3-17-2012

This morning Doug and I were up and out by 6:30am to go to clinic with Dr.Mary.

The drive took us about an hour and a half. 

We drove a while on a main road then turned off and took dirt roads into the middle of nowhere.

We pulled up to what was essentially an old shed that was emptied out. 

Out side stood a long line of people hoping to b seen, along with some curious onlookers.

Once we parked the Land Cruiser and got filled in on our tasks for the day

Mary  had everyone pull up their sleeves to expose their upper arms. 

She went down the line and depending on arm size, decided who would be seen.

Her reasoning is this, if a person has enough money to feed themselves properly, they can afford health care; if a person is visibly malnourished they cannot afford health care and get priority at clinic. 

She hands out a total of 30 cards that means she will see you. 

My job was to follow behind her and make a mark with blue sharpie on the hand of anyone  that received a card.

This kept people from selling their cards to people around them.

Doug and I then went down the line and took down the patients names and chief complaints before sending them in to see Dr.Mary.

It seemed like a small task to be doing, but it helped Dr.Mary very much.

After we finished triaging patients I shadowed Dr.Mary and did urine tests and such for her.

Once all the patients were seen, we set up a small pharmacy and I helped hand out medications and take money.

It is amazing the blessing Dr.Mary is to these people.

The medication she provides to them is at such a low cost it is amazing. 

Could you imagine paying like than 15cents US to get Malaria treatment?

Bahahaha apparently this is what the nearest toilet looked like.

So great-full that I didn't have to use it.

The drive back to Sophie's house was so dusty and dry.

By the time we arrived back my allergies were going crazy.

I talked with Andres for a few minutes before going to bed.

Today is our 9 month anniversary together. 

Pretty cool!

I really love that boy!