At the clinic...

Today was my second day at the clinic – yesterday was mostly spent observing and learning how everything runs. Soti and I each rode a moto in (that’s our mode of transportation every day) – no, I wasn’t driving, but the driver did ask for my phone number. J He said it would “be nice, just in case I need to talk to a woman.” Ha ha. I told him my phone wasn’t working (total lie, but it worked!). He drove SUPER slow – said that he thought I might be scared – and he talked and talked. Pretty funny, but also kind’ve the norm when I’m here!

The clinic is great! It’s been fun to see it in working order – I wish I could help more, but the language barrier makes that pretty hard. I have been able to help with taking vital signs and might help with immunizations when we have the immunization clinic, but for now, I’m going through some of the records, collecting more detailed information on the antenatal care and postnatal care they provide, learning about the different counseling that is given, etc… Today, I spoke with the community health workers and set up a schedule for coming to each of their villages. I was hoping to get started this week, but they each wanted a little bit more time to find women for me to speak with, so I start next Monday. They are super organized and have me going to three villages a week. The interview days are going to be really long because I am only going to each village once (they all have other commitments as well, so it is difficult for them to carve out more than one day), so I’ll have to get all of the interviews for a particular village finished in one day. But the good thing is, I shouldn’t have any problem interviewing enough women and men.

Tomorrow, I will most likely interview some women here at the clinic, as Wednesday is one of the antenatal care days. It will feel good to finally get started! I learned how to make ugali last night and made a sort of spaghetti sauce with tomatoes and sakuma (greens that are similar to kale). It actually turned out pretty good! Next, I need to learn how to make chapati and then I’ll be all set.