true needs

The past two days we’ve been working flat out.  Academic day yesterday was wonderful.  We had a great time teaching super keen residents.

Last night we celebrated my friend Steven’s recent graduation from law school.  Steven was an orphaned genocide survivor who has worked his way sweeping the Kigali streets to being a lawyer.  He is remarkably wise.  The celebration was at Khana Khazana with my Rwandan sons (Steven + residents and graduates of the CASIEF program), Amelie and Michelle.  It was a joyous evening. Steven was beaming.

We spent today in the OR and enjoyed teaching one of the residents and a medical student.  I met an exceptional HRH staff person – Jenny.  She is a true ally and we are of like minds.  We spoke for hours and I am confident Jenny will be a wonderful collaborator.  Jenny and I are working to address staffing of the sim centre.  There has been no one to look after the centre properly since the Grand Challenges grant ran out. We must protect this valuable resource.

At long last, after four days, our luggage has finally arrived! Yahoo!! This has been an interesting exploration of how much one “needs”.  It seems a very elastic concept.  We somehow managed with very little and continued to laugh.  It is absurd to think of how much we still have when so many in Rwanda have almost nothing.  Now we are shocked at what we packed. Such contrast!  Regardless, we are thrilled to have our things again.  I can’t wait for a proper swim!!!!!!

It's still Christmas in Rwanda

CHUK hospital grounds

Simulation Centre

Finally, the luggage!!!

Now I can swim:-)