There was a thunderstorm during the night – the loudest crash-bang of trash cans and metal I have ever heard, then the sound of a large splash like buckets dumping out on concrete. This all lasted only a few seconds; very bizarre. But it woke me and took awhile to figure out what was going on.
The rain leaves the dirt along the streets a dark red, with many riverlets of water weaving through it. There are many troughs built along the road with depressions that empty into them. Many pot holes and cracks, so the dance over the obstacles can be tricky.
Once we got to the hospital, we began to set up for our second day. A little boy wandered into the operating area and was giving out handshakes and hugs. He was not due to have surgery, just curious and friendly. His visit set us up for a great day.
Our day was long, but many medical visitors came and went. We had several of the surgical trainees working with us and even helping with cases. This is gratifying, to see them learn and work side by side with like professionals who do not always speak the same language or share much in common. But everyone gets along, finds a way to communicate, and works together on the common goal of patient care.
One of the surgical residents was trying to understand the term "Steri-strips". These are little band-aid like paper strips that are
used to help hold a wound together. He couldn't get all the sounds or understand the meaning, so I explained in French and wrote it out for him to see so he could sound it out. I said it for him a few times, and then he tried. I never think of myself as having an accent, but I suddenly heard what sounded like he was trying to imitate John Wayne. Do I sound like that?!!
The anesthesia team rotates each day. Two of us work the two surgical stations, while the third stays out to see patients, give breaks, help start and end cases, and watch the recovery area. It is nice to have extra hands while setting up and starting 
a case, not only to lighten the load but to make it safer.
A nice lady makes us lunch each day. Yesterday was couscous and yams (I passed on the meat), and today was pasta and beef heart. I wasn’t interested in trying the heart, but a couple of people said it could not be beat …
One young woman today was so frightened but had a very good procedure done. The back of her armpit had been burned so that the skin webbed from upper arm to back and she could not raise her arm from her shoulder. She was not very happy going to sleep, but she is going to be delighted at her new range of motion.
Couple of very cute kids, and amazing to watch our caring recovery nurses working their magic. Everyone works so hard – our surgeon even caught a cat nap.
Stopped and bought a mask on the way home. I bought masks for my sons last time – this one looks very much like my cat AND my dog. Think they will appreciate the thought?
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