Today was a trip. We got up at 545am and left to the hospital at 715. On the way through the smoggy streets of Addis (Liad and Liora help scarves over their mouths), we stopped in to get a quick cup of coffee and some pastries before starting our day.
We arrived at the Children's Heart Fund of Ethiopia facility and met with our team of doctors (Dr. Etsegenet and Dr Rahel). We were scheduled to see about 12 patients. Each patient was to be interviewed, and then examined both physically and also by echo. It sounds like it should have been a breeze, but we were there for about 10 or so hours getting all of this done. It required translators and patience, plus, echoes always take longer than you would think.
I think Liad got the worst end of it today. She did the most interviews so she had the most date to input into the computer later. it's now 1015pm and we are still working (I took a short break to check my emails and post a blog).
As for the kids we saw today, I think we each will have some interesting stories. For me, the shocking part was not how positive and meaninful the experience was for these kids in Israel, but also the connections that they formed with one another. Total strangers really looked after each other and their meeting today for our project was a kind of reunion of sorts. One common feeling we all had was that everyone was really eager and willing to participate. It was as if they wanted to give back to SACH. Many of them sent warm wishes to the house and staff in Israel.
All in all, it was a very long, tiring but rewarding day. most of our week is going to be similar to today so it should be pretty intense. On the plus side, we are going to get some really good data and there will hopefully be something useful to contribute to SACH.
more on that later,
Will
We arrived at the Children's Heart Fund of Ethiopia facility and met with our team of doctors (Dr. Etsegenet and Dr Rahel). We were scheduled to see about 12 patients. Each patient was to be interviewed, and then examined both physically and also by echo. It sounds like it should have been a breeze, but we were there for about 10 or so hours getting all of this done. It required translators and patience, plus, echoes always take longer than you would think.
I think Liad got the worst end of it today. She did the most interviews so she had the most date to input into the computer later. it's now 1015pm and we are still working (I took a short break to check my emails and post a blog).
As for the kids we saw today, I think we each will have some interesting stories. For me, the shocking part was not how positive and meaninful the experience was for these kids in Israel, but also the connections that they formed with one another. Total strangers really looked after each other and their meeting today for our project was a kind of reunion of sorts. One common feeling we all had was that everyone was really eager and willing to participate. It was as if they wanted to give back to SACH. Many of them sent warm wishes to the house and staff in Israel.
All in all, it was a very long, tiring but rewarding day. most of our week is going to be similar to today so it should be pretty intense. On the plus side, we are going to get some really good data and there will hopefully be something useful to contribute to SACH.
more on that later,
Will
sending you faith and strength to keep the good work!!
ReplyDeleteIts me -Dad (Roger) not sure if my last comment is on so I am adding another one posted under anonymous. Before it asked for my URL but I did not seem to have one. If this works then I will write more. Sounds like a wonderfully enriching experience-Best-Love and be well-RG
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