Sunday at the IU House

Today was another relaxing day at the IU House. I slept until about 11am (I'm finally starting to feel caught up on sleep), and then a big group of us walked to The Oasis for lunch. Even a walk is tiring- the elevation really makes you work for each breath! We had burgers, fries, and milkshakes-YUM! The fries were very similar to American fries; the other stuff was a little different, but still very good- although Will said my face was pretty hilarious after I took the first bite of my burger. Still working on my poker face... I really don't mind the food, it just takes some adjustment.

I never really thought about food at home. I mean, if there was something I didn't like, there was always an alternative. I don't ever remember going hungry, and I have a new appreciation for food and what I have been provided. If you don't eat here, you do go hungry. Many patients in the hospital don't get fed, and when they do it is a piece of bread and some tea. I don't think I will ever complain about hospital food in the US. You can see what hunger is on TV or be told what it is like from someone else, but until you see it first hand, it is difficult to truly grasp the concept.

Later this afternoon, we had our second Swahili lesson and learned numbers, which are much more difficult than words and phrases. Tomorrow we will learn pharmacy terminology to help us at work. We ate dinner with everyone at 6:30. It was a big group tonight because a lot of high schoolers on a mission trip just arrived. Dr. Joe Mamlin was also there- he started the AMPATH Clinic and oversees many of the medical programs. He is responsible for many of the advancements that have been made here.

He told a story about how he handles the situations in downtown Eldoret when kids come up and ask for money. He buys loaves of bread from a market and hands the bread out, and the kids literally jump for joy and clap. I guess I have been reflecting on hunger a lot today, but Dr. Mamlin's story was touching.

After dinner, Will, Messai, and I had a study session to help prepare for rounds this week. The disease states and treatments are very complex! We have seen HIV, Malaria, Meningitis, collapsed lungs, cancer, Tuberculosis, and others. So there will be lots of studying and learning this week, and I am excited for the time when I feel comfortable making recommendations and contributing more to patient care. All of this will come with time, and the medical students are a great help. The Kenyan doctors can diagnose someone just by looking at them, and in the US we use many tests to confirm diagnoses. It is impressive how they use their resources. I have also enjoyed working with the medical students from IU- we have met lots of wonderful people this weekend!

Anyway, I am off to bed. Big week ahead- first full work week!
Keep me updated on news at home :) I miss everyone!
Love to all in the US!