Thank you

Asante Sana,

We would just like to say thank you to all of the people who have already donated to the orphanage. Because of your help, we have been able to bring the money for the dressers to the orphanage already. Construction has already begun and we should be able to take pictures of one of the dressers before we leave. Thank you again so much!! Although we have already contributed considerably to the orphanage, our work is not yet done. Both the orphanage and Mawenzi hospital are in need of long term funding. Today, we spoke with the chief administrator for the hospital who enlightened us about the many problems that Mawenzi faces. They need help in all areas and the chief is going to let us know how any small donation could best benefit the hospital.
Over the past week, we have spent a lot of time observing and assisting in surgeries. We have done everything from removing sutures to assisting in hysterectomies and tubal ligations. In the labor ward, we have also seen our fair share of babies entering this world. Since there are so many pregnant women in the same area, husbands are not allowed to be present for the births. Babies are popped out in assembly line fashion and we have seen up to 6 births in one hour (all in the same room). Also, in case you were wondering, all mothers are tested for HIV before they give birth so that all babies can be treated accordingly. This week has cemented our opinion that watching babies exit the womb is not the prettiest or most appetizing occupation. NO GYNECOLOGY!! Another discovery we made this week, was of the unusual side-effects to the anesthesia ketamine. Usually, when one hears blood-curdling screams mid-surgery, one assumes that the person is in severe agony.......not at Mawenzi. Apparently, this wonderful drug ketamine causes people to hallucinate. One particular hefty lady was screaming at the top of her lungs as her legs were propped up in stirrups. The doctor was removing a placenta in a fashion similar to cooking stir-fry (use your imagination) and when her screaming was unbearable, he proceeded to slap her across the face a couple of times. Now we know that if a patient is ever given ketamine, the solution is to simply give them a GOOD SLAPPIN.
In other news, we have come to the conclusion that half of the population in downtown Moshi sits on their ass all day and are searching for ways to occupy their time. For example, yesterday when we were boarding the Dala-Dala, we saw a man run by, clutching something in his hand and looking over his shoulder. When we looked behind him, we saw approximately 300 crazed Moshinites in fast pursuit. All traffic ceased as a mob of random people chased after the man with his stolen goods. At least we now feel safe that there is a natural law system that presides over Moshi.
Until next time,
Kwaheri
Andy and Ryan