Today I actually felt like a real nurse. I give injections and watch IV medications, but those are usually just in-and-out patients. The nurse practitioner that I have been staying with assigned me two patients to take care of on my own today. They both had NG tubes in, and they were both severely malnourished. They are both pretty unresponsive as well. They do not use NG tubes a lot here; so many of the workers do not know how to use them. One is a young boy named Elise, and the other patient is an elderly woman. I did not have to do too much for them except give feedings, rehydration fluids, and medications. I went ahead and did a full exam like I would in the hospital though just for practice. It was so nice getting to work with the patients one-on-one. It was also amazing to me how helpful the families were. Any time I had to do something they would hold things for me or prepare the feedings. It was so sweet and different to rely on them for help rather than having another medical professional. Hopefully these two patients will get better soon. I am so thankful for the work I have been able to do here in Cote d’Ivoire!
Monday, September 5, 2011
A Great Weekend!
Today, September 3, I met my family. I met the family I will be staying with for the next few weeks. The father works at the clinic, so I will ride with him to work everyday. They live in an outer area of Korhogo. Him and his wife were not at the house when we stopped by to visit, but many of his children were there. Five of his children were at the house. I believe he has six or seven total. The oldest two are girls that are near my age. I will be sharing a bed with them. They showed me around their house and courtyard. The main toilet is outside along with the cooking area and a well. Thankfully, I have electricity in my house and will be able to take my bucket bath in an indoor room. I am so excited to live with my family. I move in Wednesday to stay for most of September. Pray that my French increases while I am there and can understand them and get to know my family.
After I saw the house, we went to the weaver’s village. It was so interesting to see it all, especially because it is specifically done in the Korhogo area. A nearby village grows and harvests the cotton. This village spun it into thread and weaved it. The women can spin the cotton into thread and can do some of the sewing and embroidering. The men are the only ones who do the weaving though. One man showed us around everything, and he showed us the looms where they weave it together and how they create patterns. It was so awesome! Then we looked around at all the things they made. They have clothes, tablecloths and napkins, bedspreads, and purses. It was quite hilarious because all of the men would come up and show us everything. Not only did they weave, but they also created beautiful beaded jewelry. They made each bead from clay, heated the beads, and then someone hand-painted a design on each bead. It was all so beautiful! It was a great day, and I am so excited for the next few weeks with my family. I have appreciated all your prayers, and I ask that you continue to pray for me as I move in with my family.
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