attempted theater

August 27th, 2017 by jenniferolmstead
Posted in Uncategorized|

Got up and made everyone chocolate pancake this morning. It was fun and they were quite tasty. Well it started I got up to read my bible and couldn’t find my flashlight. Holly slept with it as she was afraid of the frogs, we all have our fears and frogs are hers. So, I went to the kitchen to read in my pajamas, I can do this since maam and sir are not home. I sat down ad was served a cup of coffee by sassy, she works here and her name means sister. It was a great start to a great day. Then I made breakfast. Sassy started making something as well before Deborah came and told her I was cooking. She looked a little sad and I felt bad. But since she was using flour I was afraid of not having enough so I made a small batch and we ran out of pancakes, which meant sassy got to cook hers so she was happy. It’s hard to communicate when the girls have left for school as I think sassy knows less English than I do Hindi.
It was raining pretty hard this morning so we all stalled a little before going in. I was going to spend the day in theater, which doesn’t start till 9am so I was there in plenty pf time. At least I thought so. Well I arrive and am told to change and walk through a set of doors, which I did. They were getting ready to do a C-section. Theater is surgery here. So, I watched that and then was told there would be no more as they did not have a backup surgeon in case of a complication. I really just wanted to watch procedures, so I will have to do that net week. I’m thinking Monday.
So, I went to the male ward again. I missed doctor rounds but I did round with jasmine, she is not the nurse supervisor like I thought she is the nursing school principal. She always has great knowledge and is able to explain when I am having a language confused issue. I am continuously amazed at how much I have learned while here.
Class with the students was better today, I think. They were more interactive and I wrote the assignment on the board which drew questions. A very good thing I thought. One of them has a birthday tomorrow so I got cookies for the class at the market today to help her celebrate. Not much but I think it will be fun. I was going to give teh class the jars of jam I brought Saturday, but I’ve decided to take them tomorrow for the birthday girl and she can share them as she pleases.
After class I walked home with Holly and then went to the market with one of the Dutch doctors, I do not know her name. she needed a few things and wisely did not want to go alone. We had fun. Stopped in a few shops just to look. I picked up two little balls and two small buckets to play a game in class Saturday. I’m going to miss many of the people here. Tomorrow will signal one more week till I leave here to start my journey home. Only two more market days.
I’m getting to really like tea with a touch of sugar and milk, English style. I’ve been drinking it that way with everyone and it is quite nice. I’m hoping to purchase some of the local teas to bring home. Cannot get them here in Makunda thought. I’ve been told to look in Agartala. I won’t have a lot of time there but I have a short list of things I am to purchase to bring home. It’ll be interesting to see if I am able to purchase any of them. I was told the trains are not running so someone will have to drive me to Agartala which means 8 hours instead of 4 by train. I’m hoping that I will still be able to ride the train as it would be a unique experience here, but we’ll see.
That’s all for today. Hope everyone at home is doing well.

