Alarm Clock

Saturday, August 24

The early morning, as I said, was interrupted by frequent texts regarding the diabetic patient.  I had looked forward to some sleep in time without the 7 am start time. The sun rose by 5:30 and before 7 there was loud banging that my mind could not make sense of.  The culprit-monkeys!!! Jumping all over the metal roof and then back into the trees. My African alarm clock, ohh how I wish I could set it for a later time. 

Unable to fall back to sleep,I got up and dressed and snuck quietly to the hospital.  Hanna is on call today and is a brilliant and equipped tropical medicine resident whom I trust completely but I have the need to put my eyes on our sweet (sugary sweet per his blood sugars) patient.  This morning his blood sugars continue to improve, he responds to my commands, and is much better. We still have a long way to go. Again, our little team meets up and makes a plan for the day. Relieved now, I head into the weekend.

Amelia is up with her kids cooking breakfast and I join their adorable half family for pancakes.  We chat happily and then head into the village for the Saturday market. Melissa and her girls are already there at the beauty shop having braids put in.  The speed of the hand movements is mesmerizing with a small group of women gathered around each girl.  

We ventured into the markets and each bought a few more chitenge (the bright African fabrics).  Then we ventured to Franco’s. Franco is a beloved village tailor. He sits on his front porch of his shop with an ancient sewing machine and makes magic.  You can bring him pictures or items for him to copy. Amelia and I went through each of our fabrics describing what we wanted made. He measures and sketches into a small paper pad and then takes the scrap of paper and ties the fabric corner in a knot with the paper inside.  A beautifully simple and efficient system. I am so excited to collect my masterpieces in a few weeks.

Then we went through the rest of the market.  We purchased some bananas, watched people buy goats and tie them on the back of bicycles, and followed behind moms carrying their chickens home for dinner.  I could not be more thankful for the Neighborhood Market at home but this does make for a fun Saturday outing.

We also discover a small library that evidently a group from China establish.  It was amazing with numerous new children’s books. Amelia’s kids were able to get their first library card and check out books.  They were so excited!

We stopped to get a little juice and started to climb up the hill toward home.  I sat on the porch an had some crackers and cheese and talked with Melissa and Amelia and watched the kids play in the yard.  Their children are precious and it is fun to watch them interact and get comfortable with their moms.

I spent the majority of the afternoon and evening video chatting with mom and dad, the kids, and Wayne.  It was nice to get to talk to everyone and hear about things other than here.

The DKA patient did well in the morning with sugars nearing normal and I had relaxed.  However, IV fluids were not monitored by the day staff and in the evening his sugars were up and the plan needed adjusting again.  The monitoring and frequent checking is difficult to accomplish as stated.

The day ended with a little spaghetti, friendly conversation, and reading.  I am heading to bed hoping the monkeys are aware tomorrow is Sunday and we can sleep in!