40 bags sitting in the African sun ready to be loaded onto a bus for Kibagaga hospital. Before we go however, a lunch break. When we get back to the hotel to meet the bus we are told a change in plans. Apparently, 19 Spokanites and their luggage are considered to be breaking national news in Rwanda. We are asked to haul all the baggage back to our rooms until tomorrow morning when the bus will return to carry our supplies timed to arrive at the hospital for news crews.
We were asked to calculate the dollar value of all the generous donations of medical equipment and supplies. The resulting 65000 of donations translates into 32 million Rwandan francs, a huge gift worthy of this national attention. This has really taken us all aback.
The morning was spent in an orientation meeting with two Rwandan physicians and their office staff. I asked one of the physicians who has yet to specialize what he wants his specialty to be. He answered, "for a long time I have wanted to be a radiologist. I would help maybe 3-4 people a day. I need to go into public health. That's where I will be of the greatest help."
We have broken out into several smaller teams- cardiology, women's health, surgery, and community development. Following the delivery of medical equipment tomorrow, we begin the real work.
2 comments:
No surprise - "the bus will pick you up tomorrow story" - as Jill is fond of saying - That's Africa! Enjoy, be safe, do good work, and special hi to Jilly.
Meryl
Sending love, light & energy to you. Be well and come home safely!
Janet B.
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