Yes, I speak English

My hot shower felt so good this morning. I slept wonderfully except for the damn rooster that decided to start crowing at around 3:30 this morning, and Luke's sensitive car alarm. Fortunately, I was easily able to go back to sleep.

James and Ray showed up at about 6 am to start breakfast and that's when I made sure they knew about the shower problem. The repair was quickly performed by Temeyo, who can fix anything, so I made a dash for the shower and it was so awesome. 

Temeyo - has worked with Orant Charities for a couple of years now.  He and his family have moved to the compound in Kasese and HE CAN FIX ANYTHING!

I was all warm and clean and breakfast was cooking. The sun was out and the air was cool. So I figured, we are set now. Then I got my hair dryer going...for about 10 seconds before I blew the power in the entire duplex.  Stove, lights, hot water heater. All of it gone. Frizzy fly way hair for the day, here we go. The electrician was called, and we gathered around to eat the oatmeal, scrambled eggs and toast that James had prepared.  Stethoscopes in hand, we then walked over to the clinic to see how we could help.

Kasese clinic waiting area before the patients arrive.

The clinic here in Kasese is pretty much on autopilot and runs with whatever supplies are provided by the government on any given day. A medical assistant named Tamara runs the clinic and typically conducts patient care and recommends any testing or treatment based on their complaints. There is a pharmacy tech student, Agnes, who runs the medication dispensary – not the same as in California or Colorado.

Collins runs the laboratory and showed me my first, real life, in person malaria positive and tuberculosis positive microscopic slides. These illnesses are still very alive and well in this part of the world, which means the patients are not.

We felt a bit intrusive being the first Orant team in this location and stepping into their organization.  I'm afraid we were of more novelty value than healthcare value today. Tamara went about her business as usual and referred only about 10 patients to each Grace and me. I'm sure with time this will change, but it will take a great deal of cultural sensitivity, patience, and education on our part. 

I also had some issues with my translator. His name is Christopher Michael. He was very enthusiastic and very kind, but the problem seems to be he cannot understand my English.

Me: Good morning. Thank you for helping me.

CM: (big smile) Yes.

Me: Where did you learn to speak English?

CM: Yes, I speak English.

Me: Who taught you to speak English?

CM: Yes(smiling proudly), I speak English.

Me: (smiling and a little challenged) Did you learn to speak English in secondary school?

CM: Yes.

Me: That's wonderful.

CM: Yes, I speak English.

The terminology here is also confusing at times.  Christopher explained to me that his title is "hospital attendant".  Then I confused him by asking him where the hospital is.  It took a bit for me to realize they consider this clinic a hospital.  I'll figure it out sooner or later.

Lesson of the day, taught by Grace, “Do not take your clothes off in the shower until you are sure there is water”.   Poor thing finally went in to get cleaned up and was all ready for her hot shower when nothing but a dribble came out of the shower head. And it's pretty darn cold here. I'd say about 60 degrees indoors. Time to call Ray and Temeyo again for repairs. Not to worry, it was fixed by early evening and we are all refreshed. Aesthetic warning – any photos with me will include very bad hair as I don't dare attempt the dryer again.

Ray bought internet time but it will only connect to one device, which is his blackberry. Convenient, huh? So I type away not knowing when I will get to post these or any pics.  More tomorrow...