assisting in delivery

August 27th, 2017 by jenniferolmstead
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Today was amazing. But first how my day started. It stormed all night so I slept really well, which meant I slept in till almost 7 so I had very little time for reading and prayer. I did make time for both. Breakfast was fun. Millet pancakes with onions and leaves, still have not figured out what spice it is they just call it leaves, and tomato soup. Not normal for breakfast but quite tasty and not spicy. I was a little late getting to the hospital and missed the morning worship with students and it was just ending when I got to the hospital version. Tomorrow is in English and we are making breakfast so I’m hoping to attend.
I first went to the women’s ward as I was intending to spend two days there. However, Holly walked in shortly after planning to spend the day there, so I went to another ward. I started in the labor ward, which had one who was not really in labor but dilated to 3 centimeters. So, I went to the maternity ward for a while. I rounded with the doctors. it was interesting today as the doctor that has been here a few weeks was trying to explain what was going on and why she was making certain decisions to the two new doctors that just arrived yesterday. It was quite informative for me as most of this discourse was in English. It’s the common language among the providers, though for most it is a second language. I stayed there for a couple hours. I spent the last 30 minutes holding a lady’s hand who was in labor. I went back to labor to see if anything was happening, they said no. I was getting ready to go back to maternity when the ladies whose hand I had been holding came through the door. So, I stayed with her until lunch. When I got back from lunch she was napping and I did not want to wake her so I sat with another lady who wanted to hold my hand. Both were first time moms and no family is allowed in the labor room. This makes it quite scary as they do not know what to expect. And since I was holding her hand I was asked to assist when she was ready to deliver. This was quite exciting. I have seen them before, but seeing what the nurses do here is different. For starters, the nurses deliver and the doctor often is not even in the room, the nurse cuts and stitches shut afterwards. All in all, a good experience. I spent a few more moments with the first lady, I suspected she was going to need a C-section and I was right. I left to get holly for the day and while I was waiting for her Helen and Naomi were looking for me and saw her being moved to operation theater. I promised to check in on her tomorrow. She was a nice young mom and really seemed to appreciate my just being there. I learned a new word today, saslo, which means breath in Bengali. They want to hold their breath with each contraction.
I left a little early today as we had plans. We all went to the market so we could buy the items needed to cook. We are going to make breakfast tomorrow, dinner tomorrow night, and breakfast Sunday morning. It is quite exciting. We were told that we are required to serve rice with each meal, so pancakes and rice it will be. Rather odd to me but it makes everyone happy. We had quite a time at the market. It is very crowded, as it is only open two days a week. Imagine having to walk about a mile, or more depending on where you live, to buy all the groceries you will need for the next four days and then carrying them all back. Some are able to afford a taxi, but most walk. The stores have some staples but nothing fresh. We chose to walk. To envision the market, imagine a narrow street lined with people that have a blanket spread out on the ground with a handful of different foods. We had to go to multiple vendors to find everything. And then we had to stop by a few what they consider stores to purchase the rest. The stores are smaller than my kitchen, which does not leave much room so it took two stores to purchase enough flour. The chicken was a whole other matter. We were asked if we wanted it cut up or live, we opted for cut up. We were told it would be delivered in about an hour. So, we came home, and sure enough our cut up chicken arrived. We have not opened the package to see how it was cut yet so making fried chicken may be interesting tomorrow. I was asked to come back to labor tomorrow so I will for at least a while. I really need to spend some time on the male ward so if not, much is happening I will go there. I’m planning on postnatal next week with the students.
We got home and had a little time before dinner, this is when we get on the internet. I have normally typed my blog and just have to post it, but as I went to market and was not at the house today I will be posting this a day late.

what a day

August 27th, 2017 by jenniferolmstead
Posted in Uncategorized|

I am not sure exactly where to begin today. So, I will start at the beginning. We had informed the family that we would be cooking breakfast. So, we all got up early, I did make time for a quiet moment, and started cooking. We made a fruit compote from mango and pineapple, that turned out amazing enough to try at home. We also made pancakes, ok they made the pancakes and afterwards I made my pancakes. They were quite good, especially with the fruit. Then off to the hospital.
I was not sure where to go today. I was planning to spend a few days in the male ward, but have been hesitant as they have multiple patients with tb in there and I have already had a few exposures. Thinking maybe I should not push that one to far if I can avoid it. Some of the staff go all day in a mask, I am not sure I could handle that. So, I stopped in at the labor ward and then went to see the mom from yesterday in maternity, the one I promised to visit today. She was quite surprised to see me and happy to show of her beautiful baby girl. Girls are not seen as being as worthy or desired as a boy and so many women think down on themselves if they have a girl. This just meant I had to make more of a big deal over her baby, every time I walked past. This made her quite happy. I took time to stop and pray for them both. She quietly smiled. The doctors were rounding so I took time to listen and learn from them before heading back to labor. I was able to assist with two deliveries today. The first I walked in as the baby was crowning so I reassured mom and helped with positioning. The second one I got to take the baby to the warmer. It was fun to be the first one to hold the baby. I was thinking how this was not such a bad thing. So, I went to lunch with the others and we all shared our mornings. Then the afternoon came. Oh, I could hardly wait for it to be over, so no labor tomorrow. It was quite something. This mom who had been quiet all of yesterday and cried a little quietly in the morning become horrible. She was screaming and yelling, throwing herself all over the bed, almost threw herself out of the bed a few times. Everyone was trying to calm her down, but she wanted no part of it. She was nice and quiet when the doctor came to check her, until the doctor went to see another patient, then she began yelling at the doctor as well. After the doctor left she looked to be saying some not nice things. I told the nurse she looked like she was yelling curses at us, the nurse said yes, she probably was. My first thought was that I was not worried as I have a God bigger than anything she could throw at me. So, I left feeling very protected today, and happy for the protection. It was really quite an experience.
We needed more milk for diner so, I headed to town alone. I found the store we had gone to yesterday and purchased some milk but not enough. I went to another store to buy more. It was fun to feel like I could do something on my own. I made it back without getting lost. You should all be quite proud of me for that.
Then it was time to start dinner. I made fried chicken, which everyone loved. We also had green beans, mashed potatoes and pineapple. Naomi made donuts for desert, but I could not eat them so I am in the room typing this to you.
Well that was my day. Now time to get leaned up and head to bed. I am tired today.

