Bombo Regional Hospital - Sal's First Day

Leah and I took the Dalla Dalla to Tanga on the day that Simon and Rose went to school.
The Dalla Dalla: This was my first experience on a Dalla Dalla (a 8 or so seated van in fairly significant disrepair with 14 plus jammed in). I managed to avoid taking one during our last trip here. On the plus side it cannot go very fast (relatively speaking) and there are lots of speed bumps along the way, through every town the highway goes through. Although the speed bumps do create the rapid excelleration/brake cycle that does not make for a smooth ride. (Regretably, motorcycles have proliferated since our last time here, and seem to act as taxis.)
We got to Tanga and did a few errands before walking to the hospital. It was nice to see the hospital and to connect with Dr.Violet Bakari. We met her at in her examination room at the CTC for about 3 hours. A palliative nurse and AMO joined in for much of the time. Those 3 hours were strangely draining - such a reminder about how much we take for granted in our communications: the non verbal cues, what is being meant by what is said, and looking for the/a framework. (How western of me.)
We will be busy next week helping to organize a regional meeting. Hopefully folks from the 7 district hospitals will come together to talk about how things are going. Leah and I plan to support from behind, although have had a request from the Diana Fund to facilitate a discussion on M & E (monitoring and evaluation) to develop a consistent tool to use. Easy!
Also began the discussion going with Violet about next steps and the best way to get the funds to her. Leah may do some teaching.

Being in Tanzania always provides such opportunities for me for reflection on self and culture (and politics and power and control, aid, sense of place .....). I learn - again - the importnace of context, of not making assumptions and not judging. I thrive and at the same time struggle with being in that place of uncertainty and unknow edges. It helps me to embrace what I do feel and see all around me: the importance and richness of relationships, authenticity, respect, mindfulness, and loving kindness. I love the interplay of nature and culture that makes this place.

Yesterday was a day off and we enjoyed a nice afternoon on the Indian Ocean, swimming and visiting.
No water right now, but power. Sitting on my bed in front of a fan - this dongle is amazing.
Off to shop at the market.