Day 4 Eye Clinic

I'm on lunch break on the ship right now. This morning we saw cataract preops and 1-day postops. This afternoon we'll see 2-week postops. Tomorrow is YAG laser day and Celebration of Sight. I'm not sure what's going to happen at the Celebration of Sight, but it happens outside the clinic under a tent. I'm really looking forward to it. On Monday, we're going to try a schedule adjustment to start seeing the 2-week posts a little earlier.

I feel so small compared to the beautiful African people. They are so uncomplaining and accepting. In some cases, you wonder how they've managed to function at all they are so blind with cataracts. The cataracts we see are very visible to the naked eye. Dr. Glenn performs ECCE rather than phaco, and we really see great results. However, the cataracts are so dense that you can't see the back of the eye preoperatively, so there might be other things going on in the retina that just can't be visualized.

I have offered to begin writing a manual for the eye team. I also hope to work with a knitting/crocheting group at the Hospitality Clinic to teach local women these crafts. I'm hoping to do this 1-2 days a week. I'm here to work, so it'll be nice to have these extra chores to keep me busy.

The African Woman

I have been so impressed with the beauty of the African women. They walk so gracefully and with a regal air through dusty city streets with their wicker platters, baskets, or boxes balanced atop their heads. They are draped in such beautiful fabric that just seems to flow around their bodies. As they age, their necks and shoulders stay strong, and they carry themselves with such a noble air. Just had to share these thoughts.

Day 1-Eye Clinic

Met the Eye Team this morning and headed to the Hospitality Clinic in Lome at 6:45am. We saw 29 cataract evaluations, 24 2-week cataract postop exams, and some other miscellaneous patients. I felt somewhat unqualified, but my mentor Woody was very patient and helpful. I primarily did keratometry and auto-refractions, and I also performed tonometry and a few A-scans using a probe. I haven't seen Julia yet to see how her first day went.

Tonight, the plan is to get an additional orientation to ship protocol and procedures.

It's very warm today-hot, even. It's nice that the Hospitality Clinic is air-conditioned.

We're Here

Julia and I made the trip fairly uneventfully, although we had a number of delays along the way. Paris Charles deGaulle is quite an experience. They load you into buses, keep you confined on the bus for 15-20 minutes, drive 50 feet, and let you off. Then, you go to another area to which you have been directed and catch another bus. It was all very interesting and inefficient.

On the plane from Paris to Lome, Julia and I slept most of the time--we were wiped out. Customs in Togo wasn't bad. However, there are a lot of people there willing to help you who apparently don't work there (at the airport). Also, TP is not provided in the WC--you get a small amount and then tip the person. I also had a man going through my purse after it had gone through the scanner. He was VERY interested in my dried fruit, Gardetto's snack mix, and, especially, my gum. I offered him the gum and he took a few pieces. Thinking back on it, I don't really think he worked there.

Driving through Lome to the ship was fascinating. There is quite a nightlife (when it's cooler) with TV's mounted on stands on the sidewalk, street vendors, nightclubs, etc. There are scooters everywhere! I'm not sure what time we got to the ship. We were given some paperwork, some food, and a key to our cabin. I am in a 6-berth cabin, all the way to the back, and on the top bunk. I found my bed made, with a water bottle, coffee cup, cookies, and a welcome message. What a blessing to a weary traveler. All my cabin-mates had gone to Ghana, so I was by myself. I took a quick shower and slept like a baby.

Today, we had a ship tour provided by Amy. I had breakfast with Deniece and Rob, and Deniece was nice enough to let me use her computer to send an e-mail to Jackie. I met the group for the tour. Now, I sort of know where everything is. We have wi-fi, a Starbucks, a snack bar, a store, a bank, a laundry, a library--unfortunately, the pool isn't quite ready. I'm looking forward to tomorrow and orientation. It'll be nice to know exactly what I'll be doing during my time on Africa Mercy.

1 More Work Day

One more work day in Smokey Point and a few hours in Seattle on Friday morning. Tomorrow, I'll work with Cheryl on Tonopen practice.
I've spent the last few days apologizing for my haircut. I'm hoping it'll be a little easier to control by Sunday, but Dr. Rostov says it's very edgy which I liked.
I've ticked nearly everything off my list, except the final charging of my electronic gadgets. Now, if only I could sleep.

Counting my blessings

I am so lucky to have support from a wonderful husband who has never questioned my decisions. How did I get so lucky! I have had many moments of doubt in my ability to be of real service in this endeavor, but I have so many who have given me words of support and offered their prayers. Thank you!

As the day when I leave draws near, I find it difficult to sleep at night. My mind is so busy ticking items off my to-do list, realizing how much I'll miss my family, and I just can't seem to quiet my mind--I'm really feeling tired.

It's Getting Close!

8 days to go!

I have spent quite a lot of time working in the clinic with our technicians. They are awesome! They have patiently taught me a variety of technical skills (tonometry, refraction, slit lamp, retinoscope). I wish I could say I have mastered these skills, but it wouldn't be true; however, I hope I have retained enough to do my trainers proud.

I have completed 13 1-hour strength-training workouts and 6 1-hour cardio workouts since March 1. I've lost about 15 pounds, but the strength and flexibility I've gained are what I've appreciated most. I have two more strength and one more cardio workout before leaving.

I'm gradually gathering most of the items I need to take with me to Togo. It's difficult to know exactly what might be needed. Of course, I've referred to the list of recommended items, and I'm trying to strike a balance between what I really need and the inclination to overpack.

I'm not sure I'll be posting again before I go to West Africa. I plan to work for a few hours the morning of May 7, then, I'll drive to SeaTac, get checked in, and meet Julia at our gate. Our flight for Paris leaves at 1:45 p.m. In Paris, we'll connect with other volunteers who will accompany us on our flight to Lome, Togo. This is all very exciting!