back to male ward

August 27th, 2017 by jenniferolmstead
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Mem and sir left this morning for a conference and won’t be back till Saturday. I heard them this morning but figured I would stay on the room so they didn’t leave late. Breakfast was waiting on the table but I made hot water so we could all have coffee or tea before going to work. I did not have much of an appetite today and had trouble eating. The girls all had toast and cornflakes, and had the noodles with coconut and sugar. Then as I didn’t check in last night since everyone got in so late, I took time to check in before going to the hospital so I was a little late.
I wasn’t sure where to go for the day so I went back to the male ward to see the patient with a new amputation. I had intended to watch the surgery yesterday but that didn’t happen so I figured I would read his chart and see how he was doing today. The nurse working today just kept telling me to sit saying that they do things different here so I should just sit and watch. Not exactly exciting. I spent some time speaking with one of the nurse instructors in the morning. I was able to educate a couple nursing students about inserting IVs and put one in for them. I rounded with a doctor the nurse manager, both I found educational. We had one patient with a TIA and then a new stroke came in. That brought back memories. I asked about doing neuro checks and was told the doctors do on admit and with rounds, otherwise they are not done. I found that interesting. Through translation we did a simple neuro check and identified his weak side so the family could be instructed the best way to help him ambulate by supporting his weak side.
We couldn’t find Helen or Naomi for lunch so we just had three today, me, Judith, and Holly. After lunch, I followed a nurse student doing her medicine pass and stopped and corrected her before she made a couple mistakes. Then I was told to sit again. The student who confided in me yesterday stopped to ask if I had prayed for her. She was very happy when I assured her I had been praying for her.
Then it was off to class. I got there early and waited in the principal’s office. The look on the students face when she came in to get the key was amusing. The students that were there on time got a good laugh from me. As I was walking through the door I saw something out of the corner of my eye at eye level and jumped, it was just a lizard. They all laughed and I laughed with them.

I did something that made then all nervous, which doesn’t take much and then taught them about self-esteem and self-concept and self-acceptance. We did a short quiz in the book to help them understand how little differences can help us to see whether we have a high or low self-esteem. I talked about how what we hear from others can raise or lower our self-esteem if we do not have a high level of self-acceptance to begin with. They were more interactive towards the end and seemed to enjoy the talk quite a bit. I told them I know I make them uncomfortable and that sometimes I push that comfort zone on purpose so they will learn to have enough confidence in themselves to maintain their self-esteem and self-acceptance in the face of people who may try to lower their opinion of themselves. I hope they understood. It’s hard to tell as they all say that they do.

