Bobby, I remember being in a hospital in Zambia when I was 6 years old, requiring stitches, and patient beds were literally three feet apart. No curtains or walls seperating them. It was amazing that patients don\'t leave the hospitals sicker then when they arrived! Having said that, I remember the doctors and nurses were extremely kind and made me feel at ease, which was totally necessary since my mother was flipping out over the conditions around me.
Thank you for sharing this story. It is heartbreaking and there are so many others. I can completely understand your dilemma now...fabric swatches and paint chips mean so little don't they.
Wow. This is so sad to read. It really puts things in perspective over what's important in life. And it makes me realize that we take so much for granted living in the western world.
GOD BLESS YOU AND THEM Your heart, Bob, iI can't help but feel, being deepened with experience there in Tanzania...to say that the superficial will have no place in your life when you return is an understatement...But your love and compassion is a help to them we all know. Not many of us have your strength. It would be do wonderful if thru your care and skill Africa could receive unprecedented help and also wipe out this horrible disease.prayers for them all as well as for you, Bob, I love you.
Each time we read your blogs and turn the pages of your photo album, it reinforces that you are seeing Africa as it truly is. It is the images of conflict and strife that we see in the news. It is the kaleidoscope of colour and gradations of earth tones captured in posters. It does include the isolated pity of fly covered starving children we see on celebrity driven PSAs. It is also the thunder of herds, the brilliant flash of smiles of villagers, rhythmic dance and soulful music witnessed in travel ads. But you share more - the every moment heartbeat of everyday Africans. You remind us of the cohesiveness and commonalities of African culture but the also diversity to be found in black African ways. You describe the enticing and/or pungent smells of fish, fruit and veggies in the markets You expose the simplicity, sparseness and wilderness that surrounds their lives, the brave stoic poverty that too many endure. You emphasize the the warmth, selflessness and generosity with which they embrace those like you who endeavour to share in their truth. You bring us back to the reality of how basic life can be lived and the capacity to endure. You remind us of what truly matters - what constitutes meaningful existence contrasted with what is superfluous. I can only imagine the adjustment for you when you try to re-assimilate in the privileged lifestyle in which so many of us proudly wrap ourselves. I end with one question. Are you aware of the dilemma grabbing headlines here? Will we hang onto last year\'s iPad 4 or opt for the latest version iPad 5 and keep those kids in China busy at FoxConn\'s sweat shop?
From New York Hi Bob:What a moving story and your words are inspiring.We have been dealt a blow here but have the resources to come back.I now have power and heat restored.We have so much when others struggle so.And thanks for your call to me.I love you Bob for your big heart. Jack
Thank you Thank you for sharing your stories and pictures from Ndolage. I was a physiotherapist there (through VSO) from 2003-2006 - both Witness and Dina are friends of mine. And watch out for Dr. Lukiko's sense of humour... A lot has changed since 2003 - anti-retrovirals first became available there in early 2006 and we were able to see AIDS start to turn from a death sentence to a chronic disease, and people are now more openly talking about HIV/AIDS (though there is still a lot of stigma attached). And some things haven't changed - the difficulty of forward planning and the dependency on foreign donors.
Kate.
Ewwww Bobby, if you're trying to get people to visit you in Tanzania, I don't know that putting up pictures of roaches in your home is going to work. ;-) Actually, if I had to pick, I'd say roach #3 is the cutest, and the rainstorms look like they'd be great to witness (assuming you were inside viewing the storms through a window).
Time for Curling.. Hi Bob i am thinking about doing The Oaks Project this year i sent an email to the guys and i thought about you.. Miss you so much take care and i will try to read all your emails oh i don't have any email from you .. lol.. i am glad to read all your blogs every interesting..Franny
Hi Bob:I was 19 and in Athens.So many adventures and memories.I adored the Greeks, their spirit,warmth and generosity and hope they will fare well through this serious financial crisis.
Thinking of the Greek plays,ouzo and retsina,the colours of the sea,the white shores,the stuffed vine leaves and yoghurt and honey and olive oil and you. xx Jack
Back to New York and the internet I am catching up with your blogs at long last and being inspired by them all. You have a book here Bob and your photographs are sensational.And yes,the kids are all so beautiful.Sending my best thoughts your way. Love, Jack
Lovin' Lasagna! I love the photo of Gaure and his lasagna! You create happiness wherever you are Bob! Okay, here's the deal. I'll make the cheesy potatoes for you on your return and you make the lasagna!! Deal?
I told you so!!! Hey Gordon Ramsey Lawlor,I'm not one to say I told you so. But hey, "I told you so." You leave lasting impressions where ever you are.
That's my food for thought. xoxo
Tomatoe sauce from scratch.. love it. Can\'t wait till you are home and we all get together and have some. With Salad and lots of red wine. Looking forward to it Bob.
Love Deb & family
I left Canada on July 1st, 2011 and traveled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I am happy to say that this adventure is beyond my expectations.
First and foremost, my work with Femina (www.feminahip.or.tz) is great. Femina is a multimedia platform and civil society organization. It provides information and encourages open dialogue with Tanzanian youth, families and communities on important topics like sexual and reproductive health, economic empowerment and citizen engagement. Their approach provides voice to youth and gets them engaged in topics related to improving their lives.
Femina ha... full info
Cath Lawlor
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Slugs
You must not have been in the forest on Vancouver Island in the rainy season. Some noteworthy ones there too.