After leaving the building site yesterday, we returned to Grace for a bite before diving into the inventory sorting, bagging and packing. We have definitely accumulated lots of “stuff” over the years – we are looking forward to having designated and locked storage rooms at the clinic site where we won’t have to open crates and rummage through supplies.
To my surprise, I actually had our first patient – our friend Timizou…and believe it or not, I got to do a minor procedure. I’m certain Kitty will catch up quickly and easily surpass. When we completed our chores and patching up our friend, our cooks surprised us with another meal – they prepared one of our favorites…spaghetti! I know your mouth is now watering DJ Gruss!!
Our bellies were full last night as we showered and prepared for a well deserved night’s sleep. And to our continued surprise, we had yet another glorious night’s rest. The breeze was blowing just right, the generator ran all night so the fans did too, and the temperature dipped into the 70’s…without a doubt the best night on this island yet. We awoke well rested and DRY! That makes 2 nights in a row…just waiting for the other shoe to drop…
We had done such a good job sorting and organizing last night that this morning we just ate breakfast and headed down the hill for clinic #1. We made such short work of arranging the seating and medical records and supplies, that we were off and running in no time. We managed to stay ahead of the demand and this may have been the most efficiently run clinic yet…and just 3 providers. Thank you to our 2 newest members Alice and Gavin for their efforts up front and to Chelsea, who is stamping out disease with ease in back!
In addition to our translators – Flito, Felix, Boaz & Phelix (we miss you Wilson and Johnny), we have now hired a local nurse, Emmanuella, to assist with check-in and vitals. This may be the start of another great partnership as the clinic approaches completion. What a great Team – our working relationship and, just as importantly, our bond of friendship becomes stronger with every visit!
We had some patients again today that we will be arranging and funding advanced care for on the mainland and we pray for good news and their quick return to good health. The highlight of our clinic though was the visits from some former patients. You may all remember the mother who delivered her baby under the Mango tree on my daughter Emma’s birthday…Emanuel just turned 2yrs old as my Emma turned 22!
We also had a surprise visit from one of Carey’s patients from last November – she had a chest mass which was successfully removed by our friends at Hopital Lumiere in Bon Fin. She came to see and thank us and she brought her beautiful child for a visit too. There is no doubt we are cementing our place in this community…one patient – one Starfish at a time!
In the end, the day was unlike most in clinic on this island…minimal chaos, decent breeze, but still 83 patients in total…not too bad for just 3 providers!After a delicious lunch and a few straggling afternoon patients, we carefully repacked and took stock of our supplies in hopes of making the nightly chores a bit less onerous. Thanks be to Michael…or should I say Mr Ambassador.
After the last patient departed we lugged the supplies back up the hill, quickly changed out of clinic attire and made a bee line for “short beach” with our usual children ambassadors leading the way! The waves were crashing and the water quite refreshing, in fact rather chilly…still in all, the BEST way to end a day.
I am now on the roof smelling what is sure to be a delicious dinner while I take in the sounds of the early evening on this idyllic island…and attempt to get a decent signal to be able to send today’s post. After dinner, I have promised to join Timizou at the local bar to buy him a belated birthday beer! Tomorrow, we return to Bwa Bouton for what sounds like a 2 day engagement. It is sure to be busier but we hope our evolving system will translate into similar calm and efficiency. Stay tuned…
All for now, and as always…
Love to All,
The Team