teaching

August 27th, 2017 by jenniferolmstead
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I had such a busy day I hardly had time to notice the heat. I woke up early and spent some time reading my bible. Then I got dressed and went to the kitchen to make coffee. I sat and chatted with maam and Deborah for a while. I enjoy her company. She has said she wants to come visits me just so she can sit outside with no people and read her books. I told her I would love to have her come and she can stay as long as she wants. Breakfast was great, one of my favorites here, millet noodles with coconut and sugar. It tastes amazing, is nutritious, and so much fun to eat with your fingers. I am wondering how I am going to adjust back to silverware.
I left right at 8am as I did not want to miss a dressing change. At first, I was more in the way, but I did get to help. I was answering medication questions for student nurses, I started an IV, and was even ordering medications in the computer for patients who were discharging. Oh, and I got to write in the discharge book. It was great to be busy. I was informed of a patient in HDU with an acute MI, heart attack, and made trips to monitor his progress and changes. I found it very interesting how it is managed here. At first, I got annoyed that the nurse did not take it more serious, but that is the way it’s done here.
I was a little late to lunch, as I was actually working. I didn’t feel like fish today so I passed. I just didn’t feel like deboning it with the one hand I was eaten with. The cook has been making the fish rather spicy lately, so all in all I think that was a good decision.
After lunch, it was back to the male ward and more work. I was able to review discharge slips and notify the nurse of those that were ready and those that needed to accomplish something first, like going to pharmacy. This was actually when I learned how to put in orders. It was just great to feel useful today.
I let a few minutes early to prepare for class. It was quite funny. About half the class was late, which is normal in India. Time is all relative here. A few came bouncing in and then froze when they saw me, which brought laughter from the students already in the room. They enjoyed it so much they chose not to warn the other students as they approached. I was tickled by their response. I spoke about anger, verbal abuse, and criticism today as they all tend to run together in a hospital setting. I gave them an assignment to write a good and a bad example of each. They can use examples that contain both as long as they can show me how both are present. I actually hope they do more of these. I let them know that tomorrow they will read them in class and then for each bad option we will discuss a positive response. They are so quite that I believe this assignment has them worried. I wanted to give them something that would help them to apply these to their reality in the hospital setting, but I did not want it to be too time consuming. I’m curious to see what they come up with tomorrow. I did give them a few examples throughout the class.
After the hospital, we met and headed to market. Seems they wanted baggy pants and pineapple. That what we got. I picked up another top as it was just so pretty and I will wear it at home. They have a patriotic one that looks very American, but I didn’t get it. Maybe another day if it’s there. I just couldn’t decide if I’d wear it.
Now we are all relaxing and unwinding. I’m also working on laundry. With four of us and doing it all by hand it takes a while. We use my bag for the smaller loads, but when it gets built up we use the bucket. I think two loads tonight will catch us up.
Oh, we road back in a motor rickshaw. The poor driver made it about `00ft and broke down, we think. He went into a store and they put something from a coke bottle into his engine, which is in the back. And off we went. The best way I can describe a motor rickshaw is to imagine a cab with two rows of bench seats about 3-4 feet wide, total. Now put 3 large bicycle tires under it and an engine that sounds like it belongs in a lawn mower. If we walk three abreast we fill the road and these things are small enough to pass without leaving the road. Daring but fun for a short distance. I wouldn’t trust one for a longer distance, though that is how many get to the hospital, they ride in them for hours sometimes.

Sunday

August 26th, 2017 by jenniferolmstead
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Today started early. I got up and made everyone breakfast. They were all still sleeping when it was done so I read my bible for a while. Then I waited for everyone to get up. I ate with maam, sir and Deborah while they slept. It was nice. Then I stayed at the table and had more while they ate. I made hash browns and scrambled eggs American style. Everyone really enjoyed it. Maam is asking for American recipes. We are thinking about putting some together and giving it to her as a small cookbook.
Then it was off to church. I really love the service, though I feel I must contain myself during worship. You can see the joy in their faces, but no one moves. We had a small girl sing a solo today as a voluntary thing, she was very good. I knew the song and kinda mouthed the words which brought questions from Deborah. She asked If I knew the song. I said yes it was one I really liked. She smiled, so I think that means it was ok. The speaker was from world vision. I could understand his English but I think his testimony lost something in translation. He said he was going to give his testimony instead of a sermon so I do know that’s what it was. Afterwards I discussed it with Naomi and she was as confused as I was so I felt better about that.
I met with Jasmine at the end of the service and got my teaching book for the week. I’m quite excited about the opportunity to teach nursing assistant students. They also seem to be eager to learn from me.
We were to tour the tea gardens today, but due to the heat it was postponed until next Sunday. It is very warm. The funny thing is I don’t feel hot just really wet. Clothes just cling to me. Not exactly a normal sensation for me. So, the afternoon was a lazy day. I read my bible and my book. Then I reviewed some of the recommended chapters for the class and choose what I would start with.
We were invited to a bible study today on Malachi. So, at 6;00pm we went. I really enjoyed it. It was a recording from a guy in England. After the videos, it was two parts, we had a reflection time when we discussed what we had learned. People brought up things that were new as well as reinforcement thoughts that supported established beliefs and thoughts.
We made it home after dark, but between rain showers.

