Tanzania Medical Team, Sat., June 21, 2008

Day Two

This morning was probably one of the most relaxing and peaceful wakeups I have ever had (despite the fact that we had to wake up at 5:00..). So we’re lying there, under our mosquito nets of course, and we wake up to a light rain. It was so amazing because our bedroom is open at the top of both walls, so the sound of quiet rain was coming through in what seemed like the Tanzanian equivalent to surround sound.

I just wanted to share that with you, it was wonderful. You know what else was wonderful? Finally sleeping in a bed after two nights on planes. Anyway, we got up at 5:00 because our group and a few from the seminary went to a nearby game park. And by nearby I mean an hour and a half drive. We left by 530ish so we could be there by 7ish to see the shy tigers. We didn’t… But we saw giraffes, wildebeests, hippos, crocodiles, gazelles, baboons, elephants, and those trees that you picture from the Lion King. Oh and we saw Pumba but no Timon. I was hoping for a Battle at Kruger experience, but instead we saw two crocodiles maneuvering a dead hippo back from the bank into a pond. Interesting nevertheless.

We rushed back for lunch at 12 (Grant likes for us to be on time, although we rarely are) and we are now relaxing before we start unpacking and sorting the meds. I just realized some of you don’t know who this Grant guy is. Grant Miller is a missionary from Asbury that has been living here for 8 years (I think). I’m pretty sure he teaches Bible classes here at the seminary, but I’m sure he does many other things also.

The seminary we’re staying at is well known for its Swahili program. Earlier I heard of a man from Venezuela only knew Spanish but learned English just so he could come to this seminary and learn Swahili! Talk about determination.

The doctors are about to go visit the local hospital and see how the accommodations compare to those back in Tulsa. We will start sorting meds at around 4 this afternoon, which should leave just enough time for a nice nap. I’m seriously not kidding about this jet lag; it will probably be the hardest part of the entire trip. These days will be the easiest since we’re going slow and just preparing for the clinic. Next Monday through Friday will be long days out at villages and other parts helping the people with all sorts of health problems.

I hope all is well back in Tulsa, as everything here is just great. I think we are all ready to get into a daily schedule and our bodies adjusted. We agreed we would probably be wonderfully adjusted just in time to leave and come home : ) Ryan you will be happy to know that I have met your kind friend Raymond. I told him you said hi as I was completely stunned at the fact that he has Chris Cleveland styled pointy-toed shoes. This was a longer post, but still no pictures. The internet here just isn’t good enough.

God bless.
Stephen