Thursday at the Hospital

Another good day at the hospital. We scanned many patients in the morning and continue to do assessments of our student's progress. Pierre is fantastic - I'd put up him up against any sonographer in the US (he was trained 2 years ago). Abel & Alleye (our students from 10 mos ago) are doing well and this refresher will be great for them. Youseff - well, what can I say... he's not quite grasping some of the basics. And Franscois - very bright and as the newest one to learn ultrasound appears to be very sharp and picking up quickly.

Some interesting notes from the hospital today: 1. I saw a rat scurry around the corner and under a door into an examination room. Keep in mind that the hospital has open-air hallways to the clinic rooms and offices   2. I kept making a little boy cry. The first time I saw him, he was rather surprised and taken aback, then cried. Mom & sister laughed. The second time I walked by them (they're waiting in the clinic), he was laughing/crawling with his sister, looked up and saw me and started bawling... and scurried over to mom. (she's laughing again). I apologize and take off. Then... again... I walk through another part of the clinic and this time dad is there with him & sister/mom. He sees me and starts bawling again. Mom & dad laugh. Poor kid. OK, he was about 1. I heard that Malian parents tell their kids that white people are like the 'boogie-man', coming to get them. That is why some kids are so afraid of us.

In the market today (Thursday is the big market day), I kept hearing 'bobo'. It means 'white person'. And here again, a little boy was really not certain about me. I walked past him and greeted him - the parents were encouraging him to say 'ca va', but he was too shy. I walked on through the market and then the father brings the boy right in front of me and he starts bawling - I really have a way with the Malian boys!

What's so fun about this is the Malian people are very good natured and friendly, and love to laugh and joke. How nice! I only wish my French was better, or that I could speak Bambara. More tomorrow.