It seems that children love summer vacation as much in Africa as they do back in North America. They were so excited they were awake even earlier than usual for their first day of vacation. The school year here runs with the calendar year, so the kids had their last day of school this past Friday, complete with an awards ceremony and singing. And, man, can these kids sing. It’s beautiful.
Here’s a question for you: How in the world do parents juggle work and kids and life? We (Dr. Frank, myself, and some volunteer doctors) have been doing health screenings these 2 weeks for the children in standards 1-6 at two local schools, about 1000 children in total. After getting the kids up and ready for breakfast, a group of us head off to clinic, then home in time for bath, dinner, and bedtime. Whew. I find that our kids get just what is left of me at the end of the day. Is this how working parents feel? Except that I don’t even have to cook or clean OR pay bills!
So, once again, I find myself reminded of how lucky I am. Thanks, Mom, for doing it for years on your own. And thanks, Dad, for coming along and helping her out. Kudos to those of you who continue to juggle it all! I understand better why some parents like their kids to be in school! =)
For restoration, I try to steal away for a few quiet minutes at some point during the day. There’s always the option of simply hiding in the coffee fields—which, mind you, is especially wonderful right now as the coffee trees are in bloom with white flowers, and it’s similar to the smell of jasmine floating through the air. It’s like an African White Christmas.
Speaking of holidays, we had a memorable Thanksgiving dinner this past Saturday at Mama India’s house, thanks to our Tanzanian staff who did their best to give us an American feast. We had the only turkey in Tanzania, probably East Africa, or maybe even the whole continent. It was complete with stuffing, cranberry sauce brought over in a duffel that came with a recent volunteer, and pie as close as possible without an oven that works properly. We enjoyed it immensely!
To make the evening complete, I was on nurse duty with one of our kids who had meningitis (our best guess with no lab tests). He was on 5 days of IV antibiotics. When he got sick, we luckily had two volunteer doctors here to help with our clinics, and it was a wonderful 3:1 ratio! It was African medicine at its best, with the IV bag hanging from the handle of a spoon shoved under the mattress of the top bunk bed.
So I have one more week here at the orphanage before I head out to do some traveling around Tanzania. Time has flown, but I will be sure to make the most of it these next few days of summer vacation!
8 comments:
You learn to adjust to the day and the situation and plan - but don't borrow worries from tomorrow. One thing your biological father would say when I'd become twitterpated about something that wasn't done was "There will be a tomorrow, if not, it wouldn't matter anyway." That came true for him one day and we learn that life still goes on. So, you seize the moement, do what you can, and learn your own ways of "recharding" for the next day, it that is your lot. Keep well and encouraged. Love, Mom
Note: "recharding" was really meant to be "recharging"!!! Now I know why I should proofread. =)
Have a great time travelling around...can't believe it almost December!! Be safe. --Greg
the picture of you having a good ol american thanksgiving in the middle of africa pleases me to no end! =)
From a pooped working mom... thanks for trying to understand. You just do whatcha gotta do and look at your kiddo's face a lot. They're really cute at the most exhausting stages for a reason.
Love you, Auntie Amber!
when is your time over and you come back home? mom and dad have booked their tickets but they are for the middle of january, sounds like you might be gone by then? enjoy your time traveling! be safe! love lindsy
Yeah and you "work" hard all day and then ask for a kiss at the end of it and you get a real sweet, polite, high-pitched "no". But then he gives in and gives you one and your day is complete. Yes, your nephew has learned to say the word "no" AND "me". Two very useful words for an 19 -month old. Can't wait to see you when you return.
Hi Amber, yes as Lins said we are booked. We will be there mid January. We sure hope to get to meet you. We are anxious to see the hospitals progress and we are planning on going into the bush with Frank & Susan. The last time we were there India was in the states so we hope to meet her this time. Our e-mail is jnpaddon@sbcglobal.net-- Hope to see you-- Nancy
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