New Definitions

We are learning new definitions to word's we thought we knew. Flexibility for one. Our daily schedules often change multiple times throughout the day. It's an adjustment for all of us, but we are learning! I remember in Zimbabwe learning the difference between "just now" and "now, now" - JN meant "any time now or later" where as NN meant "right away." "A little bit difficult" is a typical Zambian phrase and we are learning it is often the ultimate understatement!!

This poster hangs near the front door of the office building here on the compound.

Here's the classroom...

And here are some of the girls wearing their traditional "Chitenge" - a wrap around skirt. We're excited that we'll be here on Zambian National Day on October 24th and hope to get to watch the festivities!! We'll all probably be wearing one of these! I love the bright designs!!

Tuesday we took a "history field trip" and visited the local museum that talked about the local provincial history. They had a lot of really interesting photographs depicting village life, as well as artifacts from the past few decades. It is interesting to see what each culture finds most important to emphasize about themselves!

We then spent some time visiting the city library. It was a very small building, one medium sized room, with two small rooms attached. Approximately 20 bookshelves full of books. The newest book I found was from 2000. Many books were printed in the 70's and 80's. It was fascinating also to read the various postings along the walls. There was a whole section just with HIV related pamphlets. Two computers were in one of the side rooms, but I am not sure if those are free for people to use or just the librarians.

That afternoon Pam and I got to meet with Dr Jain, one of the local surgeons. He and his wife, an OB/GYN own a clinic (with 6 inpatient beds), that is located just down the road from us. He is originally from Rajastan, and was born in one of the cities Kirsten and I visited over five years ago. He and his wife have lived in Zambia for over 30 years. For the past few years they have run their own clinic, but previously for over 10+ years he was the only surgeon/MD for the local state hospital. It was incredible to hear him tell of some of his experience - the challenges and rewards. As the only surgeon available he was forced to become skilled at all types of surgeries, from orthopedic to neurosurgery to abdominal or whatever else came along! His enthusiasm was catching!

Some of the students' clinical hours will be at their clinic and I know they will learn a lot! Seeing the various rooms within their clinic reminded me of my experiences both at Karanda Mission hospital in Zimbabwe (back in 1998) and the orthopedic surgeries I assisted with in Chennai, India (in 2003). Fond memories!!:)