Quick thoughts

Yesterday I gave 2 lectures to the doctors here.  It was a really positive experience.  They had received a new defibrillator  and wanted instruction on how to use it.  There were insightful questions asked and thoughtful discussions.  Their eagerness to learn is a huge sign of their desire to help the many patients that are treated at HEAL Africa.  The hospital is full, almost overflowing, with patients at every stage of the health care process.

There is an exciting program here called HEALing Arts. They offer a place to both heal after fistula repair surgery, as well as wait for the procedure to be scheduled.  These women are around every day and their children have been climbing all over us like a jungle gym:)  Sure has been a ton of fun!  These women have lovely smiles and a cheerful jambo-sana in reply.  Even though many have been victims of sexual violence, you can see the hope in their eyes for something better in the future.

The other day we brought treats around to the children of the hospital.   We had some simple puzzles, counting books and candy.  As we passed them out and help the children try the first bite of something sweet,  their eyes lit up and huge smiles shown.  It was so nice to see children who were ill, and some of them even terminally ill,  smile for just a moment.  - The little boy to the left me was very ill, emaciated to skin and bones.  When I hugged him, I could feel every bone in his body.  I suspected he may have AIDS.  In the photo, you can seen a tiny, Mona Lisa-like smile.  He had just put a starburst in his mouth!!!

Tomorrow we leave and I know I will be sad to go.  I cannot put my thoughts about Africa and its people into words.  But I know I will treasure every precious memory from this time in Congo.