snake day

August 26th, 2017 by jenniferolmstead
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I woke up extra early today. Spent some time in prayer and went back to sleep. Just felt maybe I needed it after yesterday. So, breakfast was kinda on our own today as maam worked all night and now she is sick today. I think she is just rundown from not sleeping for a week or two. She cannot go on 2-3 hours of broken sleep a day for that long of a period of time. Anyway, I got coffee with breakfast, amazing, first time since Delhi. I made myself scrambled eggs and some pineapple left over from last night. Was almost like being home, except eating with my fingers.
I went to the male ward today. It is actually the largest ward and contains male, female, and children. The kids are admitted here when there are no beds in the pediatric ward. They came through today and located some beds that could be moved to the pediatric ward now that it is completed. It was quite interesting and very busy. For the morning, I just entertained kids. They really like the photos I have of animals at the zoo. Glad I did not take them out of my phone before coming. The nurses even asked me to continue as it was helping them get their work done. You see when I entertain kids, family members of the kids as well as others all watch and try to see. This leads to fewer interruptions for busy nurses. It also left me feeling like I was not learning anything. I was thinking of going to a different ward as I felt I would learn and be more helpful, but I was asked to stay. I did finally get to help some. Went to lunch. We found out we are confirmed for a tour of the tea gardens tomorrow after church sometime. We are all so excited. They are going to see if we can go to the factory sometime as well, however it is not open on Sunday so we will have to leave to hospital some afternoon to see it. I will keep you posted.
So, after lunch I went back to the ward and was keeping the nurse company and asking questions about meds during her med pass. She repeatedly told me she enjoyed my just being with her while she passed. We were sitting at the desk and I had just mixed a med for her while she prepared another when the excitement started. Someone started saying something about what was behind the sink. Everyone was trying to look and someone said it was a snake. So being the crazy American I jumped up on a bed close by and proceeded to take photos. I figured if I showed everyone photos fewer people would crowd around and thus they were less likely to be bit. They must have all agreed as everyone backed up and then wanted to see my photo. Then it poked its head about by about 4-5 inches. So, I took another photo to keep everyone back. Then this lady, as none of the men were willing to get close, tried to hit it with her flipflop, not heavy-duty dollar store style. The snake went back behind the sink. Feeling brave now a man tried to pull the sink from the wall, which was not very effective as it was attached to the floor. I took a better picture so show everyone. Then it got really exciting. The snake dropped to the floor and took off under the beds. Now you have to remember this is a ward with about 15 beds lined up on each side, total about 30. So as the snake goes people are jumping on beds and yelling while patient from the other side are running down the aisle chasing the snake. The lady on the bed at the end was just sitting there with no idea what was going on and wondering what we were all up to. So, the snake climbs the wall and goes out the window. The windows here all have bars but no screens. With all the excitement, the men who stand outside next to motor scooters all day, not sure why they are there but they are there every day all day, took up the chase they followed the crowd from outside and then surrounded the snake on the outside. They had a meeting of the minds, not sure what they discussed, and then grabbed stick and began swinging at the snake. It was really quite something. I went around outside and took pictures, after they were done. It was about 3 feet long. I found out later that yes it was poisonous.
Feeing that was enough excitement for the day I sat down with the nurse to wait for the next shift that was due at any time. I tried to go show off my pictures but couldn’t locate anyone. Well the nurses told the oncoming nurses about the snake and they all wanted to see it. So, it ended as an exciting day.
I went and found the others and holly and I headed home. I was planning on going to town for more eggs. Deborah was going to walk with me but when she asked her mom for permission she was told that I could use the eggs they had and save a trip. In exchange, she took me to see the pigs. It is odd that they would raise pigs here, but they do behind the garage. It is the only animal that is normal size. They look the same as those at home. I didn’t think to take my camera so no photos. I asked and was told that every year for Christmas they cook a pig and invite everyone to the church for dinner. Not sure what they do with the rest of them as they have lots of little piglets right now. The girls are doing laundry tonight, they seem to be rather energetic so I’m writing and relaxing. After dinner, I need to cut potatoes for tomorrow breakfast.

