Scrubbed up!

Hey guys!!

Its been an exciting past couple days. I scrubbed in for my first surgery yesterday!! And by scrubbed in I mean I literally put on all the scrubs, face mask, gloves and everything (I even helped the surgeon tie up his scrubs--no big deal). It was SO so awesome and I loved every second. I think I've regained my shaken confidence about working in a hospital after the maternity ward. I got to stand right next to the surgeon during the surgery while they performed a hernia repair operation that lasted about 2 hours. I had no idea what I was watching, but I saw a lot of abdominal tissue and the abdominal cavity. It was really great (and I didn't feel queasy at all). I also followed that doctor around the hospital as he did his morning rounds and he explained a lot to us. I'm so excited I got to have the chance to be in the OR!

Today we went to Mugeza, which is the albino and disabled orphanage. Last night we prepared all the suncreen bottles by writing directions on them in Swahili and put together all the clothes. We showed them how to use the suncreen today and we distributed the clothes. The kids were all in great spirits, but it was still a really sad place. Most of the albinos have families at home but can't live there as it is too dangerous for them due to believes about albinos and witchcraft. They are too persecuted at home so they stay at this orphanage. So many of them have terrible burns and really dry & cracked skin. They sleep in small rooms with so many bunk beds--generally about 40 kids in one dorm with about 30 beds. The rest of the kids are disabled. Despite their conditions, they were all happy and played with us for the morning. I befriended a young blind boy named Edwin. I saw him alone in the back of the classroom and gave him a tshirt. When I noticed him trying to walk around by himself after I picked him up, helped him with the candy we all gave him and held him for the next 2 hours we were there. He loved playing with my necklace and my backpack. It was hard to leave him! I wanted to take him home with me. It was great to just give all the kids attention there.


Outside of the projects we have been having a really great time with the group. I've taught everyone how to "Shake It Out" (thank you Kristen)--needless to say we're having a lot of fun. We've even made some interesting dinners that have been less tasty than just comical. Its hard to cook here!

Love you all :)