Friday, May 29, 2009

Sometimes the best course of action is no action at all

I must sing the praises of Capitol Travel Medicine and Georgetown University Center for Infectious Diseases - THEY ROCK!!!

Long story short...when I returned home, I had what I thought were misquito bites on my legs. One would not heal. I tried everything. Hydrogen perioxide and neosporan every day. Repeatedly.

Well....upon advice of a very wise retired MD, I went to have "eyes look on it, who know what they are seeing."

Two doctors' visits and blood work later....basically, I had either a bite from some strange African bug, or thorns or nettles had irritated my leg. In either case, I was making matters worse! Yes...by repeatedly putting so much anti-bacterial on my leg, I wouldn't heal.

Following Georgetown University's Center for Infectious Diseases advice to not do anything, my leg is beginning to heal.

So, sometimes the best course of action is NO action!

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Friday, May 22, 2009

As we go into Memorial Day Weekend...

I have to tell a story on myself. On the advice of my Mission Mentor, the wonderful Dr. Suzanne, I took some candy with me. One evening in Mwitikira I decided there were few enough children hanging around (I had only 2 bags of mini Twix bars – one of my favorites!).
I asked Suzanne if it was ok to hand out some of the candy or if she thought I would ruin their dinner. Without missing a beat, she responded that she didn’t think it was possible to ruin their dinner.

R…E…A….L…I…T…Y…C…H…E…C…K…. in Africa….Of course it isn’t possible to ruin their dinner! Another lesson learned….

The above picture was taking at Mwitikira Village Primary School. Everyone wants to be in the picture!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Some of the children...

Who will benefit from the kind book donations. This is a Kindergarten classroom in Mwitikira. Notice...no desks!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Going through doors

Yesterday, I went to see my "browgirl" Marcia. Marcia has this strange green tea wax that for some reason doesn't burn my overly sensitive skin. Well, walking through the doors of Sugarhouse was a bit surreal. I hadn't felt the "Oh, this is odd" feeling - until then. For me, it is not an issue of wealth versus poverty, rather an issue of two different worlds. All you have to do is go through a door, and you can be in another world.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Friday, May 15, 2009

Hope this works...I have more videos from Africa!

Hey, Wayne....My photographs are getting better!

This is one of my favorite pictures that I took with my disposable camera. I was even able to resize with my remedial programs that I have on my laptop.

Why this image? These are young girls washing their cups after a mid-morning break. The Carpenter's Kids Program gives the children in the program a nutritional "porridge" to keep their strength up. For many children in the program, this may be their ONLY MEAL of the day….such strength and courage these young women have…..

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Where I was yesterday!

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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Enjoying the journey

I woke up this morning thinking about the space we inhabit and where we decide to place ourselves. Being blessed with a wonderful husband, I feel loved, safe, and completely comfortable in our home. Our “perfect puppy” demands my attention and allows me to hug and love on him to my heart’s content – though sometimes insisting my hand be used for petting and not typing.

And, I love Old Town. I love our neighbors and I deeply love our church.

Yet, somehow I managed to leave half my heart in Africa.

One of my acquaintances has challenged me as to why Africa. Why not Brazil? Or India? Had I forgotten about Tibet? And, other than the simplistic, truthful answer of it is where God has called me, I have no intellectual answer.

I do know I am relishing in, loving and so excited about the journey….the destination will take care of itself. God will get me there and in the process, I am enjoying each step of the way.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

going home tomorrow.jpg

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sunset on indian ocean.jpg

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short stop...not sure why...now on the road again.....jpg

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Friday, May 1, 2009

bus station Dodoma.jpg

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As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God | Matthew Parris - Times Online

This was sent to me by Magi Griffin, Project Advisor to the Bishop, The Diocese of Central Tanganyika. Thanks, Magi!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/matthew_parris/article5400568.ece

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