first day in high dependency unit

August 26th, 2017 by jenniferolmstead
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Rice pancakes with jam for breakfast quite tasty. As usual I was up before the others so I took some time to just relax and contemplate. Not sure what I got out of it this morning as I kept distracting myself. I did enjoy my reading time though. I have read through the book of John and have decided to read Romans next.
I walked by self this morning as the others were not ready yet, which meant no quick internet check. That only happens if we all go stand out in the yard, normally on the stairs as the yard is full of leaches. They are everywhere and this exploring the jungle is strongly ill advised. I have chosen to heed this warning. Especially since I came home with a leech on my shoe one day and never even got off the road. Not a pleasant thing those leeches.
So today I was I the high dependency unit. This is not an ICU area.it s for anyone that needs frequent vital checks, is on certain medications, or needs more than 2 liters of oxygen. That tends to include post-surgical, high fever with seizure, and those who take fertilizer. I was surprised how many suicide attempts they have here, usually by ingesting a fertilizer. It is smoked or drank, neither has a very good outcome. It does horrendous damage to your body and depending on the method it went in determines what is most damaged. It was quite different than the pediatric ward. We did have two children though, and 1 was in postsurgical from the peds floor. He was even happy to see me. The nurses were wonderful and encouraged me to read the charts to help me better understand why each patient was there. All the cases were routine for them, but unusual for me. They often get children with high fever and seizures for days to weeks before they are brought in. I don’t know how to describe the feeling that gives me. And the sad thing is they are not neglectful, they truly do not know or understand. Many who grow up in the villages may have no or minimal education. For the Muslims, the education may involve nothing more than Koran teaching. Thus, even if you try to educate them on danger sign and when to have your child seen, they simply do not understand why that is important. It makes it very difficult. Those who are more educated are almost all Christians. This helps to explain why the school offered here at the hospital is so important. Children from other villages stay in live in the dorms with the nurses during school times and go home on school breaks. It is the only opportunity most of them will ever have for an education. And for the girls they are then offered nursing assistant or nursing school if they choose.
During lunch, I was able to meet up with my roommates and catch up on everyone’s day. Helen and Naomi are doing ultrasound for prenatal today. The 9th of every month is free prenatal care throughout India and since it fell on a Sunday today was super busy in that department. Holly was in the maternity ward. After lunch, I took a little time to watch a couple ultrasounds being done. I had quite a time trying to figure out what they were seeing. I gave up and went back to the high dependency ward, at least I kinda know what is going on there. I was able to get a few pictures of some things you will probably never see in the states. I also got a picture with my little patient. I was teasing about him being my little boyfriend and the girls were laughing so hard they couldn’t contain themselves. I asked them afterward if that is not normal here and they said definitely not. So, note to self no more teasing little boys. He wants to be a doctor you know. The sad thing is he is Muslim and his education comes only what he gets at the mosque. His mother is so proud of him for being so eager to learn, yet he may never get the opportunity to learn what he needs to get into medical school. His family would never have money to send him either.
The girls are going to be working late today so I picked up holly and we walked home together. It was a good day. Now a relaxing evening and if they’re not too tired maybe some games.

 

