Bongolo Hospital - Day #1

First, thank you for all your comments & encouraging notes.

Second, this will probably be pretty brief as I am exhausted and have to be at the hospital by 7:30am tomorrow to shadow/work with Dr. Thompson.

So today I was at the hospital at 7:30am and attended Dr. Keir's lecture to residents, nursing students and hospital staff on Code Rouge (Code Red). We have the same thing in the U.S., basically, its a code that outlines the chain of command if a disaster occurs.

Next, I went on rounds with Dr. Renee, an American medical doctor. She was actually sick (recovering). I felt so bad! We saw all 30 admitted patients. There are 15 rooms. Each patient has a roommate. Next, we went to the Sall d' Urgences (I think that is how you spell it)...Anyways, that is their equivalent of an ER. Throughout this I met Dr. Deb (Bongolo's pediatrician) and Lisa (nurse & nursing instructor). Dr. Rausch, the cardiologist who travelled with me from Paris CDG was also there. I helped Dr. Rausch, Lisa & Dr. Renee run ecos on various patients. So, I did alot of patient transport, observing and learning. It was wonderful. I love hospitals!...More details and impressions tomorrow. :-)

I came "home" to the Kelly's around 12:30/12:45 for lunch. Lisa and I walked from the hospital to the compund together. So I ate, went swimming with the kids & their Gabonese friend, then we played outside on the swing set. After that, we walked around the extensive compound and finally came back to play with Forrest's Star Wars action figures. Forrest was psyched to learn that I also love Star Wars and has dubbed me the only fun adult he knows. He also calls me his Jedi master. Needless to say, I was quite flattered.

The Kelly's had a leadership meeting, so I babysat the kids. Today's feature film, thanks to Alex, was Kung Fu Panda. The kids have dubbed Alex the coolest brother after and think he is pretty awesome. After the movie, I tucked Emma in and read to her while the boys got themselves ready.

The Kelly's just pulled into the driveway, so I think I can safely go to bed.

Ok. SLEEP now. My ankles are so swollen from the Bafudu (no-seem) bites and are killing me. Hopefully, I'll make it through tomorrow!

G'night!