Friends

Sunday, Nov. 23, 08

Hi everybody,

Seems like awhile since I've written on here. Is it really not a week? I guess a lot has happened. Sister Gladys came home while we were gone last weekend, sister Boni is back till May (she's the children's hero and advocate and playmate and teacher and friend and mother all in one, plus all the things I haven't mentioned.) It's good to see her around again.

On Wednesday, a team of 31 arrived. It has kept everyone busy preparing. The girls working in the kitchen are LOVING making food for this quantity. It's a challenge they are meeting wonderfully - very organized and great tasting!! The team is also getting lots of work done - they finished pouring the cement for the roof of the little kids' dorm - across from our cafeteria. They have also made and set up a pingpong table, and they brought a net and balls. I think that will be an everlasting need here now - new balls! They love banging them with the paddles, which at least 4 are bare now. They don't understand the balls work better. One young boy just started ripping it off - I think for him it was in the way or something. But they're enjoying it.

Saturday afternoon, all of us and the older kids packed up and went to spend some time at a beach house owned by P. Henry's brother-in-law. It was a great place!! We had a bonfire, though it was too windy to sit around it - grilled hot dogs and chicken and a time of singing and testimonies and reflexion.

This evening, Bobi and I went with our friend from down the road - Matt, and his two visiting friends to hang out at the hotel where they're staying for the weekend. It was a wonderful relaxing time. We hung out on the roof of a 4 story hotel, watching the stars, chatting, and getting a massage from Renee, who is a massage therapist. There was a wind, and everything felt wonderful! 

Monday

Well the generator was cut off unexpectedly last night, so hope to finish this tonight. It's been a busy day at the clinic again. That's becoming the norm nowadays, it seems. It's to the point where one person can hardly do it alone anymore, which means it's difficult for me to take a day off. Malaria was the most common ailment today I think. Funny how it seems people come in in spurts with the same things.

This week is looking just as busy, but pleasantly so. Tomorrow I'm planning to go to Port again, this time with two patients. The one from last week, that we didn't get to a doctor with and also Maikel. His dad finally showed up last week, and we're needing to do an Echocardiogram on him - see if he really has a big hole in his heart. I put the fear of death into the dad when he was here - after all, that's what will happen if he doesn't bring his son regularly. The said thing is, I realize it is very difficult for him. It takes him 3 hours to get here on the taptap, and he works in Port, which is the other side. If he quits the job, where's the money???

We're celebrating Thanksgiving here on Wed (we're not in the US - who says we have to abide by their days???). This way we can serve it with the team. I haven't been here for one so we'll see what it's like but sounds like it'll be a feast. In past years, all the kids, including the youngest, get one whole turkey leg. They almost fall asleep eating it. So this will be fun for everyone!!

Then on Friday - back to Port. This time for a very special reason. My parents are coming to visit for 2 weeks! It's their first time (actually my first visitors here). They're from Costa Rica, so used to third world cultures, but I think they're still gonna be a little surprised.

OK, nothing is getting cleaned in my room tonight so I better close my ramblings here. Thanks for reading and keeping us here in mind. God's blessings to each of you!!!

Elsie