a day of rest

August 26th, 2017 by jenniferolmstead
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I was hoping to visit a local village church and a friend today, but neither happened. Not disappointed though.
I woke up early as usual however my roommates all slept in. They really needed the rest so I did some reading and my devotional. Then I wandered out into the kitchen when I ran out of quiet things to do. Breakfast today was so wonderful. I got porridge. It’s a hot cereal made from millet and so good. It was like eating something from home. The millet seed I have discovered is slightly sweet and tastes as if it has a hint of cinnamon so a touch of milk and it was perfect. The others woke up just as their breakfast was coming to the table.
Due to being short doctors Dr Ann is working 6 days a week in the outpatient department, or clinic, and taking call. This duty is to be split between her and another doctor but some of the more difficult cases she has to go for. She has been looking very tired. I asked how she felt today and she said much better. She was able to go to bed at 1;30 this morning and slept until she woke up, which was still quite early. They are such an amazing couple.
So, after breakfast we went to service at the hospital church. It was encouraging today. I just love the worship portion. It changes every week. I learned they have a schedule and each week a different department is responsible. So, next week the second-year nursing students will do everything for the service.
After church, we came back and I took my Sunday nap. The bible says we should rest on the sabbath so I feel I should take a nap every Sunday. I truly do feel much better if I do. I was woken up in time for lunch. Maam, Dr Ann, was called to the hospital again so we got hospital food for lunch. It looked almost like Mexican takeout when it was first opened, but it was good. I enjoy the food here though it can be a bit too spicy at times.
After lunch, it began to rain and thunder quite loudly. The girls all decided that they would go outside for a shower, it has been a few weeks and they were quite excited. The spicket we use to wash with is about knee high, we het clean but it is not the same. I chose to take photos and not participate, though they did try to drag me out once or twice. It was quite fun. I’ve decided to label my photos an Irish shower in India. They all like that name. It was so much fun. They even talked Deborah into washing her hair in the rain by promising to braid it for her. Dr Vijay looked quite concerned when we went out but seemed to be alright when he viewed the photos. He told of a group that came in the past that felt sun bathing was a good idea and got upset when he told them to put clothes on. I think he feared the girls would undress for their shower, but they all kept their clothes on. They went out in short and t-shirts. That was the excitement for the day. After wards holly was so tired she took a nap while the rest of us spent some time reading. Now I am waiting for dinner and then maybe a game before bed.

babies everywhere

August 26th, 2017 by jenniferolmstead
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Morning was relaxing, I got lots of reading done while everyone slept. I do so enjoy that time. I spent some time in prayer, I was having trouble focusing last night and really needed it this morning. Breakfast was interesting. I’ll try to describe it. Imagine a bowl of rice that has the texture of cream of the west with onions, pepper corns, and some small green leaves in it. Then imagine a sauce similar to tomato soup only much thinner that is poured over the top. All eaten with your fingers. As bizarre as it sounds is was quite good.
I left a little early today hoping to participate in the morning worship. I found a new one. I was walking to the hospital when I heard singing, and it was a song I recognized from church. I followed the sound and ended up at the nurse’s classroom. They invited me in to join. I just love starting my day with worship, it does something I cannot explain. I was invited to speak about Jesus while I was there, nothing like being put on the spot. I offered a few words of encouragement for the students. Then we had a mass prayer, I really enjoy that. Thinking maybe we should try it in bible study at least. Anyway, then it was off to work.
Today was my first day in the woman’s ward. I was expecting women, they were there to, but majority had babies. The women’s ward is for cesarean section and gynecological type problems, mostly. Any woman can be there but as it is a small ward some are in the male ward and they ensure these cases are not in the male ward. So, I got lots of practice helping new moms learn how to breast feed babies. It was actually kinda fun. There were a few that needed various abdominal surgeries as well, gall stones seem to be quite common here. There is one lady that came in with cellulitis in her r leg. They have already debrided the wound, it has multiple sites and I could see tendons in all of them, the one on top of her foot I think I saw a bit of bone as well. They are planning a skin graft but had to wait for the swelling to come down, which it has but it has taken two weeks. They drained 200ml of infected fluid the day of surgery. That is amazing. Wait so long to come and be seen here. The lack of education really shows in this environment. They lack the education to even understand much of what they are trying to teach them while here. They do not have a date yet, but I would enjoy watching the skin graft.
Nothing exciting at lunch today, it is usually pretty much the same. We get rice, some kind of soup stuff that is super thin we pour on the rice, a vegetable of sorts, usually it is potato or onion and seasoned till you almost cannot tell them apart, once in a while it is plantain (a non-sweet banana) which I really enjoy, and a meat which rotates between fish. chicken, and egg. Not bad actually except once in a while when the cook gets a little excited I think and adds to much hot stuff.
O got some language lessons today, quite fun actually. I can now tell people their baby is beautiful, or good. Tow complements that parents love to hear. You should have seen all the students trying to teach me while the poor mother sat and laughed. It was quite fun. I am trying to learn a few words but most speak Bengali not Hindi and the nurses speak Hindi. Also, they all think I need to learn different words so there is no repeat. Today I got smart, I know it took me long enough, I wrote them down. Now I can practice tonight and hopefully remember them tomorrow as they intend to teach me more. It’s exciting to be learning a few basic words.
Stopped on the pediatric ward to say hello, but they were very busy, so I went and watched ultrasound for a while. I’m getting a little better at recognizing things.