This morning we went to UTH to visit the little girl (her name is Anna, by the way) we sent there on my first day at Bwafwano. She has gained a little weight, and thankfully she is taking fluids and formula by mouth and hasn't suffered any obvious complications from her malnourishment. I think this case is a perfect example of why it would be great to get the malnutrition program running at Bwafwano, because we probably could have managed this girl sooner as an outpatient. There really was no need for her to get this sick, or to require a hospital stay, but without a reliable source of food coming through the clinic we didn't really have much choice. Becca and I bought food for the neighbor, who is staying with Anna, because the hospital doesn't provide meals to anyone, neither the patients nor their family members.
In more social news, last night we had dinner with Victor and his wife Helen. Victor is one of the drivers from last year, who is also a volunteer at Abuntu, the clinic for disabled people. Victor is working on obtaining a diploma in the area of transportation management, and Helen is learning how to use a computer so that she can get work for herself. They seem to be doing very well, and their children are wonderful. This morning we went to the first part of the services at Kafula's (another driver, and a friend of Victor) church, where he was leading the choir and band. He is definitely a talented singer, and a very .... entertaining dancer. His wife Daisy sat with us, who is very far along in her pregnancy, and looks like she could deliver at any minute.
That's all for now. I suspect Saturdays and Sundays will be used for catching up with things that I miss during the week, since it looks like I'll be busy most days. This blog will probably be updated much more often than I send mass e-mails, so be sure to check back here often!
Zambia's Flag
Map of Zambia