Yesterday, Jan. 1, Danielle and I had the opportunity to help out in the medical clinic for the first time as Dr. Tan gave Mama Jane's 10 children physicals. It was very encouraging to look at these children's charts and watch their height and weight climb from nearly starving and way below average to within the normal range in a matter of a few months. Most of them have experienced 'catch up growth' since they have had access to proper nutrition and have shot up in the height category. We stocked the pharmacy with all of the medicines we brought over from America, so it seems that they will be supplied for the clinic at the end of the month. There's enough aspirin to keep the average American out of headaches for 2 years, easily. Danielle and I had a good time playing with the stethoscope, too. Of course, there are no easy answers to medical problems here, and painkillers are no exception. They just relieve symptoms of much larger problems which are often untreatable.
We were able to play on the playground with the children in the afternoon and had about 60 kids screaming, "Auntie Danielle, Auntie Emily, look what I can do!!" Its pretty tough to remember these children's names, for the most part, too. Its easier to learn several within a meal setting where you're only with 6-1o children at a time. But, then when they're all together, and running around, it gets confusing all over again.
We also had the opportunity to sit down with the adult staff people after lunch, which was educational in all sorts of areas. It will be good to learn from them while we're here. I'm starting my day by eating dinner's leftovers for breakfast; we are helping the children with art today, which will be quite interesting, I'm sure. :)
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2 comments:
Emily, we were thrilled to receive email from you today 02 Jan 08, happy to learn of your unscathed arrival, impressed to hear of your creative diet plans (breakfast from supper, etc). You'll have to play some Wii when U return to the states. Until then, have a wonderful experience and expect the unexpected! (Good stuff!) Charles Weinheimer
Hey, Emily and Danielle! We really enjoyed learning more about your experiences with the children and the staff. How many children are in the Village? How many staff? What's the weather like there? Is it humid like it is here in the summer?
Winter DID arrive here in Charleston, with 28 degrees last night and 18 predicted for tonight. The US is full of politics, since the Iowa caucuses are tomorrow, and are the first in the country. I was astounded to learn that only 200,000 voters show up to vote in them!
Keep up the terrific work -- and keep sending Blogs!
Love, Mom & Dad Acker
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