So Far....

My work thus far has been busy. We arrived to Singida after our 13 hour very wet, muddy and bumpy ride in our Land Rovers. The country we saw on our way was so beautiful. As we left the Arusha area we began to see more Masai their home made of grasses and the many cattle they would be herding. There hasn't been much change with that since I was here last year, but a reminder of their simple living. There were many coffee trees and farms just outside Arusha which was very interesting to see. As we began to go further south there was less and less to see outside of the beauty of the land, the mountains, the beautiful trees and the much needed rain which was also a hazard on our travel. The Road to Singida became unpaved just about 30 minutes outside Arusha. So you can imagine, the dust, the mud the slipping and sliding was something I had really never experienced. We had a wonderful driver and we were escorted in Government vehicles so we were very safe. I imagined that anything less than what we were in may have put us upside down or tipped over like we saw time after time on this muddy roadway.

We arrived at the Catholic Social Center Compound late in the evening. It is a wonderful place to stay. The sisters are most gracious to us and are so Thankful that we have come to help in their community and beyond. We have very wonderful accommodations and feel very safe.

Yesterday we began to sterilize and clean the facilities in preparation for the rest of the medical team. Floyd and Kathy taught me how to convert unsafe water to bleach for cleaning. He had a small chlorination machine that when hooked up to his small truck battery, makes bleach water. After I had accomplished this task we began to clean our kitchen area so we could prepare for safe eating and drinking.

I had the wonderful opportunity to go the Singida Children's Feeding Center and met Sister Hilda who runs this center like a tight ship. I was able to participate in helping to feed the over 500 children that were there with their hungry bellies. It was very emotional for me as all of you know, my heart and compassion to help feed these children means so much. The children sang and danced for us and I feel so blessed to be there to bring them hope and love.

Today we visited the Regional hospital where I will be working next week. We met the eye team, the surgeon the director and the nurses. It was overflowing with patients and I do know that my help with carry them through better than ever. Dr. Peter I will be joining me on Sunday and he will help those with more specific troubles. It will be an intense week but one of hope for so many.

I must leave for now. I am ready to go back to the Feeding Center for some play time with the children. They are anxiously awaiting.

Thank you for your well wishes and many prayers and blessings. I feel everyone of them as I am here in Africa.

Until next time~

Cheers!