Two weeks ago a group of strangers or near strangers gathered at MSP to begin a Tanzanian adventure. For some a routine trip, done over many years, for others an adventure of a life time.
Within days folks from highly diverse backgrounds meddled into a warm, supportive family.
Different continents, levels of training, age, professions created a group motivated to learn, share and have fun. I mention age because I’m really the outlier in the bunch. It turned out not to be a problem at least I don’t think so. Maybe others have a different opinion, hopefully they will keep it to themelves(kidding).
It has been extremely invigorating to be around young, enthusiastic, bright young people on thresholds of great futures. People, whose lives will undoubtedly have been inriched by the time spent in Ilula. I do remember my first overseas adventure after medical school in a country crushed by poverty and war. Coming from the States it was easy to be critical of what was available and how things were done. After a few days reality set in and time to get to work with what you had.
I did not sense that with our family here. All got immediately into the rhythm of Ilula with joy and flexibility. Flexibility—-the key to success in any new situation.
Our Tanzanian hosts have been more than welcoming graciously allowing us to participate in OB/GYN, General wards and peds which has been very rewarding to the residents, pharmacy and meds students as well as seasoned physicians and pharmacists. In HIV clinic and OPD got to see what high volume care looks like.
Other highlights for me were the visits to the orphanage and palliative care rounds out in the village.
Patients with tough problems living with meager resources yet appreciative and accepting.
And finally, the spiritual component floods all of the care that happens here with daily devotions as well as prayer with palliative care patients.
AS
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