stalls selling mainly food items to the children in their school uniforms to the streams of uncertain origin to motorbikes buzzing through the traffic of large trucks, many people and “roads” which try the suspension of even the toughest vehicle. Although I am less than a mile away from the clinic, the ride takes about twenty minutes as we thread our way over rocks and speed bumps, often squeezing between various obstacles and the occasional animal. The dress is mainly western and people look clean and well cared for. As unremarkable as the clothing is, the women and girls’ hair is another thing. Almost all of them have elaborately braided hair, in almost as many styles as there are women. Hair places abound. I love seeing all the different looks. I’m told that beauty is very important to the women and I can see how this little bit of luxury does so much to bolster morale. And they look lovely. The little girls are the best with braided pigtails or added color. A few still wear the very short cropped hair and also look great. If I tried that, I’d look like a chunky concentration camp victim. (An oxymoron if ever there was one!)

Tuesday, at the clinic, was different and much the same as before. The difference was we had patients. Yay! However, my interaction was limited again to a couple of vitals. I just followed Jayson around as he dealt with the patients. At the end of the day, a young woman came in and she was delightful. She was there for awhile and we chatted some. She was just one of those effervescent people who draw others to themselves. I was drawn. Overall, a rather unimpressive day but at least my expectations weren’t high as the day before. Back at the apt, I ate leftovers and watched some Netflix. All the luxuries.

Animal count – now remember, this is a huge city packed with people. Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and two cute donkeys just trotting down the street on their own. It soon became clear that they were male and female and the male was feeling frisky. Well, in the “not tonight. I have a headache” category, she just kept trotting away and occasionally got off a well aimed kick which always connected. Of course, that did not put him off! What else would you expect?!

After another fitful night, Jayson met me and we drove to the clinic. Still little to do but today I got coffee! and that was great. Later in the morning, he said he was going to another clinic and wanted me to come so off I trotted obediently. We traveled to a government clinic. Very different. Much larger and it had a grassy area with trees in front. But the best part was the patients -Babies!!!! Dozens of them! All here for well baby checks and immunizations. Such fun to see them. The director of the clinic is a friend and mentor of Jayson’s and she generously showed me around the facility. It was such a nice diversion. Back to the clinic to greet the three women who had come in just for vitals checks. One would think I could shine here but No! I filled out the record cards. By the way, all documentation is done on paper and filing seems to mean various stacks of papers. But somehow it all works.
I left a little early as I was tired and there wasn’t much going on. Caught a short nap – much appreciated.
Then I was to meet someone who would walk with me to the mall. However, he didn’t show up on time so after waiting 20 minutes or so, I set out on my own. I had the directions and found it just fine. Only about a 15 minute walk. I really needed to go as I had nothing for breakfast and needed money. I ate supper at an actual restaurant and enjoyed that. Got the errands done and time to head back. I really had not wanted to walk after dark but the sun had set and I had little choice. Hopping on the back of the ever present motorbikes just did not appeal! The walk was uneventful and I found my way with nary a hitch! Yay me! And just to bolster my cred, this is not a walk along nice clean sidewalks but a walk mainly on the side of the road, rocky and dirty. The old lady can still do it.
Thursday is still uncertain. I may go to another clinic but we’ll see. Tomorrow is another day.