Food, Fundis and Fellowship

Today was the first day for surgery. Dr. John worked with Dr. Swai on three OB/Gyn procedures. Normally, Mazimbu will do a couple of surgeries a week, so when the team is here their schedule changes dramatically, with three or four surgeries each day. This seems very normal to us but it impacts everyone’s job at Mazimbu--from Dr. Swai, to the anestheologist, to the tech that sterilizes instruments,  to the orderly who washes the linens. This marks our seventh year working with the Mazimbu staff and, despite the change in their work load, they are very happy to have us here. Several times each day we are approached and thanked for our work and the help we are giving to the people of Tanzania.

Dr. Kivuma is the doctor who asked our help last year with Ben and his severe pressure sores. Although Ben had improved enough by Christmas to be discharged home, his wounds still require treatment and Dr. Kivuma, acting solely as an unpaid volunteer, has been traveling twice daily to Ben’s home to redress his wounds. Nancy, who was very closely involved in his care last year, joined Dr. Kivuma in the morning to visit Ben. He is doing very well, has gained weight, and his wounds are continuing to heal. Dr. Kivuma has been working with him on exercises to strengthen his muscles, with the goal to have him someday able to transfer himself to a wheelchair without help and propel the chair under his own strength.

Our fundis were working at the hospital today, repairing doors, a baby scale, emergency lighting, ultrasound table and a nebulizer. A trip into town was required to gather needed parts and this was conveniently done to overlap the lunch hour. The four fundis felt it necessary to have their meal at our favorite spot, Ricky’s restaurant, where they enjoyed fettucini alfredo and thai food. Meanwhile, the rest of the team walked across the street to a neighborhood restaurant. These small eateries do not have menus and the daily options are a bit limited—usually one or two items. They spoke no English and we spoke no Swahili. One common dish—chipsimayai—was chosen by half the team. This dish of French fries cooked with scrambled eggs is a Tanzanian staple and one known to us. The rest of

the team asked the waiter to bring the other option, not knowing what it was. We were presented with a plate of rice, a few beans and a small bowl of a stew made with animal parts that Americans don’t normally include in our four food groups.

Meanwhile, Sally’s tour today took her to Sokoine Masai village where she was treated to a royal Masai welcome. She was welcomed by the women, dressed in Masai robes and beads from head to toe and then invited to join in worship with them. She says it is an experience not to be missed.

Tomorrow, Friday, will be another day of surgery and screening new patients. Afterwards we are looking forward to going to the local pizza restaurant for dinner. So our next post will be late Saturday, after we have had our first day playing tourist. Stay tuned!