Preparing for Africa!

So, I am working, working, working.  Getting ready to leave.  It is exactly 3 months from today that I go!  I can’t believe it.  I will be in Africa in less than 3 months.  I have been practicing Swahili, (ninakupenda), collecting medical supplies from work, getting immunizations, actually exercising to be in tiptop shape, studying my old nursing books to refresh procedures I haven’t done in 15 years.  Even sent away for a practice kit for trying out suturing.  Hey, I can embroider, don’t you think I could tie knots in people’s skin?  I am also researching whatever I can find on the internet about Tanzania and its people.

I’ve learned it is the land of safari, land of Mt. Kilamanjaro, and the Masai tribe.  The people are said to be kind, welcoming, and friendly.  It is an extremely poor country, very underserved with medical care.  I have read that there is only 1 doctor per 50,000 people, and only one midwife per 650 women.  The clinic I will be working at is St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, a small 100 bed clinic.  I’m not sure what I will be doing, but I am trying to learn , or relearn whatever skills I may be called on to deliver.   I hope I am up for it!

Yes, I am scared, yes I am nervous, yes I have no idea what I am getting myself into!  But, it will be an adventure, a leap, and a daring.  So we will see!