Chronic Stupid

A Day in Ghana

5:00 am-Wake up. Shower (don't get water in eyes!) Dress. Apply deet and sunscreen.
5:30 am-Walk to river for a little quite time, read bible, pray, watch the fishermen.
6:30 am-Head back to room grab water and satchel and head out to stagging area to await bus.
7:15 am-Load bus and head to breakfast.
7:30 am-Breakfast at Dr Pious' house. Brief time of group prayer and bible study. Dave, Bobby, and Myself hash out who goes where and does what for the day.
8:00 am- Load bus. drive out to village.
9:00 am- KuhRazy!!! Set-up clinic. Redirect confused docs. Find translators, quick prayer meeting.
9:30 am - 12:00pm Register people to see Docs. Keep Docs supplied, Move paitients through lines. Calm un-ruly crowds. Pray for dying child (not easy) "Are you Drinking your water!?" good, move on. Bring Robo Nurse an order of "The Usual", One dose of antibiotics.
12:00 - Load up bus and head to lunch. Eat! Take a quick survey of personel, "How's it going ou there?" "Do you have what you need?" "Are yo feeling O.K.?" "You don't look to good." "Doc, come take a look at Bobby." "Did everyone hit the toilet? Good. Get on the bus!"
1:30 - 4:30pm Back to work!!! Move more people through the "Machine" More prayer, more supplies for Robo Nurse. "You! I'm gonna take your stethescope if you don't drink more water!" Smile, must remember to smile, the kids think I'm scary. Find more seriously ill kids. Register more people. Politely tell this young man to wait in line like all the rest. Play futbol with the kids. "How 'we doin' Doc? Okay, I'll see if I can get you one." Stop, drink water, good, keep moving.
4:30 pm - Meet for prayer and get the stats for the day. "Load UP Kiddies!" Head back for dinner.
5:30 pm EAT. Chill, relax. Trade stories, swap gross pictures, cry, PRAY, sing, sleep.
6:30 pm "Alright Folks, Get on the Bus!" Head to hotel. Grab key from Dave. Shower, apply deet. Head over to Cafe and check e-mail. Write in journal.
9:30 pm Sleep!

posted by HazMatt @ 9:11 PM