One word: Plastics.

Although it seems like weeks have passed since Rob's arrival in Tanzania, it's actually just been one single action-packed week. That's the way it is here, though. You lose track of time and get so wrapped up in all that there is to do here that before you know it, the week is gone. It's all good, though. It has been a great week and i think Rob would say the same...now that he's over the jet lag.

I spent this week on the internal medicine wards with Dr. Debes, also known as Jose, a former co-resident at the U of MN who is now the attending on the IM ward here. Together we saw an amazing amount of illness and tried to manage it as best be could with almost no tests (you've heard this all before...) I won't lie, it was frustrating at first - mostly because you are never really sure of what you're treating here. But as the time goes on I've gotten used to it, and started to rely more on my physical exam skills and, well, gut feelings. Does that seem un-doctorly? In Tanzania, it's absolutely necessary. I wonder what it will feel like when i'm back to the U.S. (in just 3 weeks!) and have so many lab tests and radiology options available to me...completely overwhelming? Suddenly the VA hospital seems like the lap of luxury.

On Wednesday Rob came to Selian with me to meet people and plan his video project. (he has been incredibly busy since his arrival - turns out there is a lot of interest in making short films on the volunteer and charitable organizations that are here) That day Megan readmitted a little boy that I took care of with heart failure a few weeks ago - this time he needed a blood transfusion, as did another child who was admitted simultaneously. The problem is, there is no blood in the "blood bank" here. The solution: Rob's blood and Megan's blood type matched those of the little boys. So they became instant donors and both children did well. Way to go, R & M. Now that's dedication.

Other remarkable events of the week:

-Thursday we had dinner at the home of a man from the church named Cifa. Cifa (KEEF-ah) takes in homeless adolescent girls and raises funds to get them through secondary school. There are 18 girls in the house with him - some of the smartest, sweetest kids I've met here, but all with their own sad stories and problems. We spent the night talking with the girls about "being teenagers" (read: puberty and beyond) and then they made us an amazing meal of traditional Tanzanian food. Here is a photo of the girls with our crew (U of MN med students Christine, Maikon and Katie - who led an excellent discussion with the girls - as well as Kent, Rob and I).

-Saturday marked the arrival of Dr. Bill Brown - a truly inspiring and talented plastic surgeon from Colorado who visits Selian twice yearly to help repair cleft lips/palates, burn wounds and whatever else comes through the door. Rob and I, along with our roommates Kent and Jennie, spent the day in clinic with Dr. Brown's people and helped prep the kids for a week of operations. Some of the kids who will have operations this week are pictured in the shots from the Plaster House (bottom of this blog entry).

Dr. Brown, et al, reviewing patients in plastic surgery clinic

Kent, Rob and Megan solving the world's problems.

Or making plans for the evening. Either one.

-Today We visited the Plaster House, which is a home for kids with disabilities which is a project of an amazing woman named Sarah Wallis and the ELCA, with Dr. Jacobson and other leaders from the Selian community. I've said it before: It is the people of Tanzania that make it great, despite its hardships. The people from the Plaster House, kids and adults alike, exemplify what i'm talking about. It's no wonder Brenden had such a great time here - he got to spend time with the people through volunteeringwith our friend Jennie, the Australian Occupational Therapy student. Pictures are worth a thousand words, so here you go: