After a somewhat frustrating day yesterday, we braced for another slow day. Not to be! When we arrived, there was a line of prospective patients along the entire verandah of the school building housing the clinic. It turned out to be our busiest day, with over 200 patients examined and medicated.
By the end of the day, it is fair to say that the medical team needed a chill-out. Where better than the Ndola Boating Club! We had an opportunity to discuss our experiences to date. There was unanimity about how valuable this experience has been personally for every member of the team. Stress conditions have been unwound, faith journeys have been accelerated, and general perspectives have been focused and broadened.
Becky has uttered a world record number of unpronounceable medical terms, and attempted a record for contiguous syllables without a breath (and you thought Julie Pope could talk!).
Narelle has attained new levels of calm in the face of trying circumstances (she could teach the Dalai Lama a thing or two).
Madelaine has honed her skills at taking on riotous crowds of Africans – and winning!
Julie has dispensed drugs in at least 3 languages – English, Bemba and Profane.
Andrew’s overwhelming urge to computerize the records system has only been overcome due to Julie’s requirements for him to count innumerable pills and preparations. The obligatory daily faux pas (now known as Popeisms) has been highlight.
Steven’s ability to take basic observations has become nothing short of astonishing. He is proudly boasting that he could find a pulse on a corpse!
With all this going on, Pastor Tim has certainly had his hands full, attending to the pastoral needs of the team.
