Hello to all our fans out there,
Today was a good day. We are getting more efficient and familiar with the patients and their types of stories. We have been hearing some very interesting things. Some children who identify completely with Israel and not with Ethiopia. There is one boy who tells everyone that his brothers are Ethiopian but that he is Israeli.
Most moving for me today was speaking with a young woman who was treated about 10 years ago by the late Ami Cohen. Dr. Cohen was the founder of save a child's heart. He came to Ethiopia to scout children for surgery. He and his wife housed them in their own home in Israel and took care of them there. Save a Child's Heart developed in the memory of Dr. Cohen who tragically died while climbing mount kilimanjaro (Tanzania). This young woman, who also has Turners syndrome, could describe the features of his face. In a country like Ethiopia, I imagine having a genetic disorder like Turner syndrome (these patients look like they have a syndrome, not as severely as Down syndrome, but still with some features. They are also infertile, which makes marriage in this country almost impossible) is particularly difficult. She described how Dr. Cohen treated her with respect and kindness.
None of us had met Dr. Cohen. To me he has always been famous in a way because I have always heard of him through working with SACH. Needless to say, hearing about him from a patient he had personally treated was very special for me.
It has been such a pleasure being here so far. When traveling, I always try to meet the locals to gain an understanding of what life is like. I have never had an experience where I could gain so much insight into the local population while still being a foreigner. I think Liad and Liora feel the same. It has been so enriching to be able to speak to these people about their lives and it has given us a lot of perspective.
As far as the rest of the traveling is concerned, it is becoming less and less likely that we have time to travel around. We have been seeing more patients each day and we are working Saturday this weekend as well. We were not expectine this many people because the staff here don't see most of these patients for follow up. However, because we are offering a free service (follow up and echo - which normally costs 300birr - just under $20) people have been flooding the cardiac centre. Some show up without having an appointment because they hear that a group from Israel is here.
So that is all I have to say for now. We are glad to be able to post our experiences on this page and anyone can keep track of us. We read all your comments and enjoy them
neshikot from all of us,
Will, Liad and Liora
Today was a good day. We are getting more efficient and familiar with the patients and their types of stories. We have been hearing some very interesting things. Some children who identify completely with Israel and not with Ethiopia. There is one boy who tells everyone that his brothers are Ethiopian but that he is Israeli.
Most moving for me today was speaking with a young woman who was treated about 10 years ago by the late Ami Cohen. Dr. Cohen was the founder of save a child's heart. He came to Ethiopia to scout children for surgery. He and his wife housed them in their own home in Israel and took care of them there. Save a Child's Heart developed in the memory of Dr. Cohen who tragically died while climbing mount kilimanjaro (Tanzania). This young woman, who also has Turners syndrome, could describe the features of his face. In a country like Ethiopia, I imagine having a genetic disorder like Turner syndrome (these patients look like they have a syndrome, not as severely as Down syndrome, but still with some features. They are also infertile, which makes marriage in this country almost impossible) is particularly difficult. She described how Dr. Cohen treated her with respect and kindness.
None of us had met Dr. Cohen. To me he has always been famous in a way because I have always heard of him through working with SACH. Needless to say, hearing about him from a patient he had personally treated was very special for me.
It has been such a pleasure being here so far. When traveling, I always try to meet the locals to gain an understanding of what life is like. I have never had an experience where I could gain so much insight into the local population while still being a foreigner. I think Liad and Liora feel the same. It has been so enriching to be able to speak to these people about their lives and it has given us a lot of perspective.
As far as the rest of the traveling is concerned, it is becoming less and less likely that we have time to travel around. We have been seeing more patients each day and we are working Saturday this weekend as well. We were not expectine this many people because the staff here don't see most of these patients for follow up. However, because we are offering a free service (follow up and echo - which normally costs 300birr - just under $20) people have been flooding the cardiac centre. Some show up without having an appointment because they hear that a group from Israel is here.
So that is all I have to say for now. We are glad to be able to post our experiences on this page and anyone can keep track of us. We read all your comments and enjoy them
neshikot from all of us,
Will, Liad and Liora
It is like being on a journey with you-so very interesting and productive. Looking forwards to hearing more in first person. The kids are incredibly grateful and I am sure quite lovely to interact with.
ReplyDeleteWe have in the meantime booked our trip to Israel with many details unfolding. We moved the Northern part to the 5 days following Yom Ha'atzmaut, as it will be less frantic. The opening part is 3 days at Ein Gedi and then 5 days studying in Jerusalem. The rest we are working on but it is shaping up very nicely. Liad the apartment in TA will serve as an excellent base, thanks very much. Will (you will grimace as you expected this-but it is me) if you are trying the meat, for heaven's sake (and your stomach's) do make sure it is very very well cooked. In sympathy Mum and I will be going to an Ethiopian restaurant on Bloor Street-any thoughts at what we should order?. Love RG
Kol Hakavod to you all!! The blog was such a good idea!! do not forget to take care of yourselves. all is fine in TA. Big hugs and kisses.
ReplyDeleteHow great that you got to meet a patient that was treated by Dr. Cohen. It sounds like it's given your time there a deeper perspective. xx
ReplyDelete