Blood, Sweat, Tears

Remember me saying anything can happen?... and that this team is adaptable, flexible and willing. Well... they came through yet again today. A patient was in real trouble (I'll spare the details) and needed emergency blood. Well... the hospital doesn't have any means to store blood (no blood bank), so any moving person is game. The visitors (us) are the first to be asked to give blood... that's because the staff give blood so often and can only give about every 3 months (time for replenishment of red blood cells). Paula was first in line as she had the right blood type. So after cross-matching, she donated... and then later Jeanie did, too. And they both received their jelly bean treats! That's how it works. If the patient doesn't do well through the night or tomorrow, Bill and I will be donating too. And for those of you asking... but they're on malaria meds.... it doesn't matter, because most people have had malaria here. This is the blood part.

The sweat part... did I mention it was 38degC today? That's 100degF for our American friends. Today was a bit more humid and since it really didn't cool too much through the night... it was balmy. This was OK... except all utilities become suspect. The hospital ran out of water today (several taps were dry)... not a good thing for sanitation/cleaning and staying hydrated. Fortunately, we found enough to hydrate. Whewh! We also intermittently lose power at the Guest House.

The tears... are tears of joy... for all the lovely babies born each day. What a blessing.