Chekuwi

Today was crazy busy and a very good day.  After Mass at 6:00 we had breakfast at the rectory, then loaded up and drove out into the bush east of the M-1.  I have no idea how far off it was because we sort of got lost, but Big E was driving and you know how men are about directions.  It must be universal.

We set our clinic up in the village church/school.  There were about 25 people waiting to be seen when we arrived.  We had seen 76 patients by the time we broke for lunch and somewhere around 123 by the time we quit at sundown.  There were about 75 people waiting to be seen when we had to leave.  We saw a wide variety of problems including several impressive chronic wounds.  I will not post those pics, you're welcome.  One of our patients was the village chief and I think he might have lost his big toe from recent trauma if we hadn't had antibiotics and dressings. We saw people from at least six different villages that walked there to see us.

Chekuwi women walk at least 8 km to get fresh water and bring it to their homes.  ORANT has drilled and repaired many water wells in the Bowe area, but it is expensive.  It would cost $10,000 to put a water in or near Chekuwi. Donations anyone?

When we returned this evening the Malawi children were running along the rode by our vehicles waving and laughing.  They are so beautiful.

Girls walking home from school in Bowe.

Downtown Bowe.

Family field plowed, ready to plant when the rain starts.

Luke setting up our pharmacy as we prepare to see patients.