I arrived with unrealistic expectations that it was going to be incredibly amazing from day one and that I would instantly have a close group of friends. Instead I would often be sitting by myself, wondering where all the fun was, having awkward encounters and craving a conversation deeper than pleasant introductions. The friendships that I'm used to back home have taken years to build up, so it wasn't fair to expect that same bond with others here. Once I realigned my expectations, the disappointment was replaced with enjoyment and I have since made some great friends, had lots of encouraging conversations and laughed hysterically. I'm settling in more every day and loving being here.
I'm living in a room with five great girls. Even though I can't sit up in bed without touching the roof, I share a smelly bathroom with five others, and live in a space a little bigger than a pantry, I'm enjoying learning to live more simply. I have a great bunk mate beneath me. Tammy is a mad-keen ultimate frisby fan, incredible PICU nurse and simply lovely girl from Montana/Los Angeles, USA.
Working for the organisation has been incredible. Never before have I worked with 400 people motivated by love for God and a desire to serve others and not motivated by money or status. The work isn't necessarily hard - there's a lot of downtime spent playing and attempting to converse with the patients. Which usually resorts to them laughing at my inadequate terrible french. One beautiful girl named Julie patiently taught me "Do you have any pain?" yet every time I say "Avez vous le douleur?" she cracks up laughing! She's one of the many plastics patients receiving surgical treatment for her burns contractures. I'm working on A ward - a general surgical ward primarily for hernia, goiter and lipoma patients but also overflow for the plastics ward. I've learnt to cannulate and I'm excited to practice this new skill. So it's a good thing there's a thousand miles of water between you all and me ;)
African people know how to sing. Their voices blend together so beautifully and harmony comes naturally. They have rhythm that makes my clapping more out of time than a two year olds. The ward often breaks out into spontaneous worship, filled with patients singing, dancing, clapping and playing the drums. I am mesmerised when I find myself amongst it.
I have been offered to extend my time here until December 17. While I do miss my friends and family (a lot), am sad to miss Jo and Carise's wedding, and do feel sorry if I've inconvenienced my work at home, I have decided to extend until December. The experience is so rich in opportunity for spiritual and personal growth. I'm learning that the core of my faith is the two greatest commandments; love God and love others.